Processing keyword: ~함께 [hamkke] (Together with)

Korean Grammar Point: ~함께 [hamkke] (Together with)

1. Introduction

~함께 [hamkke] (Together with) is a commonly used Korean grammar point that expresses the concept of doing something together with someone or something. It is an essential expression for learners who wish to describe shared actions or experiences in Korean.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning and Usage

• 함께 means "together".
• It is used to indicate that an action is performed with someone else.
• Often paired with particles like ~와/과, ~하고, or ~(이)랑 which mean "and" or "with".

Structure

Formation Diagram

Full Structure

[Subject] + [Person/Object] + 와/과/하고/(이)랑 + 함께 + [Verb]

• 와: Used after nouns ending with a vowel.
• 과: Used after nouns ending with a consonant.
• 하고: Can be used after any noun.
• (이)랑: 이랑 after consonants, 랑 after vowels; more casual.

Visual Aid: Structure Table

3. Comparative Analysis

함께 vs. 같이 [gachi]

• 같이 also means "together" and is often used interchangeably with 함께.
• Differences:
  • 함께 is slightly more formal than 같이.
  • 함께 is more common in written and formal contexts.
  • 같이 is more common in spoken and casual conversations.

4. Examples in Context

Formal Situations

1. 친구와 함께 도서관에 갔습니다.
   Chinguwa hamkke doseogwane gatsseumnida.
   I went to the library together with a friend.
2. 동료들과 함께 프로젝트를 완료했습니다.
   Dongnyodeulgwa hamkke peurojekteureul wanryohaetsseumnida.
   I completed the project together with colleagues.

Informal Situations

1. 언니랑 함께 쇼핑하러 가요.
   Eonnirang hamkke syoping-hareo gayo.
   I'm going shopping together with my older sister.
2. 그들과 함께 영화 볼래요?
   Geudeulgwa hamkke yeonghwa bolraeyo?
   Do you want to watch a movie together with them?

Written Context

1. 가족과 함께하는 시간이 소중합니다.
   Gajokgwa hamkkehaneun sigani sojunghamnida.
   Time spent together with family is precious.
2. 자연과 함께 숨 쉬는 삶을 꿈꾸다.
   Jayeongwa hamkke sum swineun salmeul kkumkuda.
   Dreaming of a life breathing together with nature.

Spoken Context

1. 우리 같이 함께 놀자!
   Uri gachi hamkke nolja!
   Let's play together!
2. 친구들하고 함께 여행 가자.
   Chingudeulhago hamkke yeohaeng gaja.
   Let's go on a trip together with friends.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• Collectivism: Korean culture often emphasizes group harmony and collective activities. Expressions like 함께 reflect the importance of doing things together.
• Politeness Levels: Using 함께 in formal speech shows respect and adherence to social norms in professional or elder relationships.

Idiomatic Expressions

1. 함께하다
   Hamkkehada
   To do together; to share (time, feelings, experiences)
   • 예: 우리는 기쁨과 슬픔을 함께합니다.
     Urineun gippeumgwa seulpeumeul hamkkehamnida.
     We share joy and sorrow together.
2. 생사고락을 함께하다
   Saengsa-gorakeul hamkkehada
   To share life's ups and downs together

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Omitting the particle: Forgetting to use 와/과/하고/(이)랑 before 함께.

  • Incorrect: 친구 함께 영화를 봤어요.
    Chingu hamkke yeonghwareul bwasseoyo.

  • Correct: 친구와 함께 영화를 봤어요.
    Chingu*wa hamkke yeonghwareul bwasseoyo.*

• Using 같이 and 함께 together improperly:

  • Incorrect: 친구와 같이 함께 갔어요.

  • Correct: 친구와 함께 갔어요.
    OR 친구와 같이 갔어요.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Think "Hamkke with Hamkki", imagining 함께 as a friendly hamster (hamkki) you do things together with.
• Practice Pairing: Always pair 함께 with the appropriate particle. Create sentences swapping 와/과, 하고, (이)랑 to get comfortable.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• 함께 means "together" and is used to express doing something with someone else.
• It is often used with 와/과, 하고, (이)랑.
• 함께 is slightly more formal than 같이.
• Remember to include the correct particle before 함께.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Which particle would you use with a noun ending in a consonant before 함께?
   • a) 와
   • b) 과
   • c) 랑
2. True or False: 함께 is more formal than 같이.
3. Fill in the blank: 동생___ 함께 공원에 산책 갔어요. (Use the appropriate particle)

Answers:

1. b) 과
2. True
3. 동생과 함께 공원에 산책 갔어요.