TL;DR 🦄
- ➕ -(으)ㄴ/는 데다(가) means on top of / in addition to / moreover.
- 🧱 It stacks related facts in the same direction — positive + positive, negative + negative, burden + extra burden, benefit + extra benefit.
- 🎓 Advanced use = choose it when the added fact strengthens the same evaluation, especially in formal explanation, reports, complaints, reviews, and argument-building.
🎧 Iru Helper Note — Open Korean Helper Widgets and compare 비용이 높은 데다가 절차도 복잡합니다 with 비용이 높고 절차도 복잡합니다. The 데다가 version sounds like the second problem is being piled on top. 🧱
🌈 The Big Picture
데 can mean a situation, point, or circumstance, and 다가 adds the feeling of attaching something onto it. So -(으)ㄴ/는 데다가 piles one fact onto another.
This grammar is especially useful when you want to build a stronger evaluation:
- a product is expensive and on top of that inconvenient 💸
- a policy is unclear and moreover difficult to apply 📋
- a candidate is experienced and in addition communication is clear 🧑💼
- the weather is cold and on top of that windy 🌬️
The key is direction. The two clauses should usually support the same overall judgment. If the second clause unexpectedly contrasts with the first, use a contrast connector instead.
🎨 The Core 데다(가) Family
1. Action verb + -는 데다(가)
Use this for a present/general action or ongoing tendency.
- 시간이 오래 걸리다 = to take a long time → 시간이 오래 걸리는 데다가 = it takes a long time, and on top of that…
- 자주 바뀌다 = to change often → 자주 바뀌는 데다가 = it changes often, and on top of that…
2. Descriptive verb/adjective + -(으)ㄴ 데다(가)
Use this for qualities or states.
- 비싸다 → 비싼 데다가 = expensive, and on top of that
- 복잡하다 → 복잡한 데다가 = complex, and on top of that
- 안정적이다 → 안정적인 데다가 = stable, and in addition
3. Noun + 인 데다(가)
Use this after nouns.
- 전문가인 데다가 = being an expert, and in addition
- 신제품인 데다가 = being a new product, and on top of that
- 공식 자료인 데다가 = being official material, and in addition
🛠️ How They Work in a Sentence
1. Negative stacking
- 절차가 복잡한 데다가 제출해야 할 서류도 많습니다.
The procedure is complicated, and on top of that, there are many documents to submit. 📄
절차 = procedure, 복잡하다 = to be complex, 제출하다 = to submit.
2. Positive stacking
- 이 보고서는 근거가 명확한 데다가 표현도 간결합니다.
This report has clear evidence, and in addition, the wording is concise. 🧾
근거 = basis/evidence, 명확하다 = to be clear, 간결하다 = to be concise.
3. Formal argument-building
- 해당 방안은 비용을 줄이는 데다가 실행 기간도 단축할 수 있습니다.
The measure reduces costs, and in addition, it can shorten the implementation period. 📊
방안 = measure/plan, 비용을 줄이다 = to reduce costs, 단축하다 = to shorten.
🧩 General Formation Rule
Use the form that matches the word before 데다(가).
- Action verb, present/general: V-는 데다(가)
증가하다 → 증가하는 데다가 = increasing, and on top of that
- Action verb, completed/past result: V-(으)ㄴ 데다(가)
이미 지연되다 → 이미 지연된 데다가 = already delayed, and on top of that
- Descriptive verb/adjective: A-(으)ㄴ 데다(가)
어렵다 → 어려운 데다가 = difficult, and on top of that
- Noun: N인 데다(가)
전문가 → 전문가인 데다가 = being an expert, and in addition
The 가 in 데다가 is often optional. 데다 can sound a little tighter/formal; 데다가 sounds slightly fuller and common in explanation.
📚 Cross-check note
The additive meaning of 데다가 and its forms with action verbs, descriptive verbs, and nouns were checked against 국립국어원 / korean.go.kr and Korean learner grammar references. ✅
🪞 Synonym Alert
- -(으)ㄴ/는 데다(가) — on top of / in addition to; stacks related facts.
- -(으)ㄹ 뿐만 아니라 — not only…but also; more formal and balanced.
- -(으)ㄹ 뿐더러 — not only…but also; formal/literary, often used in writing.
- 게다가 — besides / moreover; sentence adverb, easier and more conversational.
- 또한 — also; formal and neutral.
- 반면에 — on the other hand; use for contrast, not stacking.
⚠️ Pitfalls to Dodge
- ❌ 비싼 데다가 품질은 좋다 → ✅ 비싸지만 품질은 좋다 (Use contrast when the second fact goes the opposite direction.)
- ❌ 복잡하는 데다가 → ✅ 복잡한 데다가 (복잡하다 is descriptive here.)
- ❌ 전문가 데다가 → ✅ 전문가인 데다가 (Nouns need 인.)
- ❌ Piling unrelated facts together → ✅ Make both clauses support the same evaluation.
- ❌ Using it for a simple list with no added emphasis → ✅ Use 그리고 or 또한 if you only need neutral listing.
➕ -(으)ㄴ/는 데다(가) is your “and another thing!” grammar — polished enough for formal writing, dramatic enough for complaints, and tidy enough for well-built arguments. 🧱✨
Try this exercise
Instructions: Complete each sentence with the correct 데다(가) form. Check whether the word before the blank is an action verb, descriptive verb, or noun. ➕
1. 비용이 높은 ____ 유지비도 많이 듭니다.
The cost is high, and on top of that, maintenance expenses are also large. 💸
Answer
데다가 — 높다 → 높은 데다가.
2. 절차가 복잡____ 처리 시간도 깁니다.
The procedure is complicated, and in addition, the processing time is long. 📄
Answer
한 데다가 — 복잡하다 → 복잡한 데다가.
3. 자료가 부족한 ____ 출처도 불분명합니다.
The materials are insufficient, and on top of that, the sources are unclear. 🔍
Answer
데다가 — 부족하다 → 부족한 데다가.
4. 일정이 자주 바뀌____ 공지도 늦습니다.
The schedule changes often, and in addition, notices are late. 🗓️
Answer
는 데다가 — 바뀌다 → 바뀌는 데다가.
5. 그는 전문가____ 실무 경험도 풍부합니다.
They are an expert, and in addition, have abundant practical experience. 🧑💼
Answer
인 데다가 — Noun + 인 데다가.
6. 설명이 친절한 ____ 예시도 구체적입니다.
The explanation is kind, and in addition, the examples are concrete. 🧾
Answer
데다가 — 친절하다 → 친절한 데다가.
7. 이미 지연된 ____ 추가 비용까지 발생했습니다.
It was already delayed, and on top of that, additional costs occurred. ⏳
Answer
데다가 — Completed state: 지연된 데다가.
8. 제품이 가벼운 ____ 내구성도 좋습니다.
The product is light, and in addition, durability is good. 🎒
Answer
데다가 — Positive + positive stacking.
9. 문제가 반복되____ 원인도 명확하지 않습니다.
The problem keeps recurring, and on top of that, the cause is not clear. 🔁
Answer
는 데다가 — 반복되다 → 반복되는 데다가.
10. 공식 자료____ 최신 정보도 포함되어 있습니다.
It is official material, and in addition, it includes the latest information. 📚
Answer
인 데다가 — 공식 자료 is a noun phrase.
Vocabulary Box
- 비용 → cost
- 유지비 → maintenance expense
- 절차 → procedure
- 처리 시간 → processing time
- 자료 → materials/data
- 출처 → source
- 일정 → schedule
- 바뀌다 → to change
- 전문가 → expert
- 실무 경험 → practical work experience
- 구체적 → concrete/specific
- 지연되다 → to be delayed
- 내구성 → durability
- 반복되다 → to recur/repeat
- 공식 자료 → official material
Tip 💡 Same direction matters: good + good, bad + bad, burden + burden.
Want more reps? The Practice Hub below helps you stack facts without making your sentences wobble. 🧱
🎯 Practice Hub — In Addition To: -(으)ㄴ/는 데다(가)
Welcome to the fact-stacking workshop. ➕ This Practice Hub trains you to add a second related point with precision, whether you are writing a formal review, explaining a policy problem, praising a proposal, or making a carefully layered argument. The goal is not just “and,” but “and this extra fact strengthens the same judgment.”
🔊 Audio reminder: Use Korean Helper Widgets whenever you want to hear a completed sentence aloud.
📝 Instructions: Complete each prompt, check whether the added fact points in the same direction, and then open the Answer toggle. Watch the form before 데다가: action, descriptive, completed, or noun.
Exercise 1 — Form Builder 🧱
A. 비싸다 → 이 장비는 ____ 관리도 어렵습니다.
This equipment is expensive, and on top of that, management is difficult. 🖥️
Answer
비싼 데다가 — Descriptive verb: 비싸다 → 비싼 데다가.
B. 복잡하다 → 계약 구조가 ____ 위험 요소도 많습니다.
The contract structure is complex, and in addition, there are many risk factors. 📑
Answer
복잡한 데다가 — Negative + negative stacking.
C. 늘어나다 → 문의가 계속 ____ 처리 인력도 부족합니다.
Inquiries keep increasing, and on top of that, processing staff is insufficient. 📞
Answer
늘어나는 데다가 — Action verb/general trend: 늘어나다 → 늘어나는 데다가.
D. 지연되다 → 배송이 이미 ____ 안내도 충분하지 않았습니다.
Delivery was already delayed, and on top of that, guidance was insufficient. 📦
Answer
지연된 데다가 — Completed state: 지연된.
E. 안정적이다 → 수익 구조가 ____ 성장 가능성도 높습니다.
The profit structure is stable, and in addition, growth potential is high. 📈
Answer
안정적인 데다가 — 이다-type descriptive form: 안정적인.
F. 신제품 → ____ 가격 경쟁력도 있습니다.
It is a new product, and in addition, it has price competitiveness. 🆕
Answer
신제품인 데다가 — Noun + 인 데다가.
G. 줄어들다 → 수요가 ____ 재고도 남아 있습니다.
Demand is decreasing, and on top of that, inventory remains. 📉
Answer
줄어드는 데다가 — Current trend: 줄어드는.
H. 정확하다 → 번역이 ____ 문체도 자연스럽습니다.
The translation is accurate, and in addition, the style is natural. 🌐
Answer
정확한 데다가 — Positive + positive stacking.
I. 전문 기관 → ____ 분석 경험도 풍부합니다.
It is a specialized institution, and in addition, it has abundant analysis experience. 🏛️
Answer
전문 기관인 데다가 — Noun phrase + 인 데다가.
J. 취소되다 → 행사가 갑자기 ____ 환불 절차도 늦어졌습니다.
The event was suddenly canceled, and on top of that, the refund process was delayed. 🎫
Answer
취소된 데다가 — Completed passive state + additional negative fact.
Vocabulary Box
- 장비 → equipment
- 관리 → management
- 계약 구조 → contract structure
- 위험 요소 → risk factor
- 문의 → inquiry
- 처리 인력 → processing staff
- 배송 → delivery
- 안내 → guidance/notice
- 수익 구조 → profit structure
- 성장 가능성 → growth potential
- 가격 경쟁력 → price competitiveness
- 수요 → demand
- 재고 → inventory
- 번역 → translation
- 문체 → writing style
- 전문 기관 → specialized institution
- 환불 절차 → refund process
Tip 💡 Form check: 비싼, 늘어나는, 지연된, 신제품인.
Exercise 2 — Positive Stacking 🌟
A. 이 앱은 화면 구성이 단순한 ____ 반응 속도도 빠릅니다.
This app has a simple screen layout, and in addition, response speed is fast. 📱
Answer
데다가 — Two positive usability points stack naturally.
B. 그 후보자는 경력이 풍부한 ____ 위기 대응 능력도 뛰어납니다.
The candidate has abundant experience, and in addition, crisis-response ability is excellent. 🧑💼
Answer
데다가 — Positive evaluation is strengthened.
C. 이 자료는 공식 문서인 ____ 통계도 최신입니다.
This material is an official document, and in addition, the statistics are current. 📚
Answer
데다가 — 공식 문서인 데다가.
D. 새 기준은 적용하기 쉬운 ____ 평가 방식도 명확합니다.
The new standard is easy to apply, and in addition, the evaluation method is clear. ✅
Answer
데다가 — Ease + clarity.
E. 그 지역은 교통이 편리한 ____ 생활비도 비교적 낮습니다.
The area has convenient transportation, and in addition, living costs are relatively low. 🚇
Answer
데다가 — Two advantages of a place.
F. 이 연구는 표본이 큰 ____ 분석 방법도 체계적입니다.
This study has a large sample, and in addition, the analysis method is systematic. 🔬
Answer
데다가 — Stronger research credibility.
G. 제품 설명이 자세한 ____ 비교표도 제공됩니다.
The product explanation is detailed, and in addition, a comparison table is provided. 🧾
Answer
데다가 — Added helpful feature.
H. 새 정책은 목표가 분명한 ____ 실행 계획도 구체적입니다.
The new policy has a clear goal, and in addition, the implementation plan is concrete. 🎯
Answer
데다가 — Positive policy evaluation.
I. 이 강의는 설명이 쉬운 ____ 사례도 현실적입니다.
This lecture has easy explanations, and in addition, the examples are realistic. 🎓
Answer
데다가 — Teaching strengths stack.
J. 그 제안은 비용을 줄이는 ____ 절차도 간소화합니다.
The proposal reduces costs, and in addition, simplifies procedures. ✂️
Answer
데다가 — Action verb: 줄이는 데다가.
Vocabulary Box
- 화면 구성 → screen layout
- 반응 속도 → response speed
- 후보자 → candidate
- 위기 대응 능력 → crisis-response ability
- 공식 문서 → official document
- 최신 → latest/current
- 기준 → standard
- 평가 방식 → evaluation method
- 교통 → transportation
- 생활비 → living cost
- 표본 → sample
- 체계적 → systematic
- 비교표 → comparison table
- 실행 계획 → implementation plan
- 사례 → example/case
- 간소화하다 → to simplify
Tip 💡 Positive stacking makes praise more persuasive: useful + clear + efficient.
Exercise 3 — Negative Stacking ⚠️
A. 가격이 오른 ____ 공급도 불안정합니다.
The price has risen, and on top of that, supply is unstable. 📈
Answer
데다가 — Completed negative change + additional problem.
B. 규정이 모호한 ____ 해석 기준도 자주 바뀝니다.
The regulation is vague, and on top of that, interpretation standards change often. 📜
Answer
데다가 — Ambiguity + instability.
C. 장소가 좁은 ____ 환기 시설도 부족합니다.
The place is cramped, and on top of that, ventilation facilities are insufficient. 🪟
Answer
데다가 — Two facility problems.
D. 자료가 오래된 ____ 출처도 확인되지 않았습니다.
The materials are old, and on top of that, the sources have not been verified. 📚
Answer
데다가 — Trust problem stacks.
E. 신청 절차가 까다로운 ____ 결과 통보도 늦습니다.
The application procedure is demanding, and on top of that, result notifications are late. 📨
Answer
데다가 — Administrative burden + delay.
F. 광고가 과장된 ____ 실제 기능도 제한적입니다.
The advertisement is exaggerated, and on top of that, actual functions are limited. 📢
Answer
데다가 — Negative product evaluation.
G. 문제가 반복되는 ____ 책임 소재도 불분명합니다.
The problem keeps recurring, and on top of that, responsibility is unclear. 🔁
Answer
데다가 — Ongoing issue + accountability issue.
H. 계획이 자주 수정되는 ____ 공유도 제대로 되지 않습니다.
The plan is often revised, and on top of that, sharing is not done properly. 🗂️
Answer
데다가 — Process instability + communication problem.
I. 계약 기간이 짧은 ____ 위약금도 높습니다.
The contract period is short, and on top of that, the penalty is high. 📑
Answer
데다가 — Two unfavorable terms.
J. 초기 비용이 큰 ____ 효과도 바로 나타나지 않습니다.
The initial cost is large, and on top of that, the effect does not appear immediately. 💸
Answer
데다가 — Cost + delayed benefit.
Vocabulary Box
- 공급 → supply
- 불안정하다 → to be unstable
- 모호하다 → to be vague
- 해석 기준 → interpretation standard
- 환기 시설 → ventilation facility
- 확인되다 → to be verified/confirmed
- 까다롭다 → to be demanding/strict
- 통보 → notification
- 과장되다 → to be exaggerated
- 제한적 → limited
- 책임 소재 → where responsibility lies
- 공유 → sharing
- 계약 기간 → contract period
- 위약금 → penalty fee
- 초기 비용 → initial cost
Tip 💡 Negative stacking is common in complaints, risk analysis, and formal criticism.
Exercise 4 — Choose the Best Connector 🔍
A. 가격은 비싼 ____ 품질은 좋습니다.
The price is expensive, but the quality is good. 🏷️
Answer
지만 — This is contrast, not same-direction stacking.
B. 가격이 비싼 ____ 배송도 느립니다.
The price is expensive, and on top of that, delivery is slow. 🐢
Answer
데다가 — Two complaints stack.
C. 그는 전문가인 ____ 설명도 명확합니다.
They are an expert, and in addition, the explanation is clear. 🧑🏫
Answer
데다가 — Noun + positive addition.
D. 그는 전문가____ 실무 경험은 부족합니다.
They are an expert, but practical experience is lacking. 💼
Answer
이지만 — Expertise and lack of experience contrast.
E. 근거가 충분한 ____ 표현도 설득력 있습니다.
The evidence is sufficient, and in addition, the wording is persuasive. 🧾
Answer
데다가 — Two strengths.
F. 근거는 충분____ 결론은 성급합니다.
The evidence is sufficient, but the conclusion is hasty. ⚖️
Answer
하지만 — Opposite evaluation.
G. 비가 오는 ____ 바람도 강합니다.
It is raining, and on top of that, the wind is strong. 🌧️
Answer
데다가 — Weather problems stack.
H. 비가 오____ 행사는 예정대로 진행됩니다.
It is raining, but the event will proceed as scheduled. 🎪
Answer
지만 — Contrast with expectation.
I. 서비스가 빠른 ____ 직원들도 친절합니다.
The service is fast, and in addition, the staff are kind. 😊
Answer
데다가 — Two positive service points.
J. 서비스는 빠르____ 설명은 부족합니다.
The service is fast, but the explanation is insufficient. 🧾
Answer
지만 — Mixed evaluation needs contrast.
Vocabulary Box
- 가격 → price
- 품질 → quality
- 배송 → delivery
- 느리다 → to be slow
- 실무 경험 → practical work experience
- 부족하다 → to be insufficient
- 근거 → basis/evidence
- 설득력 있다 → to be persuasive
- 성급하다 → to be hasty
- 예정대로 → as scheduled
- 진행되다 → to proceed
- 서비스 → service
- 직원 → staff
Tip 💡 데다가 stacks; 지만 contrasts. Don’t make them do each other’s jobs.
Exercise 5 — Mixed Mastery + Pitfall Patrol 🛡️
A. ❌ 복잡하는 데다가 → ✅ ____
Complex, and on top of that… 🧩
Answer
복잡한 데다가 — 복잡하다 is descriptive here.
B. ❌ 전문가 데다가 → ✅ ____
Being an expert, and in addition… 🧑💼
Answer
전문가인 데다가 — Noun + 인 데다가.
C. 이 제도는 기준이 불명확한 ____ 적용 사례도 적습니다.
This system has unclear standards, and on top of that, there are few application cases. 📜
Answer
데다가 — Two weaknesses stack.
D. ❌ 저렴한 데다가 성능은 나쁘다 → ✅ contrast: 저렴____ 성능은 나쁘다.
It is inexpensive, but performance is bad. 💻
Answer
하지만 — Positive + negative needs contrast.
E. 새 모델은 조용한 ____ 전력 소비도 적습니다.
The new model is quiet, and in addition, power consumption is low. 🔌
Answer
데다가 — Two product strengths.
F. 이미 예산이 줄어든 ____ 일정도 앞당겨졌습니다.
The budget has already been reduced, and on top of that, the schedule has been moved up. 📆
Answer
데다가 — Completed negative state + added pressure.
G. 이 문장은 길____ 구조도 복잡합니다.
This sentence is long, and on top of that, the structure is complex. 📝
Answer
긴 데다가 — 길다 → 긴 데다가.
H. ❌ 회의인 데다가 길었다 → ✅ natural: 회의가 ____ 내용도 많았다.
The meeting was long, and in addition, there was a lot of content. 🗒️
Answer
긴 데다가 — Don’t use noun form if the point is the meeting’s quality.
I. 그 방안은 현실적인 ____ 반대도 적습니다.
The measure is realistic, and in addition, opposition is low. ✅
Answer
데다가 — Two reasons to support it.
J. 보고서가 늦게 제출된 ____ 핵심 자료도 빠져 있습니다.
The report was submitted late, and on top of that, key materials are missing. 📂
Answer
데다가 — Completed problem + additional problem.
Vocabulary Box
- 제도 → system/policy
- 불명확하다 → to be unclear
- 적용 사례 → application case
- 저렴하다 → to be inexpensive
- 성능 → performance
- 모델 → model
- 전력 소비 → power consumption
- 예산 → budget
- 앞당겨지다 → to be moved earlier
- 문장 → sentence
- 구조 → structure
- 현실적 → realistic
- 반대 → opposition
- 제출되다 → to be submitted
- 핵심 자료 → key material
Tip 💡 Pitfall patrol: noun needs 인, descriptive verbs need -(으)ㄴ, and mixed evaluations need contrast.
🎉 You stacked every fact without toppling the tower. Now -(으)ㄴ/는 데다(가) can help your Korean sound more persuasive, organized, and satisfyingly layered. ➕🧱