B1 · Intermédiaire Chapitre 8

Describing States and Completed Actions

5 Règles totales
51 exemples
5 min
Règles dans ce chapitre Pratique rapide

Chapter in 30 Seconds

Master the art of describing states, results, and unexpected outcomes to sound like a native speaker.

  • Describe the current status of people and objects.
  • Express actions done in advance for future convenience.
  • Convey feelings of relief or regret regarding completed actions.
Speak with precision, describe with emotion.

Ce que tu vas apprendre

Hey friend! Ready to take your Korean speaking skills up a notch? Until now, you've been able to say what you're doing or what you have. Now it's time to dive deeper and express states and the results of actions just like a native speaker! In this chapter, you'll discover 5 golden rules that will help you convey your meaning much more naturally and precisely. For example, you'll learn the crucial difference between 'the door is opening' and 'the door is open.' With -아/어 있다 and -아/어/여 있다, you can describe the current state of something – like being 'seated' (having finished the act of sitting and now being in a seated position), not actively 'sitting down.' This is super important when you want to explain the status of an object or a person. Next, with -아/어 놓다, you'll learn how to talk about actions you've completed in advance, where the result still remains. Imagine how much more natural it sounds when you want to say, 'I prepared lunch and put it in the fridge' or 'I left the door open.' This pattern is perfect for showing foresight and preparation. And if you've finished an action and feel a certain way about it – whether relieved or regretful – -아/어/여 버리다 is made precisely for that. Like happily exclaiming, 'I finally finished this darn book!' or sadly lamenting, 'My money is all gone!' This rule adds emotional depth to your words. Finally, with -게 되다, you'll learn to discuss events that happened due to circumstances or external decisions, rather than your direct choice. For instance, 'I ended up living in Korea' (implying circumstances led to it, not just a personal decision) or 'I eventually succeeded.' Once you conquer this chapter, you'll be able to speak about various situations and the outcomes of actions with much greater ease and confidence. Your words won't just be dry expressions; they'll be full of meaning and emotion. Ready to speak Korean like a pro? Let's go!

Learning Objectives

By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

  1. 1
    By the end you will be able to: Use complex verb endings to describe states of being and completed actions with emotional nuance.

Guide du chapitre

Overview

Hey friend! Ready to take your Korean speaking skills up a notch? Until now, you've been able to say what you're doing or what you have.
But to truly sound natural and precise, like a native speaker, you need to master describing states and the results of actions. This chapter is your gateway to expressing yourself with greater depth and nuance, making your B1 Korean grammar much more sophisticated.
In this guide, you'll discover 5 golden rules that are absolutely essential for any intermediate Korean learner. These patterns allow you to differentiate between an ongoing action and the resulting state, express completion with emotional undertones, or discuss events that unfold due to circumstances rather than direct choice. Mastering these will significantly enhance your ability to communicate complex ideas and feelings in Korean grammar.
By the end of this chapter, you won't just be forming sentences; you'll be painting vivid pictures with your words, understanding how to convey subtle meanings just like native speakers do. Get ready to add precision, emotion, and foresight to your everyday conversations, solidifying your grasp of Korean grammar B1 level concepts.

How This Grammar Works

Let's dive into the core mechanics of these crucial Korean grammar patterns. Each one serves a unique purpose, allowing you to express nuances that simple verb conjugations can't.
First, we have -아/어 있다, which describes a *state* resulting from a completed action. This is different from the continuous action -고 있다. Think of it as
is [in a state of having been] verb-ed.
For example, if a door is already open, you say 문이 열려 있다 (The door is open), not 문이 열고 있다 (The door is opening – which implies an ongoing action by an agent).
The verb stem determines the ending: if it ends in ㅏ or ㅗ, add -아 있다 (e.g., 앉다 → 앉아 있다 - to be seated); otherwise, add -어 있다 (e.g., 닫다 → 닫혀 있다 - to be closed). For 하다 verbs, it becomes -여 있다 (often contracted to -해 있다), e.g., 놓다 → 놓여 있다 (to be placed).
Next, V-아/어 놓다 is used for actions completed in advance, where the result is intentionally kept or maintained. It shows foresight and preparation. For instance, if you prepared lunch earlier and it's now waiting, you'd say 점심을 만들어 놓았어요 (I made lunch [in advance/and kept it ready]).
This implies the action was done for a future purpose and its result remains. The conjugation follows the same rules as -아/어 있다.
Then, -아/어/여 버리다 adds a powerful emotional layer to completed actions. It can express a sense of finality, relief, or regret. If you've finally finished a difficult task, you might exclaim, 숙제를 다 해 버렸다!
(I finally finished all the homework!). Conversely, if you've spent all your money, you might lament, 돈을 다 써 버렸어요 (I spent all the money [and it's all gone, regrettably]). The choice of -아/어/여 depends on the verb stem's last vowel, just like -아/어 있다.
Finally, -게 되다 describes how things *turn out* due to circumstances, external decisions, or processes, rather than your direct, intentional choice. It often translates to
to end up doing,
to come to be,
or to get to. If you moved to Korea because of your job, you'd say 한국에 살게 되었어요 (I ended up living in Korea). This highlights that circumstances led to the situation.
It attaches directly to the verb stem: Verb stem + -게 되다. These Korean grammar B1 patterns are vital for expressing complex thoughts.

Common Mistakes

  1. 1✗ Wrong: 문이 열고 있어요. (The door is opening.)
✓ Correct: 문이 열려 있어요. (The door is open.)
*Explanation:* -고 있다 indicates an ongoing action (e.g., someone is actively opening the door). -아/어 있다 describes the *state* resulting from a completed action (the door is already in an open position).
  1. 1✗ Wrong: 저녁을 만들었어요. (I made dinner.)
✓ Correct: 저녁을 만들어 놓았어요. (I made dinner [in advance, and it's ready/waiting].)
*Explanation:* While the first sentence is grammatically correct, -아/어 놓다 adds the crucial nuance that the action was performed for a specific purpose or to keep the result, implying preparedness or foresight.
  1. 1✗ Wrong: 돈을 다 썼어요. (I spent all the money.)
✓ Correct: 돈을 다 써 버렸어요. (I spent all the money [it's all gone, perhaps with regret/finality].)
*Explanation:* The simple past tense 썼어요 states a fact. -아/어 버리다 adds an emotional layer – relief, regret, or a strong sense of completion/finality – that a simple past tense doesn't convey.

Real Conversations

A

A

저기 창문이 열려 있네요. (Oh, that window is open.)
B

B

아, 제가 아침에 열어 놓았어요. (Ah, I opened it [and left it open] this morning.)
A

A

시험 공부 다 해 버렸어요? (Did you finish all your exam studying [finally/completely]?)
B

B

네! 그런데 너무 힘들어서 잠을 못 자게 되었어요. (Yes! But it was so hard that I ended up not being able to sleep.)
A

A

회의 자료 준비 다 해 놓으셨어요? (Have you prepared all the meeting materials [in advance]?)
B

B

네, 테이블 위에 놓여 있어요. (Yes, they are placed on the table.)

Quick FAQ

Q

What's the main difference between -아/어 있다 and -고 있다 in B1 Korean grammar?

-아/어 있다 describes a *state* resulting from a completed action (e.g., is seated, is open), while -고 있다 describes an *ongoing action* (e.g., is sitting, is opening).

Q

Can -아/어 버리다 always imply regret?

Not always! While it often conveys regret or a negative outcome, it can also express relief or a sense of completion, like

I finally finished it!
The context determines the exact nuance.

Q

When should I use -게 되다 instead of just a simple verb?

Use -게 되다 when an action or situation occurs due to external circumstances, fate, or a decision made by others, rather than your own direct, intentional choice. It implies a 'coming to be' or 'ending up' in a certain state.

Q

Is -아/어 놓다 essential for intermediate Korean learners?

Absolutely! It's crucial for expressing foresight, preparation, and the maintenance of a result, making your Korean grammar sound much more natural and precise in everyday conversations.

Cultural Context

These Korean grammar patterns are deeply woven into everyday communication, reflecting a nuanced approach to describing actions and their consequences. They allow speakers to convey not just facts, but also their perspective, intention, or emotional state regarding an action's outcome. -게 되다, in particular, can sometimes be used to humbly or indirectly state personal circumstances, aligning with a common Korean communication style that values subtlety.
While there are regional dialects in Korea, these specific grammar points are standard across the country.

Exemples clés (8)

1

Kape-e saram-deuri manhi anja isseoyo.

Il y a beaucoup de gens assis au café.

État Continu (-아/어 있다)
2

Je haendeupon-i kkeojyeo isseoyo.

Mon téléphone est éteint.

État Continu (-아/어 있다)
3

Kape-e saramdeuri mani anja isseoyo.

Il y a beaucoup de gens assis dans le café.

État Résultatif (-아/어/여 있다) : Dire 'Être assis', 'Être ouvert'
4

Je haendeuponi kkeojyeo isseosseoyo.

Mon téléphone était éteint.

État Résultatif (-아/어/여 있다) : Dire 'Être assis', 'Être ouvert'
5

어제 산 케이크를 혼자 다 먹어 버렸어요.

J'ai fini par manger tout le gâteau que j'ai acheté hier, tout seul.

C'est fini ! Exprimer l'achèvement ou le regret (-a/eo beorida)
6

비밀번호를 까먹어 버렸어요.

J'ai complètement oublié mon mot de passe.

C'est fini ! Exprimer l'achèvement ou le regret (-a/eo beorida)
7

넷플릭스 덕분에 한국 드라마를 좋아하게 됐어요.

Grâce à Netflix, j'en suis venu à aimer les dramas coréens.

Comment les choses tournent : La structure '게 되다' (ge doeda)
8

다음 달에 한국으로 출장을 가게 됐어요.

Il a été décidé que je pars en voyage d'affaires en Corée le mois prochain.

Comment les choses tournent : La structure '게 되다' (ge doeda)

Conseils et astuces (4)

⚠️

Attention aux vêtements !

C'est l'exception qui confirme la règle : pour dire que tu 'portes' un vêtement, on utilise toujours «입고 있다» et jamais la forme en -어 있다.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: État Continu (-아/어 있다)
⚠️

Le piège de la particule

N'utilise jamais 을/를 (objet) avec cette structure ! On décrit l'état d'un sujet, donc utilise toujours **이/가**. Par exemple : «창문이 열려 있어요.»
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: État Résultatif (-아/어/여 있다) : Dire 'Être assis', 'Être ouvert'
💬

La nuance de l'attention

Utiliser cette grammaire te fait paraître attentionné. Dire 'j'ai acheté de l'eau' est factuel, mais dire «물을 사 놨어» montre que tu as pensé à la soif des autres en avance.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Faire à l'avance : -아/어 놓다 (Laisser fait)
💡

L'automatisme de l'oubli

En coréen, on utilise presque toujours «잊어버리다» au lieu de juste «잊다» car oublier est souvent perçu comme quelque chose de total. «비밀번호를 잊어버렸어요.»
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: C'est fini ! Exprimer l'achèvement ou le regret (-a/eo beorida)

Vocabulaire clé (5)

앉다 (anjda) to sit 준비하다 (junbihada) to prepare 끝내다 (kkeutnaeda) to finish 상황 (sanghwang) situation 냉장고 (naengjanggo) refrigerator

Real-World Preview

coffee

Coffee Shop Meeting

Review Summary

  • V-아/어 있다
  • V-아/어/여 있다
  • V-아/어 놓다
  • V-아/어 버리다
  • V-게 되다

Erreurs courantes

Use -고 있다 for active actions, but -아/어 있다 to describe the state of an object that has already been closed.

Wrong: 문이 닫고 있어요 (The door is closing itself).
Correct: 문이 닫혀 있어요 (The door is closed).

If you finished it to prepare, use -아/어 놓다. -아/어 버리다 implies a sense of finality or regret.

Wrong: 숙제를 끝내 버렸어요 (I finished my homework).
Correct: 숙제를 끝내 놓았어요 (I finished my homework in advance).

The pattern is -게 되다, not -었게 되다. The past tense is marked at the end.

Wrong: 나는 한국에 갔게 되었어요.
Correct: 나는 한국에 가게 되었어요.

Next Steps

You have done an amazing job this chapter! Your ability to describe the world is growing every day. Keep practicing, and you'll be a master in no time!

Describe your room in 5 sentences

Continue to: Abilities and Ease of Action

Pratique rapide (10)

Trouve l'erreur dans l'utilisation de la particule.

저는 의자를 앉아 있어요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 저는 의자에 앉아 있어요.
On s'assoit 'sur' une chaise (particule de lieu -에), pas 'une chaise' (objet).

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: État Continu (-아/어 있다)

Trouve et corrige l'erreur pour exprimer un changement de goût déjà effectué.

한국 음식을 좋아하게 돼요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 한국 음식을 좋아하게 됐어요.
Quand un changement a déjà eu lieu (tu aimes maintenant la nourriture), utilise le passé '됐어요'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Comment les choses tournent : La structure '게 되다' (ge doeda)

Complète la phrase pour dire que tu 'as fini par aller' au concert grâce à un ami.

친구 덕분에 콘서트에 __ 됐어요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 가게
La structure est Radical du Verbe + 게 되다. Le radical de 가다 est 가.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Comment les choses tournent : La structure '게 되다' (ge doeda)

Conjugue le verbe correctement.

Les étudiants sont assis. 학생들이 ___ 있어요. (앉다 - s'asseoir)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 앉아
La voyelle de 앉 est ㅏ, donc on ajoute -아 pour former 앉아 있다.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: État Résultatif (-아/어/여 있다) : Dire 'Être assis', 'Être ouvert'

Trouve l'erreur de particule.

Find and fix the mistake:

창문을 닫혀 있어요. (La fenêtre est fermée.)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 창문이 닫혀 있어요.
Avec -아/어 있다, on décrit le sujet, donc on doit utiliser la particule de sujet 이/가, pas 을/를.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: État Résultatif (-아/어/여 있다) : Dire 'Être assis', 'Être ouvert'

Quelle phrase exprime le regret d'avoir perdu son téléphone ?

Choisis la phrase la plus naturelle :

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 핸드폰을 잃어버렸어요.
«잃어버리다» est l'expression idiomatique pour dire qu'on a perdu quelque chose et qu'on en ressent la perte.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: C'est fini ! Exprimer l'achèvement ou le regret (-a/eo beorida)

Complète la phrase avec la forme correcte de 'se tenir debout' (서다).

남자가 문 앞에 ___ 있어요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 서
Pour dire que quelqu'un 'est debout' (état), on utilise 서다 + -어 있다 -> 서 있어요.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: État Continu (-아/어 있다)

Complète la phrase avec la forme correcte de '잊다' (oublier).

약속을 완전히 ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 잊어버렸어요
«잊어버리다» est la forme standard combinée pour dire qu'on a 'complètement oublié'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: C'est fini ! Exprimer l'achèvement ou le regret (-a/eo beorida)

Quelle phrase signifie correctement 'La porte est ouverte' ?

Choisis la bonne phrase :

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 문이 열려 있어요.
On décrit un état, donc on utilise 열려 있다 avec la particule de sujet 이/가.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: État Continu (-아/어 있다)

Quelle phrase décrit correctement un 'état résultant' ?

Choisis la phrase naturelle pour 'La porte est ouverte'.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 문이 열려 있어요. (Muni yeollyeo isseoyo)
On utilise le verbe passif 열리다 (être ouvert) + 어 있다. '열고 있어요' signifie que quelqu'un est en train de l'ouvrir.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: État Résultatif (-아/어/여 있다) : Dire 'Être assis', 'Être ouvert'

Score: /10

Questions fréquentes (6)

En général, non. Tu ne peux pas dire 'Je suis fait un gâteau'. Utilise-le uniquement avec des verbes de mouvement ou passifs comme «열려 있다».
«앉고 있다» signifie que tu es en train de plier les genoux pour t'asseoir. «앉아 있다» signifie que tes fesses sont déjà sur la chaise.
Non. Manger est une action sur un objet. Utilise **먹고 있어요** (progressif). 'Mangé' n'est pas un état statique ici. «피자를 먹고 있어요.»
앉고 있다, c'est le mouvement de s'asseoir (tes genoux plient). 앉아 있다, c'est le résultat : tu es déjà sur la chaise. «지금 앉아 있어요.»
Ils sont interchangeables à 90 %. «두다» a une nuance plus forte de 'stockage' ou de conservation longue (comme de l'argent ou de la nourriture), alors que «놓다» est plus lié au placement physique, comme laisser une porte ouverte : «문을 열어 놓다».
Non, c'est réservé aux verbes d'action. Tu dois 'faire' quelque chose pour laisser un état après. Tu ne peux pas 'faire joli' en avance par exemple.
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Plans, Decisions, and Obligations
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Abilities and Ease of Action
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