Core Grammar Rule: ~아/어 놓다/두다
This grammar pattern is attached to a verb to indicate that an action has been completed and its resulting state is being maintained for future use. It emphasizes the preparatory nature of the action.
Meaning & Usage
Meaning: It translates to "to do something in advance" or "to have done something (and left it that way)." It combines the action (verb) with the idea of 'placing' (놓다) or 'keeping' (두다) the result.
When to use: Use it when talking about preparations for an event, trip, or task. For example, booking tickets, packing bags, making food for guests, or leaving a window open. While 놓다 and 두다 are often interchangeable, 놓다 can carry a nuance of physically placing something, whereas 두다 can feel more like storing or keeping something (including abstract things like reservations). For beginners, they can be used almost identically.
Conjugation Rules
Rule: The conjugation depends on the last vowel of the verb stem before 다.
Stems ending in ㅏ or ㅗ: Add ~아 놓다/두다.
보다 (to see/watch) → 봐 놓다/두다
싸다 (to pack) → 싸 놓다/두다
Stems ending in other vowels: Add ~어 놓다/두다.
만들다 (to make) → 만들어 놓다/두다
적다 (to write) → 적어 놓다/두다
하다 verbs: They become ~해 놓다/두다.
준비하다 (to prepare) → 준비해 놓다/두다
예약하다 (to reserve) → 예약해 놓다/두다
Vowel ㅏ/ㅗ: ~아 놓다/두다 / Other Vowels: ~어 놓다/두다 / 하다 Verbs: ~해 놓다/두다
Native Nuance: ~았/었어요 vs. ~아/어 놓았어요
While both refer to a past action, they have different nuances. Confusing them can make your Korean sound unnatural.
Simple Past Tense (~았/었어요)
Context: This simply states that an action happened and was completed in the past. It's a factual report of an event. It doesn't necessarily imply that the result of the action is still relevant or maintained for the present moment.
Example: 어제 창문을 열었어요. (I opened the window yesterday.) - This is a simple fact. The window might be closed now.
Completed Action with Maintained Result (~아/어 놓았어요)
Context: This emphasizes that the action was completed for a purpose and the result is intentionally being kept. It connects the past action to the present state. It implies preparation.
Example: 더워서 창문을 열어 놓았어요. (I opened the window because it was hot.) - This implies the window is still open now to keep the room cool.
~았/었어요: Simple past action / ~아/어 놓았어요: Action + maintained result
Common Verbs for Preparation with ~아/어 놓다/두다
This grammar pattern is frequently paired with verbs related to preparing for an event, a trip, or daily tasks. Here are some common combinations found in the dialogue.
Preparing for Guests
음식을 만들어 놓다: To make food in advance.
상을 차려 놓다: To set the table in advance.
(마실 것을) 냉장고에 넣어 놓다: To put (drinks) in the fridge beforehand.
Preparing for a Trip
짐을 싸 놓다/두다: To pack one's bags in advance.
표를 예매해 두다: To book tickets in advance.
호텔을 예약해 두다: To reserve a hotel in advance.
(필요한 것을) 적어 놓다/두다: To write down (necessary things) for later.
저녁은 이미 다 만들어 놓았어요. / 짐 다 싸 놨어? / 호텔도 예약해 뒀어.
Acknowledging and Responding to Preparations
When someone uses ~아/어 놓다/두다 to tell you they've prepared something, or when you notice their preparations, here’s how you can respond.
As the Guest/Recipient
Acknowledge their effort: You can point out what you see they've done, often with an admiring tone. For example: 상도 다 차려 놓으셨네요. (You've even set the table.)
Express gratitude and praise: Show your appreciation for their thoroughness. For example: 완벽하다! 정말 고마워. (This is perfect! Thank you so much.) or 역시 너밖에 없다. (You're the best.)
As the Host/Preparer
Politely decline offers of help: If someone asks to help, you can reassure them that everything is already done. For example: 괜찮아요. 저녁은 이미 다 만들어 놓았어요. (It's okay. I've already made dinner.)
Tell them to relax: Encourage your guest to be comfortable. For example: 민준씨는 그냥 앉아만 있어요. (You just have a seat, Minjun.)
A: 제가 도와드릴 거 없어요? / B: 괜찮아요. 이미 다 만들어 놓았어요.
Politeness & Formality
This pattern, like most Korean endings, changes based on who you are talking to. The core ~아/어 놓다/두다 part remains the same, but the final verb ending is adjusted for politeness.
Polite Form (~아요/어요)
Context: Use this form when speaking to colleagues, elders, staff, or people you don't know well. This is the standard polite style you hear in most formal or semi-formal situations.
Example: 선배님 제가 미리 예약해 놓았어요. (Sunbaenim, I've booked it in advance.)
Casual Form (~아/어)
Context: Use this form with close friends, family members younger than you, or people you have a very close relationship with. Using this with a stranger or a superior would be considered rude. Notice how in spoken language, ~아/어 놓았어 is often contracted to ~아/어 놨어.
Example: 응 내가 미리 예약해 놨어. (Yeah, I've already booked it.)
Polite: 예약해 놓았어요 / Casual: 예약해 놨어