Pattern: -(다)가
-(다)가 (-(da)ga, (da)ga)
-(다)가 is used to show a change in action/state or two actions happening in sequence.
When and how native speakers actually use it.
A connective ending that indicates a change or continuation of actions/states.
When to use
action change, interruption, sequential actions
The nuance
Attach -(다)가 to the verb stem to indicate that a second action starts before or during the first action's completion. It shows sequential or interrupted actions. Example: '걷다가 멈추다' (walk and then stop).
창문을 열다가 손이 미끄러졌어요.
chang-mun-eul yeol-da-ga son-i mi-kkeu-reo-jyeoss-eo-yo., chang mun eul yeol da ga son i mi kkeu reo jyeoss eo yo.
Clearly shows one action interrupted by another in sequence.
책을 읽다가 잠들었어요.
chaek-eul ik-da-ga jam-deul-eoss-eo-yo., chaek eul ik da ga jam deul eoss eo yo.
Indicates natural continuation from reading to falling asleep.
음악을 듣다가 전화를 받았어요.
eum-ak-eul deut-da-ga jeon-hwa-reul bat-ass-eo-yo., eum ak eul deut da ga jeon hwa reul bat ass eo yo.
Expresses interruption of listening by receiving a call.
달리다가 넘어졌어요.
dal-ri-da-ga neom-eo-jyeoss-eo-yo., dal ri da ga neom eo jyeoss eo yo.
Shows change from running to falling.
밥을 먹다가 텔레비전을 켰어요.
bap-eul meok-da-ga tel-re-bi-jeon-eul kyeoss-eo-yo., bap eul meok da ga tel re bi jeon eul kyeoss eo yo.
Indicates another action starting during eating.
영화를 보다가 잠깐 나갔어요.
yeong-hwa-reul bo-da-ga jam-kkan na-gass-eo-yo., yeong hwa reul bo da ga jam kkan na gass eo yo.
Expresses interruption of watching by briefly leaving.
걷다가 멈췄어요.
geot-da-ga meom-chwoss-eo-yo., geot da ga meom chwoss eo yo.
Shows natural sequence from walking to stopping.
공부하다가 잠이 들었어요.
gong-bu-ha-da-ga jam-i deul-eoss-eo-yo., gong bu ha da ga jam i deul eoss eo yo.
Clearly indicates continuation from studying to sleeping.
Which sentence correctly uses -(다)가?
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