V+게

Overview

The V+게 grammar pattern is a highly versatile verb ending that transforms a verb into an adverbial clause, allowing it to modify a subsequent verb or adjective. It primarily serves to express purpose, result, or the manner in which an action is performed. Additionally, it can convey the speaker's expectation or desire for a certain outcome.

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Usage

1. Expressing Purpose or Result ('so that', 'in order to'): This is one of the most common uses, where V+게 explains why or how an action is done to achieve a certain state or result. The action in the main clause is performed for the purpose of the verb preceding -게.

   • 예: 잘 보이게 의자를 앞으로 당겨 앉으세요. (Please pull your chair forward and sit so that you can see well.)

2. Making an Adverbial Phrase ('to make something happen', 'to cause something to be'): Often used with verbs like 만들다 (to make), 하다 (to do/cause), or 되다 (to become), this structure describes causing a state or action to occur. It effectively turns the preceding verb into an adverbial modifier describing the state or action being caused.

   • 예: 그 영화는 저를 슬프게 만들었어요. (That movie made me sad.)
   • 예: 제가 알게 해주세요. (Please let me know / Please make it so that I know.)

3. Expressing Expectation or Likelihood (often with 알다, 모르다, 하다, 되다): When used with verbs like 알다 (to know), 모르다 (to not know), or 되다 (to become/happen), V+게 can express the speaker's expectation or the likelihood of an event. It often translates to 'will probably' or 'come to be'.

   • 예: 내일 비가 오게 될 거예요. (It will probably rain tomorrow.)
   • 예: 그가 오게 될지 모르겠어요. (I don't know if he will come.)

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Conjugation Rules

The V+게 ending is straightforward to conjugate. It attaches directly to the verb stem regardless of whether the stem ends in a consonant or a vowel.

• Verb Stem + 게
  • 가다 (to go) -> 가 + 게 = 가게
  • 먹다 (to eat) -> 먹 + 게 = 먹게
  • 하다 (to do) -> 하 + 게 = 하게
  • 만들다 (to make) -> 만들 + 게 = 만들게

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Knowledge Plus

• Distinction from -도록: Both -게 and -도록 can express purpose or result. However, -게 often focuses more on the result or purpose from the subject's perspective, or the manner of an action. -도록 can also imply a limit or extent (e.g., 'until', 'to the point where'), which -게 generally does not. In many cases, -게 is more commonly used for simple purpose/result.
• Common Fixed Expressions: This pattern is frequently found in set phrases such as ~게 하다 (to make/let someone do something), ~게 되다 (to come to be; to end up doing/being), and ~게 만들다 (to make something become a certain way). These are essential for expressing causation and natural progression of events.