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

~어/아 서다 [eo/a seoda] (After doing)

Short explanation:

This is used to express the natural sequence of events. After action A is completed, action B naturally follows.

Formation:

Verb stem + ~어/아 서 + 다 at end, if the verb stem ends in vowel use ~아서다, if it ends in consonant use ~어서다.

Examples:

집에 가서 밥을 먹고 나서 공부해야 해요.
Jibe gaseo bapeul meokgo naseo gongbuhaya haeyo.
I have to go home, eat my meal, and then study.
요가 수업에 참석하고 나서 몸이 더 유연해질 것이에요.
Yoga sueobe chamseokhago naseo momi deo yuyeonhaejil geosieyo.
After attending a yoga class, my body will become more flexible.
시험을 마치고 나서 휴식을 취하려고 합니다.
Siheomeul machigo naseo hyusigeul chwiharyeogo habnida.
I plan to take a rest after finishing the exam.
운동하고 나서 단백질 섭취를 늘릴 필요가 있어요.
Undonghago naseo danbaekjil seobchwireul neulril pillyoga isseoyo.
I need to increase my protein intake after exercise.

Long explanation:

The ~어/아 서다 [eo/a seoda] construction is used in Korean grammar to express that one action follows another naturally. The action in the first part of the sentence is something that is completed before the action in the second part of the sentence. It implies causality, but not in the way of making something happen, more in the way of allowing something to happen. It's used in the natural sequence of events, where one thing leads to the next.

Detailed Grammar notes:

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

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

~어/아 서다 [eo/a seoda] (After doing)

1. Introduction

Welcome to today's lesson on the Korean grammar point ~어/아 서다 [eo/a seoda]. While this construction might seem to imply "after doing" due to its components, it's important to note that ~어/아 서다 is not a standard or commonly used grammatical structure to express "after doing" in Korean. In this lesson, we'll explore its components, clarify common ways to express "after doing", and provide examples to enhance your understanding.


2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning and Usage

~어/아 서다 combines the connective ending ~어/아 with the verb 서다 (to stand). However, this combination does not naturally convey the meaning of "after doing". In Korean, expressing "after doing" is typically achieved through other grammar points.

Common Structures for "After Doing"

To express "after doing" something in Korean, use the following structures:

  1. ~고 나서
    • Usage: Indicates an action occurs after completing another action.
    • Example: 먹고 나서 숙제했어요. (I did my homework after eating.)
  2. ~(으)ㄴ 후에
    • Usage: Means "after" doing something.
    • Example: 식사한 후에 산책합시다. (Let's take a walk after eating.)
  3. ~(으)ㄴ 다음에
    • Usage: Similar to ~(으)ㄴ 후에, means "after" doing something.
    • Example: 일을 끝낸 다음에 영화 볼까요? (Shall we watch a movie after finishing work?)

Structure and Formation of Standard Expressions

1. ~고 나서

Formation:

  • Verb Stem + 고 나서 Example:
  • 가다 (to go) ➔ 가고 나서 (after going)

2. ~(으)ㄴ 후에 / ~(으)ㄴ 다음에

Formation:

  • Verb Stem + 은/ㄴ 후에 / 은/ㄴ 다음에
  • If the verb stem ends with a vowel or the consonant , add -ㄴ 후에 / -ㄴ 다음에.
  • If it ends with any other consonant, add -은 후에 / -은 다음에. Example:
  • 읽다 (to read) ➔ 읽은 후에 (after reading)

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparing ~고 나서 and ~(으)ㄴ 후에 / ~(으)ㄴ 다음에

Grammar Point Usage Nuance
~고 나서 After completing an action Emphasizes completion before next action
~(으)ㄴ 후에 After an action/event Neutral expression of sequence
~(으)ㄴ 다음에 After the next action/event Similar to ~(으)ㄴ 후에

4. Examples in Context

1. Using ~고 나서

  • 책을 읽고 나서 잤어요.
    • Translation: I slept after reading a book.
  • 저녁을 먹고 나서 산책했어요.
    • Translation: I took a walk after eating dinner.

2. Using ~(으)ㄴ 후에

  • 수업이 끝난 후에 도서관에 갔어요.
    • Translation: I went to the library after class ended.
  • 운동한 후에 샤워를 해요.
    • Translation: I take a shower after exercising.

3. Using ~(으)ㄴ 다음에

  • 일을 마친 다음에 영화를 봤어요.
    • Translation: I watched a movie after finishing work.
  • 친구를 만난 다음에 카페에 갔어요.
    • Translation: I went to a café after meeting a friend.

5. Cultural Notes

Levels of Politeness and Formality

Korean language has different levels of politeness:

  • Informal polite: Used with friends or peers (-아요/어요 endings).
  • Formal polite: Used in formal settings (-습니다/습니다 endings). Example:
  • 먹었어요 (informal polite)
  • 먹었습니다 (formal polite)

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

  • Using the wrong grammar point: Confusing ~고 나서 with ~고. Remember, ~고 simply means "and", not necessarily "after doing".
  • Incorrect conjugation: Not adding -은/ㄴ correctly with ~(으)ㄴ 후에 or ~(으)ㄴ 다음에.

Tips

  • Mnemonic for ~고 나서: Think of 나서 as "and then after".
  • Practice conjugation: Regularly practice verb conjugations to become familiar with patterns.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

  • ~고 나서, ~(으)ㄴ 후에, and ~(으)ㄴ 다음에 are standard grammar points to express "after doing" in Korean.
  • Proper verb conjugation is essential for accurate communication.
  • Understanding the nuances between different grammar points enhances fluency.

Quick Recap Quiz

  1. How do you say "after eating" using ~고 나서?
  2. Which grammar point would you use to emphasize the completion of an action before the next?
  3. True or False: ~어/아 서다 is commonly used to mean "after doing" in Korean. Answers:
  4. 먹고 나서
  5. ~고 나서
  6. False

By using these standard grammar points and practicing with various verbs, you'll become more comfortable expressing sequences of actions in Korean. Remember to pay attention to verb stems and appropriate endings based on the final consonant or vowel.

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