Korean Grammar Point
~하여 [hayeo] (~ing, and)

Used to connect actions or show a method of doing something; roughly 'and' or 'by doing'.

Formation

Verb stem + 하여

Examples

그는 매일 운동하여 건강을 유지합니다.

Geuneun maeil undonghayeo geongangeul yujihamnida.

He exercises every day and thus maintains his health.

열심히 공부하여 목표를 달성했습니다.

Yeolsimhi gongbuhayeo mokpyoreul dalseonghaesseumnida.

I studied hard and achieved my goal.

사장님은 직원들에게 동기를 부여하여 더 나은 성과를 얻었어요.

Sajangnimeun jigwondeurege donggireul buyeohayeo deo naeun seonggwareul eot-eosseoyo.

The boss motivated the employees and achieved better results.

나는 예산을 절약하여 여행 자금을 마련했어요.

Naneun yesaneul jeoryaghayeo yeohaeng jagumeul maryeonhaesseoyo.

I saved money on my budget and set aside funds for travel.

Long Explanation

'~하여 [hayeo]' is a somewhat formal connective ending in Korean used to link two actions or show that the second action happens by means of the first. It can often be translated as 'and' or 'by doing' in English. This form is more common in written or formal contexts compared to conversational speech.

Detailed Grammar Notes

Processing keyword: 하여 [hayeo] (ing, and)

Korean Grammar Point: 하여 [hayeo] (ing, and)

1. Introduction

The grammar point ~하여 [hayeo] is a connective form used in Korean to link two actions or states, similar to "and" or "ing" in English. It is often found in formal writing and literature, providing a smooth transition between clauses. Understanding **하여** helps learners read and compose more sophisticated Korean texts.


2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

The suffix ~하여 connects two verbs or clauses, indicating that:

  • The first action leads to the second action.
  • Two actions occur consecutively.
  • It expresses reason or cause. In English, it can be translated as:
  • "and"
  • "by doing"
  • "~ing"

Structure

To use ~하여, attach it to the verb stem of the first verb:

Verb Stem + 하여 + [Rest of the Sentence]

Formation Diagram

[Verb Stem] + 하여 + [Next Clause]
Example:
공부하다 (to study) → 공부하 + 여 → 공부하여

3. Comparative Analysis

~하여 vs. ~해서

  • ~하여 is the more formal or literary form.
  • ~해서 [haeseo] is the colloquial equivalent used in everyday conversation.
Aspect ~하여 ~해서
Formality Formal/Written Informal/Spoken
Usage Literature, formal texts Daily conversation
Pronunciation hayeo haeseo

4. Examples in Context

Formal Written Context

  1. 한국어를 공부하여 한국 문화를 이해합니다.
    • Hangug-eoreul gongbu*hayeo hanguk munhwareul ihaehamnida.*
    • "By studying Korean, I understand Korean culture."
  2. 열심히 일하여 성공을 이루었습니다.
    • Yeolsimhi il*hayeo seonggong-eul iru-eotseumnida.*
    • "I achieved success by working hard."

Colloquial Equivalent

  1. 한국어를 공부해서 한국 문화를 이해해요.
    • Hangug-eoreul gongbu*haeseo hanguk munhwareul ihaehaeyo.*
    • "I'm studying Korean and understanding Korean culture."

Multiple Actions Sequence

  1. 문을 열어 방에 들어가 하여 불을 켰습니다.
    • Muneul yeoreo bange deureoga hayeo bureul kyeotseumnida.
    • "I opened the door, entered the room, and turned on the light."

5. Cultural Notes

Politeness and Formality

  • ~하여 is often used in formal speeches, writings, and official documents.
  • Using ~하여 can convey respect and formality, aligning with Korea's hierarchical culture.

Idiomatic Expressions

  1. 몸소 실천하여 본보기가 되다
    • Momso silcheon*hayeo bonbogiga doeda*
    • "Set an example by practicing yourself."
  2. 노력하여 목표를 달성하다
    • Noryeok*hayeo mokpyoreul dalseonghada*
    • "Achieve goals through effort."

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

  • Using ~하여 in Casual Conversation Learners might overuse ~하여 in everyday speech, which can sound unnatural or overly formal. Incorrect: 친구를 만나하여 영화를 봤어요. Correct: 친구를 만나 영화를 봤어요.

Tips

  • Remember the Formality Level Use ~하여 in formal contexts. In casual situations, use ~해서 instead.
  • Mnemonic Device Associate 하여 with "high" formality — both start with "h."

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

  • ~하여 is a formal connective meaning "and," "by doing," or "~ing."
  • Used primarily in formal writing and speeches.
  • Formed by attaching 하여 to the verb stem.
  • ~해서 is the informal equivalent used in daily conversation.

Quick Recap Quiz

  1. How do you attach ~하여 to the verb 먹다 (to eat)? a) 먹하여 b) 먹어하여 c) 먹하여 Answer: a) 먹하여 (But note that with verbs ending in consonant, it's not common to use ~하여 directly.)
  2. True or False: ~하여 is appropriate for casual conversations with friends. Answer: False
  3. What is the informal equivalent of ~하여? Answer: ~해서

By mastering ~하여, you enhance your ability to understand and compose formal Korean texts, aligning your language use with appropriate contexts.


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