Expression dictionary — full article
States & Progress · "after doing X and bringing/taking it," "do X and then (use/bring) Y"
The connective ending -아/어다가 is used to link two sequential actions, emphasizing that the first action is completed, and its result or the object involved is then taken or brought to another location or context to perform the second action. It combines the meaning of -아서/어서 (sequential action) with the nuance of 가지고 오다/가다 (to bring/take something).
-아/어다가 highlights a two-step process:
This ending is particularly useful when the object of the first verb is physically moved or conceptually carried over to the second action. It implies a change of location or a transfer of the 'product' of the first action. While -아서/어서 simply indicates sequence, -아/어다가 adds the specific nuance of 'taking/bringing' something from the first action to the second.
-아/어다가 attaches directly to the verb stem and follows the same vowel harmony rules as -아서/어서:
While -아/어다가 shares similarities with -아서/어서, the key difference lies in the transfer or bringing/taking aspect.
Often, the verb 가지다 (to have/take) or 오다/가다 (to come/go) is implicitly understood with -아/어다가. It's frequently used with verbs like 사다 (to buy), 만들다 (to make), 가져오다 (to bring), 가져가다 (to take), etc., where an item is acquired or prepared and then moved.