Processing keyword: ~져/지다 [jyeo/jida] (Become)

Korean Grammar Point: ~져/지다 [jyeo/jida] (Become)

아/어지다 (아/어지다) - "Become" in Korean

1. Introduction

In Korean, expressing a change of state or the process of becoming something is commonly done using the grammar pattern ~아/어지다. This pattern is attached to adjectives to indicate that someone or something becomes or gets a certain way over time. Understanding this grammar point is essential for describing transformations and changes in various contexts.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

The pattern ~아/어지다 is used to express that the subject becomes or turns into a certain state or condition. It combines an adjective with the verb 지다, which means "to become."

• Usage:
  • Attach ~아지다 to adjective stems ending with ㅏ or ㅗ.
  • Attach ~어지다 to adjective stems ending with other vowels.
  • For adjective stems ending with 하다, it becomes 해지다.

Meaning, Structure, Formation Diagram

Formation Rules

1. Identify the adjective stem by removing 다 from the dictionary form.
2. Determine the correct connecting vowel:
   • If the final vowel of the stem is ㅏ or ㅗ, use 아.
   • Otherwise, use 어.
3. **Combine the stem with 아/어지다.

Formation Diagram

[Adjective Stem] + 아/어지다

Examples of Formation

3. Comparative Analysis

• ~게 되다 vs. ~아/어지다:

  • ~게 되다 is used to indicate a change due to external factors or circumstances leading to a new situation.
  • ~아/어지다 emphasizes the process of changing into a new state, often used with adjectives.

• Example:

  • 학생이 되다 (to become a student) vs. 똑똑해지다 (to become smart).

4. Examples in Context

Formal Situations

1. 날씨가 점점 추워집니다.

   • The weather is gradually becoming colder.

2. 그 문제는 복잡해졌습니다.

   • That problem has become complicated.

Informal Situations

1. 요즘 한국어가 쉬워져요.
   • These days, Korean is becoming easier.
2. 그 사람은 예뻐졌어요.
   • That person has become prettier.

Written Context

1. 도시는 발전하여 깨끗해졌다.
   • The city developed and became clean.

Spoken Context

1. 운동을 해서 건강해졌어.
   • I exercised, so I became healthy.

5. Cultural Notes

Levels of Politeness and Formality

• The ending ~아/어지다 can be combined with various sentence endings to match the level of politeness:
  • Informal polite: 해졌어요
  • Formal polite: 해집니다

Idiomatic Expressions

• 사랑에 빠지다: To fall in love (Note: Here, 빠지다 is a verb meaning "to fall into," but it's a common expression involving 지다.)

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Incorrect usage with verbs: Remember that ~아/어지다 is primarily used with adjectives, not action verbs.
  • Incorrect: 먹어지다 (To become eaten) ❌
  • Correct: 맛있어지다 (To become delicious) ✔️

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Think of 지다 as "to get" or "to become," so attaching it to an adjective transforms it into "become [adjective]."
• Practice: Create sentences using adjectives you know, attaching ~아/어지다 to describe changes.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~아/어지다 is used to express becoming or change of state.
• Attach it to adjective stems according to vowel harmony rules.
• It is not used with action verbs.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you say "to become busy" in Korean?
   • Answer: 바빠지다
2. Which ending would you use with the adjective 작다 (to be small)?
   • Answer: 아지다 → 작아지다
3. True or False: ~아/어지다 can be used with action verbs.
   • Answer: False

By mastering ~아/어지다, you can effectively describe changes and transformations, adding depth to your Korean communication skills. Keep practicing by observing changes around you and describing them using this grammar pattern!