Expression dictionary — full article
Conditions & Hypotheses · If you keep V-ing, then...; If you continue to V, you might...; V-ing too much will lead to...
The grammar pattern V+다가는 is used to express a warning or caution about a potential negative consequence that will occur if a certain action or state continues. It implies that the current behavior, if prolonged, will lead to an undesirable outcome.
This pattern is primarily used to admonish or advise someone to stop or change their current actions. The first clause (V+다가는) describes the ongoing action, and the second clause describes the negative result that is likely to follow. The consequence is almost always negative or problematic, making it a useful structure for giving warnings or expressing concern. It often implies a sense of 'if you keep doing this, something bad will happen.'
It can be used with both action verbs and sometimes descriptive verbs (adjectives) when they describe a continuous state that could lead to a negative outcome (e.g., 너무 피곤하다가는 - if you keep being too tired...). The subject of the first and second clauses is usually the same, but not always. The focus is on the action leading to the consequence.
V+다가는 is straightforward to conjugate as it attaches directly to the verb stem.
Regardless of whether the verb stem ends in a vowel or a consonant, simply add -다가는.
V+다가는 is similar in meaning to -았/었다가는 or -다가 when used to express a negative consequence, but -다가는 specifically emphasizes the continuation of an action leading to a future negative result. While -다가 can simply indicate a transition or interruption, -다가는 carries a stronger sense of warning about the cumulative effect of an ongoing action.
It's often used in situations where you are giving advice or expressing concern to someone directly, or narrating a situation where someone's actions are clearly leading to trouble.
The second clause often uses future tense markers like -을 거예요 or expressions of possibility/likelihood like -게 될 거예요 or -ㄹ 수도 있어요.