Korean Grammar Point
~해서야 [haeseoya] (In order to)

~해서야 [haeseoya] (In order to)

Short explanation:

Used to express the necessity or requirement to achieve a purpose or goal; 'in order to', 'so that'.

Formation:

Verb + 아/어/여 + 서야

Examples:

학교에 더 잘 적응하기 위해서야 일상적으로 학교 활동에 더 많이 참여해야 해요.
Hakgyo-e deo jal jeogeung-hagi wihaeseoya ilsangjeog-eulo hakgyo hwaldong-e deo manhi chamyeohae야 haeyo.
In order to better adapt to school, you need to participate more in daily school activities.
올리는 무게를 더 높이려면, 나는 더 열심히 운동해서야 해요.
Ollineun mugeleul deo nopihalymyeon, naneun deo yeolsimhi undonghaeseoya haeyo.
In order to lift more weight, I need to exercise harder.
회사 직원들에게 좋은 이미지를 보여주기 위해서야 더 많이 야근해서야 해요.
Hoesa jigweondeul-ege joheun imijileul boyeojugi wihaeseoya deo manhi yageunhaeseoya haeyo.
In order to show a good image to company employees, I have to work late more.
요리를 잘 배우기 위해서야 재료에 대해 더 많이 이해하려면 노력해서야 해요.
Yoli-leul jal baeugi wihaeseoya jaeli-e daehae deo manhi ihaehamyeon noryeokhaeseoya haeyo.
In order to learn to cook well, you have to make an effort to understand more about the ingredients.

Long explanation:

'~해서야 [haeseoya]' is a verb ending in Korean that expresses necessity or a requirement to achieve a specific purpose or goal. It's similar to 'in order to' or 'so that' in English. The statement implies a sense of needing to work or do something in particular to reach a goal or fulfill a condition.

Detailed Grammar notes:

Processing keyword: ~해서야 [haeseoya] (In order to)

Korean Grammar Point: ~해서야 [haeseoya] (In order to)

~해서야 [haeseoya] (In order to / Only when)

1. Introduction

The Korean grammar pattern ~해서야 is used to emphasize that only when a particular action is done or condition is met, the following result or situation can occur. It conveys a sense of necessity or indispensability of the preceding action for the realization of the following one.


2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

  • ~해서야 translates to "only when..., only after..., or in order to...".
  • It emphasizes that the outcome in the main clause can only happen if the action in the preceding clause is completed.

Structure

The structure combines a verb or adjective stem with ~해서야, connecting it to the main clause.

Formation Diagram

[Verb/Adjective Stem] + 해서야 + [Resulting Clause]

Breakdown

  1. [Verb/Adjective Stem]: The base form of a verb or adjective.
  2. 해서야: Connective ending implying necessity.
  3. [Resulting Clause]: The main clause that depends on the preceding action.

3. Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar Points

Grammar Pattern Meaning Difference
~고 나서야 Only after doing... Similar emphasis on completion before result occurs.
~지 않고서는 Unless.../Without doing... Expresses a negative condition.
~어야만 Only if.../Must... Stronger necessity or obligation.
  • ~해서야 vs. ~고 나서야: Both express that only after the preceding action, the main clause can occur. However, ~해서야 can carry a stronger emphasis on the necessity.

4. Examples in Context

Example 1 (Informal)

Sentence: 문제를 직접 해결해서야 이해할 수 있어요. Translation: "I can understand it only when I solve the problem myself."

Example 2 (Formal)

Sentence: 그 사실을 확인해서야 보고할 수 있습니다. Translation: "I can report only after verifying that fact."

Example 3 (Spoken)

Sentence: 네가 도와줘서야 이 일을 끝낼 수 있을 것 같아. Translation: "I think I can finish this work only if you help me."

Example 4 (Written)

Sentence: 자료를 모두 조사해서야 결론을 내릴 수 있었다. Translation: "Only after researching all the materials could a conclusion be drawn."

5. Cultural Notes

Levels of Politeness and Formality

  • ~해서야 itself is neutral but can be used in both formal and informal contexts depending on the verb endings and vocabulary.

Idiomatic Expressions

  • 이제야 집에 와서야 마음이 놓인다.
    • "Only now that I'm home do I feel at ease."

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

  • Mistake: Using ~해서야 without considering the necessity of the preceding action.
    • Incorrect: 그는 밥을 먹어서야 잠을 잔다. (He eats rice in order to sleep.)
    • Corrected: 그는 배가 불러서야 잠을 잘 수 있다. (Only when he is full can he sleep.)

Learning Strategies

  • Mnemonic Tip: Think of ~해서야 as "Having done..., only then...".
  • Practice: Create sentences where the result is impossible without the preceding action.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

  • ~해서야 emphasizes that only when the first action is completed, the second can occur.
  • It is used to express necessity and indispensability.
  • Pay attention to the context to ensure natural usage.

Quick Recap Quiz

  1. What does ~해서야 express in a sentence?
  2. How do you form a sentence using ~해서야?
  3. Create a sentence using ~해서야.

Answers:

  1. It expresses that only when a certain action is done, the following result can occur.
  2. Attach ~해서야 to the verb/adjective stem of the necessary action, followed by the resulting clause.
  3. (Example Answer) 그는 열심히 연습해서야 경기에 나갈 수 있었다. ("Only after practicing hard could he participate in the game.")
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