Do and Keep (-아/어 놓다)
-아/어 놓다
Indicates completing an action and maintaining its result state: 'do and keep / do in advance.'
Pattern
Verb stem + -아/어 놓다
Explanation
-아/어 놓다 expresses that an action is completed and its result is maintained or left in place: 문을 열어 놓았어요 (I opened the door and left it open), 미리 준비해 놓았어요 (I prepared in advance and it's ready).
This pattern is very useful for describing preparations and states that persist. It implies the action was done deliberately with the intention of maintaining the result. Common uses: 사 놓다 (buy in advance), 만들어 놓다 (make and keep ready), 예약해 놓다 (reserve in advance).
In casual speech, 놓다 is often shortened to 놔: 열어 놨어요 = 열어 놓았어요. The related pattern -아/어 두다 is very similar but slightly more formal.
Examples
음식을 만들어 놓았어요.
Eumsigeul mandeureo noasseoyo.
I made the food and it's ready.
호텔을 예약해 놓을게요.
Hotereul yeyakhae noeulgeyo.
I'll book the hotel in advance.
창문을 열어 놓으세요.
Changmuneul yeoreo noeseyo.
Please open the window and leave it open.
미리 공부해 놓으면 시험이 쉬울 거예요.
Miri gongbuhae noeumyeon siheomi swiul geoyeyo.
If you study in advance, the exam will be easy.
Common Mistakes
Wrong
문을 여 놓았어요.
Correct
문을 열어 놓았어요.
열다 conjugates to 열어, not 여. Apply regular conjugation rules first.
Wrong
사놓았어요.
Correct
사 놓았어요.
Write with a space between the main verb and 놓다.
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