-어지다Korean expression · TOPIK 3
-eojida
One expression with 3 distinct uses in the dictionary. Each is below with its own usage rule and examples.
형태Forms
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 mentioned in the preceding statement is done by someone or another force.
앞에 오는 말이 나타내는 행동을 남이나 다른 힘에 의해 당함을 나타내는 표현.
쓰임Usage
Attaches after verbs whose final vowel is not ㅏ or ㅗ.
끝음절의 모음이 ‘ㅏ, ㅗ’가 아닌 동사 뒤에 붙여 쓴다.
예문Examples
이 절은 삼국 시대에 지어졌다고 한다.
It's said that this temple was built during the Three Kingdoms period.
미스터리에 대한 비밀이 드디어 밝혀졌다.
The secret of the mystery was finally revealed.
방금 오븐에서 구워져 나온 빵 냄새가 무척 구수하다.
The smell of bread just baked in the oven is really savory.
대화In conversation
고깃집 앞에 사람들이 줄을 서 있네.
There's a line of people in front of the meat restaurant.
저 집이 맛있는 집으로 널리 알려진 곳이거든.
That place is widely known as a good restaurant.
An expression used to indicate that one does the act or becomes the state mentioned in the preceding statement.
앞에 오는 말이 나타내는 대로 행동하게 되거나 그 상태로 됨을 나타내는 표현.
쓰임Usage
Attaches after verbs whose final vowel is not ㅏ or ㅗ.
끝음절의 모음이 ‘ㅏ, ㅗ’가 아닌 동사 뒤에 붙여 쓴다.
예문Examples
나는 승규의 말이 믿어지지 않았다.
I couldn't believe what Seunggyu said.
나의 오랜 소원이 마침내 이루어졌다.
My long-cherished wish finally came true.
공원 곳곳에 널려 있는 쓰레기들을 보자마자 눈살이 찌푸려졌다.
As soon as I saw the trash scattered all over the park, I frowned.
대화In conversation
벌써 봄기운이 느껴지는 것 같아.
I can already feel the spring air.
응. 날씨가 많이 따뜻해졌어.
Yeah, the weather has gotten much warmer.
An expression used to indicate that someone or something gradually becomes the state mentioned in the preceding statement.
앞에 오는 말이 나타내는 상태로 점점 되어 감을 나타내는 표현.
쓰임Usage
Attaches after adjectives whose final vowel is not ㅏ or ㅗ.
끝음절의 모음이 ‘ㅏ, ㅗ’가 아닌 형용사 뒤에 붙여 쓴다.
예문Examples
남자 친구가 생기더니 지수가 점점 예뻐지는 것 같다.
Ever since she got a boyfriend, Jisu seems to be getting prettier.
놀이터에서 모래 장난을 했더니 금세 옷이 더러워졌다.
After playing in the sand at the playground, his clothes got dirty right away.
지수는 처음에는 물이 무서웠지만 지금은 수영이 점점 재미있어진다.
At first, Jisu was afraid of the water, but now swimming is getting more and more fun.
대화In conversation
반 년 만에 만났는데 키가 더 커진 것 같구나.
It's been six months since we met, and you seem to have grown taller.
네. 키가 좀 컸어요.
Yes, I've grown a bit.
관련 문법Related grammar
Other expressions you will meet alongside this one.
자주 묻는 질문Common questions
What does -어지다 mean in Korean?
-어지다 is a expression introduced at 3급 (TOPIK 3). An expression used to indicate that the act mentioned in the preceding statement is done by someone or another force. It has 3 distinct senses, all listed on this page.
When do you use -어지다?
Attaches after verbs whose final vowel is not ㅏ or ㅗ. The other shape is -아지다, -여지다 — same point, different environment.
What is the difference between -어지다 and -아지다?
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 -어지다?
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.