Expression dictionary — full article
States & Progress · to become, to turn into, to be made into
The expression N+되다 is used to describe a subject undergoing a transformation or change, resulting in it becoming the noun specified. While often seen with the subject particle 이/가 (N이/가 되다), the direct attachment of a noun to the verb stem '되다' is also common, especially when the noun represents a goal, a future state, or a conceptual outcome.
This pattern is employed when you want to express that something or someone becomes or turns into the state, role, or identity represented by the preceding noun. It highlights the result of a change.
It is frequently found in constructions where '되다' is conjugated, such as N 되려고 (to intend to become N), N 되기까지 (until N becomes), or N 되어서 (having become N). In these cases, the noun directly precedes the '되' stem.
Examples include becoming a profession, a specific state, or a conceptual reality.
The noun (N) directly precedes the verb stem 되-. The verb 되다 then conjugates regularly according to tense, mood, and politeness levels.
Examples of conjugation:
While N+되다 is the fundamental structure, in many declarative sentences, the subject particle 이/가 is inserted between the noun and 되다 (e.g., N이/가 되다). Both forms convey the meaning "to become N," but N+되다 (without the particle) is particularly common in specific grammatical constructions like those mentioned in the Usage section, or when the noun functions almost as a descriptive element before the verb.
Be aware that 되다 has other meanings, such as "to be made/done" (passive), "to be allowed," or "to work out/be possible." This entry focuses specifically on its "to become" meaning.
For expressing transformation into a material or a specific direction, N으로/로 되다 is often used (e.g., 나무로 의자가 되다 - wood becomes a chair).