Processing keyword: ~아/어/여도 되다 [a/eo/yeodo doeda] (Is it okay to)
Korean Grammar Point: ~아/어/여도 되다 [a/eo/yeodo doeda] (Is it okay to)
1. Introduction
The Korean grammar point ~아/어/여도 되다 is used to ask for or give permission. It's equivalent to saying "Is it okay to..." or "May I..." in English. This structure is essential for polite interactions in Korean society, where showing respect and seeking approval is important.
2. Core Grammar Explanation
Detailed Explanation
~아/어/여도 되다 is added to a verb stem to express that an action is permissible. It can be used to:
- Ask for permission: "May I...?"
- Grant permission: "You may..."
Meaning
- Asking for permission: "Is it okay if...?", "May I...?"
- Giving permission: "You may...", "It's okay to..."
Structure
- Verb Stem + 아/어/여도 되다
- Verb Stem: The base form of the verb without -다.
- 아/어/여도 되다: The ending that conveys permission.
How to Choose the Ending
- If the last vowel of the verb stem is 아 or 오, add 아도 되다.
- If the last vowel is anything else, add 어도 되다.
- For 하다 verbs, use 여도 되다 (commonly contracted to 해도 되다).
Formation Diagram
| Type | Rule | Example Verb | Conjugated Form |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last vowel 아 or 오 | Verb Stem + 아도 되다 | 가다 (to go) | 가 + 아도 되다 = 가도 되다 |
| Other vowels | Verb Stem + 어도 되다 | 먹다 (to eat) | 먹 + 어도 되다 = 먹어도 되다 |
| 하다 verbs | Verb Stem + 여도 되다 (해도 되다) | 공부하다 (to study) | 공부하 + 여도 되다 = 공부해도 되다 |
3. Comparative Analysis
Comparison with Similar Grammar Points
~아/어도 괜찮다
- Meaning: Similar to ~아/어도 되다, meaning "It's okay if..." or "You can...".
- Usage: ~아/어도 괜찮아요?
- Example: 여기 앉아도 괜찮아요? ("Is it okay if I sit here?")
~(으)면 안 되다
- Meaning: Expresses prohibition, "You must not..." or "You can't...".
- Usage: Verb Stem + (으)면 안 되다
- Example: 여기 주차하면 안 돼요. ("You must not park here.") Contrast:
- ~아/어/여도 되다: Grants permission.
- ~(으)면 안 되다: Denies permission.
4. Examples in Context
Sentence Examples
Formal Situations
- 창문을 열어도 되겠습니까?
May I open the window? - 회의에 참석해도 됩니까?
Is it okay if I attend the meeting?
Informal Situations
- 이거 봐도 돼?
Can I look at this? - 전화해도 돼요?
May I call you?
Written Context
- 문의 사항이 있으면 언제든지 연락해도 됩니다.
If you have any questions, you may contact us anytime.
Spoken Context
- 잠깐 나가도 될까요?
Is it okay if I step out for a moment?
5. Cultural Notes
Cultural Relevance
- Politeness: Asking for permission using ~아/어/여도 되다 shows respect and consideration.
- Hierarchy: In hierarchical relationships (e.g., workplace, elders), it's important to seek permission appropriately.
Levels of Politeness and Formality
| Form | Politeness Level | Example |
|---|---|---|
| -아/어도 돼 | Casual | 들어가도 돼? (May I come in?) |
| -아/어도 돼요 | Polite | 사진 찍어도 돼요? (May I take a photo?) |
| -아/어도 되겠습니까 | Formal Polite | 여기 앉아도 되겠습니까? (May I sit here?) |
Idiomatic Expressions
- 좀 도와줘도 돼요?
May I help you a bit? (Offering help politely) - 의견을 말해도 될까요?
May I share my opinion? (Asking to speak in meetings)
6. Common Mistakes and Tips
Error Analysis
- Incorrect Ending Usage
- Incorrect: 먹어아도 돼요?
- Correct: 먹어도 돼요?
- Tip: Avoid adding unnecessary syllables; only use 아/어/여도 되다.
- Mixing Politeness Levels
- Incorrect: 앉아도 돼? (to a superior)
- Correct: 앉아도 돼요? or 앉아도 되겠습니까?
- Tip: Use the appropriate level of politeness based on who you're speaking to.
Learning Strategies
- Memorize Common Verbs
Practice conjugating frequently used verbs:
Verb Conjugated Form Meaning 가다 가도 되다 May go 쓰다 써도 되다 May use/write 마시다 마셔도 되다 May drink 열다 열어도 되다 May open - Create Sample Dialogues Write short conversations using ~아/어/여도 되다 to become comfortable with different contexts.
7. Summary and Review
Key Takeaways
- ~아/어/여도 되다 is used to ask for or give permission politely.
- Choose the correct ending based on the verb stem's last vowel.
- Be mindful of the politeness level required in the situation.
Quick Recap Quiz
- Fill in the blank: 창문을 _______ 돼요? (open) Answer: 열어도
- Translate: "May I turn on the TV?" Answer: 텔레비전을 켜도 돼요?
- Identify the mistake: 먹아도 돼요? Answer: Should be 먹어도 돼요?
Practice Exercise:
- Create three sentences asking for permission using ~아/어/여도 되다.
- Try using different verbs and levels of politeness.
By mastering ~아/어/여도 되다, you'll be able to navigate social interactions in Korean more effectively, showing respect and understanding of cultural norms.