Understanding Korean Grammar: -아/어 두다

Introduction: Korean Grammar ‘-아/어 두다’

Learning Korean grammar can be challenging, but breaking it down into manageable lessons can make it easier. Today, we will explore the grammar pattern ‘-아/어 두다,’ which is used to indicate that an action has been completed and left in a maintained state. This lesson will help you understand and use this form effectively.

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Grammar Explanation

The grammar pattern ‘-아/어 두다’ is used to express that an action has been completed and is left in a maintained state, similar to “do something and keep it that way” in English. The ending depends on the vowel in the verb stem.

Formation:

• If the stem has a bright vowel (ㅏ or ㅗ), add ‘-아 두다.’
• If the stem has a dark vowel (any other vowel), add ‘-어 두다.’
• If the verb stem ends in 하다, it changes to 해 두다.

Examples

Verb Examples:

• 닫다 (to close)
  • 닫아 두다 = To close and keep it that way
  • 창문을 닫아 두었어요 = I closed the window and kept it closed.
• 쓰다 (to write)
  • 써 두다 = To write and keep it that way
  • 편지를 써 두었어요 = I wrote the letter and kept it written.
• 만들다 (to make)
  • 만들어 두다 = To make and keep it that way
  • 저녁을 만들어 두었어요 = I made dinner and kept it ready.
• 청소하다 (to clean)
  • 청소해 두다 = To clean and keep it that way
  • 방을 청소해 두었어요 = I cleaned the room and kept it clean.

Additional Examples:

• 열다 (to open)
  • 열어 두다 = To open and keep it that way
  • 문을 열어 두었어요 = I opened the door and kept it open.
• 준비하다 (to prepare)
  • 준비해 두다 = To prepare and keep it that way
  • 회의를 준비해 두었어요 = I prepared the meeting and kept it ready.
• 설거지하다 (to do the dishes)
  • 설거지해 두다 = To do the dishes and keep it that way
  • 설거지를 다 해 두었어요 = I did the dishes and kept them clean.
• 저장하다 (to save/store)
  • 저장해 두다 = To save/store and keep it that way
  • 파일을 저장해 두었어요 = I saved the file and kept it stored.

Usage in Context

When using ‘-아/어 두다’ in different contexts, it emphasizes that the action has been completed and the result is maintained.

Everyday Contexts:

• 불을 켜 두었어요 = I turned on the light and kept it on.
• 옷을 준비해 두었어요 = I prepared the clothes and kept them ready.
• 컴퓨터를 켜 두었어요 = I turned on the computer and kept it on.

Special Occasions:

• 음식을 미리 만들어 두었어요 = I prepared the food in advance and kept it ready.
• 숙제를 다 해 두었어요 = I finished my homework and kept it done.
• 방을 미리 청소해 두었어요 = I cleaned the room in advance and kept it clean.

Cultural Insight: In Korean culture, using ‘-아/어 두다’ emphasizes preparedness and forethought. It is often used to show that one has completed necessary actions in advance and kept things in a state of readiness.

Common Mistakes

Common Mistakes:

• Incorrect: 열어 두었다 (Incorrect form of past tense)
  • Correct: 열어 두었어요 = I opened it and kept it open.

Mistake Explanation: Ensure that the correct form ‘-아/어 두다’ is used with proper conjugation in context.

Related Grammar Points

Explore these related grammar points to deepen your understanding:

• -고 있다: To indicate ongoing actions.
• -아/어 놓다: Similar to ‘-아/어 두다,’ but with a nuance of leaving something in a certain state.
• -아/어 있다: To express a continuing state.
• -아/어 보다: To try doing something.

Practice Exercises

Practice Makes Perfect!

• Exercise 1: Conjugate the following verbs with ‘-아/어 두다.’
  • 열다 (to open)
  • 쓰다 (to write)
  • 준비하다 (to prepare)
  • 정리하다 (to organize)

Answer Key:

1. 열어 두다
2. 써 두다
3. 준비해 두다
4. 정리해 두다

• Exercise 2: Create sentences using ‘-아/어 두다’ for the following situations:
  • I cleaned the room and kept it clean.
  • She wrote the notes and kept them written.
  • They prepared the presentation and kept it ready.
  • We turned off the lights and kept them off.

Answer Key:

1. 방을 청소해 두었어요.
2. 그녀는 노트를 써 두었어요.
3. 그들은 발표를 준비해 두었어요.
4. 우리는 불을 꺼 두었어요.

Summary and Conclusion

Today, we covered the grammar point ‘-아/어 두다’ and how to use it to express completed actions that are left in a maintained state. This pattern is essential for conveying preparedness and maintaining results. Continue practicing with our workbook and check out related lessons for more in-depth learning.

If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to comment below. Happy learning!

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