Learn Korean Grammar: The Structure “게 되다”
Let’s first look at the dialogue below:
지나: 야, 오랜만이야. 방학 잘 보냈어? 너 정말 날씬해졌어.
유리: 방학 때 다이어트를 좀 했어. 너는 방학 때 뭐 했어?
지나: 나는 방학 동안 과학 캠프에 다녀왔어.
유리: 과학 캠프? 너 과학을 좋아했어?
지나: 아니, 전에는 별로 안 좋아했어. 하지만 캠프에 가서 재미있는 것들을 많이 알게 됐어. 망원경으로 별도 보고 별자리 공부도 많이 했어.
유리: 과학 캠프에 가면 그런 것도 배워?
지나: 당연하지. 난 이제 ‘오리온자리’도 찾을 수 있어.
유리: 우와! 너 방학 동안 정말 똑똑해졌어. 다음 방학 때는 나도 같이 갈래.
Jina: Hey! Long time no see. Did you have a good vacation? You’ve really gotten slim!
Yuri: I went on a bit of a diet during the break. What did you do over the vacation?
Jina: I attended a science camp during the break.
Yuri: Science camp? Did you like science?
Jina: No, I didn’t really like it before. But after going to the camp, I came to know (ended up learning) many interesting things. I looked at stars through a telescope and studied constellations, too.
Yuri: You learn stuff like that at science camp?
Jina: Of course! Now I can even find the Orion constellation.
Yuri: Wow! You’ve really gotten smarter over the vacation. I want to go with you next time!
1. Meaning and Usage of “게 되다”
“게 되다” is used after verbs or adjectives to indicate a change in state or situation. It is often translated as “to become”, “to end up”, or “to start doing something” in English, and it expresses that something has changed due to external circumstances, often contrary to the subject’s original will or desire.
The structure “아/어/여지다” expresses a gradual change of state, while “게 되다” expresses the result of the change.
Example Sentences:
- 점점 날이 밝아집니다.
The day is gradually getting brighter.
(A gradual change in state) - 마침내 날이 밝게 되었습니다.
Finally, the day has become bright.
(The result of the change) - 내일부터 매일 만나게 되었어요.
Starting tomorrow, we will meet every day.
(Indicates that this situation was decided and will happen) - 이야기를 듣고 남편을 이해하게 되었어요.
After hearing the story, I have come to understand my husband.
(Shows a change in understanding or empathy) - 드디어 휴가를 받아 한가하게 되었어요.
Finally, I was able to take a vacation and relax.
(The result of the change) - 가방이 더 무겁게 되었어요.
The bag has become heavier.
(The bag has changed, becoming heavier)
2. Using “게 되다” for Future Decisions
You can use “게 되다” even for situations that have been decided but will occur in the future.
- 다음 달에 출장을 가게 되었어요.
Next month, I will have to go on a business trip. - 다음 주부터 한국 회사에서 일하게 되었어요.
Starting next week, I will be working for a Korean company.
You can also shorten the form “되었-” to “됐-“.
- 머리가 너무 아파서 집에 오게 됐어요.
I had to come home because my head hurt so much. - 우연히 길에서 친구를 만나게 됐어요.
I happened to meet a friend on the street.
3. Using “게 될 것이다” for Future Possibilities
When you are talking about something that has not been decided yet or is a prediction for the future, you use the form “게 될 것이다”.
- 뭐든지 열심히 연습하면 잘하게 될 거예요.
If you practice anything hard enough, you will become good at it. - 같이 일하니까 자주 만나게 될 거예요.
Since we will work together, we will meet frequently.
“게 되다” can also be used when a change in situation occurs due to actions or events, particularly those created by human effort.
- 청소를 하니 방이 깨끗하게 되었어요.
After cleaning, the room became clean.
By understanding “게 되다”, you can effectively express changes in situation, especially those that happen unexpectedly or as a result of external circumstances. Keep practicing with these examples and soon you’ll be able to incorporate “게 되다” naturally into your Korean conversations!
