Processing keyword: ~져/지다 [jyeo/jida] (Become)
Korean Grammar Point: ~져/지다 [jyeo/jida] (Become)
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
- Identify the adjective stem by removing 다 from the dictionary form.
- Determine the correct connecting vowel:
- If the final vowel of the stem is ㅏ or ㅗ, use 아.
- Otherwise, use 어.
- **Combine the stem with 아/어지다.
Formation Diagram
[Adjective Stem] + 아/어지다
Examples of Formation
| Adjective (Dictionary Form) | Adjective Stem | Ending Vowel | + 아/어지다 | Result | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 크다 (to be big) | 크 | ㅡ | 어지다 | 커지다 | To become big |
| 작다 (to be small) | 작 | ㅏ | 아지다 | 작아지다 | To become small |
| 예쁘다 (to be pretty) | 예쁘 | ㅡ | 어지다 | 예뻐지다 | To become pretty |
| 쉽다 (to be easy) | 쉽 | ㅣ | 어지다 | 쉬워지다 | To become easy |
| 조용하다 (to be quiet) | 조용하 | - | 해지다 | 조용해지다 | To become quiet |
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
날씨가 점점 추워집니다.
- The weather is gradually becoming colder.
그 문제는 복잡해졌습니다.
- That problem has become complicated.
Informal Situations
- 요즘 한국어가 쉬워져요.
- These days, Korean is becoming easier.
- 그 사람은 예뻐졌어요.
- That person has become prettier.
Written Context
- 도시는 발전하여 깨끗해졌다.
- The city developed and became clean.
Spoken Context
- 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
- How do you say "to become busy" in Korean?
- Answer: 바빠지다
- Which ending would you use with the adjective 작다 (to be small)?
- Answer: 아지다 → 작아지다
- 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!