Beginner Estimated read: 3 mins

-아/어지다

Used with an adjective to express a change in state over time. It transforms an adjective into a verb, indicating the process of becoming something.

Summary

Equivalent

To become [adjective]

Also: -게 되다 (To end up becoming - typically used with verbs, while -아/어지다 is for adjectives)

Example

Spring came, so the weather became warm.

봄이 와서 날씨가 따뜻해졌어요.

Grammar rules

  • When talking about a change that has already happened, it is conjugated in the past tense: '-아/어졌어요' (became).
  • When talking about a continuing or future change, use '-아/어져요' or '-아/어질 거예요'.
  • It is attached ONLY to adjectives. To express 'become' with nouns, use 'Noun + 이/가 되다'.

    날씨가 춥지다 (X) -> 날씨가 추워지다 (O - To become cold).

Patterns

1

Adjectives with 'ㅏ' or 'ㅗ'

Change of State · Stem + 아지다

2

Adjectives with other vowels

Change of State · Stem + 어지다

3

하다 Adjectives

Change of State · 해지다

Example sentences

Adjectives with 'ㅏ' or 'ㅗ' · Change of State · Stem + 아지다

Spring came, so the weather became warm.

봄이 와서 날씨가 따뜻해졌어요.

Adjectives with other vowels · Change of State · Stem + 어지다

If you practice every day, your pronunciation will become good.

매일 연습하면 발음이 좋아질 거예요.

하다 Adjectives · Change of State · 해지다

I cleaned, so the room became clean.

청소를 해서 방이 깨끗해졌어요.

Conversation

A: Wow, you speak Korean really well!

어머, 한국어를 정말 잘하시네요!

B: After making Korean friends, my Korean got a lot better.

한국 친구를 사귄 후에 한국어가 많이 좋아졌어요.

Practice

Fill in the blank

Select the correct form indicating a change of state.

Darkness.

Many.