Korean grammar patterns › Level 2
-아/어하다
turns a feeling adjective into a verb (someone shows that feeling)
Level 2 · TOPIK I · beginner
How to use it
Changes a feeling or sensation adjective (좋다, 싫다, 무섭다, 덥다) into a verb describing how someone, usually a third person, shows that feeling. The object takes 을/를.
Forming it
| 좋다 | → 좋아하다 |
| 싫다 | → 싫어하다 |
| 무섭다 | → 무서워하다 |
| 귀엽다 | → 귀여워하다 |
The particle changes: 저는 개가 무서워요 (adjective, 이/가) vs 동생은 개를 무서워해요 (verb, 을/를). Commands use the verb: 무서워하지 마세요.
Examples
제 동생은 큰 개를 무서워해요.
My younger sibling is afraid of big dogs.
아이가 선물을 받고 정말 좋아했어요.
The child was really happy to get the present.
Compared with similar patterns
-고 싶어 하다 is the same change for -고 싶다; -아/어지다 means 'become' (좋아지다 = get better ≠ 좋아하다 = like).