Core Grammar Rule: V-아/어다가
This pattern connects two actions where the first action is completed in one location, and its result or object is then carried to a second location for the second action.
Meaning & Usage
Meaning: It translates to "do V1 and then (bring it somewhere to) do V2." It emphasizes the transfer of an object or state from Place A to Place B.
When to use: Use it to describe a sequence of events involving a change in location between the first and second verbs. It's common for planning tasks like cooking (buy ingredients -> cook at home), gift-giving (make a cake -> give it at a party), or repairs (buy a part -> install it at home).
Conjugation Rules
Rule: Attach ~아/어다가 to the verb stem. The choice between 아다가 and 어다가 follows the same rules as the ~아/어/여요 ending.
Vowel ending in ㅏ or ㅗ: Add ~아다가. (e.g., 사다 → 사다가, 보다 → 봐다가)
Vowel ending in anything else: Add ~어다가. (e.g., 만들다 → 만들어다가, 줍다 → 주워다가)
하다 verbs: Change to 해다가. (e.g., 요리하다 → 요리해다가)
Vowel ㅏ/ㅗ: ~아다가 / Other Vowels: ~어다가 / 하다: ~해다가
Native Nuance & Mistakes
A common point of confusion for learners is the difference between ~아/어다가 and the simple connector ~고.
V-아/어다가: Action + Movement
Context: This grammar explicitly requires a change of location between the two actions. The result of the first action is physically carried over to the location of the second action. Think of it as "V1, then take it and V2."
Example: 빵집에서 케이크를 사다가 집에서 먹었어요. (I bought a cake at the bakery and then ate it at home.) You physically moved the cake.
V-고: Simple Sequence
Context: This is a general-purpose connector for listing actions in chronological order. The actions can happen in the same place or different places, but there's no nuance of carrying something over. It's just "V1 and then V2."
Example: 빵집에서 케이크를 사고 집에 왔어요. (I bought a cake at the bakery and then came home.) This just lists two separate events. You wouldn't say 숙제를 하다가 잤어요 because you don't carry the "homework action" to the "sleeping action."
Do: 빵을 사다가 먹었어요. (O) / Don't: 숙제를 하고 잤어요. (O) vs. 숙제를 하다가 잤어요. (X)
Common Verbs for Errands with V-아/어다가
This pattern is perfect for describing multi-step errands and chores that involve moving from one place to another.
Shopping & Buying
장을 봐다가 (to go grocery shopping and then...): Used when you buy groceries at a market and bring them home to cook.
사다가 (to buy and then...): A general verb for buying an item and bringing it somewhere to use or give.
Household Chores
세탁기를 돌려다가 (to run the washer and then...): Describes doing laundry in one spot (laundry room) and then taking it to another (e.g., a balcony) to hang.
분리수거를 해다가 (to sort recycling and then...): Used for sorting recyclables inside and then taking them to the disposal area outside.
장을 봐다가 저녁 만들까요? / 전구를 사다가 갈게.
Responding to Plans with V-아/어다가
When someone makes a suggestion or offer using ~아/어다가, you can respond positively or add a related request.
Agreeing to a Suggestion
When someone asks ~아/어다가 -(으)ㄹ까요? (Shall we...?), you can show enthusiastic agreement.
Use phrases like 네, 좋아요 (Yes, sounds good) or 그거 좋은 생각이네요 (That's a great idea).
Responding to an Offer
If someone offers to do something with ~아/어다가 -(으)ㄹ게 (I'll go do...), you can simply say 그래 (Okay) or 고마워 (Thanks).
You can also take the opportunity to make a small, related request, often using ~는 김에 (since you're at it) and ~아/어다가 줄 수 있어? (can you... and bring it back for me?).
그거 좋은 생각이네요. / 나가는 김에 내 책도 한 권 사다가 줄 수 있어?
Politeness & Formality
Like many Korean endings, you can easily adjust the politeness level of ~아/어다가 to suit the situation.
Polite Form (~아/어다가요)
Context: When speaking to someone older, a superior, or in a formal or polite setting, you can simply add ~요 to the end. However, it's more common to see it used within a full polite sentence structure, like in the first dialogue.
Example: 이따가 같이 장을 봐다가 저녁 만들까요? (Later, shall we go grocery shopping together and then make dinner?)
Casual Form (~아/어다가)
Context: When speaking with close friends, family, or someone younger, you can use the plain form without ~요. This is often used in commands, suggestions, or statements, as seen in the second dialogue.
Example: 내가 나가서 전구를 사다가 갈게. (I'll go out, buy a bulb, and then replace it.)
Polite: 커피를 사다가 드릴게요. (I'll buy coffee and bring it to you.) / Casual: 커피 사다가 줄게. (I'll buy you coffee.)