Core Pattern Rule: If you keep doing... (-다가 보면)
This pattern expresses that if you continue doing an action over a period of time, you will eventually discover a new fact or reach a certain outcome.
Meaning & Usage
Meaning: It translates to "if one keeps doing...", "as you continue to...", or "in the course of doing...".
When to use: Use it to talk about a result or realization that comes naturally from repeating an action. It's often used to give advice, encouragement, or state a general truth based on experience.
Formation
Simply attach -다가 보면 to the stem of an action verb, regardless of whether it ends in a vowel or consonant.
하다 (to do): 하다 + -다가 보면 → 하다가 보면
먹다 (to eat): 먹다 + -다가 보면 → 먹다가 보면
걷다 (to walk): 걷다 + -다가 보면 → 걷다가 보면
The 가 in -다가 is often omitted in speech, making it -다 보면. Both forms are correct and common.
하다 보면 늘 거야. / 살다 보면 좋은 날 오겠지. / 쓰다 보면 익숙해져.
Common Combinations & Nuance
This pattern often carries a hopeful or encouraging tone, suggesting that persistence will lead to a positive outcome. It's not just a simple condition, but a process over time.
Common Verbs
Verbs related to general life experiences or continuous actions are frequently used.
살다 (to live): 살다 보면 좋은 날 오겠죠. (Good days will come as you live on.)
하다 (to do): 하다 보면 늘 거예요. (If you keep doing it, you'll improve.)
가다 (to go): 가다 보면 도착할 거야. (If you keep going, you'll arrive.)
Common Outcomes
The clause that follows -다가 보면 often describes a change or a future state. Look for these common grammatical forms:
-(아/어)지다 (to become/get): 쓰다 보면 쉬워져요. (If you keep writing, it gets easier.)
-게 되다 (to end up/turn out): 공부하다 보면 잘하게 될 거예요. (If you keep studying, you'll get good at it.)
-(으)ㄹ 것이다 (will): 듣다 보면 이해될 거야. (If you keep listening, you'll understand.)