Processing keyword: ~해 갈수록 [hae galsurok] (Increasingly, as time goes on)
Korean Grammar Point: ~해 갈수록 [hae galsurok] (Increasingly, as time goes on)
1. Introduction
The grammatical structure ~해 갈수록 (hae galsurok) is used in Korean to express a progressive change or increase as time passes. It conveys the meaning of "increasingly" or "the more... the more..." indicating that as one action continues, another outcome becomes more pronounced.
2. Core Grammar Explanation
Meaning
- ~해 갈수록 indicates that as an action or state progresses, there is a corresponding increase or intensification in another aspect.
- It emphasizes a continuous change over time.
Structure
Formation:
Verb Stem + 아/어 가다 + (으)ㄹ수록
Formation Diagram
| Part | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Verb Stem | Base form of the verb without 다 |
| 아/어 가다 | Indicates continuation into the future |
| (으)ㄹ수록 | Means "the more..., the more..." |
How to Form
Identify the Verb Stem:
- Remove 다 from the dictionary form of the verb.
Add 아/어 가다:
- If the last vowel of the verb stem is 아 or 오, add 아 가다.
- For other vowels, add 어 가다.
- 하다 verbs become 해 가다.
Add (으)ㄹ수록:
- If the verb stem ends with a consonant, add 을수록.
- If it ends with a vowel, add ㄹ수록. Example with the verb 배우다 (to learn):
Verb Stem: 배우
Add 어 가다: 배워 가다
Add ㄹ수록: 배워 갈수록
3. Comparative Analysis
~해 갈수록 vs ~(으)면 ~(으)ㄹ수록
While both structures express a progressive increase, they differ slightly:
- ~해 갈수록:
- Focuses on the ongoing action leading to a gradual change.
- Emphasizes the continuation over time.
- ~(으)면 ~(으)ㄹ수록:
- Means "the more... the more..."
- Often used to compare two related conditions. Example Comparison:
- 운동을 해 갈수록 건강이 좋아져요.
- As I continue to exercise, my health improves.
- 운동을 하면 할수록 건강이 좋아져요.
- The more I exercise, the better my health becomes.
4. Examples in Context
Example 1: Daily Conversation (Informal)
한국어를 배워 갈수록 재미있어져요.
- As I keep learning Korean, it becomes more interesting.
Example 2: Polite Conversation (Formal)
시간이 지나며 서로를 알아가 갈수록 친해집니다.
- As time goes by and we get to know each other, we become closer.
Example 3: Written Context
그 책을 읽어 갈수록 새로운 사실을 발견하게 됩니다.
- As you continue reading the book, you discover new facts.
Example 4: Spoken Context
연습을 해 갈수록 실력이 늘어요.
- The more I practice, the more my skills improve.
5. Cultural Notes
Cultural Relevance
- In Korean culture, emphasis is placed on gradual progress and continuous effort.
- ~해 갈수록 reflects the value of perseverance and steady improvement over time.
Levels of Politeness
- Adjust verb endings to match the appropriate level of politeness:
- Informal: -어/아 가 + -ㄹ수록
- Polite: Add -요 at the end.
- Formal: Use -습니다 form.
Idiomatic Expressions
- 갈수록 태산이다: It gets worse as it goes on (Literally: "As you go, it's a greater mountain.")
6. Common Mistakes and Tips
Error Analysis
- Forgetting '가다' in the structure
- Incorrect: 공부할수록 재미있어요.
- Correct: 공부해 갈수록 재미있어요.
- Misplacing '(으)ㄹ수록'
- Incorrect: 배워수록 좋아요.
- Correct: 배워 갈수록 좋아요.
Learning Strategies
- Mnemonic Tip: Think of "As I go on doing..." for ~해 갈수록.
- Practice: Create sentences using activities you do regularly to internalize the structure.
7. Summary and Review
Key Takeaways
- ~해 갈수록 is used to express an increasing change over time as an action continues.
- Formed by Verb Stem + 아/어 가다 + (으)ㄹ수록.
- Reflects the importance of gradual progress in Korean culture.
Quick Recap Quiz
- Fill in the blank: ___ 해 갈수록 한국어 실력이 늘어요. (to study)
- Answer: 공부해 갈수록 한국어 실력이 늘어요.
- Translate: As time goes on, the weather is getting colder.
- Answer: 시간이 지나갈수록 날씨가 추워져요.
By understanding and practicing ~해 갈수록, you can express progressive changes and deepening states in Korean naturally and accurately.