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-어 가다Korean expression · TOPIK 3

-eo gada

TOPIK 3 3급Expressions 표현2 senses

One expression with 2 distinct uses in the dictionary. Each is below with its own usage rule and examples.

형태Forms

-어 가다-아 가다-여 가다

Which one you use is decided by what comes in front of it — see the usage rule under each meaning below.

An expression used to indicate that the act or state mentioned in the preceding statement is continued.

앞말이 나타내는 행동이나 상태가 계속 진행됨을 나타내는 표현.

쓰임Usage

Attaches after verbs and adjectives whose final vowel is not ㅏ or ㅗ.

끝음절의 모음이 ‘ㅏ, ㅗ’가 아닌 동사와 형용사 뒤에 붙여 쓴다.

예문Examples

가을 들판에는 곡식들이 익어 가고 있다.

In the autumn fields, the crops are ripening.

오랫동안 비가 오지 않아 농작물이 시들어 가고 있다.

Because it hasn't rained for a long time, the crops are withering.

승규는 점점 늙어 가는 아내를 보면 항상 미안한 마음이 들었다.

Seunggyu always felt sorry when he saw his wife growing older.

대화In conversation

엄마, 나 배고픈데 밥 아직 안 됐어요?

Mom, I'm hungry. Isn't dinner ready yet?

응. 다 되어 가. 조금만 기다리렴.

Yeah, it's almost done. Just wait a little.

An expression used to indicate that one occasionally repeats a certain act mentioned in the preceding statement, while continuing another act.

앞말이 나타내는 행동을 이따금 반복함과 동시에 또 다른 행동을 이어 함을 나타내는 표현.

쓰임Usage

끝음절의 모음이 ‘ㅏ, ㅗ’가 아닌 동사 뒤에 붙여 쓴다. ‘-어 가며’, ‘-어 가면서’로 쓴다.

예문Examples

어머니는 동전 하나도 아껴 가며 돈을 모으셨다.

My mother saved money, sparing even a single coin.

텔레비전에 나온 한 정치인이 침을 튀겨 가며 정부를 비난하고 있었다.

A politician on TV was criticizing the government, spitting as he spoke.

거짓말도 가려 가면서 해야지. 감히 선생님께 그런 거짓말을 하다니!

You should even pick your lies carefully. How dare you tell such a lie to the teacher!

대화In conversation

공부도 좋지만 좀 쉬어 가면서 하렴.

Studying is good, but take breaks once in a while.

이것만 끝내고 쉴 거예요.

I'll rest after I finish this.

관련 문법Related grammar

Other expressions you will meet alongside this one.

-게 하다 -ge hada An expression used to order someone to do a certain thing or to make something work. TOPIK 3 -고 나다 -go nada An expression used to indicate that the act denoted in the preceding statement has finished. TOPIK 3 -고 말다 -go malda An expression used to state that it is regrettable that the act mentioned in the preceding statement finally occurred. TOPIK 3 -고 싶어 하다 -go sipeo hada An expression used to indicate that the speaker wants to do an action or fall into the state mentioned in the preceding statement. TOPIK 3 -기 위해 -gi wihaeseo -기 위해서 · -기 위한 · 을 위해 An expression used to indicate the intention, which is the goal for doing a certain thing. TOPIK 3 -기는 -gineun -긴 · -기는요 · -긴요 A sentence-final ending used when gently denying or refuting the other person's statement. TOPIK 3

자주 묻는 질문Common questions

What does -어 가다 mean in Korean?

-어 가다 is a expression introduced at 3급 (TOPIK 3). An expression used to indicate that the act or state mentioned in the preceding statement is continued. It has 2 distinct senses, all listed on this page.

When do you use -어 가다?

Attaches after verbs and adjectives whose final vowel is not ㅏ or ㅗ. The other shape is -아 가다, -여 가다 — same point, different environment.

What is the difference between -어 가다 and -아 가다?

None in meaning — they are two shapes of the same expression, and which one appears is decided by the sound in front of it, not by what you want to say.

What TOPIK level is -어 가다?

3급 — TOPIK 3, lower intermediate. It is one of 67 grammar points at that level.

Definition, usage note, examples and dialogue from the 국립국어원 한국어기초사전, used under CC BY-SA 2.0 KR.