Expression dictionary — full article
Comparison & Degree · Miscellaneous
The expression -다시피 하다 is used to indicate that an action or state is almost or practically true. It conveys that something happens so frequently, intensely, or to such an extreme degree that it is nearly equivalent to another state or action, even if not literally so. This nuance adds a sense of approximation or slight exaggeration to the statement.
-다시피 하다 is primarily attached to verb stems to describe an action that is performed or experienced to an extent that it is "almost" or "practically" another, often more extreme, action or state. It is commonly used in situations where:
The expression -다시피 하다 attaches directly to the verb stem (V-다시피 하다). There is no distinction based on whether the verb stem ends in a consonant or a vowel. The "하다" part then conjugates according to tense, politeness level, and mood.
| Verb Stem | Conjugation | Example Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 먹다 (to eat) | 먹다시피 하다 | to almost eat |
| 가다 (to go) | 가다시피 하다 | to almost go |
| 밤새다 (to stay up all night) | 밤새다시피 하다 | to almost stay up all night |
While -다시피 하다 means "almost/practically do," it's important not to confuse it with -다시피 (without 하다), which means "as you know," "as you see," or "as one does." For instance, "제가 말씀드렸다시피..." means "As I told you..." In contrast, "매일 밤새다시피 일했어요" means "I worked almost every night until dawn." The addition of "하다" significantly shifts the meaning from mere observation or knowledge to an approximation of an action or state. This expression is often used with adverbs of frequency like 매일 (every day), 항상 (always), or verbs describing extreme conditions.