VA: Adjective (형용사)
Definition
VA refers to an adjective that describes a noun’s properties, emotions, or states. It can serve as the predicate of a clause or sentence.
Characteristics
- Like lexical verbs, VA consists of a stem and an ending. Among these, the VA tag corresponds to the adjective stem.
- Fixed-form VA can combine with different endings to express tense, mood, and politeness.
- Examples:
- 크다 (is big), 컸다 (was big), 큽니다 (a polite form of “is big”).
Boundary cases and clarifications
Special cases
- Phonological changes in VA with endings:
- When certain endings are attached, VA can undergo phonological changes, such as deletion, addition, or modification. In these cases, it is important to preserve the original VA form while parsing the morphemes separately.
- 겨울에 추우니까: 춥(VA) + -으니까
- 아이가 너무 기뻐서: 기쁘(VA) + -어서
- 빨간 단풍을: 빨갛(VA) + -ㄴ
- 실력이 나보다 나아: 낫(VA) + -아
- When certain endings are attached, VA can undergo phonological changes, such as deletion, addition, or modification. In these cases, it is important to preserve the original VA form while parsing the morphemes separately.
Compound and derived forms
- Certain words, such as ‘있다’ and ‘없다’, frequently combine with specific nouns to form compound expressions. In such cases, each element should be parsed separately.
- 맛있다: 맛(NNG) + 있(VA) + 다
- 재미있어요: 재미(NNG) + 있(VA) + 어요
- 변함없다: 변하(VV) + ㅁ(ETN) + 없(VA) + 다
Examples
- 눈이 크고 피부가 눈처럼 하얗습니다.
- 저는 사진기가 없었어요.
- 음식이 맛없어서 그 식당을 안 가요.
- 제주도의 날씨가 좋아서 사람이 많아요.