Korean Grammar Point
~하다가 말다 [hadaga malda] (Stop doing something)

~하다가 말다 [hadaga malda] (Stop doing something)

Short explanation:

Used to express someone or something that stops in the course of doing something.

Formation:

Verb in dictionary form + 하다가 말다

Examples:

공부하다가 말았어요, 왜냐하면 알람이 안 울려서 시간을 잊어버렸어요.
Gongbuhadaga malasseoyo, waenyahamyeon allam-i an ullyeoseo sigan-eul ij-eobeolyeoss-eoyo.
I was studying and then I stopped, because I forgot the time as the alarm did not ring.
친구가 집에 왔기 때문에 저는 밥 요리하다가 말았어요.
Chinguga jib-e wasseugi ttaemun-e jeoneun bab yoli hadaga mal-ass-eoyo.
I was cooking rice but then I stopped because my friend came over.
운동하다가 말았어요, 왜냐하면 비가 너무 많이 왔기 때문입니다.
Undonghadaga malasseoyo, waenyahamyeon biga neomu mani wasgi ttaemun-ibnida.
I was exercising and then I stopped, because it was raining too much.
책을 읽다가 말았어요, 왜냐하면 갑자기 잠이 와서입니다.
Chaeg-eul ilgdaga mal-ass-eoyo, waenyahamyeon gabjagi jam-i waseoibnida.
I was reading a book and then I stopped, because I suddenly felt sleepy.

Long explanation:

'~하다가 말다 [hadaga malda]' is a grammar point in Korean language that depicts an action or behavior that got interrupted or stopped while it was being executed. It often implies that the action was stopped before it was fully completed, with the potential to resume at a later time. It's often used to highlight sudden change, interruption or unforeseen situations that cause the action to cease. The verb precedes '하다가 말다' is in dictionary form

Detailed Grammar notes:

Processing keyword: ~하다가 말다 [hadaga malda] (Stop doing something)

Korean Grammar Point: ~하다가 말다 [hadaga malda] (Stop doing something)

Grammar Point: ~하다가 말다 [hadaga malda] (Stop doing something)

1. Introduction

The expression ~하다가 말다 is used to indicate that an action was begun but then deliberately stopped before it was completed. This construction maps a scenario where someone begins an action and then chooses to stop, often implying that the pause or cessation was incidental or a result of an unforeseen circumstance.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

  • Meaning: To start doing something and then stop before finishing it.
  • Structure:
    • The construction consists of Verb Stem + 다가 + 말다.
    • It suggests an interruption in the action performed.

Formation Diagram

[Verb Stem] + 다가 + 말다

Visual Aid: Breakdown Structure

Element Explanation Example
Verb Stem The root form of the verb 가다 (to go) -> 간다 (going)
다가 Indicates progression of action I was going...
말다 To stop or cease doing I stop (doing)

3. Comparative Analysis

This grammar point can be compared to similar expressions such as:

  • ~하다 (hada): to do something without indicating a stop.
  • ~고 있다 (go itda): to be doing something implies ongoing action without stopping.

Differences and Nuances

  • ~하다: No implication of a halt, but rather completion of an action.
  • ~고 있다: Indicates ongoing action; not specifically about stopping.

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

  1. Formal:
    • 저는 공부하다가 말하고 친구와 이야기를 했습니다.
    • (I was studying, but then I stopped to talk with my friend.)
  2. Informal:
    • 게임하다가 전화를 받았어.
    • (I was playing a game and then I stopped to answer a phone call.)
  3. Written:
    • 그녀는 일을 하다가 밥을 먹으러 갔다.
    • (She was working but then stopped to go eat.)
  4. Spoken:
    • 운동하다가 친구가 와서 그냥 놀았어.
    • (I was exercising, but my friend came, so I just stopped and hung out.)

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Korean culture, it's common to be polite and considerate of others. Thus, using ~하다가 말다 in conversations may indicate that you value your interaction with others more than the task you were engaged in.

Levels of Politeness

The usage of this grammar point can vary in levels of politeness based on context. It can be adjusted in formality by changing the verb endings.

Idiomatic Expressions

  • 하던 일을 멈추다 — To stop the work that one was doing, which conveys a similar meaning.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

  • Common Mistake: Using the past tense unnecessarily with this structure. The action may have happened in the past but the focus is often on the interruption itself.
  • Tip: Ensure that the tense used reflects whether you want to convey an ongoing sense or a completed action prior to the stop.

Learning Strategies

  • Mnemonic Device: Think of "Stop-Do" (as it's a combination of engaging in an action and stopping it) to remember the usage of this phrase.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

  • ~하다가 말다 captures the essence of starting an action and choosing to halt it.
  • Structure: [Verb Stem] + 다가 + 말다 is crucial for proper usage.
  • Nuances differentiate it from more straightforward action verbs.

Quick Recap Quiz

  1. Translate the following: "I was eating and then stopped."
  2. What is the structure used for this grammar point?
  3. Give an example of how you would use ~하다가 말다 in a spoken context. This framework provides a comprehensive understanding of the grammar point ~하다가 말다, useful for learners aiming to enhance their fluency in Korean conversations.
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Public Alpha version Open Source (GitHub). This site is currently undergoing active development. You may (will) encounter bugs, inconsistencies, or limited functionality. Lots of sentences might not sound natural. We are progressively addressing these issues with native speakers.


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