🧰

State of Readiness: -아/어 놓다 / 두다

Keywords
-아/어 놓다
Lesson #
S
Done
Section
Intermediate Grammar
🎯
TL;DR 🦄
  • 🧰 -아/어 놓다 [-a/eo no-ta] and -아/어 두다 [-a/eo du-da] mean to do something and leave/keep it that way.
  • ✅ Use them when an action is completed and the result remains useful: prepared, opened, written down, saved, reserved, cleaned, or set aside.
  • 💡 놓다 [no-ta] and 두다 [du-da] are often similar, but 두다 [du-da] often feels a little more like preparing in advance for later.
🔊
🎧 Iru Helper Note — Use
Korean Helper Widgets
Korean Helper Widgets and type 문을 열어 놓았어요 [mu-neul yeo-reo no-a-sseo-yo], 메모해 두었어요 [me-mo-hae du-eo-sseo-yo], 예약해 놓았어요 [ye-ya-kae no-a-sseo-yo], and 저장해 두세요 [jeo-jang-hae du-se-yo]. Listen for the smooth 아/어 [a/eo] connection.
 

🌈 The Big Picture

-아/어 놓다 [-a/eo no-ta] and -아/어 두다 [-a/eo du-da] show that someone does an action first and keeps the result available.
 
Think: “Do it, then leave it ready.”
 
Examples:
  • 문을 열어 놓았어요.
      • [mu-neul yeo-reo no-a-sseo-yo] — I opened the door and left it open. 🚪
      문 [mun] = door; 열다 [yeol-da] = to open.
  • 회의 내용을 메모해 두었어요.
      • [hoe-ui nae-yong-eul me-mo-hae du-eo-sseo-yo] — I wrote down the meeting details and kept them for later. 📝
      회의 [hoe-ui] = meeting; 내용 [nae-yong] = contents/details; 메모하다 [me-mo-ha-da] = to memo/write down.
  • 내일 먹을 음식을 미리 만들어 두었어요.
      • [nae-il meo-geul eum-si-geul mi-ri man-deu-reo du-eo-sseo-yo] — I made food in advance to eat tomorrow. 🍱
      내일 [nae-il] = tomorrow; 음식 [eum-sik] = food; 미리 [mi-ri] = in advance.
 
The result matters. The door stays open, the memo remains written, the food is ready, the file is saved. Tiny preparedness grammar. 🧰✨

🎨 The Core Topic Family

1. -아/어 놓다 [-a/eo no-ta]: completed result left in place

Use -아/어 놓다 when the action’s result is left as-is.
 
  • 창문을 열어 놓았어요.
      • [chang-mu-neul yeo-reo no-a-sseo-yo] — I opened the window and left it open. 🪟
      창문 [chang-mun] = window.
  • 책상 위에 서류를 올려 놓았어요.
      • [chaek-sang wi-e seo-ryu-reul ol-lyeo no-a-sseo-yo] — I put the documents on the desk and left them there. 📄
      책상 [chaek-sang] = desk; 서류 [seo-ryu] = documents; 올리다 [ol-li-da] = to put up/place on.
 

2. -아/어 두다 [-a/eo du-da]: done in advance and kept for later

Use -아/어 두다 when the result is kept for future use, preparation, or safety.
 
  • 중요한 번호를 저장해 두었어요.
      • [jung-yo-han beon-ho-reul jeo-jang-hae du-eo-sseo-yo] — I saved the important number for later. 📱
      중요하다 [jung-yo-ha-da] = to be important; 번호 [beon-ho] = number; 저장하다 [jeo-jang-ha-da] = to save.
  • 여행 전에 숙소를 예약해 두었어요.
      • [yeo-haeng jeo-ne suk-so-reul ye-ya-kae du-eo-sseo-yo] — I reserved lodging before the trip. 🏨
      여행 [yeo-haeng] = trip; 숙소 [suk-so] = accommodation; 예약하다 [ye-yak-ha-da] = to reserve.
 

3. When both are possible

Often both work:
  • 문을 열어 놓았어요. [mu-neul yeo-reo no-a-sseo-yo] — I left the door open.
  • 문을 열어 두었어요. [mu-neul yeo-reo du-eo-sseo-yo] — I opened the door and kept it open, often for some reason/later use.
 
Tiny nuance:
  • 놓다 [no-ta] often highlights the result being left that way.
  • 두다 [du-da] often highlights keeping it ready for later.

🛠️ How It Works in a Sentence

The common sentence logic is:
 
Action + result remains
 
Examples:
  • 비가 올 것 같아서 우산을 준비해 두었어요.
      • [bi-ga ol geot ga-ta-seo u-sa-neul jun-bi-hae du-eo-sseo-yo] — It looked like it would rain, so I prepared an umbrella in advance. ☔
      비 [bi] = rain; 우산 [u-san] = umbrella; 준비하다 [jun-bi-ha-da] = to prepare.
  • 나중에 보려고 영상을 저장해 두었어요.
      • [na-jung-e bo-ryeo-go yeong-sang-eul jeo-jang-hae du-eo-sseo-yo] — I saved the video to watch later. 🎥
      나중에 [na-jung-e] = later; 영상 [yeong-sang] = video.
  • 손님이 올 것 같아서 방을 치워 놓았어요.
      • [son-ni-mi ol geot ga-ta-seo bang-eul chi-wo no-a-sseo-yo] — It seemed guests might come, so I cleaned the room and left it ready. 🧹
      손님 [son-nim] = guest; 방 [bang] = room; 치우다 [chi-u-da] = to clean/tidy up.
 
Useful setup words:
  • 미리 [mi-ri] — in advance
  • 나중에 [na-jung-e] — later
  • 혹시 몰라서 [hok-si mol-la-seo] — just in case
  • 전에 [jeo-ne] — before
  • 위해서 [wi-hae-seo] — for the sake of / in order to

🧩 General Formation Rule

Use the regular 아/어 form, then add 놓다 [no-ta] or 두다 [du-da].
 

Verb + 아/어 놓다

  • 열다 [yeol-da] → 열어 놓다 [yeo-reo no-ta] — to open and leave open
  • 써 놓다 [sseo no-ta] — to write and leave written
  • 치우다 [chi-u-da] → 치워 놓다 [chi-wo no-ta] — to clean/tidy and leave ready
  • 예약하다 [ye-yak-ha-da] → 예약해 놓다 [ye-ya-kae no-ta] — to reserve and have it set
 

Verb + 아/어 두다

  • 저장하다 [jeo-jang-ha-da] → 저장해 두다 [jeo-jang-hae du-da] — to save for later
  • 준비하다 [jun-bi-ha-da] → 준비해 두다 [jun-bi-hae du-da] — to prepare in advance
  • 사다 [sa-da] → 사 두다 [sa du-da] — to buy and keep for later
  • 만들다 [man-deul-da] → 만들어 두다 [man-deu-reo du-da] — to make and keep ready
 

Common polite forms

  • 열어 놓아요 [yeo-reo no-a-yo] — open and leave it open
  • 열어 놓았어요 [yeo-reo no-a-sseo-yo] — opened and left it open
  • 저장해 두세요 [jeo-jang-hae du-se-yo] — save it for later
  • 준비해 두었어요 [jun-bi-hae du-eo-sseo-yo] — prepared it in advance
✍️
Spacing note
Korean spelling rules generally space helper verbs: 열어 놓다 [yeo-reo no-ta], 저장해 두다 [jeo-jang-hae du-da]. Attached spelling may be allowed in some helper-verb cases, but this lesson uses spaced forms consistently so the pieces are easy to see.

🚨 Nuance: 놓다 vs 두다

-아/어 놓다 [-a/eo no-ta]

Often focuses on the visible result or arrangement left in place.
  • 문을 열어 놓았어요.
      • [mu-neul yeo-reo no-a-sseo-yo] — I left the door open.
  • 책을 책상 위에 올려 놓았어요.
      • [chae-geul chaek-sang wi-e ol-lyeo no-a-sseo-yo] — I put the book on the desk and left it there.
 

-아/어 두다 [-a/eo du-da]

Often focuses on preparation or keeping something for later.
  • 전화번호를 저장해 두었어요.
      • [jeon-hwa-beon-ho-reul jeo-jang-hae du-eo-sseo-yo] — I saved the phone number for later.
  • 배고플 때 먹으려고 빵을 사 두었어요.
      • [bae-go-peul ttae meo-geu-ryeo-go ppang-eul sa du-eo-sseo-yo] — I bought bread to keep for when I get hungry.
 
Easy memory:
  • 놓다 [no-ta] = leave the result there
  • 두다 [du-da] = keep it ready for later

🔍 -아/어 놓다 / 두다 vs Related Grammar

-아/어 있다

Resulting state, often with intransitive/passive-style verbs.
  • 문이 열려 있어요.
      • [mu-ni yeol-lyeo i-sseo-yo] — The door is open.
 

-아/어 놓다

Someone did the action and left the result.
  • 문을 열어 놓았어요.
      • [mu-neul yeo-reo no-a-sseo-yo] — I opened the door and left it open.
 

-아/어 두다

Someone did the action and kept the result for later.
  • 문서를 저장해 두었어요.
      • [mun-seo-reul jeo-jang-hae du-eo-sseo-yo] — I saved the document for later.
 

Plain past

Plain past only says the action happened.
  • 문을 열었어요.
      • [mu-neul yeo-reo-sseo-yo] — I opened the door.
 
The readiness patterns add: “and the result is still useful/kept.”

📚 Cross-check note

This lesson was checked against korean.go.kr, including the National Institute of Korean Language note that -어 놓다 [-eo no-ta] and -어 두다 [-eo du-da] both show that an action is completed and its result is maintained. The same note explains that 두다 [du-da] is especially common when the action is done in advance to prepare for something later. ✅

🪞 Synonym Alert

Possible English translations:
  • “leave it...” → 문을 열어 놓았어요. [mu-neul yeo-reo no-a-sseo-yo] — I left the door open.
  • “keep it...” → 저장해 두었어요. [jeo-jang-hae du-eo-sseo-yo] — I saved it for later.
  • “do in advance” → 미리 준비해 두었어요. [mi-ri jun-bi-hae du-eo-sseo-yo] — I prepared it in advance.
  • “have it ready” → 예약해 놓았어요. [ye-ya-kae no-a-sseo-yo] — I have it reserved.
 
Useful companion words:
  • 미리 [mi-ri] — in advance
  • 나중에 [na-jung-e] — later
  • 혹시 몰라서 [hok-si mol-la-seo] — just in case
  • 필요하면 [pi-ryo-ha-myeon] — if needed
  • 전에 [jeo-ne] — before

⚠️ Pitfalls to Dodge

  • ❌ 열고 놓았어요 [yeol-go no-a-sseo-yo] → ✅ 열어 놓았어요 [yeo-reo no-a-sseo-yo]. Use 아/어 [a/eo], not 고 [go].
  • ❌ 저장하고 두었어요 [jeo-jang-ha-go du-eo-sseo-yo] → ✅ 저장해 두었어요 [jeo-jang-hae du-eo-sseo-yo].
  • ❌ Treating 문이 열려 있어요 [mu-ni yeol-lyeo i-sseo-yo] and 문을 열어 놓았어요 [mu-neul yeo-reo no-a-sseo-yo] as identical → ✅ first describes a state; second says someone opened it and left it open.
  • ❌ Forgetting the later-use nuance of 두다 [du-da] → ✅ 미리 사 두었어요 [mi-ri sa du-eo-sseo-yo] = bought in advance and kept.
  • ❌ Using only plain past when readiness matters → ✅ 예약했어요 [ye-ya-kae-sseo-yo] = I reserved it; 예약해 두었어요 [ye-ya-kae du-eo-sseo-yo] = I reserved it and have it ready.
 
🎉 Now you can talk about actions that leave useful results: 열어 놓았어요 [yeo-reo no-a-sseo-yo], 저장해 두었어요 [jeo-jang-hae du-eo-sseo-yo], 준비해 두었어요 [jun-bi-hae du-eo-sseo-yo]. Preparedness grammar unlocked. 🧰✨
 

Try this exercise

Instructions: Complete each sentence with -아/어 놓다 [-a/eo no-ta] or -아/어 두다 [-a/eo du-da]. Use the context: visible result left in place, or preparation kept for later.
1. 열다 → 문을 ＿＿＿＿.
[yeol-da → mu-neul ＿＿＿＿]
I opened the door and left it open. 🚪
Answer
열어 놓았어요 [yeo-reo no-a-sseo-yo] — result left in place.
2. 저장하다 → 번호를 ＿＿＿＿.
[jeo-jang-ha-da → beon-ho-reul ＿＿＿＿]
I saved the number for later. 📱
Answer
저장해 두었어요 [jeo-jang-hae du-eo-sseo-yo] — kept for later.
3. 준비하다 → 우산을 미리 ＿＿＿＿.
[jun-bi-ha-da → u-sa-neul mi-ri ＿＿＿＿]
I prepared an umbrella in advance. ☔
Answer
준비해 두었어요 [jun-bi-hae du-eo-sseo-yo].
4. 치우다 → 방을 ＿＿＿＿.
[chi-u-da → bang-eul ＿＿＿＿]
I cleaned the room and left it ready. 🧹
Answer
치워 놓았어요 [chi-wo no-a-sseo-yo].
5. 사다 → 물을 미리 ＿＿＿＿.
[sa-da → mu-reul mi-ri ＿＿＿＿]
I bought water in advance and kept it. 💧
Answer
사 두었어요 [sa du-eo-sseo-yo].
6. 예약하다 → 숙소를 ＿＿＿＿.
[ye-yak-ha-da → suk-so-reul ＿＿＿＿]
I reserved accommodation and have it ready. 🏨
Answer
예약해 놓았어요 [ye-ya-kae no-a-sseo-yo] or 예약해 두었어요 [ye-ya-kae du-eo-sseo-yo].
7. ❌ 열고 놓았어요 → ✅ ＿＿＿＿
Answer
열어 놓았어요 [yeo-reo no-a-sseo-yo].
8. ❌ 저장하고 두었어요 → ✅ ＿＿＿＿
Answer
저장해 두었어요 [jeo-jang-hae du-eo-sseo-yo].
9. Which focuses more on “state is open”?
① 문이 열려 있어요 [mu-ni yeol-lyeo i-sseo-yo] / ② 문을 열어 놓았어요 [mu-neul yeo-reo no-a-sseo-yo]
Answer
① — -아/어 있다 [-a/eo it-da] describes the resulting state.
10. Which often fits “in advance for later”?
① 두다 [du-da] / ② 있다 [it-da]
Answer
① — 두다 [du-da] often carries preparation-for-later nuance.
📚
Vocabulary Box
  • 열다 [yeol-da] → to open
  • 문 [mun] → door
  • 저장하다 [jeo-jang-ha-da] → to save
  • 번호 [beon-ho] → number
  • 준비하다 [jun-bi-ha-da] → to prepare
  • 우산 [u-san] → umbrella
  • 치우다 [chi-u-da] → to tidy/clean up
  • 방 [bang] → room
  • 사다 [sa-da] → to buy
  • 물 [mul] → water
  • 예약하다 [ye-yak-ha-da] → to reserve
  • 숙소 [suk-so] → accommodation
Tip 💡 놓다 [no-ta] leaves the result; 두다 [du-da] keeps it ready.
🚀
Want more reps? The Practice Hub below gives you readiness, preparation, and result-state practice. 🧰
 
📦
🎯 Practice Hub — State of Readiness: -아/어 놓다 / 두다
 
Welcome to the readiness lab. 🧰 You’ll practice leaving things open, saving things for later, preparing in advance, and distinguishing 놓다 [no-ta], 두다 [du-da], and 있다 [it-da]. Tiny preparation goblin activated. 🧃
 
🔊 Audio reminder: Use
Korean Helper Widgets
Korean Helper Widgets whenever you want to hear a sentence before checking the answer.
 
📝 Instructions: Fill each blank with the correct readiness form. Some questions accept both 놓다 [no-ta] and 두다 [du-da], but the answer explains the most natural choice.
 

Exercise 1 — Result Left in Place 🧷

A. 문을 ＿＿＿＿.
[mu-neul ＿＿＿＿]
I opened the door and left it open. 🚪
Answer
열어 놓았어요 [yeo-reo no-a-sseo-yo].
B. 창문을 ＿＿＿＿.
[chang-mu-neul ＿＿＿＿]
I opened the window and left it open. 🪟
Answer
열어 놓았어요 [yeo-reo no-a-sseo-yo].
C. 불을 ＿＿＿＿.
[bu-reul ＿＿＿＿]
I turned on the light and left it on. 💡
Answer
켜 놓았어요 [kyeo no-a-sseo-yo].
D. 에어컨을 ＿＿＿＿.
[e-eo-keo-neul ＿＿＿＿]
I turned on the air conditioner and left it on. ❄️
Answer
켜 놓았어요 [kyeo no-a-sseo-yo].
E. 책을 책상 위에 ＿＿＿＿.
[chae-geul chaek-sang wi-e ＿＿＿＿]
I put the book on the desk and left it there. 📚
Answer
올려 놓았어요 [ol-lyeo no-a-sseo-yo].
F. 가방을 의자 옆에 ＿＿＿＿.
[ga-bang-eul ui-ja yeo-pe ＿＿＿＿]
I put the bag beside the chair and left it there. 👜
Answer
놓아 놓았어요 [no-a no-a-sseo-yo] is possible but clunky; more natural: 두었어요 [du-eo-sseo-yo] or 놔두었어요 [nwa-du-eo-sseo-yo].
G. 방을 깨끗하게 ＿＿＿＿.
[bang-eul kkae-kkeu-ta-ge ＿＿＿＿]
I cleaned the room and left it clean. ✨
Answer
치워 놓았어요 [chi-wo no-a-sseo-yo].
H. 문서를 프린트해 ＿＿＿＿.
[mun-seo-reul peu-rin-teu-hae ＿＿＿＿]
I printed the document and left it ready. 🖨️
Answer
놓았어요 [no-a-sseo-yo] or 두었어요 [du-eo-sseo-yo].
I. 자리를 맡아 ＿＿＿＿.
[ja-ri-reul ma-ta ＿＿＿＿]
I saved a seat. 🪑
Answer
놓았어요 [no-a-sseo-yo] — 자리를 맡아 놓다 [ja-ri-reul ma-ta no-ta] is common.
J. 문을 닫아 ＿＿＿＿.
[mu-neul da-da ＿＿＿＿]
I closed the door and left it closed. 🚪
Answer
놓았어요 [no-a-sseo-yo].
🧷
Vocabulary Box
  • 창문 [chang-mun] → window
  • 불 [bul] → light/fire
  • 켜다 [kyeo-da] → to turn on
  • 에어컨 [e-eo-keon] → air conditioner
  • 책상 위 [chaek-sang wi] → on the desk
  • 의자 옆 [ui-ja yeop] → beside the chair
  • 깨끗하게 [kkae-kkeu-ta-ge] → cleanly
  • 문서 [mun-seo] → document
  • 프린트하다 [peu-rin-teu-ha-da] → to print
  • 자리를 맡다 [ja-ri-reul mat-da] → to save a seat
Tip 💡 Visible result left as-is often works well with 놓다 [no-ta].
 

Exercise 2 — Preparation for Later 🧰

A. 전화번호를 저장해 ＿＿＿＿.
[jeon-hwa-beon-ho-reul jeo-jang-hae ＿＿＿＿]
I saved the phone number for later. 📱
Answer
두었어요 [du-eo-sseo-yo].
B. 숙소를 미리 예약해 ＿＿＿＿.
[suk-so-reul mi-ri ye-ya-kae ＿＿＿＿]
I reserved accommodation in advance. 🏨
Answer
두었어요 [du-eo-sseo-yo] or 놓았어요 [no-a-sseo-yo].
C. 물을 미리 사 ＿＿＿＿.
[mu-reul mi-ri sa ＿＿＿＿]
I bought water in advance and kept it. 💧
Answer
두었어요 [du-eo-sseo-yo].
D. 내일 먹을 음식을 만들어 ＿＿＿＿.
[nae-il meo-geul eum-si-geul man-deu-reo ＿＿＿＿]
I made tomorrow’s food in advance. 🍱
Answer
두었어요 [du-eo-sseo-yo].
E. 필요한 파일을 다운로드해 ＿＿＿＿.
[pi-ryo-han pa-i-reul da-un-ro-deu-hae ＿＿＿＿]
I downloaded the needed file for later. 💻
Answer
두었어요 [du-eo-sseo-yo].
F. 중요한 내용을 메모해 ＿＿＿＿.
[jung-yo-han nae-yong-eul me-mo-hae ＿＿＿＿]
I wrote down the important details for later. 📝
Answer
두었어요 [du-eo-sseo-yo].
G. 혹시 몰라서 우산을 준비해 ＿＿＿＿.
[hok-si mol-la-seo u-sa-neul jun-bi-hae ＿＿＿＿]
Just in case, I prepared an umbrella. ☔
Answer
두었어요 [du-eo-sseo-yo].
H. 영수증을 사진으로 찍어 ＿＿＿＿.
[yeong-su-jeung-eul sa-ji-neu-ro jji-geo ＿＿＿＿]
I took a photo of the receipt and saved it for later. 🧾
Answer
두었어요 [du-eo-sseo-yo].
I. 비상금을 따로 모아 ＿＿＿＿.
[bi-sang-geu-meul tta-ro mo-a ＿＿＿＿]
I saved emergency money separately. 💸
Answer
두었어요 [du-eo-sseo-yo].
J. 회의 전에 질문을 적어 ＿＿＿＿.
[hoe-ui jeo-ne jil-mu-neul jeo-geo ＿＿＿＿]
I wrote down questions before the meeting. ❓
Answer
두었어요 [du-eo-sseo-yo].
🧰
Vocabulary Box
  • 전화번호 [jeon-hwa-beon-ho] → phone number
  • 숙소 [suk-so] → accommodation
  • 다운로드하다 [da-un-ro-deu-ha-da] → to download
  • 필요하다 [pi-ryo-ha-da] → to be needed
  • 메모하다 [me-mo-ha-da] → to write a memo
  • 혹시 몰라서 [hok-si mol-la-seo] → just in case
  • 영수증 [yeong-su-jeung] → receipt
  • 비상금 [bi-sang-geum] → emergency money
  • 따로 [tta-ro] → separately
  • 질문 [jil-mun] → question
Tip 💡 Later-use preparation strongly favors 두다 [du-da].
 

Exercise 3 — Choose 놓다, 두다, or 있다 🔍

A. 문이 열려 ＿＿＿＿.
[mu-ni yeol-lyeo ＿＿＿＿]
The door is open. 🚪
Answer
있어요 [i-sseo-yo] — state description.
B. 문을 열어 ＿＿＿＿.
[mu-neul yeo-reo ＿＿＿＿]
I opened the door and left it open. 🚪
Answer
놓았어요 [no-a-sseo-yo].
C. 파일을 저장해 ＿＿＿＿.
[pa-i-reul jeo-jang-hae ＿＿＿＿]
I saved the file for later. 💾
Answer
두었어요 [du-eo-sseo-yo].
D. 불이 켜져 ＿＿＿＿.
[bu-ri kyeo-jyeo ＿＿＿＿]
The light is on. 💡
Answer
있어요 [i-sseo-yo].
E. 불을 켜 ＿＿＿＿.
[bu-reul kyeo ＿＿＿＿]
I turned the light on and left it on. 💡
Answer
놓았어요 [no-a-sseo-yo].
F. 내일 먹으려고 빵을 사 ＿＿＿＿.
[nae-il meo-geu-ryeo-go ppang-eul sa ＿＿＿＿]
I bought bread to eat tomorrow. 🍞
Answer
두었어요 [du-eo-sseo-yo].
G. 방이 깨끗해져 ＿＿＿＿.
[bang-i kkae-kkeu-tae-jyeo ＿＿＿＿]
The room has become clean and is clean. ✨
Answer
있어요 [i-sseo-yo] can describe the maintained state; 치워 놓았어요 [chi-wo no-a-sseo-yo] says someone cleaned it.
H. 회의 전에 자료를 준비해 ＿＿＿＿.
[hoe-ui jeo-ne ja-ryo-reul jun-bi-hae ＿＿＿＿]
I prepared materials before the meeting. 📋
Answer
두었어요 [du-eo-sseo-yo].
I. 의자가 놓여 ＿＿＿＿.
[ui-ja-ga no-yeo ＿＿＿＿]
The chair is placed there. 🪑
Answer
있어요 [i-sseo-yo].
J. 의자를 창가에 놓아 ＿＿＿＿.
[ui-ja-reul chang-ga-e no-a ＿＿＿＿]
I placed the chair by the window and left it there. 🪑
Answer
두었어요 [du-eo-sseo-yo] or 놓았어요 [no-a-sseo-yo]; 두었어요 avoids repeated 놓아 놓다.
🔍
Decision Box
  • 열려 있어요 [yeol-lyeo i-sseo-yo] → is open
  • 열어 놓았어요 [yeo-reo no-a-sseo-yo] → opened and left open
  • 저장해 두었어요 [jeo-jang-hae du-eo-sseo-yo] → saved for later
  • 준비해 두었어요 [jun-bi-hae du-eo-sseo-yo] → prepared in advance
Tip 💡 있다 [it-da] describes a state; 놓다/두다 [no-ta/du-da] show someone did an action and kept the result.
 

Exercise 4 — Rewrite for Readiness ✍️

A. 문을 열었어요. → 문을 ＿＿＿＿.
[mu-neul yeo-reo-sseo-yo → mu-neul ＿＿＿＿]
I opened the door and left it open.
Answer
열어 놓았어요 [yeo-reo no-a-sseo-yo].
B. 번호를 저장했어요. → 번호를 ＿＿＿＿.
[beon-ho-reul jeo-jang-hae-sseo-yo → beon-ho-reul ＿＿＿＿]
I saved the number for later.
Answer
저장해 두었어요 [jeo-jang-hae du-eo-sseo-yo].
C. 우산을 준비했어요. → 우산을 ＿＿＿＿.
[u-sa-neul jun-bi-hae-sseo-yo → u-sa-neul ＿＿＿＿]
I prepared the umbrella in advance.
Answer
준비해 두었어요 [jun-bi-hae du-eo-sseo-yo].
D. 방을 치웠어요. → 방을 ＿＿＿＿.
[bang-eul chi-wo-sseo-yo → bang-eul ＿＿＿＿]
I cleaned the room and left it ready.
Answer
치워 놓았어요 [chi-wo no-a-sseo-yo].
E. 숙소를 예약했어요. → 숙소를 ＿＿＿＿.
[suk-so-reul ye-ya-kae-sseo-yo → suk-so-reul ＿＿＿＿]
I reserved accommodation and have it ready.
Answer
예약해 두었어요 [ye-ya-kae du-eo-sseo-yo] or 예약해 놓았어요 [ye-ya-kae no-a-sseo-yo].
F. 질문을 적었어요. → 질문을 ＿＿＿＿.
[jil-mu-neul jeo-geo-sseo-yo → jil-mu-neul ＿＿＿＿]
I wrote down the questions for later.
Answer
적어 두었어요 [jeo-geo du-eo-sseo-yo].
G. 파일을 다운로드했어요. → 파일을 ＿＿＿＿.
[pa-i-reul da-un-ro-deu-hae-sseo-yo → pa-i-reul ＿＿＿＿]
I downloaded the file for later.
Answer
다운로드해 두었어요 [da-un-ro-deu-hae du-eo-sseo-yo].
H. 불을 켰어요. → 불을 ＿＿＿＿.
[bu-reul kyeo-sseo-yo → bu-reul ＿＿＿＿]
I turned the light on and left it on.
Answer
켜 놓았어요 [kyeo no-a-sseo-yo].
I. 물을 샀어요. → 물을 ＿＿＿＿.
[mu-reul sa-sseo-yo → mu-reul ＿＿＿＿]
I bought water and kept it for later.
Answer
사 두었어요 [sa du-eo-sseo-yo].
J. 메모를 했어요. → 메모를 ＿＿＿＿.
[me-mo-reul hae-sseo-yo → me-mo-reul ＿＿＿＿]
I made a memo for later.
Answer
해 두었어요 [hae du-eo-sseo-yo].
✍️
Vocabulary Box
  • 적다 [jeok-da] → to write down
  • 다운로드하다 [da-un-ro-deu-ha-da] → to download
  • 켜다 [kyeo-da] → to turn on
  • 메모 [me-mo] → memo
  • 샀어요 [sa-sseo-yo] → bought
  • 켰어요 [kyeo-sseo-yo] → turned on
Tip 💡 Plain past says it happened. Readiness grammar says the result is kept useful.
 

Exercise 5 — Mixed Mastery + Pitfall Patrol 🛡️

A. ❌ 열고 놓았어요 → ✅ ＿＿＿＿
Answer
열어 놓았어요 [yeo-reo no-a-sseo-yo].
B. ❌ 저장하고 두었어요 → ✅ ＿＿＿＿
Answer
저장해 두었어요 [jeo-jang-hae du-eo-sseo-yo].
C. ❌ 준비하고 두세요 → ✅ ＿＿＿＿
Answer
준비해 두세요 [jun-bi-hae du-se-yo].
D. Which means “The door is open”?
① 문이 열려 있어요 [mu-ni yeol-lyeo i-sseo-yo] / ② 문을 열어 놓았어요 [mu-neul yeo-reo no-a-sseo-yo]
Answer
① — resulting state.
E. Which means “I opened the door and left it open”?
① 문이 열려 있어요 [mu-ni yeol-lyeo i-sseo-yo] / ② 문을 열어 놓았어요 [mu-neul yeo-reo no-a-sseo-yo]
Answer
② — action done and result maintained.
F. Which often means “save/keep for later”?
① 두다 [du-da] / ② 있다 [it-da]
Answer
① — 두다 [du-da].
G. 미리 물을 사 ＿＿＿＿.
[mi-ri mu-reul sa ＿＿＿＿]
Buy water in advance and keep it.
Answer
두세요 [du-se-yo].
H. 창문을 열어 ＿＿＿＿.
[chang-mu-neul yeo-reo ＿＿＿＿]
Leave the window open.
Answer
놓으세요 [no-eu-se-yo] or 두세요 [du-se-yo].
I. 혹시 몰라서 번호를 저장해 ＿＿＿＿.
[hok-si mol-la-seo beon-ho-reul jeo-jang-hae ＿＿＿＿]
Just in case, save the number.
Answer
두세요 [du-se-yo].
J. -아/어 놓다 / 두다 adds what meaning to plain past?
Answer
The action is completed and the result is maintained, often ready or useful later.
🛡️
Final Check
  • 열어 놓았어요 [yeo-reo no-a-sseo-yo] → opened and left open
  • 켜 놓았어요 [kyeo no-a-sseo-yo] → turned on and left on
  • 저장해 두었어요 [jeo-jang-hae du-eo-sseo-yo] → saved for later
  • 준비해 두었어요 [jun-bi-hae du-eo-sseo-yo] → prepared in advance
  • 사 두었어요 [sa du-eo-sseo-yo] → bought and kept
  • 열려 있어요 [yeol-lyeo i-sseo-yo] → is open
Tip 💡 Ask: “Did someone do an action and keep the result ready?” If yes, 놓다 [no-ta] or 두다 [du-da] is probably nearby.
 
🎉 Readiness grammar mastered! You can now prepare, save, open, reserve, and keep results available with -아/어 놓다 [-a/eo no-ta] and -아/어 두다 [-a/eo du-da]. Your Korean is officially prepared in advance. 🧰✨