Processing keyword: ~하기까지 [hagikkaji] (Even)

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

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

1. Introduction

The expression ~하기까지 is a useful grammatical structure in Korean that conveys the meaning of "even" or "up to the point of." It is typically used to emphasize a situation or action that reaches an unexpected or notable extreme. This structure adds weight to statements and highlights the extent of something.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

• Meaning: The phrase ~하기까지 translates to "even to the extent of doing..." or "up to doing...". It suggests that something occurs to a significant degree or that certain actions or situations are pushed to an extreme.
• Structure: The grammar point is constructed with the verb in the infinitive form plus ~기 (the noun form), followed by 까지 (meaning "to the extent of" or "until").

Structure Breakdown

• Verb Stem + 하다 (hada) = infinitive form
• 하 + 기 + 까지 (kaji):
  • 하: The stem of the verb '하다' (to do)
  • 기: Nominalizes the verb
  • 까지: Indicates "up to" or "even to"

Formation Diagram

[Verb Stem] + 하 + 기 + 까지
           ↑         ↑
       Verb stem   Noun-Form

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with Similar Grammar Points

• -할 수 있다 (hal su itda): Means "can" or "be able to." While this expresses capability, ~하기까지 emphasizes the extent or unexpectedness of an action.
• -기에는 (gienun): Used to express that something is the beginning or threshold of something. ~하기까지 goes further by suggesting a level of extremity.

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. 그는 시험에서 막점까지 얻었다.
   Geuneun siheomeseo makjeomkkaji eodda.
   (He scored even to the maximum on the exam.)
2. 나는 친구의 부탁을 들어주기까지 했다.
   Naneun chinguui butakeul deureojugikaji haetta.
   (I even went so far as to help my friend’s request.)
3. 비가 오는 날에도 나는 운동하기까지 해요.
   Biga oneun naledo naneun undonghagikkaji haeyo.
   (Even on rainy days, I go to exercise.)
4. 그는 자주 연습하기까지 해서 드디어 합격했다.
   Geuneun jaju yeonseubhagikkaji haeseo deudieo hapgyeokhaetta.
   (He practiced so much that he finally passed.)

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Korean culture, the idea of making significant efforts and going to extremes is often respected. Thus, using ~하기까지 can imply that the speaker values hard work or dedication.

Levels of Politeness

The formality of the surrounding language may affect the use of this grammar point. It is commonly used in both written and spoken Korean, but it's ideal to match the overall politeness level of the context.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 할 수 없이 (hal su eobs-i): "out of no choice," emphasizing an action done reluctantly or through circumstance.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Learners often confuse ~하기까지 with ~하기 위해서 (hagi wihaeseo), which means "in order to do..." and does not imply extremity.

Learning Strategies

• To remember ~하기까지, associate it with reaching an unexpected limit, such as "even doing xyz."

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~ 하기까지 means "even to the extent of doing..."
• Used to emphasize extreme actions or situations.
• Constructed with verb stems, nominalization (기), and till (까지).

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What does ~하기까지 express?
2. Give an example sentence using ~하기까지 in context.
3. How does ~하기까지 differ from ~기에는? Feel free to ask if you have any questions or need further clarification!