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-어 가지고Korean expression · TOPIK 3

-eo gajigo

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 가지고-아 가지고-여 가지고

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 result or state of the act mentioned in the preceding statement is continued.

앞말이 나타내는 행동의 결과나 상태가 유지됨을 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

나는 찌개에 넣을 채소들을 씻어 가지고 잘게 썰어 두었다.

I washed the vegetables for the stew and cut them into small pieces.

우리는 각자 맡은 부분에 대한 계획서를 써 가지고 오기로 했다.

We decided to write up a plan for each of our assigned parts and bring it.

평소 군것질을 좋아하는 주영이는 항상 가방에 간식을 넣어 가지고 다닌다.

Juyeong, who loves snacks, always carries some in her bag.

대화In conversation

지하철에서 신문을 펼쳐 놓고 읽는 사람들은 너무 배려심이 없는 것 같아.

People who read newspapers spread out on the subway seem so inconsiderate.

맞아. 좀 접어 가지고 읽으면 좋을 텐데.

Right. They should fold them up and read.

An expression used to indicate that the act or state mentioned in the preceding statement is the cause, means, or reason for the following statement.

앞말이 나타내는 행동이나 상태가 뒤의 말의 원인이나 이유임을 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

날씨가 추워 가지고 산책 나가는 것도 힘들다.

It's so cold that even going out for a walk is hard.

지수는 지갑을 잃어버려 가지고 차비도 없어 집까지 걸어왔다.

Jisu lost her wallet, so she had no bus fare and walked all the way home.

민준이가 심한 감기에 걸려 가지고 오늘 학교에 못 올 것 같대요.

Minjun caught a bad cold, so he probably can't come to school today.

대화In conversation

오늘 왜 이렇게 피곤해하니?

Why are you so tired today?

어제 늦게까지 술을 마셔 가지고 컨디션이 안 좋아.

Because I drank until late last night, I'm not feeling well.

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 가지고 mean in Korean?

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

When do you use -어 가지고?

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

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

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 가지고?

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.