Processing keyword: ~어/아 서다 [eo/a seoda] (After doing)

Korean Grammar Point: ~어/아 서다 [eo/a seoda] (After doing)

TOPIK Grammar Point: ~어/아 서다 [eo/a seoda] (After doing)

Introduction

In Korean, the grammar point ~어/아 서다 is used to indicate an action that has been completed before another action occurs. It is a way to convey sequence and is essential for conveying concepts of time and causation in sentences.

Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

• Meaning: The expression ~어/아 서다 translates to "after doing" in English. It describes the state of having completed an action before another action takes place.
• Structure: This grammar point is formed by attaching the appropriate verb ending (어/아) to a verb stem, followed by 서다.

Formation Diagram

1. Identify the verb stem.
2. Add the appropriate ending (다).
   • If the last vowel is ㅏ or ㅗ, use 아 (e.g., 가다 → 가서).
   • If the last vowel is anything else, use 어 (e.g., 먹다 → 먹어서).
3. Append 서다 to indicate "after doing."

Examples

Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar Points

• ~고 (go): This connects two actions but does not convey the completion of the first action. It simply indicates that two actions occur in sequence.
  • Example: 가고 먹다 (go and eat)
• ~는데: While it also can show contrast or background information, it does not specifically indicate that the first action is completed before the second.
  • Example: 가는데 (while going)

Key Differences

• ~어/아 서다 emphasizes the completion of the first action.
• ~고 is neutral about completion and simply connects actions.
• ~는데 provides context without indicating completion.

Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Formal Writing:

   • 책을 읽어서 내용을 이해했어요.
     (I understood the content after reading the book.)

2. Informal Context:

   • 점심을 먹어서 기분이 좋아요.
     (I feel good after eating lunch.)

3. Spoken Conversation:

   • 나가서 쇼핑하고 올게.
     (I’m going out to shop, and then I’ll come back.)
   • (Here it's used with ~고 rather than ~어/아 서다.)

4. Written Context:

   • 시험을 준비해서 결과가 좋았어요.
     (I prepared for the exam, so the result was good.)

Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Korean culture, understanding sequence and the completion of actions is important, especially when discussing plans or results. Being explicit about what was completed before moving to the next point reflects clarity and politeness in communication.

Levels of Politeness

Typically, using this structure can vary in formality depending on the context:

• Casual speech often drops formal endings.
• Adding -요 at the end (e.g., 먹어서요) can increase politeness.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 끝나서 (after finishing) is commonly used in various contexts to denote completion.

Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Confusing ~고 with ~어/아 서다: Remember that ~고 indicates simultaneous actions without completion.
2. Incorrect Vowel Ending: Misapplying 어/a endings based on the vowels of the verb stem.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Think of ~어/아 서다 as a bridge: one foot is on the action that was completed (e.g., 나가서) and the other foot is on the next action (e.g., 일하다).
• Practice Conjugations: Write down commonly used verbs and practice the transformations to ~어/아 서다.

Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~어/아 서다 indicates completion of an action before another action.
• Distinguish between similar structures for clarity.
• Use in formal and informal contexts, adjusting for politeness.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What does the grammar point ~어/아 서다 mean?
2. True or False: ~고 can be used interchangeably with ~어/아 서다.
3. Give an example sentence using ~어/아 서다. Use this information to practice constructing sentences and to deepen your understanding of action sequences in the Korean language!