아/어서는 grammar
What is -아/어서는?
The -아/어서는 grammar is used to express a negative result or consequence when a certain condition or action happens. It often implies that a certain action leads to a bad or unintended outcome and is commonly used to express warnings, restrictions, or impossibility.
It carries the English meaning of:
- If [this happens], then [bad result]
- When it comes to [this situation], [problem occurs]
- In case of [X], [Y becomes impossible]
How to Conjugate -아/어서는
| Verb Stem Ending | Conjugation Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| ㅏ or ㅗ vowel | -아서는 | 가다 → 가서는 |
| All other vowels | -어서는 | 먹다 → 먹어서는 |
| 하다 verbs | -해서는 | 공부하다 → 공부해서는 |
Irregular Alert:
- 듣다 → 들어서는 (ㄷ irregular)
- 붓다 → 부어서는 (ㅅ irregular)
When and How to Use -아/어서는
1. Negative Consequences
If X happens, then [bad result]. This is often used to tell or warn someone that doing something will result in a bad outcome.
지각해서는 벌을 받아요.
If you're late, you'll get punished.
If you're late, you'll get punished.
운전하면서 전화해서는 위험해요.
It’s dangerous to talk on the phone while driving.
2. Impossibility Conditions
When X is the case, [action] becomes impossible. It shows that a goal cannot be achieved if the condition is met.
이렇게 어두워서는 길을 찾을 수 없어요.
When it's this dark, you can't find the way.
그렇게 늦게 일어나서는 회사에 지각할 거야.
If you wake up that late, you’ll be late for work.
3. Strong Limitations
As for X situation, [restriction applies]. It is used to give rules or restrictions.
이 음식은 매워서는 아이들이 먹을 수 없어요.
As for this spicy food, kids can't eat it.
거짓말을 해서는 안 돼요.
You must not lie.
Differences from Similar Grammar Patterns
| Grammar | Nuance | Example |
|---|---|---|
| -아/어서는 | Strong negative consequence | 비가 와서는 외출 못 해요 |
| -면 | Neutral condition "if" | 비가 오면 우산을 가져가요 |
| -더라도 | "Even if" (hypothetical) | 비가 오더라도 갈 거예요 |
| -기에 | "Because" (neutral reason) | 비가 오기에 집에 있었어요 |
Key Distinction:
- Only -아/어서는 carries the inherent meaning of "this condition makes something bad/impossible"
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Using with positive results
Incorrect: 열심히 해서는 성공할 거예요. (X)
Correct: 열심히 하면 성공할 거예요. (O)
❌ Confusing with -아/어서 (because)
Incorrect: 배가 고파서는 밥을 먹었어요. (X)
Correct: 배가 고파서 밥을 먹었어요. (O)
❌ Overusing in neutral conditions (아/어서는 vs 면)
Incorrect: 날씨가 좋아서는 공원에 갈 거예요. (X)
Correct: 날씨가 좋으면 공원에 갈 거예요. (O)
Examples of -아/어서는 in Use
1. 늦게 자서는 아침에 일어나기 힘들어요
(If you sleep late, it's hard to wake up.)
(If you sleep late, it's hard to wake up.)
2. 이렇게 더워서는 밖에 나가기 싫어요.
(When it's this hot, I don't want to go out.)
3. 술을 많이 마셔서는 머리가 아플 거예요.
(If you drink too much alcohol, you'll get a headache.)
4. 돈이 없어서는 여행을 갈 수 없어요.
(Without money, you can't travel.)
5. 너무 바빠서는 약속을 지킬 수 없어요.
(If you're too busy, you can't keep the appointment.)
6. 컴퓨터가 고장 나서는 일을 못 할 거예요.
(If the computer breaks down, I can't work)
7. 말을 안 들어서는 문제가 생길 거예요.
(If you don't listen, problems will occur.)
8. 이렇게 시끄러워서는 전화를 할 수 없어요.
(With this much noise, I can't make calls.)
9. 기한이 지나서는 신청할 수 없어요.
(After the deadline passes, you can't apply.)
10. 여기에 들어와서는 안 됩니다.
(You’re not allowed to enter here.)
Practice Sentences
Try translating these into Korean using -아/어서는:
1. "You shouldn't enter without permission."2. "When the phone battery dies, I can't call anyone."
3. "If you spend money like this, you'll go broke."
Answers:
1. 허락 없이 들어와서는 안 돼요.2. 휴대폰 배터리가 다 되어서는 전화를 못 걸어요.
3. 이렇게 돈을 써서는 망할 거예요.
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