-아/어 있다
Quick answer: -아/어 있다 means is in that state — something was done, and it stays that way.
How to form it
Stem ending in ㅏ or ㅗ → -아 있다 · any other stem → -어 있다 · attaches only to verbs that do not take an object
In Korean: ㅏㅗ → -아 있다 그 밖 → -어 있다 목적어를 안 받는 동사에만 붙습니다
What to know
This is the pair to -고 있다 in 15-1, and the difference matters. 문을 열고 있어요 means somebody is in the act of opening the door; 문이 열려 있어요 means it was opened and is still open. The first needs a person, the second does not.
Examples
- 문이 열려 있어요.The door is open.
- 창문은 닫혀 있어요.The window is shut.
- 책상에 서류가 쌓여 있어요.There are papers piled on the desk.
Where it's taught
HanDa Level 2 (TOPIK I), Lesson 30: 문이 열려 있어요 — The door is open. Also in the Level 2 book.
Practise -아/어 있다 out loud
In the HanDa app this is Level 2, Lesson 30 — drills, a speaking check and an AI teacher that corrects what you say. Free for 7 days.