Grammar
-다가
to switch actions while doing something
Form
Verb stem + -다가 — “while doing…, then…”.
Function
Links an ongoing action to a subsequent action or event, sometimes unexpected. The first action may be interrupted.
Why this form?
-면서 — “while”: two actions overlap without conveying a switch.
-고 나서 — “after doing”: presents the first action as completed before the next.
How to build it
Attach to a verb stem; the main verb bears tense. -았다가 often marks a completed first action followed by a change.
Forms not to confuse
- -면서
음악을 들으면서 걸어요. — I walk while listening to music.
- -고 나서
숙제를 하고 나서 잤어요. — I went to sleep after finishing my homework.
Examples
나는 숨을 곳을 찾으며 계속 달리다가 병원 라운지를 발견한다. — I keep running while looking for somewhere to hide, then discover the hospital lounge.
길을 걷다가 친구를 만났어요. — I met a friend while walking down the street.