Processing keyword: ~어/아 갖다 [eo/a gatda] (To keep doing)

Korean Grammar Point: ~어/아 갖다 [eo/a gatda] (To keep doing)

Korean Grammar Lesson: ~어/아 갖다 [eo/a gatda] (To Keep Doing)

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we'll explore the Korean grammar point ~어/아 갖다 [eo/a gatda], which conveys the meaning of "to keep doing" an action. This structure is commonly used in colloquial Korean to express the continuity or repetition of an action over time.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

The grammar pattern ~어/아 갖다 is used to indicate that someone continues to do an action or keeps doing something. It emphasizes the ongoing nature of the activity.

Structure

The structure combines the verb stem with ~어/아 갖다:

1. Verb Stem + ~어/아 + 갖다

Formation Diagram

Let's break down the formation:

[Verb Stem] + 어/아 + 갖다

• Verb Stem: The base form of the verb without 다.
• 어/아: Connecting vowel, depends on the final vowel of the verb stem.
• 갖다: Means "to have," but in this structure, it emphasizes continuation.

Choosing Between ~어 and ~아

The connecting vowel ~어/아 is chosen based on vowel harmony:

• 아/오 vowel in the verb stem ➔ Use ~아 갖다
• Any other vowel ➔ Use ~어 갖다

Examples of Verb Stem Connections

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with ~어/아 가다

• ~어/아 가다: Indicates an action that continues into the future.
• ~어/아 갖다: Emphasizes the repetition or continuation of an action, often colloquial.

Comparison with ~고 있다

• ~고 있다: Denotes the present continuous tense (currently doing something).
• ~어/아 갖다: Focuses on the ongoing repetition rather than just the current action.

4. Examples in Context

Example Sentences

1. Informal Spoken
   • 친구를 기다려 갖고 있어.
     • Chingureul gidaryeo gatgo isseo.
     • "I'm keeping on waiting for my friend."
2. Formal Spoken
   • 책을 계속 읽어 갖고 있습니다.
     • Chaekeul gyesok ilgeo gatgo it-seumnida.
     • "I keep reading the book."
3. Informal Written
   • 요즘 운동을 해서 건강을 챙겨 갖고 있어.
     • Yojum undongeul haeseo geongangeul chaenggyeo gatgo isseo.
     • "These days, I'm exercising to keep taking care of my health."
4. Formal Written
   • 그는 목표를 향해 노력해 갖고 있다.
     • Geuneun mokpyoreul hyanghae noryeokhae gatgo itda.
     • "He keeps striving towards his goal."

Breakdown of an Example

Sentence: 공부를 열심히 해 갖고 있어요.

• 공부를: studying (object)
• 열심히: diligently
• 해: do (verb stem 하다)
• 갖고 있어요: keep doing (갖다 + 고 있다)
• Translation: "I keep studying hard."

5. Cultural Notes

Colloquial Usage

• ~어/아 갖다 is more commonly used in spoken Korean.
• It adds a casual tone to the speech and is often used among friends or peers.

Politeness Levels

• When speaking formally, it's better to use structures like ~어/아 가다 or 계속 ~하다 to convey continuation without sounding casual.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 먹어 갖고는 살이 찔 수밖에 없어.
  • "If you keep eating like that, you'll inevitably gain weight."

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Using the Wrong Connecting Vowel
   • Incorrect: 먹아 갖다
   • Correct: 먹어 갖다
2. Overusing in Formal Contexts
   • ~어/아 갖다 is informal; avoid using it in formal writing or speeches.

Tips

• Mnemonic for Vowel Harmony: If the verb stem ends with 아 or 오, use ~아 갖다; otherwise, use ~어 갖다.
• Remember the Context: Use this grammar point in casual conversations to sound more natural.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~어/아 갖다 is used to express the continuation or repetition of an action.
• It is a casual, colloquial structure best suited for informal contexts.
• Proper use of connecting vowels is essential for grammatical accuracy.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What does ~어/아 갖다 express in a sentence?
2. How do you attach ~어/아 갖다 to the verb 읽다 (to read)?
3. Is it appropriate to use ~어/아 갖다 in formal writing? Answers:
4. It expresses that someone keeps doing an action or continues to do something.
5. 읽어 갖다 (ilgeo gatda)
6. No, it's considered informal and is better used in casual conversation.

By understanding and practicing ~어/아 갖다, you'll be able to express continuous actions more naturally in Korean. Remember to pay attention to the context and formality when using this grammar point!