Processing keyword: ~하고 있다 [hago itda] (Is doing)

Korean Grammar Point: ~하고 있다 [hago itda] (Is doing)

~하고 있다 [hago itda] (Is doing)

1. Introduction

The Korean grammar pattern ~하고 있다 is essential for expressing actions that are currently in progress. It is analogous to the English present continuous tense "is doing." Mastering this construction will enhance your ability to describe ongoing activities in Korean.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

Meaning

• ~하고 있다 conveys that an action is happening right now.
• It translates to "am/is/are doing" in English.

Structure

To form this pattern:

1. Verb Stem + 고 있다

Formation Diagram

[Verb Stem] + 고 있다

Step-by-Step Formation

1. Identify the Verb Stem: Remove 다 from the dictionary form of the verb.
2. Add 고 있다 to the verb stem.

Examples

1. 하다 (to do)
   • Verb Stem: 하
   • 하 + 고 있다 → 하고 있다 (is doing)
2. 먹다 (to eat)
   • Verb Stem: 먹
   • 먹 + 고 있다 → 먹고 있다 (is eating)
3. 보다 (to see/watch)
   • Verb Stem: 보
   • 보 + 고 있다 → 보고 있다 (is watching)

Visual Aids

Common Verbs Conjugated with ~하고 있다

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparing Similar Grammar Points

Simple Present Tense vs. Present Progressive (~하고 있다)

• Simple Present Tense: Describes habitual actions or general truths.
  • 공부해요 → "I study" or "They study" (habitually)
• ~하고 있다: Emphasizes an action occurring at this very moment.
  • 공부하고 있어요 → "I am studying" (right now)

Past Progressive (~하고 있었다)

• Describes an action that was ongoing in the past.
  • 공부하고 있었어요 → "I was studying"

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

Formal Polite Speech

1. 회의를 하고 있습니다.
   • Hoeireul hago itsseumnida.
   • "I am holding a meeting."
2. 비가 오고 있습니다.
   • Biga ogo itsseumnida.
   • "It is raining."

Informal Polite Speech

1. 무엇을 하고 있어요?
   • Mueoseul hago isseoyo?
   • "What are you doing?"
2. 저는 운동하고 있어요.
   • Jeoneun undonghago isseoyo.
   • "I am exercising."

Casual Speech

1. 지금 뭐 해?
   • Jigeum mwo hae?
   • "What are you doing now?"
2. 영화를 보고 있어.
   • Yeonghwareul bogo isseo.
   • "I'm watching a movie."

Written Context

1. 학생들이 시험을 준비하고 있습니다.
   • Haksaengdeuri siheomeul junbihago itsseumnida.
   • "Students are preparing for exams."
2. 회사는 새로운 제품을 개발하고 있다.
   • Hoesaneun saeroun jaepumeul gaebalhago itda.
   • "The company is developing a new product."

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

Understanding the nuances of politeness levels in Korean is crucial. The form of ~하고 있다 changes based on the level of formality required in a given social context.

Levels of Politeness

• Formal Polite: ~고 있습니다
  • Used in formal settings, such as business meetings or public announcements.
• Informal Polite: ~고 있어요
  • Commonly used among acquaintances and in everyday conversations.
• Casual: ~고 있어
  • Used with close friends, peers, or those younger than the speaker.

Idiomatic Expressions

1. 꿈을 꾸고 있다
   • Kkumeul kkugo itda.
   • "Dreaming" (literally and metaphorically pursuing a dream)
2. 생각하고 있다
   • Saenggakhago itda.
   • "Thinking about" something

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Forgetting to Remove 다
   • Incorrect: 먹다고 있다
   • Correct: 먹고 있다
2. Misusing Tenses
   • Using ~한다 (simple present) instead of ~하고 있다
     • 저는 공부한다 (I study) vs. 저는 공부하고 있다 (I am studying)
3. Politeness Level Errors
   • Using casual form in formal situations
     • Incorrect in formal context: 하고 있어
     • Correct in formal context: 하고 있습니다

Learning Strategies

• Association with English "-ing"
  • Link 고 있다 to the English continuous tense ending.
• Practice with Common Verbs
  • Regularly conjugate verbs you frequently use.
• Listening and Repetition
  • Listen to native speakers and repeat sentences to build muscle memory.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~하고 있다 is used to express ongoing actions.
• Formed by adding 고 있다 to the verb stem.
• Be mindful of the politeness level appropriate for the context.
• Common mistakes include incorrect verb stem formation and misusing tenses.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Fill in the blank: "I am eating" in Korean is 저는 ________.
   • Answer: 저는 먹고 있어요.
2. True or False: 쓰고 있다 means "is watching."
   • Answer: False (It means "is writing.")
3. Convert to present progressive: 마시다 (to drink)
   • Answer: 마시고 있다 (is drinking)

By understanding and practicing ~하고 있다, you'll be able to describe current actions effectively and naturally in Korean conversations.