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.
| Verb | Stem | Form | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| 열다 (to open) | 열 | 열어 두다 | 문을 열어 두었어요 (I opened the door and kept it open) |
| 두다 (to place) | 두 | 두어 두다 | 책을 책상 위에 두어 두었어요 (I placed the book on the desk and kept it there) |
| 하다 (to do) | 하 | 해 두다 | 일을 다 해 두었어요 (I finished the work and kept it done) |
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:
- 열어 두다
- 써 두다
- 준비해 두다
- 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:
- 방을 청소해 두었어요.
- 그녀는 노트를 써 두었어요.
- 그들은 발표를 준비해 두었어요.
- 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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