Processing keyword: ~케 되다 [ke dweda] (Become)

Korean Grammar Point: ~케 되다 [ke dweda] (Become)

~게 되다 [ge dweda] (Become)

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we will explore the Korean grammar point ~게 되다 [ge dweda], which translates to "to become," "to come to (do something)," or "to end up (doing something)." This expression is commonly used to indicate a change of state or situation, often implying that the change occurred naturally or without the subject's intention.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

~게 되다 is used to express that something has happened or will happen unintentionally or inevitably. It implies that the subject didn't actively decide to do the action, but circumstances led to it.

• Meaning: To come to do something; to end up doing something; to become.
• Usage: Indicates a change in state or condition, often due to external factors.

Structure

To form this grammar point, attach 게 되다 to the stem of an action verb.

[Verb Stem] + 게 되다

• Verb Stem: The base form of the verb without 다.
• 게 되다: Added to express the involuntary or inevitable action.

Formation Diagram

[Action Verb Stem] + 게 되다

• 먹다 (to eat) → 먹 + 게 되다 → 먹게 되다 (to end up eating)
• 알다 (to know) → 알 + 게 되다 → 알게 되다 (to come to know)

Visual Aids

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with Similar Grammar Points

~게 하다 vs. ~게 되다

• ~게 하다: Means "to make someone do something" (causative form).
  • 엄마가 나를 공부하게 했어요. (Mom made me study.)
• ~게 되다: Means "to come to do something" (change that happens naturally or unintentionally).
  • 열심히 공부하게 되었어요. (I came to study hard.)

~도록 하다 vs. ~게 되다

• ~도록 하다: Used to suggest or instruct someone to do something.
  • 내일 일찍 오도록 하세요. (Please come early tomorrow.)
• ~게 되다: Indicates an unplanned change or outcome.
  • 회사에서 일찍 출근하게 되었어요. (I ended up going to work early.)

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

Example 1: Polite Formal Speech

• Korean: 한국에서 일하게 되었습니다.
• Romanization: Hangugeseo ilhage doeeotseumnida.
• Translation: I have come to work in Korea.

Example 2: Polite Informal Speech

• Korean: 그 영화를 좋아하게 됐어요.
• Romanization: Geu yeonghwareul joahage dwaesseoyo.
• Translation: I ended up liking that movie.

Example 3: Casual Speech

• Korean: 결국 그 사람을 믿게 됐어.
• Romanization: Gyeolguk geu sarameul mitge dwaesseo.
• Translation: I ended up trusting that person.

Example 4: Future Tense

• Korean: 곧 알게 될 거예요.
• Romanization: Got alge dwel geoyeyo.
• Translation: You will come to know soon.

Example 5: Negative Form

• Korean: 다시는 만나게 되지 않을 거예요.
• Romanization: Dasineun mannage dwiji anheul geoyeyo.
• Translation: I will not end up meeting (him/her) again.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• Modesty in Speech: In Korean culture, humility is valued. Using ~게 되다 allows speakers to express achievements modestly, implying that the outcome was due to circumstances rather than solely personal effort.
  • 좋은 대학에 입학하게 되었어요. (I happened to get into a good university.)

Idiomatic Expressions

• 사랑에 빠지게 되다: To fall in love.
  • 우리는 서로 사랑에 빠지게 되었어요. (We ended up falling in love with each other.)
• 친해지게 되다: To become friendly.
  • 그와 빠르게 친해지게 됐어요. (I quickly became friends with him.)

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Using with Adjectives Incorrectly
   • Incorrect: 행복하게 되었어요. (Used with an adjective)
   • Correct: 행복해졌어요. (Use ~아/어지다 with adjectives)
2. Forgetting Tense Conjugation
   • Incorrect: 한국어를 배우게 되요.
   • Correct: 한국어를 배우게 돼요.

Learning Strategies

• Remember the Context: Use ~게 되다 when the action is unintentional or resulted from external factors.
• Association: Link ~게 되다 with the phrase "ended up..." in English to grasp the nuance.
• Practice with Common Verbs: Apply ~게 되다 to frequently used verbs to become familiar with its usage.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~게 되다 expresses unintended or inevitable actions or changes.
• It attaches to the verb stem of action verbs.
• Reflects humility and the influence of external circumstances.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Question: How do you say "I ended up meeting him" using ~게 되다?
   • Answer: 그를 만나게 되었어요.
2. Question: Is ~게 되다 used with adjectives?
   • Answer: No, use ~아/어지다 with adjectives instead.
3. Question: Fill in the blank: 공부를 열심히 해서 장학금을 받___ 되었어요.
   • Answer: 받게

Congratulations! You've learned how to use ~게 되다 to express unintended or inevitable actions in Korean. Keep practicing by creating your own sentences to solidify your understanding.

Additional Practice

Create sentences using ~게 되다 with the following verbs:

• 시작하다 (to start)
• 좋아하다 (to like)
• 알다 (to know) Example Answer:
• 운동을 시작하게 되었어요. (I ended up starting to exercise.)
• 그 음식을 좋아하게 됐어요. (I came to like that food.)
• 사실을 알게 되었습니다. (I came to know the truth.)