Have you ever wanted to say in Korean that something ended up happening completely, sometimes with a feeling of regret or relief? The pattern -아/어 버리다 is perfect for that. In this post, you’ll learn how -아/어 버리다 works, when to use it, and what emotional tones it often carries.
Contents
1. Definition
‘아/어 버리다’ is a grammar structure that is used to indicate the completion of an action, often implying that something has been done unintentionally or to an extent that is irreversible. It’s similar to saying “I ended up doing something” or “I’ve already done something” in English. This form can express regret, frustration, or simply the completion of an action.
2. Form (Structure)
The structure of ‘아/어 버리다’ is formed by combining the verb stem with either ‘아’ or ‘어’ based on vowel harmony, followed by 버리다.
- Use ‘아’ if the last vowel is ㅏ or ㅗ.
- Use ‘어’ for all other vowels.
Structure:
Verb stem + 아/어 + 버리다
| Last Vowel in Verb Stem | Suffix to Use | Example |
| ㅏ, ㅗ | +아 버리다 | 가다 → 가 + 아 + 버리다 가버리다 (go + ‘and do completely’) |
| Other vowels (ㅓ, ㅜ, ㅡ, etc.) | +어 버리다 | 먹다 → 먹 + 어 + 버리다 먹어버리다 (eat + ‘and do completely’) |
3. Meaning & Usage
The ‘아/어 버리다’ structure is used to express:
- Completion of an action: The action has been completed, often with a sense of finality or urgency.
- Regret or unexpected result: The speaker may convey a sense of regret or that something was done unexpectedly.
1. Completion of an Action
When combined with a verb, ‘아/어 버리다’ indicates that the action has been completely carried out or finished, often emphasizing that it was done without turning back.
Examples:
- 저는 책을 다 읽어 버렸어요.
(I have finished reading the book.) - 일찍 일어나서 아침을 먹어 버렸어요.
(I woke up early and already ate breakfast.) - 그 일을 끝내 버려서 정말 다행이에요.
(I’m so relieved that I finished that work.) - 그 문제를 해결해 버렸어요.
(I solved the problem completely.) - 운동을 열심히 해서 체중을 빼 버렸어요.
(I worked out hard and lost weight.)
2. Regret or Unexpected Result
Sometimes ‘아/어 버리다’ expresses that something has been done, and the speaker feels regret or surprise, as though it was something that could not be undone.
Examples:
- 중요한 문서를 집에 두고 와 버렸어요. 정말 큰일이에요.
(I ended up leaving the important document at home. It’s a big problem.) - 다이어트를 시작했는데 초콜릿을 먹어 버렸어요.
(I started my diet, but I ate chocolate anyway.) - 시험을 잘 볼 줄 알았는데 실수해 버렸어요.
(I thought I would do well on the exam, but I made a mistake.) - 사고가 나서 차가 망가져 버렸어요.
(An accident happened, and my car got ruined.) - 그 영화의 결말을 알고 싶지 않았는데, 이미 다 알아 버렸어요.
(I didn’t want to know the ending of the movie, but I ended up knowing it all.)
3. Emphasizing the Action’s Outcome
When ‘아/어 버리다’ is used, it often emphasizes the finality or completeness of the action, as if the action is irreversible.
Examples:
- 나는 결국 그 책을 다 읽어 버렸어요.
(I ended up reading the entire book.) - 그녀는 그 문제를 해결해 버렸어요.
(She solved the problem completely.) - 여행을 가기 전에 짐을 다 싸 버렸어요.
(I ended up packing all my luggage before the trip.) - 친구가 오래 기다리던 콘서트를 취소해 버렸어요.
(I ended up canceling the concert my friend had been waiting for.) - 아이가 그 비싼 장난감을 망가뜨려 버렸어요.
(The child ended up breaking that expensive toy.)
4. Key Points to Remember
- The structure implies that something has been completely done or something has occurred unintentionally or with regret.
- The form is simple, either ‘아/어 버리다’ depending on the vowel or consonant of the verb stem.
- It can be used in a variety of tenses, like past or future, to indicate completed actions.
5. Practice Exercises
Fill in the blanks with the appropriate form of ‘아/어 버리다’:
- 비가 와서 소풍을 _____.
(We canceled the picnic due to rain.) - 그 책을 하루 만에 _____.
(I finished reading that book in just one day.) - 친구와 싸운 후 관계를 _____.
(I cut off the relationship after fighting with a friend.) - 실수로 비밀을 _____.
(I accidentally revealed the secret.) - 시험 전에 모든 내용을 _____.
(I memorized all the content before the exam.) - 나는 그 영화를 _____.
(I watched that movie already). - 그들은 모든 걸 _____ .
(They lost everything). - 결국 유학을 가기로 _____.
(I finally decided to study abroad.) - 그 기회를 _____.
(I missed that opportunity.) - 중요한 약속을 _____.
(I forgot an important appointment.)
6. Answers
Fill in the blanks with the appropriate form of ‘아/어 버리다’:
- 비가 와서 소풍을 취소해 버렸어요.
(We canceled the picnic due to rain.) - 그 책을 하루 만에 읽어 버렸어요.
(I finished reading that book in just one day.) - 친구와 싸운 후 관계를 끊어 버렸어요.
(I cut off the relationship after fighting with a friend.) - 실수로 비밀을 말해 버렸어요.
(I accidentally revealed the secret.) - 시험 전에 모든 내용을 외워 버렸어요.
(I memorized all the content before the exam.) - 나는 그 영화를 이미 봐 버렸어요.
(I watched that movie already.) - 그들은 모든 걸 잃어 버렸어요.
(They lost everything.) - 결국 유학을 가기로 결정해 버렸어요.
(I finally decided to study abroad.) - 그 기회를 놓쳐 버렸어요.
(I missed that opportunity.) - 중요한 약속을 잊어버렸어요.
(I forgot an important appointment.)
7. Common Mistakes and Tips
⚠️ Mistake: Using ‘아/어 버리다’ for every completed action.
Incorrect ❌: 저는 아침을 먹어 버렸어요. (I ate breakfast.)
Correct ✅: 저는 아침을 먹었어요. (I ate breakfast.)
💡 Tip: Remember that ‘아/어 버리다’ often carries additional nuances like unexpectedness or regret. It’s not just a simple completion marker.
⚠️ Mistake: Incorrect vowel harmony.
Incorrect ❌: 가어 버리다
Correct ✅: 가 버리다
💡 Tip: Always check the last vowel of the verb stem to decide between ‘아’ and ‘어’.
⚠️ Mistake: Overusing ‘아/어 버리다’ in formal situations.
Incorrect ❌: (In a business meeting) 프로젝트를 완료해 버렸습니다.
Correct ✅: 프로젝트를 완료했습니다.
💡 Tip: This expression is more common in casual speech. In formal situations, consider using other expressions or simply the past tense.
Mastering the ‘아/어 버리다’ grammar pattern is crucial for expressing nuanced completions in Korean. By understanding its structure, meaning, and various uses, you can add depth and authenticity to your Korean expressions. Remember to practice with real-life examples and pay attention to the context to use this versatile grammar pattern effectively.