-아/어하다 (Adjective to Verb)
Used to describe the emotions, feelings, or internal states of a third person. It changes an adjective (which describes a state) into a verb (which describes the action of feeling).
Summary
Equivalent
To feel / To act ...
Example
The child is afraid of ghosts.
아이가 귀신을 무서워해요.
Grammar rules
- Conjugate the adjective like you would in present tense (아/어/해) and attach '하다' unconditionally.
- For example, 좋다 (good - Adj) -> 좋아하다 (to like - Verb).
- This allows you to use an object marker (을/를) with it.
- Only used for describing THIRD person feelings. You cannot use it to describe your own feelings in the present tense statement.
저는 머리가 아파해요 (X) -> 저는 머리가 아파요. (O) | 제 동생은 머리를 아파해요 (O).
Patterns
Adjectives expressing feelings/traits
Present · Adjective Stem (-다 removed) + 아/어/해하다
Example sentences
The child is afraid of ghosts.
아이가 귀신을 무서워해요.
My friend really likes Korean culture.
제 친구는 한국 문화를 아주 좋아해요.
My parents felt sad about me leaving.
부모님께서 제가 떠나는 것을 슬퍼하셨어요.
Conversation
A: Why is that dog barking like that?
저 강아지가 왜 저렇게 짖어요?
B: I think it's thirsty and having a hard time.
목이 말라서 힘들어하는 것 같아요.
Practice
Fill in the blank
Select the correct form to describe someone else's feelings.
Being glad.
Liking.