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: Why are you wearing glasses?

안경을 왜 썼어요?

B: I wore glasses to see the blackboard in detail.

칠판에 있는 글씨를 잘 보이게 쓰려고 썼어요. (Wait, 보이게 means 'so that it is seen', slightly different usage. A better example:) 칠판을 자세하게 보려고 안경을 썼어요.

Practice

Fill in the blank

Select the correct adverbial form.

Eating.

Warmth.