Processing keyword: ~하다 보면 [hada bomyeon] (If one keeps doing)

Korean Grammar Point: ~하다 보면 [hada bomyeon] (If one keeps doing)

Introduction

In Korean, the expression ~하다 보면 (hada bomyeon) is commonly used to convey the meaning "if one keeps doing" something. It implies that through continuous action or repetition, a certain result or realization naturally occurs over time. This grammar point is useful for expressing outcomes or changes that happen as a result of ongoing activities.

Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

~하다 보면 is used to indicate that if someone continues doing an action, eventually a certain result will happen or they will come to realize something. It suggests a natural progression or outcome from the repeated action.

Structure

The structure combines a verb stem with -다 보면.

Formation

1. Take the verb stem of the action verb.
2. Attach -다 보면 to the verb stem. Formation Diagram:

   Verb Stem	+ 다 보면	Meaning
   먹 (eat)	먹다 보면	If one keeps eating
   가 (go)	가다 보면	If one keeps going
   공부하 (study)	공부하다 보면	If one keeps studying
   운동하 (exercise)	운동하다 보면	If one keeps exercising

Examples of Formation

• 읽다 (to read) → 읽 + 다 보면 → 읽다 보면 (If one keeps reading)
• 듣다 (to listen) → 듣 + 다 보면 → 듣다 보면 (If one keeps listening)
• 연습하다 (to practice) → 연습하 + 다 보면 → 연습하다 보면 (If one keeps practicing)

Comparative Analysis

~하다 보면 vs. ~하면

• ~하면 means "if one does," expressing a simple condition without emphasis on repetition.
  • Example: 열심히 공부하면 성공할 거예요. (If you study hard, you will succeed.)
• ~하다 보면 emphasizes repetition and the natural result from continuous action.
  • Example: 열심히 공부하다 보면 실력이 늘 거예요. (If you keep studying hard, your skills will improve.)

~하다 보니까 vs. ~하다 보면

• ~하다 보니까 conveys a realization or discovery made while doing an action.
  • Example: 일을 하다 보니까 시간이 훌쩍 지났어요. (As I was working, time flew by.)
• ~하다 보면 predicts an outcome that will happen if the action continues.
  • Example: 일을 계속하다 보면 익숙해질 거예요. (If you keep working, you'll become accustomed to it.)

Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

Formal Context

1. 한국어를 공부하다 보면 문화에 대한 이해도 깊어집니다.
   • If one keeps studying Korean, one's understanding of the culture deepens.
2. 꾸준히 노력하다 보면 목표를 달성할 수 있을 것입니다.
   • If you keep making efforts consistently, you will be able to achieve your goals.

Informal Context

1. 계속 연습하다 보면 더 나아질 거야.
   • If you keep practicing, you'll get better.
2. 새로운 곳을 여행하다 보면 많은 것을 배우게 돼.
   • If you keep traveling to new places, you end up learning a lot.

Spoken Context

1. 사람들을 만나다 보면 재미있는 일들이 생겨요.
   • If you keep meeting people, interesting things happen.
2. 그 영화를 보다 보면 웃게 될 거예요.
   • If you keep watching that movie, you'll end up laughing.

Written Context

1. 책을 읽다 보면 상상의 나래를 펼칠 수 있다.
   • If one keeps reading books, one can let one's imagination soar.
2. 역사를 공부하다 보면 현재를 이해하게 된다.
   • If one keeps studying history, one comes to understand the present.

Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Korean culture, perseverance and continuous effort are highly valued. The expression ~하다 보면 reflects this cultural emphasis on dedication and the belief that persistent actions lead to improvement and success.

Politeness Levels

• The use of ~하다 보면 is neutral regarding politeness.
• Politeness is adjusted through sentence endings:
  • Formal polite: -습니다/습니까
    • 계속 노력하다 보면 성공할 것입니다.
  • Informal polite: -아요/어요
    • 계속 노력하다 보면 성공해요.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 살다 보면 별 일이 다 있다.
  • As you live, all sorts of things happen.
  • This idiom expresses that life brings various unexpected events over time.

Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Incorrect Verb Conjugation
   • Mistake: 먹어요다 보면
   • Correction: 먹다 보면
   • Tip: Use the verb stem without any polite endings before adding -다 보면.
2. Confusing with Simple Conditional
   • Mistake: Using ~하면 instead of ~하다 보면 when emphasizing repetition.
   • Tip: Remember that ~하다 보면 implies continuous or repeated action leading to a result.

Learning Strategies

• Associate with Outcome: Link ~하다 보면 to natural outcomes from repeated actions.
• Practice with Common Verbs: Write sentences using verbs you frequently use to become comfortable with the structure.
• Visualize Progression: Imagine the action being done repeatedly leading to a certain result.

Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~하다 보면 is used to express that if one keeps doing an action, a natural result or realization will occur.
• Formed by adding -다 보면 to the verb stem.
• Emphasizes the aspect of continuous or repeated action leading to an outcome.
• Different from ~하면 (simple conditional) and ~하다 보니까 (realization during an action).

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you form ~하다 보면 with the verb 쓰다 (to write)?
2. What is the main difference between ~하다 보면 and ~하다 보니까?
3. Create a sentence using ~하다 보면 related to learning a language.

Answers

1. 쓰다 → 쓰 (verb stem) + 다 보면 → 쓰다 보면
2. ~하다 보면 predicts an outcome from continued action, while ~하다 보니까 indicates a realization or discovery made during the action.
3. 한국어로 말하다 보면 자신감이 생겨요.
   • If you keep speaking in Korean, you'll gain confidence.