Processing keyword: ~어/아 들다 [eo/a deulda] (Start to)

Korean Grammar Point: ~어/아 들다 [eo/a deulda] (Start to)

In this lesson, we'll explore the grammar pattern ~어/아 들다, which is used to express the beginning of an action or a change in state. This pattern is similar to saying "start to" or "begin to" in English.

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1. Introduction

The pattern ~어/아 들다 is attached to a verb stem to indicate that someone starts to do something or that something begins to happen or change. It's often used to describe gradual beginnings or transitions into a new state.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning and Usage

• ~어/아 들다 means "start to [verb]" or "begin to [verb]".
• It emphasizes the onset of an action or a shift into a new condition.

Formation

To form this pattern:

1. Take the verb stem (remove 다 from the dictionary form).
2. Add 어/아 based on the vowel of the last syllable of the stem.
3. Attach 들다.

2.1 Conjugation Rules

Verb Stem Ending	Connective
아 or 오 vowel	-아 들다
Any other vowel	-어 들다
Verb stem ends with 하	-여 들다 (often becomes 해 들다)

2.2 Formation Diagram

[Verb Stem] + 어/아/여 + 들다

2.3 Examples

1. 살다 (to live):
   • Verb Stem: 살
   • Ending vowel: ㅏ (아)
   • Conjugation: 살 + 아 들다 = 살아 들다
   • Meaning: Start to live
2. 늘다 (to increase):
   • Verb Stem: 늘
   • Ending vowel: ㅡ (remove and look at the previous vowel)
   • Previous vowel: ㄴ (consonant), so default to 어
   • Conjugation: 늘 + 어 들다 = 늘어 들다
   • Meaning: Start to increase
3. 하다 (to do):
   • Verb Stem: 하
   • Conjugation: 하 + 여 들다 = 하여 들다 (often becomes 해 들다)
   • Meaning: Start to do

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3. Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar Patterns

1. ~기 시작하다:
   • Also means "to start to [verb]".
   • More general and can be used with any verb.
   • Focuses on the initiation of an action.
2. ~아/어 가다:
   • Means "to continue to [verb]" or "to go on [verb]-ing".
   • Emphasizes the progression of an action over time.

Differences

• ~어/아 들다:
  • Emphasizes the beginning or initiation of an action or change.
  • Often implies a gradual entry into a new state.
• ~기 시작하다:
  • Directly states that an action starts.
  • More straightforward without the nuance of gradual change.

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4. Examples in Context

4.1 Sentence Examples

Informal Context

1. 날이 추워 들어. The weather is starting to get cold.
2. 그 이야기가 재미있어 들어. That story is starting to get interesting.

Formal Context

1. 학생들이 집중해 듭니다. The students are starting to concentrate.
2. 경제가 회복되어 들고 있습니다. The economy is beginning to recover.

Written Context

1. 꽃들이 피어나 들었다. The flowers began to bloom.
2. 새로운 시대가 열려 들었다. A new era started to unfold.

Spoken Context

1. 요즘 한국어가 쉬워 들어요. These days, Korean is starting to get easy.
2. 아이들이 졸려 들어요. The children are starting to feel sleepy.

4.2 Usage Notes

• The pattern is versatile and can be used in various tenses and politeness levels.
• Ensure the verb 들다 is conjugated appropriately to match the tense and politeness.

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5. Cultural Notes

5.1 Cultural Relevance

• Gradual Change: In Korean culture, there is an appreciation for gradual change and processes. Using ~어/아 들다 reflects a smooth transition into a new state rather than an abrupt change.

5.2 Levels of Politeness

• Formal Polite (합니다):
  • 비가 내려 듭니다. It is starting to rain.
• Informal Polite (해요):
  • 비가 내려 들어요. It is starting to rain.

5.3 Idiomatic Expressions

• 잠이 들어요. I am falling asleep.
  • Here, 잠이 들다 is an idiomatic expression meaning "to fall asleep".
• 마음에 들어요. I like it.
  • Though slightly different, 마음에 들다 means "to enter one's heart", indicating that something is pleasing.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

6.1 Common Mistakes

1. Incorrect Verb Ending Selection

   • Using -아 들다 when -어 들다 is needed. Incorrect: 먹아 들어요. (from 먹다)

     Correct: 먹어 들어요.

2. Forgetting to Conjugate 들다
   • Failing to adjust 들다 for tense and politeness. Incorrect: 날이 추워 들. Correct: 날이 추워 들어요.

6.2 Learning Strategies

• Vowel Harmony Reminder:
  • If the verb stem's last vowel is 아 or 오, use -아 들다.
  • Otherwise, use -어 들다.
• Mnemonic Device:
  • Think of 들다 as "enter" or "go into" — you're "entering" into a new action or state.
• Practice with Common Verbs:
  • Create sentences using common verbs to become comfortable with the pattern.

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7. Summary and Review

7.1 Key Takeaways

• ~어/아 들다 is used to express the beginning or gradual onset of an action or state.
• Formation depends on the verb stem's last vowel:
  • 아/오 → -아 들다
  • Other vowels → -어 들다
• Conjugate 들다 appropriately to match tense and politeness.

7.2 Quick Recap Quiz

1. Fill in the blank: To say "The leaves are starting to fall," you would say 나뭇잎이 떨어 ___.
2. True or False: The expression "마음에 들어요" uses 들다 in the same way as ~어/아 들다.
3. Correct the mistake: 학생들이 조용해 아 들어요.

Answers:

1. 떨어져 들어요.
2. False. In "마음에 들어요", 들다 means "to enter," and it's part of a fixed expression meaning "I like it."
3. Corrected Sentence: 학생들이 조용해 들어요.

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By understanding and practicing ~어/아 들다, you'll be able to express beginnings and transitions more naturally in Korean. Keep practicing with different verbs to become more comfortable with this useful grammar pattern!

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