VCP: Copular_positive (긍정 지정사)
Definition
VCP refers to a copula that expresses attributes or classifications of an entity. It attaches to certain nouns, adverbs, or connective endings to indicate equations or definitions.
Characteristics
- Unlike regular verbs or adjectives, VCP has no independent meaning and only works as a grammatical connector.
- The most common VCP is ‘이다’. Its stem ‘이-‘ stays the same, while the ending changes in forms like ‘이고’, ‘이니’, and ‘이면’.
- Examples:
- 나는 새내기 대학생이다.
- 빨리 일을 시작하는 것이 효과적입니다.
- 오늘은 시험 보는 날이어서 긴장된다.
Boundary cases and clarifications
Differences with related tags
- VCP vs. VCN (Copular_negative, 부정 지정사):
- VCP and VCN are both copulas, but they have opposite meanings—VCP shows affirmation, while VCN shows negation.
- VCP: 나는 학생이다. (I am a student.)
- VCN: 나는 학생이 아니다. (I am not a student.)
- VCP and VCN are both copulas, but they have opposite meanings—VCP shows affirmation, while VCN shows negation.
Special cases
- Usage of ‘에요’ with copular verbs:
- The ending ‘에요’ only attaches to copulars like VCP and VCN. When ‘이다’ combines with ‘에요’, it becomes ‘이에요’, which can contract to ‘예요’. In this case, the original VCP should be parsed separately.
- 이건 얼마예요: 얼마(NNG) + 이(VCP) + 에요(EF)
- 일주일쯤 걸릴 거예요: 것(NNB) + 이(VCP) + 에요(EF)
- The ending ‘에요’ only attaches to copulars like VCP and VCN. When ‘이다’ combines with ‘에요’, it becomes ‘이에요’, which can contract to ‘예요’. In this case, the original VCP should be parsed separately.
Examples
- 성인이면 입장료가 10000원입니다.
- 방과 후에 영화를 볼 거예요.
- 출발일은 내일이고, 도착일은 다음 주이다.
- 우리는 딱 한 번 살 뿐이야.