This expression refers to the continuation of a particular state of being following the completion of an action. Thus it is similar in meaning to the grammar '-아/어 놓다', only verbs can come before this expression.

Details

1. This expression is used to indicate either doing an action in advance to prepare for some other event or action or the fact that something is already in such a state.

오늘은 일정이 많아서 점심 먹을 시간이 없을지도 몰라요. 미리 밥을 먹어 두려고 해요.

Today, I have a lot to do, so I might not have time to eat lunch. I plan to eat lunch early (in advance).

발표할 때 실수하지 않으려면 연습을 많이 해 두세요.

If you don't want to make any mistakes when giving your presentation, then practice a lot in advance.

2. The expression -아/어 두다 is used in almost the same way as -아/어 놓다 and therefore in many cases the two expressions can be used interchangeably. However, compared with -아/어 놓다，-아/어 두다 is more often used to indicate that a relatively long time has passed since a particular state of being came about. Thus, -아/어 두다 is used more often in cases describing the storage or saving of something.

여기는 조선 시대 물건을 보관해 두는 곳입니다.

This is where we store items from the Joseon Dynasty,

마늘을 냉장고에 얼려 두고 필요할 때마다 꺼내 써요,

(I) freeze (and keep) garlic in the freezer to be used when necessary.

Kimchi Reader

Indicates the continuation of a state after an action is being done or just maintaining a certain state.

Details

Spacing

Both versions [아/어]두다 and 아/어 두다 (with space) exist and can be used interchangeably.

-아/어 두다 ①

Kimchi Reader

Spacing