Processing keyword: ~해 주다 [hae juda] (Do for someone)

Korean Grammar Point: ~해 주다 [hae juda] (Do for someone)

~해 주다 [hae juda] (Do for someone)

1. Introduction

The grammar pattern ~해 주다 is a fundamental structure in Korean that expresses doing something for someone else's benefit. It combines an action verb with 주다 (to give), indicating that the action is performed as a favor or service to someone.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

• Meaning: To do something for someone; to perform an action that benefits another person.
• Usage: Attach ~아/어 주다 to the verb stem to indicate that the action is done for someone else.

Structure

Formation Diagram

[Verb Stem] + 아/어 주다

• Verb Stem: The base form of the verb without 다.
• 아/어: Vowel harmony suffix based on the verb stem ending.
  • If the last vowel is ㅏ or ㅗ, use 아.
  • Otherwise, use 어.
• 주다: The verb "to give".

Examples of Formation

3. Comparative Analysis

• ~해 주다 vs. ~해 드리다: Both mean to do something for someone, but ~해 드리다 is more honorific and is used when speaking to someone of higher status.
• ~해 주다 vs. ~해 보다: ~해 보다 means to try doing something, not to do it for someone else.
• ~해 주다 vs. ~해지다: ~해지다 indicates a change of state and is unrelated to doing something for someone.

4. Examples in Context

Formal Speech

1. 제가 문을 열어 드릴게요.
   • I will open the door for you.
2. 숙제를 도와 주시겠어요?
   • Could you help me with my homework?

Informal Speech

1. 사진 찍어 줄까?
   • Shall I take a picture for you?
2. 이거 설명해 줘.
   • Explain this to me.

Written Context

1. 친구를 위해 선물을 만들어 주었다.
   • I made a gift for my friend.
2. 선생님께서 책을 추천해 주셨다.
   • The teacher recommended a book to me.

Spoken Conversation

1. 엄마, 이거 사 줘!
   • Mom, buy this for me!
2. 제가 도와줄게요.
   • I'll help you.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Korean culture, showing consideration and performing favors are important social behaviors. Using ~해 주다 reflects politeness and willingness to assist others.

Levels of Politeness and Formality

• Casual: -아/어 줘
  • Used among close friends or younger people.
• Polite: -아/어 주세요
  • Standard polite form used in most situations.
• Honorific: -아/어 드리다
  • Used when speaking to someone of higher status.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 힘을 내 주세요!
  • Please cheer up!
• 조언해 주세요.
  • Please give me advice.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Forgetting the vowel harmony:
  • Incorrect: 먹 아 주다 ❌
  • Correct: 먹 어 주다 ✅
• Using 주다 without honorifics in formal situations:
  • Be cautious to use 드리다 when necessary.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic for Vowel Harmony:
  • "아오" bright, others dark: If the last vowel is 아 or 오, use 아 주다. Else, use 어 주다.
• Practice with Common Verbs:
  • Make sentences using verbs you frequently use to get comfortable with the pattern.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~해 주다 is used to express doing something for someone else's benefit.
• Attach 아/어 주다 to the verb stem following vowel harmony rules.
• Adjust the level of politeness based on the listener by using 주다, 주세요, or 드리다.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you say "Please teach me Korean" using ~해 주다?
   • 한국어를 가르쳐 주세요.
2. What is the polite honorific form of 봐 주다?
   • 봐 드리다
3. Correct the mistake: 저를 도워 주세요.
   • Corrected: 저를 도와 주세요.

By mastering ~해 주다, you enhance your ability to express favors and kindness in Korean, aligning with cultural norms of politeness and respect.