-아/어지다
Used to describe a gradual change of state. Attaches mainly to adjectives to express that they are 'becoming' a certain way over time.
Summary
Equivalent
To become / To get (gradually)
Also: -게 되다 (Come to be... - change due to circumstance, '-아/어지다' is more gradual/natural change)
Example
I've become more interested in environmental pollution issues.
환경 오염 문제에 관심이 많아졌어요.
Grammar rules
- With adjectives: 날씨가 따뜻해졌어요.
- (The weather has gotten warm.) With some verbs, it creates a passive-like meaning: 문이 열려졌어요 (The door has been opened).
- The change is typically gradual and natural.
- '-아/어지다' implies a natural, gradual process. '-게 되다' implies a change due to circumstance or external factors.
한국어를 잘하게 됐어요. (I came to be good at Korean — due to studying/circumstances.) vs 한국어 실력이 좋아졌어요. (My Korean has gotten better — gradual improvement.)
Patterns
Adjectives → Change
Present/Past · Adjective Stem + 아/어지다
Verbs → Passive-like Change
Present/Past · Verb Stem + 아/어지다
Example sentences
I've become more interested in environmental pollution issues.
환경 오염 문제에 관심이 많아졌어요.
As the days go by, studying Korean is becoming more and more fun.
날이 갈수록 한국어 공부가 재미있어지고 있어요.
After moving to Seoul, using public transportation became more convenient.
서울로 이사 온 후 대중교통 이용이 편리해졌어요.
Conversation
A: Your expression has brightened a lot lately.
요즘 표정이 많이 밝아졌네요.
B: Yes, my mood has gotten better since my new job suits me well.
네, 새 직장이 잘 맞아서 기분도 좋아졌어요.
Practice
Fill in the blank
Select the correct gradual change of state form.
Getting dark.
Getting better.