Processing keyword: ~어/아지다 [eo/ajida] (Become)

Korean Grammar Point: ~어/아지다 [eo/ajida] (Become)

1. Introduction

In Korean, the grammar pattern ~어/아지다 is used to express a change in state or condition, similar to "become" or "get" in English. It indicates that someone or something has changed from one state to another over time.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

Meaning

The suffix ~어/아지다 attaches to adjectives (descriptive verbs) and some verbs to express that the subject becomes or gets a certain way. It emphasizes a transformation or a gradual change in state.

Structure

The formation depends on the vowel harmony of the adjective or verb stem:

• If the stem's last vowel is ㅏ or ㅗ, use 아지다.
• For all other vowels, use 어지다.
• For stems ending with 하, it changes to 해지다.

Formation Diagram

[Adjective/Verb Stem] + 어/아지다

Conjugation Steps

1. Identify the Stem:
   • Remove 다 from the dictionary form to get the stem.
2. Determine the Correct Ending:
   • Last vowel ㅏ or ㅗ ➔ 아지다
   • Other vowels ➔ 어지다
   • Ends with 하 ➔ 해지다
3. Attach 지다 to Complete the Form.

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Visual Aids

Adjective (Dictionary Form)	Stem	Last Vowel	Suffix	Result
작다 (to be small)	작	ㅏ	아지다	작아지다
예쁘다 (to be pretty)	예쁘	ㅡ	어지다	예뻐지다
어렵다 (to be difficult)	어렵	ㅓ	어지다	어려워지다
크다 (to be big)	크	ㅡ	어지다	커지다
많다 (to be many)	많	ㅏ	아지다	많아지다
깨끗하다 (to be clean)	깨끗하	하	해지다	깨끗해지다

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3. Comparative Analysis

Difference with ~게 되다

• ~어/아지다: Emphasizes the change in the state or condition of the subject.
  • 날씨가 따뜻해졌어요.
    • The weather has become warm.
• ~게 되다: Indicates that a new situation or action has occurred, often unintended or due to external factors.
  • 한국에서 일하게 됐어요.
    • I came to work in Korea (ended up working in Korea). Key Point: ~어/아지다 is mainly used with adjectives to show changes in qualities, while ~게 되다 is used with verbs to indicate a change in circumstances or new actions.

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4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

Formal Speech

1. 기술이 발전하면서 생활이 편리해졌습니다.
   • As technology advances, life has become convenient.
2. 밤이 길어졌습니다.
   • The nights have become longer.

Informal Speech

1. 한국어가 많이 쉬워졌어요.
   • Korean has become much easier.
2. 날씨가 추워졌어.
   • The weather has become cold.

Written Context

1. 교육 수준이 높아졌다.
   • The level of education has increased.
2. 환경 문제가 심각해지고 있다.
   • Environmental problems are becoming serious.

Spoken Context

1. 음식이 더 맛있어졌네요!
   • The food has become more delicious!
2. 사는 곳이 조용해졌어요.
   • The place where I live has become quiet.

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• In Korean culture, commenting on changes is a common way to show interest and care.
• Using ~어/아지다 politely acknowledges someone's efforts or changes in situations.
  • 얼굴이 밝아지셨어요. 좋은 일이 있나요?
    • Your face has brightened. Is there good news?

Levels of Politeness and Formality

• Formal Polite: ~어/아집니다
  • 건강이 좋아졌습니다.
    • My health has improved.
• Informal Polite: ~어/아져요
  • 길이 복잡해져요.
    • The road is getting crowded.
• Casual Speech: ~어/아져
  • 요즘 일이 많아져.
    • I have more work these days.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 마음이 편해지다: To feel at ease.
  • 친구를 만나서 마음이 편해졌어요.
    • I met a friend and felt at ease.
• 사이가 좋아지다: Relationships improve.
  • 그들과 사이가 많이 좋아졌어요.
    • My relationship with them has improved a lot.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Using the Wrong Vowel Ending
   • Incorrect: 배고프아지다
   • Correct: 배고파지다
     • Tip: For stems ending with ㅏ or ㅗ, use 아지다, even if the stem ends with ㅏ.
2. Applying to Action Verbs Incorrectly
   • Incorrect: 먹어지다 (when intending "to become eating")
   • Correct Usage: 먹게 되다 (to come to eat)
     • Tip: ~어/아지다 is primarily used with adjectives, not action verbs.
3. Forgetting Irregular Verbs
   • Incorrect: 춥어지다 (from 춥다, to be cold)
   • Correct: 추워지다
     • Tip: Remember ㅂ irregular verbs change ㅂ to 우 before a vowel.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic for Vowel Harmony:
  • Think of "Bra**"** for ㅏ/ㅗ ➔ 아지다
  • Think of "Other" for other vowels ➔ 어지다
• Practice with Common Adjectives:
  • Make a list of frequent adjectives and conjugate them using ~어/아지다.
• Irregular Verb Awareness:
  • Pay attention to irregular verbs like ㄷ, ㅂ, ㅡ, and memorize their patterns.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~어/아지다 expresses a change in state or condition, meaning "become" or "get."
• It is mainly used with adjectives (descriptive verbs).
• Choose 아지다 or 어지다 based on the last vowel of the stem.
• Be cautious with irregular verbs and ensure correct conjugation.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Conjugate: 길다 (to be long) + ~어/아지다
   • Answer: 길어지다 (It becomes long.)
2. Translate to Korean: "The weather has become cool."
   • Answer: 날씨가 시원해졌어요.
3. Identify the Error: 친구가 행복아졌어요.
   • Answer: The correct form is 행복해졌어요. (Since 행복하다 ends with 하다, it becomes 행복해지다.)

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By understanding and practicing the ~어/아지다 pattern, you will be able to describe changes in states and conditions effectively in Korean.

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