Processing keyword: ~하기까지 [hagikkaji] (Even)

Korean Grammar Point: ~하기까지 [hagikkaji] (Even)

~하기까지 [hagikkaji] (Even to the extent of doing)

1. Introduction

In Korean, expressing the extent or degree to which an action is taken can add depth and emphasis to your sentences. The grammar point ~하기까지 (hagikkaji) is used to convey that someone goes so far as to do something, highlighting an extreme or unexpected action. It's similar to saying "even to the extent of doing" in English.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

~하기까지 is used to emphasize that someone or something went to the extreme of performing a particular action. It underscores the unexpected or significant extent of the action.

• Translation Equivalents:
  • "Even to the point of doing..."
  • "Went so far as to do..."
  • "Even ended up doing..."

Structure

To form this grammar point:

1. Take the verb stem (by removing -다 from the verb).
2. Add 기까지 to the verb stem.

Formation Diagram

3. Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar Points

1. ~까지도
   • Usage: Emphasizes nouns with the meaning of "even".
   • Example: 그 사람은 돈까지도 빌려 갔다.
     He even borrowed money.
2. ~까지 하다
   • Usage: Attached to nouns to indicate "even doing [noun/action]".
   • Example: 그는 거짓말까지 했다.
     He even lied.

Differences

• ~하기까지 specifically emphasizes the action (verb) itself, whereas ~까지도 and ~까지 하다 typically emphasize nouns.

4. Examples in Context

Example Sentences

1. Formal (Written):
   • 그는 회사를 그만두기까지 했다.
     He even went so far as to quit his job.
2. Informal (Spoken):
   • 너는 나를 속이기까지 하니?
     You even deceive me?
3. Polite (Formal Spoken):
   • 선생님께서는 저를 도와주시기까지 했습니다.
     The teacher even helped me.
4. Casual:
   • 비가 오기까지 해서 기분이 안 좋아.
     It even started to rain, so I'm not feeling good.
5. Written (Emphatic):
   • 그 영화는 사람을 울리기까지 한다.
     That movie even makes people cry.

Context Variations

• Expressing Surprise:
  친구가 나를 배신하기까지 했어!
  My friend even betrayed me!
• Highlighting Effort:
  그는 목표를 이루기 위해 밤새우기까지 했다.
  He even stayed up all night to achieve his goal.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Korean culture, emphasizing the extent of actions indicates strong emotions or highlights significant efforts and sacrifices. Using ~하기까지 can show:

• Surprise or Shock: At someone's unexpected actions.
• Admiration: For someone's dedication or effort.
• Disapproval: Of actions that are considered extreme or unnecessary.

Levels of Politeness

• The politeness level is determined by the verb endings that come after ~하기까지.
  • Formal Polite Ending: -합니다, -했습니다
  • Informal Casual Ending: -해, -했어

Idiomatic Expressions

• 목숨을 버리기까지 하다
  To even give up one's life.
• 울기까지 하다
  To even end up crying.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Attaching 기까지 to Nouns Directly
   • Incorrect: 책기까지 읽었어.
     Even to the extent of book?
   • Correct: 책을 읽기까지 했어.
     I even went so far as to read a book.
2. Misplacing 까지
   • Incorrect: 기까지먹었어.
     Incorrect placement of 기까지.
   • Correct: 먹기까지 했어.
     I even ate it.

Tips

• Ensure Verb Stem is Correct: Always remove -다 from the dictionary form to get the verb stem.

• Context is Key: Use ~하기까지 when you want to highlight an extreme action. The action should be significant or unexpected.

• Practice with Common Verbs:

  Verb	Verb Stem	+ 기까지
  배우다 (to learn)	배우	배우기까지
  마시다 (to drink)	마시	마시기까지
  택하다 (to choose)	택하	택하기까지

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Think of "까지" as "up to" and "기" as "the act of doing." So, "~하기까지" = "Up to the act of doing..."

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~하기까지 is used to emphasize that someone went as far as performing an extreme or unexpected action.
• Formed by attaching 기까지 to the verb stem.
• Adds emphasis to the verb, highlighting the extent of the action.
• The overall politeness is determined by the sentence ending.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Form the correct expression using ~하기까지 with the verb 쓰다 (to write). Answer: 쓰기까지
2. Translate into Korean using ~하기까지:
   "They even sold their house." Answer: 그들은 집을 팔기까지 했다.
3. True or False: ~하기까지 can be used with adjectives. Answer: False
   (It is used with verbs to emphasize actions.)

By understanding and practicing ~하기까지, you can add nuance to your Korean sentences, expressing extreme actions and emphasizing unexpected events.