Usage of '-되다'
The suffix '-되다' attaches to verbs or verb stems to express various grammatical meanings such as passive voice, possibility, or a change of state. It is a very common and versatile auxiliary verb in Korean.
Passive and Resultative
When attached to action verbs, '-되다' often forms the passive voice, indicating that the subject is the receiver of the action. For example, '문제가 해결되다' means 'the problem is solved.'
Possibility and Capability
'-되다' can also express that something becomes possible or allowed. For example, '배울 수 있게 되다' means 'it becomes possible to learn.'
Change of State or Completion
It can indicate that a situation or condition has changed or been established, as in '일이 잘 되다' meaning 'things go well.'
Common Collocations
- 일이 되다: things work out, succeed
- ~할 수 있게 되다: to become able to do something
- ~되다 (passive form): to be done, to be made
Notes
'-되다' is often confused with '-하다' which is an active verb form. Remember that '-되다' usually implies the subject is affected or a change occurs. It is polite and neutral in register, suitable for formal and informal contexts.