Processing keyword: ~하다가는 [hadaganeun] (If continue doing)

Korean Grammar Point: ~하다가는 [hadaganeun] (If continue doing)

1. Introduction

The Korean grammar pattern ~하다가는 is used to warn or caution that if a certain action continues, an undesirable result may occur. It often implies that the speaker believes the continuation of an action will lead to negative consequences.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

The pattern ~하다가는 translates to "if (someone) keeps doing..." or "if (someone) continues to do..." It expresses a warning about the potential negative outcome of an ongoing action.

Structure

• Verb stem + -다가는

Formation Diagram

[Verb Stem] + 다가는

Detailed Explanation

1. Verb Stem: Remove the -다 ending from the dictionary form of the verb.

   • 가다 (to go) → 가
   • 먹다 (to eat) → 먹

2. Attach -다가는

   • 가 + 다가는 → 가다가는
   • 먹 + 다가는 → 먹다가는 Note: The pattern is typically used with action verbs.

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3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with Similar Grammar Points

Grammar Pattern	Meaning	Usage Difference
~다가는	If (subject) continues doing (negative result)	Emphasizes negative consequences of ongoing action
~으면	If (subject) does...	General conditional; neutral
~다가	While (subject) was doing...	Indicates interruption during an action

• ~다가는 specifically implies a warning about a future negative result if the action continues.

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4. Examples in Context

Example Sentences

1. Formal Written
   • 이렇게 늦게까지 일을 하다가는 건강을 해칠 거예요.
     • If you keep working late like this, you'll harm your health.
2. Informal Spoken
   • 계속 쓰레기를 버리다가는 큰 벌금을 받을 거야.
     • If you keep throwing trash away like that, you'll get a big fine.
3. Polite Spoken
   • 맛있는 음식도 너무 많이 먹다가는 배탈이 날 수 있어요.
     • Even delicious food, if you eat too much, you might get a stomachache.
4. Advice Context
   • 무리해서 운동을 하다가는 오히려 다칠 수 있으니 조심하세요.
     • If you overdo your exercise, you might get hurt instead, so be careful.

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5. Cultural Notes

Levels of Politeness and Formality

• The use of ~하다가는 can vary in politeness depending on the context and verb endings.
• In Korean culture, gently warning someone about potential negative outcomes is a common way to show concern.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 시간을 낭비하다가는 후회하게 될 거야.
  • If you keep wasting time, you'll end up regretting it.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Mistake: Using ~하다가는 with stative verbs (verbs that describe a state rather than an action).
  • Incorrect: 피곤하다가는 건강이 나빠질 거예요.
  • Correct: 계속 피곤한 상태로 지내다가는 건강이 나빠질 거예요.
    • If you continue being tired, your health will deteriorate.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Think of ~하다가는 as "Doing this action (하다), if continues (가는), then..." leading to a negative result.
• Tip: Remember that ~하다가는 is usually used to warn about negative outcomes, so it seldom pairs with positive results.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~하다가는 is used to warn that if an action continues, a negative result may occur.
• Formed by attaching -다가는 to the verb stem.
• Primarily used with action verbs.
• Conveys caution or concern.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you form ~하다가는 with the verb 공부하다 (to study)?
   • Answer: 공부하다가는
2. Is ~하다가는 typically used with positive or negative outcomes?
   • Answer: Negative outcomes
3. What is the mistake in the following sentence?
   • 친구를 사랑하다가는 문제가 생길 거예요.
   • Answer: ~하다가는 should not be used with stative verbs like 사랑하다. The sentence implies loving a friend will lead to problems, which may not fit the cautionary use of ~하다가는.

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Feel free to revisit the examples and notes to reinforce your understanding of ~하다가는. Practice by creating your own sentences using this grammar pattern.

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