keompyuteoga neurige jakdonghaeyo.

The computer operates slowly.

Breakdown of keompyuteoga neurige jakdonghaeyo.

• ~가: subject particle
• 컴퓨터: computer
• 느리게: slowly
• 작동하다: to operate

Questions & Answers about keompyuteoga neurige jakdonghaeyo.

What is the function of -가 in 컴퓨터가?

-가 is the subject marker in Korean. It attaches to a noun to show that the noun (“computer”) is performing or experiencing the verb’s action (“operates”). You could also use -는 (컴퓨터는 느리게 작동해요) to make it a topic, but that shifts the nuance to “as for the computer…” rather than simply marking it as the subject.

What part of speech is 느리게, and how is it formed?

느리게 is an adverb. It’s formed by taking the adjective 느리다 (to be slow) and adding -게, which turns adjectives into adverbs. So 느리다 → 느리게 = “slow” → “slowly.”

Why can’t we use 느린 instead of 느리게 before 작동해요?

느린 is the attributive adjective form (modifying a noun), so you’d use it before a noun: 느린 컴퓨터 (“slow computer”). To modify a verb (작동해요), you need an adverb—hence 느리게.

What does 작동해요 mean, and why is it in this form?

작동해요 comes from the verb 작동하다, meaning “to operate” or “to function.” The -해요 ending is the polite present-tense form used in everyday conversation. So 작동해요 = “(it) operates” or “(it) is operating.”

Where do adverbs like 느리게 go in a Korean sentence?

Adverbs in Korean typically appear just before the verb (or adjective) they modify. In this sentence, 느리게 immediately precedes 작동해요. While you could place it at the very beginning for emphasis (느리게 컴퓨터가 작동해요), the most natural position is right before the verb.

Can we use 천천히 instead of 느리게 here? What’s the difference?

Yes—천천히 also means “slowly” and is a pure adverb (not derived from an adjective). You can say 컴퓨터가 천천히 작동해요 with virtually the same meaning. 천천히 often feels more neutral/general, while 느리게 specifically highlights the slowness as an attribute of the action.