-다 보니 Grammar Lesson- “while doing…”
-다 보니 Grammar Explanation – “while doing”, “during”
Oh hi there! Let’s learn some Korean shall we? In this lesson, we will take a look at the -다 보니 grammar pattern.
In this pattern, the speaker presents a scenario where he or she does something continuously or repeatedly in the preceding clause, and the result or realization of/after that action in the following clause.
Note that while similarities exist, this grammar should not be confused with -어/아 보니.
Usage
- AVST+다 보니
- N / DVST+다 보니 (slightly different meaning)
- While DVST can be used, it takes on a different meaning (look below for more information).
- 가 can be added to form 다가 보니 with no change in meaning.
- 다(가) 보니까 can also be used with no change in meaning.
- Only present tense can be used in the preceding clause.
A closer look
To best understand what it really means, we have to look at the components that make up this pattern. Essentially, it is a combination of -다가 and 보니까 which can be translated to something like:
- Do an action repeatedly or continously over time
- Stop
- Take notice of what happened during that time.
In other words, the result described in the following clause is not the result of something that happens after the action is performed, but rather during it.
When used with an adjective (DVST) or a noun, the meaning changes a bit to express reason or cause for the following clause. Yes, I know, there are too many ways to express cause and reason in Korean…
Difference between 다 보니 and 고 보니
While similar in meaning, the main difference between the two is that the former is used to express a result or change that happened during a continuous or repeated action and the latter is used to express the result that happened after doing it. For example:
수영을 하고 보니 배가 고팠다
= After swimming, I realized I was hungry.
수영을 하다 보니 배가 고팠다
= During swimming, I (realized I) became hungry.
Examples
라면만 먹다 보니 건강에 적신호가 왔다.
= While eating only ramyeon, I noticed some warning signals in regards to my health.
공부하다 보니 많은 것을 깨닫게 되었다.
= I realized many things while studying.
고기만 먹다 보니 싫증이 났다.
= I grew tired of only eating meat.
날씨가 춥다 보니 따뜻한 음료를 마시곤해요. –
= Since the weather is cold, I usually drink hot beverages.
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By: Kimchi Cloud
