Processing keyword: ~이/히다 [i/hida] (To become)

Korean Grammar Point: ~이/히다 [i/hida] (To become)

Lesson on the Grammar Point: ~이/히다 (To Cause, To Make Someone Do)

1. Introduction

In Korean, expressing causation—making someone or something do an action or become a certain state—is achieved through specific verb forms called causative verbs. One of the ways to form causative verbs is by attaching the suffixes ~이 or ~히다 to the verb stem. Understanding how to use these suffixes is essential for conveying causative meaning accurately in Korean.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning and Usage

The suffixes ~이 and ~히다 are added to the stems of certain verbs to create causative verbs. These causative verbs indicate that the subject causes someone or something to perform an action or to be in a particular state.

• English Equivalent: "to make [someone] do" or "to have [something] done"

Structure

Formation Rules

1. For Verb Stems Ending with a Consonant:
   • Attach ~이 to the verb stem.
   • Examples:
     • 먹다 (to eat) → 먹이다 (to feed)
     • 붙다 (to stick) → 붙이다 (to attach)
2. For Verb Stems Ending with a Vowel or Specific Consonants:
   • Attach ~히 to the verb stem.
   • Examples:
     • 앉다 (to sit) → 앉히다 (to seat someone)
     • 읽다 (to read) → 읽히다 (to make someone read)
3. Irregular Forms:
   • Some verbs have irregular causative forms that need to be memorized.
   • Example:
     • 살다 (to live) → 살리다 (to save)

Formation Diagram

[Verb Stem] + 이/히 + 다

Visual Aid: Common Causative Verbs with ~이/히다

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparing Causative and Passive Forms

Causative Form (~이/히다):

• Indicates that the subject causes an action.
  • Example: 선생님이 학생을 앉혔어요.
    • The teacher seated the student. Passive Form (~아/어지다 or ~이/히/리/기다):
• Indicates that the subject is acted upon or the action happens to the subject.
  • Example: 학생이 의자에 앉았어요.
    • The student sat down on the chair.

Similar Grammar Points

• ~게 하다: Another causative form meaning "to make someone do something."
  • Example: 제가 그를 기다리게 했어요.
    • I made him wait.
• Difference:
  • ~이/히다 is attached directly to the verb stem.
  • ~게 하다 uses the adverbial 게 form followed by 하다.

4. Examples in Context

Formal Context

1. 연구원들이 기술을 향상시켰습니다.
   • The researchers improved the technology.
2. 부모님께서는 저를 훌륭한 사람으로 만드셨습니다.
   • My parents made me into a great person.

Informal Context

1. 친구가 나를 기다리게 했어.
   • My friend made me wait.
2. 선생님이 학생들에게 책을 읽혔다.
   • The teacher made the students read the book.

Various Contexts

1. 보이다
   • 사진을 보여 주세요.
     • Please show me the picture.
2. 먹이다
   • 강아지에게 밥을 먹였어요.
     • I fed the puppy.
3. 높이다
   • 더 좋은 결과를 위해 목표를 높였어요.
     • I raised my goals for better results.

5. Cultural Notes

Politeness and Formality

• Using causative forms correctly is important in Korean social interactions, especially when giving instructions or orders.
• Politeness levels should be adjusted based on the relationship between the speaker and listener.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 눈을 높이다: To raise one's standards.
  • Example: 그는 이상형에 대한 눈을 높였어요.
    • He raised his standards for his ideal type.
• 손을 잡히다: To be caught red-handed.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Incorrect Suffix Usage:
   • Attaching ~히다 when ~이다 is needed.
     • ❌ 붙다 → 붙히다
     • ✅ 붙다 → 붙이다
2. Confusing Causative and Passive Forms:
   • Misinterpreting 보이다 as passive "to be seen" instead of causative "to show."
     • Context determines meaning; pay attention to the subject and object.

Tips

• Memorize Common Verbs:
  • There are many irregular forms; memorization helps.
• Context is Key:
  • Determine whether a verb is used causatively or passively based on context.
• Practice with Sentences:
  • Create your own sentences using ~이/히다 to reinforce understanding.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~이/히다 is used to form causative verbs in Korean, meaning "to make/let someone do something."
• The choice between ~이 and ~히 depends on the verb stem, with some irregularities.
• Distinguishing between causative and passive forms is essential for clear communication.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What is the causative form of 보다 (to see)?
2. Translate to Korean using ~이/히다: "She fed the baby."
3. Explain the difference in meaning between 앉다 and 앉히다.

Answers:

1. 보이다 (to show)
2. 그녀는 아기에게 밥을 먹였어요.
3. 앉다 means "to sit," while 앉히다 means "to seat [someone]," indicating causation.

By mastering ~이/히다, you enhance your ability to express complex actions and causation in Korean. Keep practicing with various verbs to become more comfortable with this grammar point!

Practice Exercise

Create sentences using the following verbs in their causative forms:

1. 읽다 (to read)
2. 죽다 (to die)
3. 붙다 (to stick)

Suggested Answers:

1. 선생님이 학생들에게 책을 읽혔어요.
   • The teacher made the students read the book.
2. 살충제가 벌레들을 죽였어요.
   • The pesticide killed the insects.
3. 나는 우표를 봉투에 붙였어요.
   • I attached the stamp to the envelope.

Keep up the great work in expanding your Korean language skills!