Become/Get (-아/어지다)
-아/어지다
Expresses a change of state ('become') or forms passive expressions.
Pattern
Verb/Adjective stem + -아/어지다
Explanation
-아/어지다 has two primary functions. First, when attached to descriptive verbs (adjectives), it means 'to become': 예쁘다 (pretty) → 예뻐지다 (to become pretty), 춥다 (cold) → 추워지다 (to become cold). This is extremely useful for describing changes over time.
Second, when attached to action verbs, it creates passive expressions for verbs that do not have dedicated passive suffixes: 만들다 (make) → 만들어지다 (be made), 쓰다 (write/use) → 쓰여지다 (be written/used). This expands the range of verbs that can be used in passive constructions.
The pattern follows standard vowel harmony: -아지다 after stems with ㅏ or ㅗ, and -어지다 after other vowels. 하다 becomes 해지다. For example, 날씨가 따뜻해졌어요 (The weather has become warm). This is one of the most frequently used patterns in intermediate Korean.
Examples
날씨가 따뜻해졌어요.
Nalssiga ttatteuthae-jyeosseoyo.
The weather has become warm.
한국어가 점점 쉬워져요.
Hangugeoga jeomjeom swiwojyeoyo.
Korean is gradually becoming easier.
이 노래가 많이 들어져요.
I noraega mani deureojyeoyo.
This song is heard a lot.
건강이 나빠졌어요.
Geongangi nappajyeosseoyo.
My health has gotten worse.
Common Mistakes
Wrong
날씨가 따뜻하게 됐어요.
Correct
날씨가 따뜻해졌어요.
Use -아/어지다 for natural changes. -게 되다 implies an external cause or circumstantial change.
Wrong
한국어가 쉬워지고 있어요.
Correct
한국어가 점점 쉬워져요.
While not wrong, -아/어지다 already implies ongoing change. Adding -고 있다 is often redundant.
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