Beginner Estimated read: 3 mins

-게 (Adverbializer)

Used to turn an adjective into an adverb, describing how an action is performed.

Summary

Equivalent

-ly / In a ... manner

Also: -히/이 (Adverbial suffixes, e.g. 조용히, 깨끗이)

Example

I cut my hair short.

머리를 짧게 잘랐어요.

Grammar rules

  • Attach directly to the adjective stem.
  • Examples: 크다 (big) -> 크게 (loudly/bigly), 예쁘다 (pretty) -> 예쁘게 (beautifully).
  • It ONLY attaches to adjectives to modify following verbs. (Except when used as 'verb-게 하다' meaning 'to make someone do', which is a different pattern - Chapter 23).

    크게 말해 주세요. (Please speak loudly.)

Patterns

1

Adjectives

Present Adverbial · Adjective Stem + 게

Example sentences

Adjectives · Present Adverbial · Adjective Stem + 게

I cut my hair short.

머리를 짧게 잘랐어요.

Adjectives · Present Adverbial · Adjective Stem + 게

Did you play enjoyably? (Did you have fun?)

재미있게 놀았어요?

Adjectives · Present Adverbial · Adjective Stem + 게

Please clean the room cleanly.

방을 깨끗하게 청소해 주세요.

Conversation

A: How would you like your hair cut?

머리를 어떻게 잘라 드릴까요?

B: Please cut the fringe short.

앞머리는 짧게 잘라 주세요.

Practice

Fill in the blank

Select the correct adverbial form.

Eating.

Warmth.