250 essential Korean words for absolute beginners (CEFR A1 / TOPIK I). Greetings, numbers, colors, pronouns, basic verbs, particles, and survival phrases. All words and example sentences include Revised Romanization alongside hangul (e.g. 먹다 · meokda).
CEFR A1 — Beginner
At this level you can introduce yourself, order food, ask directions. Vocabulary: ~500 words (cumulative).
Korean → English259 words~26 days at 10 words/day0 downloadsA1
No ratingsNo ratingsby admin@wordsonrepeat.comJun 10, 2026
안녕하세요, 잘 지내셨어요? (Annyeonghaseyo, jal jinaesyeosseoyo?)
Hello, have you been well?
안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo) is polite present of 안녕하다 (annyeonghada, to be well). 잘 지내셨어요 (jal jinaesyeosseoyo) uses honorific past -셨어요 (-syeosseoyo) of 지내다 (jinaeda, to get along). 잘 (jal) = well.
안녕히 가세요 (annyeonghi gaseyo)
goodbye (to someone leaving)
안녕히 가세요, 내일 봐요. (Annyeonghi gaseyo, naeil bwayo.)
Goodbye, see you tomorrow.
안녕히 가세요 (annyeonghi gaseyo) uses honorific imperative -세요 (-seyo) of 가다 (gada, to go). Said to the person leaving. 내일 봐요 (naeil bwayo) = polite present of 보다 (boda, to see). 내일 (naeil) = tomorrow.
안녕히 계세요 (annyeonghi gyeseyo)
goodbye (to someone staying)
안녕히 계세요, 잘 지내세요. (Annyeonghi gyeseyo, jal jinaeseyo.)
Goodbye, take care.
안녕히 계세요 (annyeonghi gyeseyo) uses honorific imperative -세요 (-seyo) of 계시다 (gyesida, honorific of 있다 (itda), to stay). Said to the person staying. 잘 지내세요 (jal jinaeseyo) = please take care.
좋은 아침이에요 (joeun achimieyo)
good morning
좋은 아침이에요, 잘 잤어요? (Joheun achimieyo, jal jasseoyo?)
Good morning, did you sleep well?
좋은 (joeun) is the modifier form of 좋다 (jota, good) + 아침 (achim, morning) + 이에요 (ieyo, copula). 잘 잤어요 (jal jasseoyo) = past polite of 자다 (jada, to sleep). 잘 (jal) = well.
잘 자요 (jal jayo)
good night / sleep well
잘 자요, 내일 봐요. (Jal jayo, naeil bwayo.)
Good night, see you tomorrow.
잘 자요 (jal jayo) is polite present of 자다 (jada, to sleep). 잘 (jal) = well. 내일 봐요 (naeil bwayo) uses irregular 보다 (boda) -> 봐요 (bwayo) in polite form. 내일 (naeil) = tomorrow.
또 만나요 (tto mannayo)
see you again
또 만나요, 오늘 즐거웠어요. (Tto mannayo, oneul jeulgeowosseoyo.)
See you again, today was fun.
또 (tto, again) + 만나요 (mannayo, polite of 만나다 (mannada), to meet). 오늘 (oneul) = today. 즐거웠어요 (jeulgeowosseoyo) is past polite of 즐겁다 (jeulgeopda, to be fun).
반갑습니다 (bangapseumnida) is formal polite (-습니다 (-seumnida)) of 반갑다 (bangapda, to be glad). 저는 (jeoneun) uses topic particle 는 (neun) after vowel. 예요 (yeyo) is copula after vowel.
어서 오세요 (eoseo oseyo)
welcome
어서 오세요, 여기 앉으세요. (Eoseo oseyo, yeogi aneuseyo.)
Welcome, please sit here.
어서 오세요 (eoseo oseyo) uses honorific -세요 (-seyo) of 오다 (oda, to come). 여기 (yeogi) = here. 앉으세요 (aneuseyo) is honorific of 앉다 (anda, to sit), consonant stem + 으세요 (euseyo).
네 (ne)
yes
네, 알겠어요. (Ne, algesseoyo.)
Yes, I understand.
네 (ne) = yes. 알겠어요 (algesseoyo) uses -겠- (-get-, future/conjecture) + polite -어요 (-eoyo) of 알다 (alda, to know). Means 'I understand/got it'.
아니요 (aniyo)
no
아니요, 괜찮아요. (Aniyo, gwaenchanayo.)
No, it's okay.
아니요 (aniyo) = no. 괜찮아요 (gwaenchanayo) is polite present of 괜찮다 (gwaenchanta, to be okay). ㅎ-irregular: 괜찮 (gwaenchanh) + 아요 (ayo) -> 괜찮아요 (gwaenchanayo).
감사합니다 (gamsahamnida)
thank you (formal)
도와주셔서 감사합니다. (Dowajusyeoseo gamsahapnida.)
Thank you for helping me.
도와주셔서 (dowajusyeoseo) combines 도와주다 (dowajuda, to help) + honorific -시- (-si-) + reason connector -어서 (-eoseo). 감사합니다 (gamsahamnida) is formal polite of 감사하다 (gamsahada, to be grateful).
고마워요 (gomawoyo)
thank you (polite casual)
선물 고마워요. (Seonmul gomawoyo.)
Thank you for the gift.
선물 (seonmul, gift) has no particle (topic/object dropped in casual speech). 고마워요 (gomawoyo) is polite of 고맙다 (gomapda, to be thankful), ㅂ-irregular: 고맙 (gomap) -> 고마워 (gomawo).
천만에요 (cheonmaneyo)
you're welcome
천만에요, 별말씀을요. (Cheonmaneyo, byeolmalsseumeulyo.)
You're welcome, don't mention it.
천만에요 (cheonmaneyo) is a set response meaning 'you're welcome'. 별말씀을요 (byeolmalsseumeulyo) uses object particle 을 (eul) after consonant. Humble expression.
죄송합니다 (joesonghamnida)
I'm sorry (formal)
늦어서 죄송합니다. (Neujeoseo joesonghapnida.)
I'm sorry for being late.
늦어서 (neujeoseo) uses reason connector -어서 (-eoseo) after 늦다 (neutda, to be late). 죄송합니다 (joesonghamnida) is formal polite of 죄송하다 (joesonghada, to be sorry).
미안해요 (mianhaeyo)
I'm sorry (polite casual)
미안해요, 제가 실수했어요. (Mianhaeyo, jega silsuhaesseoyo.)
I'm sorry, I made a mistake.
미안해요 (mianhaeyo) is polite of 미안하다 (mianhada, to be sorry). 제가 (jega) uses subject particle 가 (ga) after vowel. 실수했어요 (silsuhaesseoyo) is past polite of 실수하다 (silsuhada, to make a mistake).
실례합니다 (sillyehamnida) is formal polite of 실례하다 (sillyehada, to be rude). 화장실이 (hwajangsili) uses subject particle 이 (i) after consonant. 어디예요 (eodiyeyo) = where is it.
잠깐만요 (jamkkanmanyo)
just a moment
잠깐만요, 곧 갈게요. (Jamkkanmanyo, got galgeyo.)
Just a moment, I'll be right there.
잠깐만요 (jamkkanmanyo) = just a moment (잠깐 (jamkkan) + 만 (man, only) + 요 (yo, polite)). 곧 (got) = soon. 갈게요 (galgeyo) uses future intention -ㄹ게요 (-lgeyo) of 가다 (gada, to go).
부탁합니다 (butakamnida)
please (request)
잘 부탁합니다. (Jal butakhapnida.)
I look forward to working with you.
잘 부탁합니다 (jal butakhamnida) is a set formal phrase for requesting cooperation. 잘 (jal) = well. 부탁하다 (butakhada) = to request. -ㅂ니다 (-mnida) formal ending.
오늘도 (oneuldo) uses particle 도 (do, also/too) attached to 오늘 (oneul, today). 수고하셨어요 (sugohasyeosseoyo) uses honorific past -셨어요 (-syeosseoyo) of 수고하다 (sugohada, to work hard).
일 (il)
one (sino-Korean)
일 더하기 일은 이예요. (Il deohagi ileun iyeyo.)
One plus one is two.
일 더하기 일은 이예요 (il deohagi ileun iyeyo): 더하기 (deohagi) = plus. 은 (eun) is topic particle after consonant. 이에요 (ieyo) is copula after vowel. Sino-Korean numbers for math.
이 (i, number: two)
two (sino-Korean)
이월은 짧아요. (Iwoleun jjapayo.)
February is short.
이월 (iwol) = February (이 (i, two) + 월 (wol, month)). 은 (eun) topic particle after consonant. 짧아요 (jjapayo) is polite of 짧다 (jjapda, to be short).
삼 (sam)
three (sino-Korean)
삼층에 가세요. (Samcheunge gaseyo.)
Please go to the third floor.
삼층 (samcheung) = third floor (삼 (sam, three) + 층 (cheung, floor)). 에 (e) = location particle. 가세요 (gaseyo) is honorific of 가다 (gada, to go) + -세요 (-seyo).
사 (sa)
four (sino-Korean)
사월은 봄이에요. (Sawoleun bomieyo.)
April is spring.
사월 (sawol) = April (사 (sa, four) + 월 (wol, month)). 은 (eun) topic particle. 봄이에요 (bomieyo) uses copula 이에요 (ieyo). 봄 (bom) = spring.
육시 (yuksi) = six o'clock (육 (yuk, six) + 시 (si, hour)). 에 (e) marks time. 만나요 (mannayo) = polite present of 만나다 (mannada, to meet).
칠 (chil)
seven (sino-Korean)
칠월에 휴가를 가요. (Chilwole hyugareul gayo.)
I go on vacation in July.
칠월 (chilwol) = July (칠 (chil, seven) + 월 (wol, month)). 에 (e) marks time. 휴가를 (hyugareul) uses object particle 를 (reul) after vowel. 가요 (gayo) = polite of 가다 (gada).
팔 (pal)
eight (sino-Korean)
팔월은 더워요. (Palwoleun deowoyo.)
August is hot.
팔월 (palwol) = August (팔 (pal, eight) + 월 (wol, month)). 은 (eun) topic particle. 더워요 (deowoyo) is polite of 덥다 (deopda, to be hot), ㅂ-irregular: 덥 (deop) -> 더워 (deowo).
구 (gu)
nine (sino-Korean)
구시에 일을 시작해요. (Gusie ileul sijakhaeyo.)
I start work at nine o'clock.
구시 (gusi) = nine o'clock (구 (gu, nine) + 시 (si, hour)). 에 (e) marks time. 일을 (ireul) uses object particle 을 (eul). 시작해요 (sijakhaeyo) = polite of 시작하다 (sijakhada, to start).
십 (sip)
ten (sino-Korean)
십분 후에 출발해요. (Sipbun hue chulbalhaeyo.)
We depart in ten minutes.
십분 (sipbun) = ten minutes (십 (sip, ten) + 분 (bun, minute)). 후에 (hue) = after. 출발해요 (chulbalhaeyo) = polite present of 출발하다 (chulbalhada, to depart).
이십 (isip)
twenty (sino-Korean)
이십 분 걸려요. (Isip bun geollyeoyo.)
It takes twenty minutes.
이십 분 (isip bun) = twenty minutes. 걸려요 (geollyeoyo) is polite of 걸리다 (geollida, to take time). Time duration + 걸리다 (geollida) pattern.
삼십 (samsip)
thirty (sino-Korean)
삼십 명이 왔어요. (Samsip myeongi wasseoyo.)
Thirty people came.
삼십 명 (samsip myeong) = thirty people (삼십 (samsip, thirty) + 명 (myeong, counter for people)). 이 (i) subject particle. 왔어요 (wasseoyo) = past polite of 오다 (oda, to come).
백 (baek)
hundred (sino-Korean)
이것은 백 원이에요. (Igeoseun baek wonieyo.)
This is one hundred won.
이것은 (igeoseun) uses topic particle 은 (eun). 백 원이에요 (baek wonieyo) = 100 won + copula. Sino-Korean numbers used for money. 원 (won) = Korean currency unit.
천 (cheon)
thousand (sino-Korean)
이 책은 삼천 원이에요. (I chaekeun samcheon wonieyo.)
This book is three thousand won.
이 (i, this, determiner) + 책은 (chaekeun, book + topic). 삼천 원 (samcheon won) = 3,000 won. 이에요 (ieyo) copula after vowel.
만 (man, number: ten thousand)
ten thousand (sino-Korean)
만 원짜리 지폐가 있어요. (Man wonjjari jipyega isseoyo.)
I have a ten thousand won bill.
만 원짜리 (man wonjjari) = 10,000-won (짜리 (jjari) = worth/denomination). 지폐가 (jipyega) uses subject particle 가 (ga). 있어요 (isseoyo) = polite of 있다 (itda, to exist/have).
영 (yeong)
zero (sino-Korean)
영도에서 물이 얼어요. (Yeongdoeseo muli eoleoyo.)
Water freezes at zero degrees.
영도 (yeongdo) = zero degrees (영 (yeong, zero) + 도 (do, degree)). 에서 (eseo) marks location of action. 물이 (muli) uses subject particle 이 (i). 얼어요 (eoleoyo) = polite of 얼다 (eolda, to freeze).
하나 (hana)
one (native Korean)
사과 하나 주세요. (Sagwa hana juseyo.)
Please give me one apple.
사과 (sagwa, apple) + 하나 (hana, one, native Korean). 주세요 (juseyo) is the honorific request form of 주다 (juda, to give). 'Please give me' pattern.
둘 (dul)
two (native Korean)
우리 둘이 같이 가요. (Uri duli gati gayo.)
Let's go together, the two of us.
우리 둘이 (uri duli) = the two of us. 둘 (dul) = two (native Korean). 이 (i) subject particle. 같이 (gachi) = together. 가요 (gayo) = polite of 가다 (gada).
셋 (ses)
three (native Korean)
의자가 셋 있어요. (Uijaga ses isseoyo.)
There are three chairs.
의자가 (uijaga) uses subject particle 가 (ga) after vowel. 셋 (set) = three (native Korean). 있어요 (isseoyo) = there are (existence).
넷 (nes)
four (native Korean)
우리 가족은 넷이에요. (Uri gajokeun nesieyo.)
Our family is four people.
우리 가족은 (uri gajokeun) = our family + topic particle 은 (eun). 넷이에요 (nesieyo) = is four (native Korean number + copula 이에요 (ieyo)).
다섯 (daseos)
five (native Korean)
손가락이 다섯 개예요. (Songaraki daseos gaeyeyo.)
There are five fingers.
손가락이 (songaragi) uses subject particle 이 (i). 다섯 개 (daseot gae) = five items (native Korean + 개 (gae, general counter)). 예요 (yeyo) copula after vowel.
여섯 (yeoseos)
six (native Korean)
여섯 시에 저녁을 먹어요. (Yeoseos sie jeonyeokeul meokeoyo.)
I eat dinner at six o'clock.
여섯 시 (yeoseot si) = six o'clock (native Korean number + 시 (si, hour)). 에 (e) time particle. 저녁을 (jeonyeogeul) uses object particle 을 (eul). 먹어요 (meogeoyo) polite of 먹다 (meokda).
일곱 (ilgop)
seven (native Korean)
일주일은 일곱 일이에요. (Iljuileun ilgop ilieyo.)
One week is seven days.
일주일은 (iljuireun) = one week + topic 은 (eun). 일곱 일 (ilgop il) = seven days (native Korean + 일 (il, day)). 이에요 (ieyo) copula.
여덟 (yeodeop)
eight (native Korean)
여덟 시에 일어나요. (Yeodeop sie ileonayo.)
I wake up at eight o'clock.
여덟 시 (yeodeol si) = eight o'clock (native Korean + 시 (si, hour)). 에 (e) time particle. 일어나요 (ireonayo) polite of 일어나다 (ireonada, to wake up).
아홉 (ahop)
nine (native Korean)
아홉 명이 왔어요. (Ahop myeongi wasseoyo.)
Nine people came.
아홉 명 (ahop myeong) = nine people (native Korean + 명 (myeong, people counter)). 이 (i) subject particle. 왔어요 (wasseoyo) past polite of 오다 (oda).
열 (yeol)
ten (native Korean)
열 개를 샀어요. (Yeol gaereul sasseoyo.)
I bought ten.
열 개를 (yeol gaereul) = ten items + object particle 를 (reul). 샀어요 (sasseoyo) is past polite of 사다 (sada, to buy). Native Korean numbers with counters.
스물 (seumul)
twenty (native Korean)
저는 스물 살이에요. (Jeoneun seumul salieyo.)
I am twenty years old.
저는 (jeoneun) uses humble 저 (jeo, I) + topic particle 는 (neun). 스물 살 (seumul sal) = twenty years old (native Korean + 살 (sal, age counter)). 이에요 (ieyo) copula.
서른 (seoreun)
thirty (native Korean)
서른 살이 되었어요. (Seoreun sali doeeosseoyo.)
I turned thirty.
서른 살이 (seoreun sali) = thirty years old + subject particle 이 (i). 되었어요 (doeeosseoyo) is past polite of 되다 (doeda, to become). Age + 되다 (doeda) = to turn (age).
마흔 (maheun)
forty (native Korean)
아버지는 마흔 살이에요. (Abeojineun maheun salieyo.)
My father is forty years old.
아버지는 (abeojineun) = father (아버지 (abeoji)) + topic 는 (neun). 마흔 살이에요 (maheun salieyo) = is forty years old. Native Korean number for age + copula.
쉰 (swin)
fifty (native Korean)
어머니는 쉰 살이에요. (Eomeonineun swin salieyo.)
My mother is fifty years old.
어머니는 (eomeonineun) = mother (어머니 (eomeoni)) + topic 는 (neun). 쉰 살이에요 (swin salieyo) = is fifty years old. Native Korean number for age.
예순 (yesun)
sixty (native Korean)
할아버지는 예순 살이에요. (Halabeojineun yesun salieyo.)
My grandfather is sixty years old.
할아버지는 (harabeojineun) = grandfather (할아버지 (harabeoji)) + topic 는 (neun). 예순 살이에요 (yesun salieyo) = is sixty years old. Native Korean number for age.
일흔 (ilheun)
seventy (native Korean)
할머니는 일흔 살이에요. (Halmeonineun ilheun salieyo.)
My grandmother is seventy years old.
할머니는 (halmeonineun) = grandmother (할머니 (halmeoni)) + topic 는 (neun). 일흔 살이에요 (ilheun salieyo) = is seventy years old. Native Korean number for age.
빨간색 (ppalgansaek)
red
빨간색 꽃이 예뻐요. (Ppalgansaek kkochi yeppeoyo.)
Red flowers are pretty.
빨간색 (ppalgansaek, red) modifies 꽃 (kkot, flower) directly as a determiner. 이 (i) subject particle. 예뻐요 (yeppeoyo) is polite of 예쁘다 (yeppeuda, ㅡ-irregular: 예쁘 -> 예뻐).
파란색 (paransaek)
blue
하늘이 파란색이에요. (Haneuli paransaekieyo.)
The sky is blue.
하늘이 (haneuri) = sky (하늘 (haneul)) + subject particle 이 (i). 파란색이에요 (paransaegieyo) = is blue + copula 이에요 (ieyo). Color + 이다 (ida) pattern for stating color.
노란색 (noransaek)
yellow
노란색 택시를 타요. (Noransaek taeksireul tayo.)
I take a yellow taxi.
노란색 택시를 (noransaek taeksireul) = yellow taxi + object particle 를 (reul). 타요 (tayo) = polite of 타다 (tada, to ride). Color as noun modifier.
초록색 (choroksaek)
green
나무가 초록색이에요. (Namuga choroksaekieyo.)
The tree is green.
나무가 (namuga) = tree (나무 (namu)) + subject particle 가 (ga). 초록색이에요 (choroksaegieyo) = is green + copula 이에요 (ieyo).
하얀색 (hayansaek)
white
하얀색 눈이 와요. (Hayansaek nuni wayo.)
White snow is falling.
하얀색 (hayansaek, white) 눈이 (nuni, snow + subject particle 이 (i)). 와요 (wayo) = polite of 오다 (oda, to come). 눈이 오다 (nuni oda) = it snows (lit. snow comes).
까만색 (kkamansaek)
black
까만색 고양이가 있어요. (Kkamansaek goyangiga isseoyo.)
There is a black cat.
까만색 (kkamansaek, black) 고양이가 (goyangiga, cat + subject particle 가 (ga)). 있어요 (isseoyo) = there is (existence). Color + noun + 가 있다 (ga itda) pattern.
주황색 (juhwangsaek)
orange (color)
주황색 감이 맛있어요. (Juhwangsaek gami masisseoyo.)
Orange persimmons are delicious.
주황색 감이 (juhwangsaek gami) = orange persimmon + subject particle 이 (i). 맛있어요 (masisseoyo) is polite of 맛있다 (masitda, to be delicious). Compound: 맛 (mat, taste) + 있다 (itda, exist).
보라색 (borasaek)
purple
보라색 꽃을 좋아해요. (Borasaek kkocheul johahaeyo.)
I like purple flowers.
보라색 꽃을 (borasaek kkocheul) = purple flowers + object particle 을 (eul). 좋아해요 (johahaeyo) = polite of 좋아하다 (johahada, to like). 하다 (hada) verb conjugation.
분홍색 드레스를 (bunhongsaek deureseureul) = pink dress + object particle 를 (reul). 입었어요 (ibeosseoyo) is past polite of 입다 (ipda, to wear). Past tense: stem + 었어요 (eosseoyo).
회색 (hoesaek)
gray
오늘 하늘이 회색이에요. (Oneul haneuli hoesaekieyo.)
The sky is gray today.
오늘 (oneul, today) 하늘이 (haneuri, sky + subject 이 (i)). 회색이에요 (hoesaegieyo) = is gray + copula 이에요 (ieyo).
갈색 (galsaek)
brown
갈색 가방을 샀어요. (Galsaek gabangeul sasseoyo.)
I bought a brown bag.
갈색 가방을 (galsaek gabangeul) = brown bag + object particle 을 (eul). 샀어요 (sasseoyo) is past polite of 사다 (sada, to buy).
저 (jeo)
I / me (humble)
저는 학생이에요. (Jeoneun haksaengieyo.)
I am a student.
저는 (jeoneun) uses humble 저 (jeo, I) + topic 는 (neun, after vowel). 학생이에요 (haksaengieyo) = student (학생 (haksaeng)) + copula 이에요 (ieyo, after consonant).
나 (na)
I / me (casual)
나는 한국어를 배워요. (Naneun hangukeoreul baewoyo.)
I am learning Korean.
나는 (naneun) uses casual 나 (na, I) + topic 는 (neun). 한국어를 (hangugeoreul) = Korean language + object 를 (reul). 배워요 (baewoyo) = polite of 배우다 (baeuda, to learn).
너 (neo)
you (casual)
너는 어디에 가요? (Neoneun eodie gayo?)
Where are you going?
너는 (neoneun) uses casual 너 (neo, you) + topic 는 (neun). 어디에 (eodie) = where + location 에 (e). 가요 (gayo) = polite of 가다 (gada, to go). SOV order.
그 (geu)
he / that
그는 선생님이에요. (Geuneun seonsaengnimieyo.)
He is a teacher.
그는 (geuneun) = he (그 (geu)) + topic 는 (neun). 선생님이에요 (seonsaengnimieyo) = teacher + copula. 님 (nim) is honorific suffix.
그녀 (geunyeo)
she
그녀는 의사예요. (Geunyeoneun uisayeyo.)
She is a doctor.
그녀는 (geunyeoneun) = she (그녀 (geunyeo)) + topic 는 (neun). 의사예요 (uisayeyo) = doctor (의사 (uisa)) + copula 예요 (yeyo, after vowel).
우리 (uri)
we / our
우리는 친구예요. (Urineun chinguyeyo.)
We are friends.
우리는 (urineun) = we (우리 (uri)) + topic 는 (neun). 친구예요 (chinguyeyo) = friend (친구 (chingu)) + copula 예요 (yeyo, after vowel).
그들 (geudeul)
they
그들은 회사원이에요. (Geudeuleun hoesawonieyo.)
They are office workers.
그들은 (geudeureun) = they (그들 (geudeul)) + topic 은 (eun, after consonant). 회사원이에요 (hoesawonieyo) = office worker (회사원 (hoesawon)) + copula 이에요 (ieyo, after consonant).
이것 (igeos)
this (thing)
이것은 뭐예요? (Igeoseun mwoyeyo?)
What is this?
이것은 (igeoseun) = this thing (이것 (igeot)) + topic 은 (eun). 뭐예요 (mwoyeyo) = what is it (뭐 (mwo) = what, casual + copula). Question by intonation.
그것 (geugeos)
that (thing)
그것은 제 가방이에요. (Geugeoseun je gabangieyo.)
That is my bag.
그것은 (geugeoseun) = that thing (그것 (geugeot)) + topic 은 (eun). 제 (je) = my (humble form of 나의 (naui)). 가방이에요 (gabangieyo) = bag + copula.
저것 (jeogeos)
that (thing over there)
저것은 학교예요. (Jeogeoseun hakgyoyeyo.)
That over there is a school.
저것은 (jeogeoseun) = that over there (저것 (jeogeot)) + topic 은 (eun). 학교예요 (hakgyoyeyo) = school (학교 (hakgyo)) + copula. Korean has three distance levels: 이/그/저 (i/geu/jeo).
여기 (yeogi)
here
여기에 앉으세요. (Yeogie aneuseyo.)
Please sit here.
여기에 (yeogie) = here (여기 (yeogi)) + location particle 에 (e). 앉으세요 (aneuseyo) uses honorific -으세요 (-euseyo) after consonant stem 앉- (anj-). Polite request.
거기 (geogi)
there
거기에 뭐가 있어요? (Geogie mwoga isseoyo?)
What is there?
거기에 (geogie) = there (거기 (geogi)) + location 에 (e). 뭐가 (mwoga) = what (뭐 (mwo)) + subject particle 가 (ga). 있어요 (isseoyo) = exists/there is.
저기 (jeogi)
over there
저기에 가게가 있어요. (Jeogie gagega isseoyo.)
There is a store over there.
저기에 (jeogie) = over there (저기 (jeogi)) + location 에 (e). 가게가 (gagega) = store (가게 (gage)) + subject 가 (ga). 있어요 (isseoyo) = there is.
제 (je)
my (humble)
제 이름은 수진이에요. (Je ireumeun sujinieyo.)
My name is Sujin.
제 이름은 (je ireumeun) = my name (이름 (ireum)) + topic 은 (eun). 수진이에요 (sujinieyo) = Sujin + copula. 제 (je) is humble possessive (my).
내 (nae)
my (casual)
내 친구를 소개할게요. (Nae chingureul sogaehalgeyo.)
I'll introduce my friend.
내 친구를 (nae chingureul) = my friend (친구 (chingu)) + object 를 (reul). 소개할게요 (sogaehalgeyo) uses future intention -ㄹ게요 (-lgeyo) of 소개하다 (sogaehada, to introduce).
먹다 (meokda)
to eat
밥을 먹어요. (Bapeul meokeoyo.)
I eat rice.
밥을 (babeul) = rice/meal (밥 (bap)) + object 을 (eul). 먹어요 (meogeoyo) = polite of 먹다 (meokda, to eat). Basic SOV: object + 을/를 (eul/reul) + verb.
마시다 (masida)
to drink
물을 마셔요. (Muleul masyeoyo.)
I drink water.
물을 (muleul) = water (물 (mul)) + object 을 (eul). 마셔요 (masyeoyo) = polite of 마시다 (masida, to drink). 시 (si) stem + 어요 (eoyo) -> 셔요 (syeoyo).
가다 (gada)
to go
학교에 가요. (Hakgyoe gayo.)
I go to school.
학교에 (hakgyoe) = school (학교 (hakgyo)) + destination 에 (e). 가요 (gayo) = polite of 가다 (gada, to go). 에 (e) marks destination with movement verbs.
오다 (oda)
to come
친구가 우리 집에 와요. (Chinguga uri jipe wayo.)
My friend comes to our house.
친구가 (chinguga) = friend (친구 (chingu)) + subject 가 (ga). 우리 집에 (uri jibe) = our house + destination 에 (e). 와요 (wayo) is irregular polite of 오다 (oda, 오 -> 와).
하다 (hada)
to do
숙제를 해요. (Sukjereul haeyo.)
I do homework.
숙제를 (sukjereul) = homework (숙제 (sukje)) + object 를 (reul). 해요 (haeyo) = polite of 하다 (hada, to do). 하다 (hada) is irregular: 하 + 여요 -> 해요.
있다 (issda)
to exist / to have
시간이 있어요. (Sigani isseoyo.)
I have time.
시간이 (sigani) = time (시간 (sigan)) + subject 이 (i). 있어요 (isseoyo) = polite of 있다 (itda, to have/exist). 이 있다 (i itda) = to have something.
없다 (eopda)
to not exist / to not have
돈이 없어요. (Doni eopeoyo.)
I don't have money.
돈이 (doni) = money (돈 (don)) + subject 이 (i). 없어요 (eopseoyo) = polite of 없다 (eopda, to not have). 없다 (eopda) is the negative of 있다 (itda).
보다 (boda)
to see / to watch
영화를 봐요. (Yeonghwareul bwayo.)
I watch a movie.
영화를 (yeonghwareul) = movie (영화 (yeonghwa)) + object 를 (reul). 봐요 (bwayo) = polite of 보다 (boda, to watch). Irregular: 보 + 아요 contracts to 봐요 (bwayo).
듣다 (deutda)
to listen / to hear
음악을 들어요. (Eumakeul deuleoyo.)
I listen to music.
음악을 (eumageul) = music (음악 (eumak)) + object 을 (eul). 들어요 (deureoyo) = polite of 듣다 (deutda, to listen). ㄷ-irregular: 듣 (deut) -> 들 (deul) before vowel.
말하다 (malhada)
to speak / to say
한국어로 말해요. (Hangukeoro malhaeyo.)
I speak in Korean.
한국어로 (hangugeoero) = in Korean + means particle (으)로 ((eu)ro). 말해요 (malhaeyo) = polite of 말하다 (malhada, to speak). 로 (ro) after vowel.
읽다 (ikda)
to read
책을 읽어요. (Chaekeul ikeoyo.)
I read a book.
책을 (chaekeul) = book (책 (chaek)) + object 을 (eul). 읽어요 (ilgeoyo) = polite of 읽다 (ikda, to read). 읽 (ik) has a silent ㄹ in pronunciation.
쓰다 (sseuda)
to write
편지를 써요. (Pyeonjireul sseoyo.)
I write a letter.
편지를 (pyeonjireul) = letter (편지 (pyeonji)) + object 를 (reul). 써요 (sseoyo) = polite of 쓰다 (sseuda, to write). ㅡ-irregular: 쓰 (sseu) -> 써 (sseo, ㅡ drops, add 어).
사다 (sada)
to buy
과일을 사요. (Gwaileul sayo.)
I buy fruit.
과일을 (gwaireul) = fruit (과일 (gwail)) + object 을 (eul). 사요 (sayo) = polite of 사다 (sada, to buy). Regular conjugation: 사 + 아요 -> 사요.
주다 (juda)
to give
선물을 줘요. (Seonmuleul jwoyo.)
I give a gift.
선물을 (seonmureul) = gift (선물 (seonmul)) + object 을 (eul). 줘요 (jwoyo) = polite of 주다 (juda, to give). Irregular contraction: 주 + 어요 -> 줘요 (jwoyo).
받다 (batda)
to receive
편지를 받아요. (Pyeonjireul batayo.)
I receive a letter.
편지를 (pyeonjireul) = letter (편지 (pyeonji)) + object 를 (reul). 받아요 (badayo) = polite of 받다 (batda, to receive). Regular: 받 + 아요.
알다 (alda)
to know
그 사람을 알아요. (Geu sarameul alayo.)
I know that person.
그 사람을 (geu sarameul) = that person (사람 (saram)) + object 을 (eul). 알아요 (arayo) = polite of 알다 (alda, to know). ㄹ-irregular with some endings.
모르다 (moreuda)
to not know
이 단어를 몰라요. (I daneoreul mollayo.)
I don't know this word.
이 단어를 (i daneoreul) = this word (단어 (daneo)) + object 를 (reul). 몰라요 (mollayo) = polite of 모르다 (moreuda, to not know). 르-irregular: 모르 -> 몰라.
만나다 (mannada)
to meet
친구를 만나요. (Chingureul mannayo.)
I meet a friend.
친구를 (chingureul) = friend (친구 (chingu)) + object 를 (reul). 만나요 (mannayo) = polite of 만나다 (mannada, to meet). Regular conjugation.
살다 (salda)
to live
서울에 살아요. (Seoule salayo.)
I live in Seoul.
서울에 (seoure) = Seoul (서울 (seoul)) + location 에 (e). 살아요 (sarayo) = polite of 살다 (salda, to live). ㄹ-irregular verb.
일하다 (ilhada)
to work
회사에서 일해요. (Hoesaeseo ilhaeyo.)
I work at a company.
회사에서 (hoesaeseo) = company (회사 (hoesa)) + action location particle 에서 (eseo). 일해요 (ilhaeyo) = polite of 일하다 (ilhada, to work). 에서 (eseo) for where actions occur.
공부하다 (gongbuhada)
to study
한국어를 공부해요. (Hangukeoreul gongbuhaeyo.)
I study Korean.
한국어를 (hangugeoreul) = Korean (한국어 (hangugeo)) + object 를 (reul). 공부해요 (gongbuhaeyo) = polite of 공부하다 (gongbuhada, to study). Sino-Korean noun + 하다 (hada) verb pattern.
배우다 (baeuda)
to learn
새로운 것을 배워요. (Saeroun geoseul baewoyo.)
I learn new things.
새로운 것을 (saeroun geoseul) = new thing + object 을 (eul). 새로운 (saeroun) is modifier form of 새롭다 (saeropda, ㅂ-irregular). 배워요 (baewoyo) = polite of 배우다 (baeuda).
가르치다 (gareuchida)
to teach
영어를 가르쳐요. (Yeongeoreul gareuchyeoyo.)
I teach English.
영어를 (yeongeoreul) = English (영어 (yeongeo)) + object 를 (reul). 가르쳐요 (gareuchyeoyo) = polite of 가르치다 (gareuchida, to teach). Regular 치 + 어요 -> 쳐요.
자다 (jada)
to sleep
밤에 잘 자요. (Bame jal jayo.)
I sleep well at night.
밤에 (bame) = night (밤 (bam)) + time particle 에 (e). 잘 자요 (jal jayo) = sleep well. 잘 (jal) = well (adverb before verb).
일어나다 (ileonada)
to wake up / to get up
아침 일찍 일어나요. (Achim iljjik ileonayo.)
I wake up early in the morning.
아침 일찍 (achim iljjik) = morning early. 일어나요 (ireonayo) = polite of 일어나다 (ireonada, to wake up). Time adverbs before verb.
앉다 (anda)
to sit
의자에 앉아요. (Uijae anayo.)
I sit on a chair.
의자에 (uijae) = chair (의자 (uija)) + location 에 (e). 앉아요 (anjayo) = polite of 앉다 (anda, to sit). 에 (e) marks where you sit.
서다 (seoda)
to stand
버스 정류장에서 서요. (Beoseu jeongryujangeseo seoyo.)
I stand at the bus stop.
버스 정류장에서 (beoseu jeongnyujangeseo) = bus stop + action location 에서 (eseo). 서요 (seoyo) = polite of 서다 (seoda, to stand). 에서 (eseo) for ongoing action location.
걷다 (geotda)
to walk
공원에서 걸어요. (Gongwoneseo geoleoyo.)
I walk in the park.
공원에서 (gongwoneseo) = park (공원 (gongwon)) + action location 에서 (eseo). 걸어요 (georeoyo) = polite of 걷다 (geotda, to walk). ㄷ-irregular: 걷 (geot) -> 걸 (geol) before vowel.
뛰다 (ttwida)
to run
매일 아침 뛰어요. (Maeil achim ttwieoyo.)
I run every morning.
매일 아침 (maeil achim) = every morning. 뛰어요 (ttwieoyo) = polite of 뛰다 (ttwida, to run). Time expression before verb.
타다 (tada)
to ride / to take (transport)
버스를 타요. (Beoseureul tayo.)
I take the bus.
버스를 (beoseureul) = bus (버스 (beoseu)) + object 를 (reul). 타요 (tayo) = polite of 타다 (tada, to ride). 를 (reul) marks what you ride.
내리다 (naerida)
to get off / to go down
다음 역에서 내려요. (Daeum yeokeseo naeryeoyo.)
I get off at the next station.
다음 역에서 (daeum yeogeseo) = next station (역 (yeok)) + location 에서 (eseo). 내려요 (naeryeoyo) = polite of 내리다 (naerida, to get off). 에서 (eseo) marks where action happens.
열다 (yeolda)
to open
문을 열어요. (Muneul yeoleoyo.)
I open the door.
문을 (muneul) = door (문 (mun)) + object 을 (eul). 열어요 (yeoreoyo) = polite of 열다 (yeolda, to open). Object + 을/를 (eul/reul) + verb pattern.
닫다 (datda)
to close
창문을 닫아요. (Changmuneul datayo.)
I close the window.
창문을 (changmuneul) = window (창문 (changmun)) + object 을 (eul). 닫아요 (dadayo) = polite of 닫다 (datda, to close). Regular consonant stem + 아요.
놀다 (nolda)
to play / to hang out
주말에 친구와 놀아요. (Jumale chinguwa nolayo.)
I hang out with friends on weekends.
주말에 (jumare) = weekend (주말 (jumal)) + time 에 (e). 친구와 (chinguwa) = friend + and/with particle 와 (wa). 놀아요 (norayo) = polite of 놀다 (nolda, to play).
좋아하다 (johahada)
to like
한국 음식을 좋아해요. (Hanguk eumsikeul johahaeyo.)
I like Korean food.
한국 음식을 (hanguk eumsigeul) = Korean food (음식 (eumsik)) + object 을 (eul). 좋아해요 (johahaeyo) = polite of 좋아하다 (johahada, to like). 좋아하다 is a 하다 (hada) compound verb.
싫어하다 (sileohada)
to dislike
시끄러운 곳을 싫어해요. (Sikkeureoun goseul sileohaeyo.)
I dislike noisy places.
시끄러운 (sikkeureoun) is modifier form of 시끄럽다 (sikkeureopda, to be noisy, ㅂ-irregular). 곳을 (goseul) = place (곳 (got)) + object 을 (eul). 싫어해요 (sireohaeyo) = polite of 싫어하다 (sireohada, to dislike).
전화하다 (jeonhwahada)
to call (phone)
친구에게 전화해요. (Chinguege jeonhwahaeyo.)
I call my friend.
친구에게 (chinguege) = to friend + indirect object 에게 (ege). 전화해요 (jeonhwahaeyo) = polite of 전화하다 (jeonhwahada, to call). 에게 (ege) marks recipient of action.
기다리다 (gidarida)
to wait
여기서 기다려요. (Yeogiseo gidaryeoyo.)
I wait here.
여기서 (yeogiseo) = here + action location (contracted 여기에서 (yeogieseo)). 기다려요 (gidaryeoyo) = polite of 기다리다 (gidarida, to wait).
도착하다 (dochakhada)
to arrive
공항에 도착해요. (Gonghange dochakhaeyo.)
I arrive at the airport.
공항에 (gonghange) = airport (공항 (gonghang)) + destination 에 (e). 도착해요 (dochakhaeyo) = polite of 도착하다 (dochakhada, to arrive). 에 (e) marks destination.
출발하다 (chulbalhada)
to depart
아침에 출발해요. (Achime chulbalhaeyo.)
I depart in the morning.
아침에 (achime) = morning (아침 (achim)) + time 에 (e). 출발해요 (chulbalhaeyo) = polite of 출발하다 (chulbalhada, to depart). 에 (e) marks time.
필요하다 (pilyohada)
to need
도움이 필요해요. (Doumi pilyohaeyo.)
I need help.
도움이 (doumi) = help (도움 (doum)) + subject 이 (i). 필요해요 (piryohaeyo) = polite of 필요하다 (piryohada, to need). Pattern: noun + 이/가 (i/ga) 필요하다 (piryohada).
이다 (ida)
to be (copula)
저는 학생이에요. (Jeoneun haksaengieyo.)
I am a student.
저는 (jeoneun) = I (humble 저 (jeo)) + topic 는 (neun). 학생이에요 (haksaengieyo) = student (학생 (haksaeng)) + copula 이에요 (ieyo). 이다 (ida) is the copula 'to be' for nouns.
아니다 (anida)
to not be
그것은 제 것이 아니에요. (Geugeoseun je geosi anieyo.)
That is not mine.
그것은 (geugeoseun) = that (그것 (geugeot)) + topic 은 (eun). 제 것이 아니에요 (je geosi anieyo) = my thing + subject 이 (i) + 아니다 (anida, to not be). 아니다 (anida) negates 이다 (ida).
되다 (doeda)
to become
의사가 되고 싶어요. (Uisaga doego sipeoyo.)
I want to become a doctor.
의사가 (uisaga) = doctor (의사 (uisa)) + subject 가 (ga). 되고 싶어요 (doego sipeoyo) uses -고 싶다 (-go sipda, want to) with 되다 (doeda, to become). Connecting form -고 (-go) + 싶다 (sipda).
싶다 (sipda)
to want (auxiliary)
여행하고 싶어요. (Yeohaenghago sipeoyo.)
I want to travel.
여행하고 싶어요 (yeohaenghago sipeoyo) uses verb stem + -고 싶다 (-go sipda, want to do). 여행하다 (yeohaenghada) = to travel. 싶다 (sipda) is auxiliary for desire.
찾다 (chajda)
to find / to look for
열쇠를 찾아요. (Yeolsoereul chajayo.)
I look for the key.
열쇠를 (yeolsoereul) = key (열쇠 (yeolsoe)) + object 를 (reul). 찾아요 (chajayo) = polite of 찾다 (chatda, to find/look for). Regular conjugation.
만들다 (mandeulda)
to make
케이크를 만들어요. (Keikeureul mandeuleoyo.)
I make a cake.
케이크를 (keikeureul) = cake (케이크 (keikeu)) + object 를 (reul). 만들어요 (mandeureoyo) = polite of 만들다 (mandeulda, to make). ㄹ-irregular verb.
놓다 (nohda)
to put / to place
책상 위에 놓아요. (Chaeksang wie nohayo.)
I place it on the desk.
책상 위에 (chaeksang wie) = on the desk (위 (wi) = on top + 에 (e) location). 놓아요 (noayo) = polite of 놓다 (nota, to place). Position word + 에 (e) pattern.
들다 (deulda)
to hold / to lift
가방을 들어요. (Gabangeul deuleoyo.)
I hold the bag.
가방을 (gabangeul) = bag (가방 (gabang)) + object 을 (eul). 들어요 (deureoyo) = polite of 들다 (deulda, to hold/lift). ㄹ-irregular verb.
나가다 (nagada)
to go out
밖에 나가요. (Bakke nagayo.)
I go outside.
밖에 (bakke) = outside (밖 (bak)) + direction 에 (e). 나가요 (nagayo) = polite of 나가다 (nagada, to go out). Compound verb: 나 (na, out) + 가다 (gada, go).
들어오다 (deuleooda)
to come in / to enter
집에 들어와요. (Jipe deuleowayo.)
I come into the house.
집에 (jibe) = home (집 (jip)) + destination 에 (e). 들어와요 (deureowayo) = polite of 들어오다 (deureooda, to come in). Compound: 들어 (deureo, enter) + 오다 (oda, come).
보내다 (bonaeda)
to send
메시지를 보내요. (Mesijireul bonaeyo.)
I send a message.
메시지를 (mesijireul) = message (메시지 (mesiji)) + object 를 (reul). 보내요 (bonaeyo) = polite of 보내다 (bonaeda, to send). Regular conjugation.
뭐 (mwo)
what (casual)
뭐 먹을 거예요? (Mwo meokeul geoyeyo?)
What will you eat?
뭐 (mwo) = what (casual). 먹을 거예요 (meogeul geoyeyo) uses future pattern: V-ㄹ/을 거예요 (-l/eul geoyeyo, going to do). 먹을 거예요 (meogeul geoyeyo) = will eat.
무엇 (mueos)
what (formal)
무엇을 찾으세요? (Mueoseul chajeuseyo?)
What are you looking for?
무엇을 (mueoseul) = what (formal, 무엇 (mueot)) + object 을 (eul). 찾으세요 (chajeuseyo) uses honorific -으세요 (-euseyo) of 찾다 (chatda). More formal than 뭐 (mwo).
누구 (nugu)
who
누구와 같이 가요? (Nuguwa gati gayo?)
Who are you going with?
누구와 (nuguwa) = who (누구 (nugu)) + with particle 와 (wa). 같이 (gachi) = together. 가요 (gayo) = polite of 가다 (gada). Question word in situ (no word order change).
어디 (eodi)
where
어디에 살아요? (Eodie salayo?)
Where do you live?
어디에 (eodie) = where (어디 (eodi)) + location 에 (e). 살아요 (sarayo) = polite of 살다 (salda). Question word stays in place; rising intonation makes it a question.
언제 (eonje)
when
언제 한국에 가요? (Eonje hanguke gayo?)
When do you go to Korea?
언제 (eonje) = when. 한국에 (hanguge) = Korea (한국 (hanguk)) + destination 에 (e). 가요 (gayo) = polite of 가다 (gada). Time question word before location phrase.
왜 (wae)
why
왜 한국어를 배워요? (Wae hangukeoreul baewoyo?)
Why are you learning Korean?
왜 (wae) = why. 한국어를 (hangugeoreul) = Korean (한국어 (hangugeo)) + object 를 (reul). 배워요 (baewoyo) = polite of 배우다 (baeuda). 왜 (wae) typically comes at sentence start.
어떻게 (eotteohge)
how
어떻게 가요? (Eotteohge gayo?)
How do you get there?
어떻게 (eotteoke) = how. 가요 (gayo) = polite of 가다 (gada). Adverb question word before verb. Rising intonation for question.
얼마 (eolma)
how much
이거 얼마예요? (Igeo eolmayeyo?)
How much is this?
이거 (igeo) = this (contracted 이것 (igeot)). 얼마예요 (eolmayeyo) = how much + copula. 얼마 (eolma) asks about price/amount.
얼마나 (eolmana)
how much / how long
얼마나 걸려요? (Eolmana geollyeoyo?)
How long does it take?
얼마나 (eolmana) = how much/long. 걸려요 (geollyeoyo) = polite of 걸리다 (geollida, to take time). 얼마나 (eolmana) modifies the verb for degree/extent.
몇 (myeoch)
how many
몇 시예요? (Myeoch siyeyo?)
What time is it?
몇 시 (myeot si) = what time (몇 (myeot) = how many + 시 (si, hour)). 예요 (yeyo) copula. Native Korean numbers for hours, sino-Korean for minutes.
어느 (eoneu)
which
어느 나라에서 왔어요? (Eoneu naraeseo wasseoyo?)
Which country are you from?
어느 나라에서 (eoneu naraeseo) = which country (나라 (nara)) + from particle 에서 (eseo). 왔어요 (wasseoyo) = past polite of 오다 (oda, to come). 에서 (eseo) means 'from' here.
어떤 (eotteon)
what kind of
어떤 음식을 좋아해요? (Eotteon eumsikeul johahaeyo?)
What kind of food do you like?
어떤 (eotteon) = what kind of. 음식을 (eumsigeul) = food (음식 (eumsik)) + object 을 (eul). 좋아해요 (johahaeyo) = polite of 좋아하다 (johahada). 어떤 (eotteon) is a determiner before nouns.
월요일 (wolyoil)
Monday
월요일에 회의가 있어요. (Wolyoile hoeuiga isseoyo.)
I have a meeting on Monday.
월요일에 (woryoire) = Monday (월요일 (woryoil)) + time 에 (e). 회의가 (hoeuiga) = meeting (회의 (hoeui)) + subject 가 (ga). 있어요 (isseoyo) = there is. Time + 에 (e) + noun + 가 있다 (ga itda).
화요일 (hwayoil)
Tuesday
화요일에 수업이 있어요. (Hwayoile sueopi isseoyo.)
I have class on Tuesday.
화요일에 (hwayoire) = Tuesday (화요일 (hwayoil)) + time 에 (e). 수업이 (sueopi) = class (수업 (sueop)) + subject 이 (i). 있어요 (isseoyo) = there is. Days use 에 (e) for time.
수요일 (suyoil)
Wednesday
수요일에 운동해요. (Suyoile undonghaeyo.)
I exercise on Wednesday.
수요일에 (suyoire) = Wednesday (수요일 (suyoil)) + time 에 (e). 운동해요 (undonghaeyo) = polite of 운동하다 (undonghada, to exercise). Noun + 하다 (hada) compound verb.
목요일 (mokyoil)
Thursday
목요일에 시험이 있어요. (Mokyoile siheomi isseoyo.)
I have an exam on Thursday.
목요일에 (mogyoire) = Thursday (목요일 (mogyoil)) + time 에 (e). 시험이 (siheomi) = exam (시험 (siheom)) + subject 이 (i). 있어요 (isseoyo) = there is.
금요일 (geumyoil)
Friday
금요일에 영화를 봐요. (Geumyoile yeonghwareul bwayo.)
I watch a movie on Friday.
금요일에 (geumyoire) = Friday (금요일 (geumyoil)) + time 에 (e). 영화를 (yeonghwareul) = movie (영화 (yeonghwa)) + object 를 (reul). 봐요 (bwayo) = polite of 보다 (boda, irregular: 보 + 아 -> 봐).
토요일 (toyoil)
Saturday
토요일에 쇼핑해요. (Toyoile syopinghaeyo.)
I go shopping on Saturday.
토요일에 (toyoire) = Saturday (토요일 (toyoil)) + time 에 (e). 쇼핑해요 (syopinghaeyo) = polite of 쇼핑하다 (syopinghada, to shop). Loanword + 하다 (hada) pattern.
일요일 (ilyoil)
Sunday
일요일에 쉬어요. (Ilyoile swieoyo.)
I rest on Sunday.
일요일에 (iryoire) = Sunday (일요일 (iryoil)) + time 에 (e). 쉬어요 (swieoyo) = polite of 쉬다 (swida, to rest). Regular conjugation.
일월 (ilwol)
January
일월은 추워요. (Ilwoleun chuwoyo.)
January is cold.
일월은 (irworeun) = January (일월 (irwol)) + topic 은 (eun). 추워요 (chuwoyo) = polite of 춥다 (chupda, to be cold). ㅂ-irregular: 춥 (chup) -> 추워 (chuwo).
이월 (iwol)
February
이월에 눈이 와요. (Iwole nuni wayo.)
It snows in February.
이월에 (iwore) = February (이월 (iwol)) + time 에 (e). 눈이 와요 (nuni wayo) = snow comes (it snows). 눈 (nun) = snow + subject 이 (i). 오다 (oda) = to come.
삼월 (samwol)
March
삼월에 봄이 와요. (Samwole bomi wayo.)
Spring comes in March.
삼월에 (samwore) = March (삼월 (samwol)) + time 에 (e). 봄이 와요 (bomi wayo) = spring (봄 (bom)) comes. Seasons are treated as subjects that 'come'.
사월 (sawol)
April
사월에 꽃이 펴요. (Sawole kkochi pyeoyo.)
Flowers bloom in April.
사월에 (sawore) = April (사월 (sawol)) + time 에 (e). 꽃이 (kkochi) = flowers (꽃 (kkot)) + subject 이 (i). 펴요 (pyeoyo) = polite of 피다 (pida, to bloom).
오월 (owol)
May
오월에 어린이날이 있어요. (Owole eorininali isseoyo.)
Children's Day is in May.
오월에 (owore) = May (오월 (owol)) + time 에 (e). 어린이날이 (eorininarri) = Children's Day (어린이날 (eorininal)) + subject 이 (i). 있어요 (isseoyo) = there is.
유월 (yuwol)
June
유월에 비가 많이 와요. (Yuwole biga mani wayo.)
It rains a lot in June.
유월에 (yuwore) = June (유월 (yuwol)) + time 에 (e). Note: 유월 (yuwol) not 육월 (pronunciation change). 비가 (biga) = rain (비 (bi)) + subject 가 (ga). 많이 와요 (mani wayo) = comes a lot.
칠월 (chilwol)
July
칠월에 여름 방학이에요. (Chilwole yeoreum banghakieyo.)
Summer vacation is in July.
칠월에 (chirwore) = July (칠월 (chirwol)) + time 에 (e). 여름 방학 (yeoreum banghak) = summer vacation. 이에요 (ieyo) copula. Noun + 이다 (ida) for identification.
팔월 (palwol)
August
팔월은 정말 더워요. (Palwoleun jeongmal deowoyo.)
August is really hot.
팔월은 (parworeun) = August (팔월 (parwol)) + topic 은 (eun). 정말 (jeongmal) = really. 더워요 (deowoyo) = polite of 덥다 (deopda, hot, ㅂ-irregular).
구월 (guwol)
September
구월에 추석이 있어요. (Guwole chuseoki isseoyo.)
Chuseok is in September.
구월에 (guwore) = September (구월 (guwol)) + time 에 (e). 추석이 (chuseogi) = Chuseok (추석 (chuseok), harvest festival) + subject 이 (i). 있어요 (isseoyo) = there is.
시월 (siwol)
October
시월에 단풍이 예뻐요. (Siwole danpungi yeppeoyo.)
The autumn leaves are pretty in October.
시월에 (siwore) = October (시월 (siwol)) + time 에 (e). Note: 시월 (siwol) not 십월 (pronunciation change). 단풍이 (danpungi) = autumn leaves (단풍 (danpung)) + subject 이 (i). 예뻐요 (yeppeoyo) = pretty.
십일월 (sipilwol)
November
십일월은 가을이에요. (Sipilwoleun gaeulieyo.)
November is autumn.
십일월은 (sibirworeun) = November (십일월 (sibirwol)) + topic 은 (eun). 가을이에요 (gaeulieyo) = autumn (가을 (gaeul)) + copula 이에요 (ieyo). Season identification with 이다 (ida).
십이월에 (sibiwore) = December (십이월 (sibiwol)) + time 에 (e). 크리스마스가 (keuriseumaseuga) = Christmas + subject 가 (ga). 있어요 (isseoyo) = there is.
크다 (keuda)
to be big / large
이 집은 커요. (I jipeun keoyo.)
This house is big.
이 집은 (i jibeun) = this house (집 (jip)) + topic 은 (eun). 커요 (keoyo) = polite of 크다 (keuda, to be big). ㅡ-irregular: 크 (keu) -> 커 (keo, ㅡ drops + 어요).
작다 (jakda)
to be small / little
이 가방은 작아요. (I gabangeun jakayo.)
This bag is small.
이 가방은 (i gabangeun) = this bag (가방 (gabang)) + topic 은 (eun). 작아요 (jagayo) = polite of 작다 (jakda, to be small). Regular: 작 + 아요.
좋다 (johda)
to be good / nice
날씨가 좋아요. (Nalssiga johayo.)
The weather is nice.
날씨가 (nalssiga) = weather (날씨 (nalssi)) + subject 가 (ga). 좋아요 (joayo) = polite of 좋다 (jota, to be good). Subject particle 가 (ga) with descriptive verbs.
나쁘다 (nappeuda)
to be bad
기분이 나빠요. (Gibuni nappayo.)
I feel bad.
기분이 (gibuni) = mood/feeling (기분 (gibun)) + subject 이 (i). 나빠요 (nappayo) = polite of 나쁘다 (nappeuda, to be bad). ㅡ-irregular: 나쁘 (nappeu) -> 나빠 (nappa).
많다 (manda)
to be many / much
사람이 많아요. (Sarami manayo.)
There are many people.
사람이 (sarami) = people (사람 (saram)) + subject 이 (i). 많아요 (manayo) = polite of 많다 (manta, to be many). Regular: 많 + 아요.
적다 (jeokda)
to be few / little
시간이 적어요. (Sigani jeokeoyo.)
There is little time.
시간이 (sigani) = time (시간 (sigan)) + subject 이 (i). 적어요 (jeogeoyo) = polite of 적다 (jeokda, to be few). Regular: 적 + 어요.
새롭다 (saeropda)
to be new
새로운 신발이에요. (Saeroun sinbalieyo.)
These are new shoes.
새로운 (saeroun) is modifier form of 새롭다 (saeropda, ㅂ-irregular: 새롭 (saerop) -> 새로운 (saeroun)). 신발이에요 (sinbarieyo) = shoes (신발 (sinbal)) + copula. Modifier + noun + 이다 (ida).
오래되다 (oraedoeda)
to be old (things)
이 건물은 오래되었어요. (I geonmuleun oraedoeeosseoyo.)
This building is old.
이 건물은 (i geonmureun) = this building (건물 (geonmul)) + topic 은 (eun). 오래되었어요 (oraedoeeosseoyo) is past polite of 오래되다 (oraedoeda, to be old for things). Compound: 오래 (orae) + 되다 (doeda).
덥다 (deopda)
to be hot (weather)
오늘 정말 더워요. (Oneul jeongmal deowoyo.)
It's really hot today.
오늘 (oneul) = today (no particle for time adverbs). 정말 (jeongmal) = really. 더워요 (deowoyo) = polite of 덥다 (deopda, ㅂ-irregular: 덥 (deop) -> 더워 (deowo)).
춥다 (chupda)
to be cold (weather)
겨울에 추워요. (Gyeoule chuwoyo.)
It's cold in winter.
겨울에 (gyeoure) = winter (겨울 (gyeoul)) + time 에 (e). 추워요 (chuwoyo) = polite of 춥다 (chupda, ㅂ-irregular: 춥 (chup) -> 추워 (chuwo)). Season + 에 (e) for time.
비싸다 (bissada)
to be expensive
이 옷은 비싸요. (I oseun bissayo.)
These clothes are expensive.
이 옷은 (i oseun) = these clothes (옷 (ot)) + topic 은 (eun). 비싸요 (bissayo) = polite of 비싸다 (bissada, to be expensive). Regular: 비싸 + 아요 contracts to 비싸요.
싸다 (ssada)
to be cheap
이 식당은 싸요. (I sikdangeun ssayo.)
This restaurant is cheap.
이 식당은 (i sikdangeun) = this restaurant (식당 (sikdang)) + topic 은 (eun). 싸요 (ssayo) = polite of 싸다 (ssada, to be cheap). Regular conjugation.
맛있다 (masitda)
to be delicious
김치가 맛있어요. (Gimchiga masisseoyo.)
Kimchi is delicious.
김치가 (gimchiga) = kimchi (김치 (gimchi)) + subject 가 (ga). 맛있어요 (masisseoyo) = polite of 맛있다 (masitda, to be delicious). Compound: 맛 (mat, taste) + 있다 (itda, exist).
맛없다 (madeopda)
to be not tasty
이 음식은 맛없어요. (I eumsikeun maseopeoyo.)
This food is not tasty.
이 음식은 (i eumsigeun) = this food (음식 (eumsik)) + topic 은 (eun). 맛없어요 (maseopseoyo) = polite of 맛없다 (madeopda, not tasty). Compound: 맛 (mat, taste) + 없다 (eopda, not exist).
예쁘다 (yeppeuda)
to be pretty
꽃이 예뻐요. (Kkochi yeppeoyo.)
The flowers are pretty.
꽃이 (kkochi) = flower (꽃 (kkot)) + subject 이 (i). 예뻐요 (yeppeoyo) = polite of 예쁘다 (yeppeuda, ㅡ-irregular: 예쁘 -> 예뻐). Pretty/beautiful.
거북이는 (geobugineun) = turtle (거북이 (geobuki)) + topic 는 (neun). 느려요 (neuryeoyo) = polite of 느리다 (neurida, to be slow). Regular: 느리 + 어요 -> 느려요.
길다 (gilda)
to be long
이 길은 길어요. (I gileun gileoyo.)
This road is long.
이 길은 (i gireun) = this road (길 (gil)) + topic 은 (eun). 길어요 (gireoyo) = polite of 길다 (gilda, to be long). ㄹ-irregular verb.
짧다 (jjapda)
to be short (length)
머리가 짧아요. (Meoriga jjapayo.)
My hair is short.
머리가 (meoriga) = hair/head (머리 (meori)) + subject 가 (ga). 짧아요 (jjalbayo) = polite of 짧다 (jjalpda, to be short). Regular: 짧 + 아요.
높다 (nopda)
to be high / tall
산이 높아요. (Sani nopayo.)
The mountain is high.
산이 (sani) = mountain (산 (san)) + subject 이 (i). 높아요 (nopayo) = polite of 높다 (nopda, to be high). Regular: 높 + 아요.
낮다 (najda)
to be low
의자가 낮아요. (Uijaga najayo.)
The chair is low.
의자가 (uijaga) = chair (의자 (uija)) + subject 가 (ga). 낮아요 (najayo) = polite of 낮다 (natda, to be low). Regular: 낮 + 아요.
쉽다 (swipda)
to be easy
이 문제는 쉬워요. (I munjeneun swiwoyo.)
This problem is easy.
이 문제는 (i munjeneun) = this problem (문제 (munje)) + topic 는 (neun). 쉬워요 (swiwoyo) = polite of 쉽다 (swipda, ㅂ-irregular: 쉽 (swip) -> 쉬워 (swiwo)). Easy.
어렵다 (eoryeopda)
to be difficult
한국어는 어려워요. (Hangukeoneun eoryeowoyo.)
Korean is difficult.
한국어는 (hangugeoneun) = Korean (한국어 (hangugeo)) + topic 는 (neun). 어려워요 (eoryeowoyo) = polite of 어렵다 (eoryeopda, ㅂ-irregular: 어렵 (eoryeop) -> 어려워 (eoryeowo)). Difficult.
재미있다 (jaemiitda)
to be fun / interesting
이 영화는 재미있어요. (I yeonghwaneun jaemiisseoyo.)
This movie is interesting.
이 영화는 (i yeonghwaneun) = this movie (영화 (yeonghwa)) + topic 는 (neun). 재미있어요 (jaemiisseoyo) = polite of 재미있다 (jaemiitda, fun/interesting). Compound: 재미 (jaemi, fun) + 있다 (itda).
재미없다 (jaemieopda)
to be boring / not fun
그 책은 재미없어요. (Geu chaekeun jaemieopeoyo.)
That book is boring.
그 책은 (geu chaekeun) = that book (책 (chaek)) + topic 은 (eun). 재미없어요 (jaemieopeoyo) = polite of 재미없다 (jaemieopda, boring). Compound: 재미 (jaemi, fun) + 없다 (eopda, not exist).
바쁘다 (bappeuda)
to be busy
요즘 너무 바빠요. (Yojeum neomu bappayo.)
I'm very busy these days.
요즘 (yojeum) = these days. 너무 (neomu) = too/very. 바빠요 (bappayo) = polite of 바쁘다 (bappeuda, busy). ㅡ-irregular: 바쁘 (bappeu) -> 바빠 (bappa).
가깝다 (gakkapda)
to be close / near
학교가 가까워요. (Hakgyoga gakkawoyo.)
The school is close.
학교가 (hakgyoga) = school (학교 (hakgyo)) + subject 가 (ga). 가까워요 (gakkawoyo) = polite of 가깝다 (gakkapda, close). ㅂ-irregular: 가깝 (gakkap) -> 가까워 (gakkawo).
멀다 (meolda)
to be far
공항이 멀어요. (Gonghangi meoleoyo.)
The airport is far.
공항이 (gonghangi) = airport (공항 (gonghang)) + subject 이 (i). 멀어요 (meoreoyo) = polite of 멀다 (meolda, to be far). ㄹ-irregular verb.
같다 (gatda)
to be the same
우리는 나이가 같아요. (Urineun naiga gatayo.)
We are the same age.
우리는 (urineun) = we (우리 (uri)) + topic 는 (neun). 나이가 (naiga) = age (나이 (nai)) + subject 가 (ga). 같아요 (gatayo) = polite of 같다 (gatda, to be the same). Regular.
다르다 (dareuda)
to be different
이것은 저것과 달라요. (Igeoseun jeogeosgwa dallayo.)
This is different from that.
이것은 저것과 (igeoseun jeogeosgwa) = this + that + comparison particle 과 (gwa). 달라요 (dallayo) = polite of 다르다 (dareuda, 르-irregular: 다르 -> 달라). Different.
무겁다 (mugeopda)
to be heavy
이 상자는 무거워요. (I sangjaneun mugeowoyo.)
This box is heavy.
이 상자는 (i sangjaneun) = this box (상자 (sangja)) + topic 는 (neun). 무거워요 (mugeowoyo) = polite of 무겁다 (mugeopda, heavy). ㅂ-irregular: 무겁 (mugeop) -> 무거워 (mugeowo).
가볍다 (gabyeopda)
to be light (weight)
이 가방은 가벼워요. (I gabangeun gabyeowoyo.)
This bag is light.
이 가방은 (i gabangeun) = this bag (가방 (gabang)) + topic 은 (eun). 가벼워요 (gabyeowoyo) = polite of 가볍다 (gabyeopda, light). ㅂ-irregular: 가볍 (gabyeop) -> 가벼워 (gabyeowo).
넓다 (neopda)
to be wide / spacious
이 방은 넓어요. (I bangeun neopeoyo.)
This room is spacious.
이 방은 (i bangeun) = this room (방 (bang)) + topic 은 (eun). 넓어요 (neolbeoyo) = polite of 넓다 (neolpda, wide/spacious). Regular: 넓 + 어요.
좁다 (jopda)
to be narrow
이 길은 좁아요. (I gileun jopayo.)
This road is narrow.
이 길은 (i gireun) = this road (길 (gil)) + topic 은 (eun). 좁아요 (jobayo) = polite of 좁다 (jopda, narrow). Regular: 좁 + 아요.
깨끗하다 (kkaekkeushada)
to be clean
방이 깨끗해요. (Bangi kkaekkeushaeyo.)
The room is clean.
방이 (bangi) = room (방 (bang)) + subject 이 (i). 깨끗해요 (kkaekkeutaeyo) = polite of 깨끗하다 (kkaekkeutada, to be clean). 하다 (hada)-type adjective.
이 신발은 (i sinbareun) = these shoes (신발 (sinbal)) + topic 은 (eun). 편해요 (pyeonhaeyo) = polite of 편하다 (pyeonhada, comfortable). 하다 (hada) contracts: 편하 + 여요 -> 편해요.
불편하다 (bulpyeonhada)
to be uncomfortable
의자가 불편해요. (Uijaga bulpyeonhaeyo.)
The chair is uncomfortable.
의자가 (uijaga) = chair (의자 (uija)) + subject 가 (ga). 불편해요 (bulpyeonhaeyo) = polite of 불편하다 (bulpyeonhada, uncomfortable). 불 (bul, prefix = un/not) + 편하다 (pyeonhada).
은/는 (eun/neun)
topic particle
저는 학생이에요. (Jeoneun haksaengieyo.)
As for me, I am a student.
저는 (jeoneun) = I (humble 저 (jeo)) + topic 는 (neun). 학생이에요 (haksaengieyo) = student (학생 (haksaeng)) + copula. 은/는 (eun/neun) marks the topic of the sentence.
이/가 (i/ga)
subject particle
비가 와요. (Biga wayo.)
It is raining.
비가 (biga) = rain (비 (bi)) + subject 가 (ga). 와요 (wayo) = polite of 오다 (oda, to come). 이/가 (i/ga) marks the grammatical subject, often new information.
을/를 (eul/reul)
object particle
밥을 먹어요. (Bapeul meokeoyo.)
I eat rice.
밥을 (babeul) = rice (밥 (bap)) + object 을 (eul). 먹어요 (meogeoyo) = polite of 먹다 (meokda, to eat). 을/를 (eul/reul) marks the direct object of the action.
에 (e)
location/time particle
집에 있어요. (Jipe isseoyo.)
I am at home.
집에 (jibe) = home (집 (jip)) + location 에 (e). 있어요 (isseoyo) = there is/I am. 에 (e) marks static location (where something exists).
에서 (eseo)
action location particle
도서관에서 공부해요. (Doseogwaneseo gongbuhaeyo.)
I study at the library.
도서관에서 (doseogwaneseo) = library (도서관 (doseogwan)) + action location 에서 (eseo). 공부해요 (gongbuhaeyo) = study. 에서 (eseo) marks where an action takes place.
의 (ui)
possessive particle
나의 친구가 왔어요. (Naui chinguga wasseoyo.)
My friend came.
나의 (naui) = my (나 (na) + possessive 의 (ui)). 친구가 (chinguga) = friend (친구 (chingu)) + subject 가 (ga). 왔어요 (wasseoyo) = past of 오다 (oda, came). 의 (ui) shows possession.
와/과 (wa/gwa)
and / with
커피와 빵을 먹어요. (Keopiwa ppangeul meokeoyo.)
I have coffee and bread.
커피와 (keopiwa) = coffee (커피 (keopi)) + and/with 와 (wa, after vowel). 빵을 (ppangeul) = bread (빵 (ppang)) + object 을 (eul). 먹어요 (meogeoyo) = eat. 와/과 (wa/gwa) connects nouns.
도 (do)
also / too
저도 가고 싶어요. (Jeodo gago sipeoyo.)
I also want to go.
저도 (jeodo) = I (저 (jeo)) + also/too particle 도 (do). 가고 싶어요 (gago sipeoyo) = want to go (-고 싶다 (-go sipda)). 도 (do) replaces 는/가 (neun/ga) to mean 'also'.
에게 (ege)
to (a person)
친구에게 선물을 줘요. (Chinguege seonmuleul jwoyo.)
I give a gift to my friend.
친구에게 (chinguege) = to friend (친구 (chingu)) + 에게 (ege, indirect object, to a person). 선물을 줘요 (seonmureul jwoyo) = give a gift. 에게 (ege) marks the receiver.
에게서 (egeseo)
from (a person)
친구에게서 전화가 왔어요. (Chinguegeseo jeonhwaga wasseoyo.)
I got a call from my friend.
친구에게서 (chinguegeseo) = from friend (친구 (chingu)) + 에게서 (egeseo, from a person). 전화가 왔어요 (jeonhwaga wasseoyo) = a call came. 에게서 (egeseo) marks the source.
(으)로 ((eu)ro)
direction/means particle
지하철로 가요. (Jihacheollo gayo.)
I go by subway.
지하철로 (jihacheollo) = by subway (지하철 (jihacheol)) + means particle (으)로 ((eu)ro). 가요 (gayo) = go. 로 (ro) after vowel/ㄹ indicates means of transport.
부터 (buteo)
from (time/place)
아침부터 공부해요. (Achimbuteo gongbuhaeyo.)
I study from the morning.
아침부터 (achimbuteo) = from morning (아침 (achim)) + 부터 (buteo, from, starting point). 공부해요 (gongbuhaeyo) = study. 부터 (buteo) marks temporal/spatial starting point.
까지 (kkaji)
until / to
밤까지 일해요. (Bamkkaji ilhaeyo.)
I work until night.
밤까지 (bamkkaji) = until night (밤 (bam)) + 까지 (kkaji, until/to). 일해요 (ilhaeyo) = work. 까지 (kkaji) marks the endpoint of time or space.
밖에 (bakke)
only / nothing but (with negative)
하나밖에 없어요. (Hanabakke eopeoyo.)
There is only one.
하나밖에 (hanabakke) = only one (하나 (hana)) + 밖에 (bakke, only, with negative). 없어요 (eopseoyo) = don't have. 밖에 (bakke) always pairs with a negative verb.
마다 (mada)
every / each
날마다 운동해요. (Nalmada undonghaeyo.)
I exercise every day.
날마다 (nalmada) = every day (날 (nal, day) + 마다 (mada, every)). 운동해요 (undonghaeyo) = exercise. 마다 (mada) attaches to nouns meaning 'each/every'.
아주 (aju)
very / quite
이 음식은 아주 맛있어요. (I eumsikeun aju masisseoyo.)
This food is very delicious.
이 음식은 (i eumsigeun) = this food (음식 (eumsik)) + topic 은 (eun). 아주 (aju, very) 맛있어요 (masisseoyo, delicious). 아주 (aju) is an adverb placed before the adjective.
너무 (neomu)
too / very (colloquial)
오늘 너무 더워요. (Oneul neomu deowoyo.)
It's too hot today.
오늘 (oneul, today) 너무 (neomu, too/very) 더워요 (deowoyo, hot). 너무 (neomu) intensifies the adjective. Colloquially used like 'very'.
정말 (jeongmal)
really / truly
정말 감사해요. (Jeongmal gamsahaeyo.)
Thank you really.
정말 (jeongmal, really/truly) 감사해요 (gamsahaeyo, thank you). 정말 (jeongmal) is an adverb before the verb. 감사하다 (gamsahada) = to be grateful.
진짜 (jinjja)
really (casual)
이거 진짜 맛있어요. (Igeo jinjja masisseoyo.)
This is really delicious.
이거 (igeo, this, contracted). 진짜 (jinjja, really, casual). 맛있어요 (masisseoyo, delicious). 진짜 (jinjja) is more casual than 정말 (jeongmal).
잘 (jal)
well
한국어를 잘 해요. (Hangukeoreul jal haeyo.)
You speak Korean well.
한국어를 (hangugeoreul, Korean + object) 잘 해요 (jal haeyo, do well). 잘 (jal, well) is an adverb placed before the verb it modifies.
못 (mos)
cannot
오늘은 못 가요. (Oneuleun mos gayo.)
I can't go today.
오늘은 (oneureun) = today + topic 은 (eun, for contrast). 못 가요 (mot gayo) = cannot go. 못 (mot) before verb means inability or impossibility.
안 (an)
not (negation)
오늘은 안 먹어요. (Oneuleun an meokeoyo.)
I'm not eating today.
오늘은 (oneureun) = today + topic 은 (eun). 안 먹어요 (an meogeoyo) = not eating. 안 (an) before verb negates it. Short negation pattern.
또 (tto)
again / also
또 만나고 싶어요. (Tto mannago sipeoyo.)
I want to meet again.
또 만나고 싶어요 (tto mannago sipeoyo) = want to meet again. 또 (tto, again) before verb. -고 싶다 (-go sipda) expresses desire (want to do).
아직 (ajik)
still / yet
아직 안 왔어요. (Ajik an wasseoyo.)
They haven't come yet.
아직 안 왔어요 (ajik an wasseoyo) = haven't come yet. 아직 (ajik, still/yet) + 안 (an, not) + past tense. Emphasizes the action hasn't happened.
벌써 (beolsseo)
already
벌써 열 시예요. (Beolsseo yeol siyeyo.)
It's already ten o'clock.
벌써 (beolsseo, already) 열 시예요 (yeol siyeyo, ten o'clock). 벌써 (beolsseo) indicates surprise at how quickly time passed.
항상 (hangsang)
always
항상 아침을 먹어요. (Hangsang achimeul meokeoyo.)
I always eat breakfast.
항상 (hangsang, always) 아침을 먹어요 (achimeul meogeoyo, eat breakfast). 항상 (hangsang) is a frequency adverb before the object+verb.
보통 (botong)
usually / normally
보통 버스를 타요. (Botong beoseureul tayo.)
I usually take the bus.
보통 (botong, usually) 버스를 타요 (beoseureul tayo, take the bus). 보통 (botong) placed at sentence start or before the verb.
자주 (jaju)
often / frequently
자주 운동해요. (Jaju undonghaeyo.)
I exercise often.
자주 (jaju, often) 운동해요 (undonghaeyo, exercise). 자주 (jaju) is a frequency adverb before the verb.
가끔 (gakkeum)
sometimes
가끔 영화를 봐요. (Gakkeum yeonghwareul bwayo.)
I sometimes watch movies.
가끔 (gakkeum, sometimes) 영화를 봐요 (yeonghwareul bwayo, watch movies). 가끔 (gakkeum) before object+verb phrase.
빨리 (ppalli)
quickly / fast
빨리 오세요. (Ppalli oseyo.)
Come quickly.
빨리 (ppalli, quickly) 오세요 (oseyo, come). -세요 (-seyo) is honorific imperative of 오다 (oda, to come).
천천히 (cheoncheonhi)
slowly
천천히 말해 주세요. (Cheoncheonhi malhae juseyo.)
Please speak slowly.
천천히 (cheoncheonhi, slowly) 말해 주세요 (malhae juseyo, please speak). -어 주세요 (-eo juseyo) = please do (request).
같이 (gachi)
together
같이 점심 먹어요. (Gati jeomsim meokeoyo.)
Let's eat lunch together.
같이 (gachi, together) 점심 먹어요 (jeomsim meogeoyo, eat lunch). Note pronunciation: 같이 (gachi) is said as 가치 (gachi).
혼자 (honja)
alone
혼자 여행해요. (Honja yeohaenghaeyo.)
I travel alone.
혼자 (honja, alone) 여행해요 (yeohaenghaeyo, travel). 여행하다 (yeohaenghada) = noun + 하다 (hada) compound.
먼저 (meonjeo)
first / beforehand
먼저 가세요. (Meonjeo gaseyo.)
Please go first.
먼저 (meonjeo, first) 가세요 (gaseyo, please go). -세요 (-seyo) is honorific imperative.
지금 (jigeum)
now
지금 뭐 해요? (Jigeum mwo haeyo?)
What are you doing now?
지금 (jigeum, now) 뭐 해요 (mwo haeyo) = what are you doing now? 지금 (jigeum) is a time adverb. 뭐 해요 (mwo haeyo) = what do/are doing?
오늘 (oneul)
today
오늘 날씨가 좋아요. (Oneul nalssiga johayo.)
The weather is nice today.
오늘 (oneul, today) 날씨가 좋아요 (nalssiga joayo) = weather is nice. 날씨가 (nalssiga, weather + subject 가 (ga)) + descriptive verb.
내일 (naeil)
tomorrow
내일 만나요. (Naeil mannayo.)
See you tomorrow.
내일 (naeil, tomorrow) 만나요 (mannayo, let's meet). 만나요 (mannayo) polite of 만나다 (mannada). Short arrangement.
어제 (eoje)
yesterday
어제 영화를 봤어요. (Eoje yeonghwareul bwasseoyo.)
I watched a movie yesterday.
어제 (eoje, yesterday) 영화를 봤어요 (yeonghwareul bwasseoyo) = watched a movie. 봤어요 (bwasseoyo) = past of 보다 (boda, 보 + 았 -> 봤).
매일 (maeil)
every day
매일 운동해요. (Maeil undonghaeyo.)
I exercise every day.
매일 (maeil, every day) 운동해요 (undonghaeyo, exercise). 매일 (maeil) time adverb before verb.
조금 (jogeum)
a little / a bit
조금만 기다려 주세요. (Jogeumman gidaryeo juseyo.)
Please wait just a little.
조금만 (jogeumman, just a little) 기다려 주세요 (gidaryeo juseyo, please wait). 조금 (jogeum, a little) + 만 (man, only). -어 주세요 (-eo juseyo) = polite request.
많이 (mani)
a lot / much
많이 먹으세요. (Mani meokeuseyo.)
Please eat a lot.
많이 (mani, a lot) 먹으세요 (meogeuseyo, please eat). 먹으세요 (meogeuseyo) = honorific of 먹다 (meokda, consonant + 으세요 (euseyo)).
전혀 (jeonhyeo)
not at all
전혀 모르겠어요. (Jeonhyeo moreugesseoyo.)
I don't know at all.
전혀 (jeonhyeo, not at all) 모르겠어요 (moreugesseoyo, don't know). 전혀 (jeonhyeo) + negative verb. -겠- (-get-) indicates uncertainty/conjecture.
아마 (ama)
probably / maybe
아마 내일 올 거예요. (Ama naeil ol geoyeyo.)
They will probably come tomorrow.
아마 (ama, probably) 내일 올 거예요 (naeil ol geoyeyo, will come tomorrow). V-ㄹ 거예요 (-(eu)l geoyeyo) = future tense pattern.
꼭 (kkok)
certainly / definitely
꼭 와 주세요. (Kkok wa juseyo.)
Please make sure to come.
꼭 (kkok, certainly/definitely) 와 주세요 (wa juseyo, please come). -아/어 주세요 (-a/eo juseyo) = please do.
바로 (baro)
right away / immediately
바로 갈게요. (Baro galgeyo.)
I'll go right away.
바로 (baro, right away) 갈게요 (galgeyo, I'll go). -ㄹ게요 (-lgeyo) = future intention (speaker's plan).
아까 (akka)
a while ago / earlier
아까 전화했어요. (Akka jeonhwahaesseoyo.)
I called earlier.
아까 (akka, a while ago/earlier) 전화했어요 (jeonhwahaesseoyo, called). 전화했어요 (jeonhwahaesseoyo) = past of 전화하다 (jeonhwahada, to call).
비가 와요, 그래서 우산을 가져가요. (Biga wayo, geuraeseo usaneul gajyeogayo.)
It's raining, so I take an umbrella.
비가 와요 (biga wayo, it's raining), 그래서 (geuraeseo, so/therefore) 우산을 가져가요 (usaneul gajyeogayo, take an umbrella). 가져가다 (gajyeogada) = take (가지다 (gajida) + 가다 (gada)).
그런데 (geureonde)
but / however
가고 싶어요, 그런데 시간이 없어요. (Gago sipeoyo, geureonde sigani eopeoyo.)
I want to go, but I don't have time.
가고 싶어요 (gago sipeoyo, want to go), 그런데 (geureonde, but/however) 시간이 없어요 (sigani eopseoyo, don't have time). 그런데 (geureonde) contrasts two clauses.
그리고 (geurigo)
and / and then
밥을 먹었어요, 그리고 커피를 마셨어요. (Bapeul meokeosseoyo, geurigo keopireul masyeosseoyo.)
I ate, and then I drank coffee.
밥을 먹었어요 (babeul meogeosseoyo, ate rice), 그리고 (geurigo, and then) 커피를 마셨어요 (keopireul masyeosseoyo, drank coffee). 그리고 (geurigo) connects sequential actions.
This deck has 259 words in total — copy it to your library to study them all.
Grammar Guide (10)
Sentence Structure (SOV word order)
Korean uses Subject-Object-Verb order with the verb always at the end
저는 밥을 먹어요. (Jeoneun bapeul meokeoyo.)
Korean follows SOV (Subject-Object-Verb) word order — the verb ALWAYS comes at the end.
Basic pattern: Subject + Object + Verb. 저는 (jeoneun = I) + 밥을 (bapeul = rice) + 먹어요 (meokeoyo = eat).
Particles attach to nouns to mark their role: 은/는 (topic), 이/가 (subject), 을/를 (object).
Time and place phrases come between the subject and object: 저는 매일 학교에서 공부해요 (I study at school every day).
Word order is flexible EXCEPT the verb — it must stay at the end. 밥을 저는 먹어요 is unusual but grammatically possible.
The subject is often dropped when clear from context: 밥 먹었어요? (Did you eat?) — 'you' is implied.
Adverbs go before the verb they modify: 빨리 가요 (ppalli gayo = go quickly).
Particles: 은/는 vs 이/가 (eun/neun vs i/ga)
Topic markers 은/는 vs subject markers 이/가 — when to use each
저는 학생이에요. 비가 와요. (Jeoneun haksaengieyo. Biga wayo.)
은/는 (eun/neun) marks the topic — what the sentence is about, often old/known information.
은 after consonant: 책은 (chaekeun). 는 after vowel: 나는 (naneun).
이/가 (i/ga) marks the subject — who or what does the action, often new information.
이 after consonant: 학생이 (haksaengi). 가 after vowel: 비가 (biga).
Use 은/는 for general statements and contrast: 저는 학생이에요 (As for me, I'm a student). 커피는 좋아해요, 차는 싫어해요 (I like coffee, but I dislike tea).
Use 이/가 for new information, existence, or after question words: 누가 왔어요? 친구가 왔어요 (Who came? A friend came).
With 있다/없다 (exist/not exist), use 이/가: 시간이 있어요 (I have time).
This distinction is one of the trickiest parts of Korean — practice with many examples.
Particles: 을/를, 에, 에서 (eul/reul, e, eseo)
Object marker 을/를, location/time 에, and action location 에서
도서관에서 책을 읽어요. 세 시에 가요. (Doseogwaneseo chaekeul ikeoyo. Se sie gayo.)
을/를 (eul/reul) marks the direct object — the thing receiving the action.
을 after consonant: 밥을 (bapeul). 를 after vowel: 커피를 (keopireul).
에 (e) marks destination, location of existence, or time.
Destination: 학교에 가요 (I go to school). Time: 세 시에 만나요 (We meet at 3 o'clock). Existence location: 집에 있어요 (I am at home).
에서 (eseo) marks where an ACTION takes place — different from 에 for static existence.
에서 for actions: 도서관에서 공부해요 (I study at the library). 회사에서 일해요 (I work at a company).
Key distinction: 에 = where something IS (static), 에서 = where something HAPPENS (active).
Compare: 집에 있어요 (I am at home — existence) vs 집에서 먹어요 (I eat at home — action).
에서 also means 'from': 서울에서 왔어요 (I came from Seoul).
Polite Speech Level (요 and 합니다 forms)
The two main polite speech levels in Korean — informal polite and formal polite
Korean has multiple speech levels. The two most important for beginners are 해요체 (informal polite) and 합니다체 (formal polite).
해요체 (-아/어/여요): Used in everyday polite conversation. 먹다 → 먹어요, 가다 → 가요, 하다 → 해요.
Rule: if the last vowel of the stem is ㅏ or ㅗ, add -아요. Otherwise add -어요. 하다 becomes 해요 (special).
합니다체 (-ㅂ니다/습니다): More formal, used in news, presentations, military, and very formal situations. 먹다 → 먹습니다, 가다 → 갑니다.
Rule: if the stem ends in a vowel, add -ㅂ니다. If it ends in a consonant, add -습니다.
해요체 is appropriate for most daily situations — stores, restaurants, meeting new people.
Casual/반말 (banmal) drops the 요: 먹어, 가 — only used with close friends, children, or people younger than you.
Never use casual speech with strangers or elders — it is considered very rude.
Negation (안 and -지 않다)
Two ways to negate verbs and adjectives in Korean
안 먹어요. 먹지 않아요. (An meokeoyo. Meokji anayo.)
Korean has two negation patterns that mean the same thing.
Short negation: 안 (an) + verb/adjective. 안 먹어요 (I don't eat), 안 가요 (I don't go), 안 예뻐요 (It's not pretty).
Long negation: verb stem + -지 않다 (-ji anta). 먹지 않아요 (I don't eat), 가지 않아요 (I don't go).
Both forms are interchangeable, but the short form is more common in everyday speech.
For 하다 (hada) compound verbs, 안 goes before 하다: 공부 안 해요 (I don't study), NOT 안 공부해요.
Or use the long form: 공부하지 않아요 (I don't study).
For 'cannot', use 못 (mot): 못 가요 (I can't go), or verb stem + -지 못하다: 가지 못해요.
없다 (eopda) is the negative of 있다 (itda): 시간이 없어요 (I don't have time). 아니다 (anida) negates 이다 (to be): 학생이 아니에요 (I'm not a student).
Forming Questions (rising intonation + 요)
How to ask yes/no and information questions in Korean
학생이에요? 어디에 가요? (Haksaengieyo? Eodie gayo?)
Yes/no questions: simply raise the intonation at the end. The form stays the same as a statement.
학생이에요. (I am a student — statement) → 학생이에요? (Are you a student? — question, rising tone).
In 합니다체 (formal), statements end in -ㅂ니다/습니다 and questions end in -ㅂ니까/습니까: 갑니다 (I go) → 갑니까? (Do you go?).
Information questions: use a question word in the position of the unknown. Word order stays the same.
뭐/무엇 (mwo/mueos = what): 뭐 먹어요? (What do you eat?). 어디 (eodi = where): 어디에 가요? (Where are you going?).
언제 (eonje = when): 언제 와요? (When do you come?). 누구 (nugu = who): 누가 왔어요? (Who came?).
왜 (wae = why): 왜 안 가요? (Why aren't you going?). 어떻게 (eotteoke = how): 어떻게 가요? (How do you get there?).
To answer yes/no: 네 (ne = yes) / 아니요 (aniyo = no). Note: 네 means 'what you said is correct', so answering a negative question with 네 confirms the negative.
Honorifics Basics (님, 드리다, 주다)
Basic Korean honorific system — suffixes and special verbs for showing respect
선생님, 이것을 드릴게요. (Seonsaengnim, igeoseul deurilgeyo.)
Korean has a built-in honorific system to show respect based on social hierarchy.
님 (nim) is an honorific suffix added to titles and names: 선생님 (seonsaengnim = teacher), 사장님 (sajangnim = boss), 어머님 (eomeonim = someone's mother, respectful).
-(으)시- (-(eu)si-) is added to verb stems when the subject is someone you respect: 가다 → 가시다 (to go — honorific), 먹다 → 드시다 (to eat — honorific, special form).
Some verbs have completely different honorific forms: 먹다 → 드시다/잡수시다 (eat), 자다 → 주무시다 (sleep), 있다 → 계시다 (exist/stay), 말하다 → 말씀하시다 (speak).
드리다 (deurida) is the humble form of 주다 (juda = to give), used when giving to someone of higher status: 선물을 드려요 (I give a gift — to someone respected).
주다 (juda) is used when giving to equals or lower: 친구에게 줘요 (I give to a friend).
Always use honorifics with elders, teachers, bosses, and strangers. Not using them is considered very disrespectful.
저 (jeo = I, humble) is used instead of 나 (na = I, casual) in polite/formal situations.
Possessives (의 particle)
The possessive particle 의 connects a possessor to the thing possessed
이것은 선생님의 차예요. (Igeoseun seonsaengnim-ui chayeyo.)
의 (ui/e) is the possessive particle, connecting possessor to possessed: 나의 책 (naui chaek) = my book.
나의 (naui) contracts to 내 (nae) = my. 너의 (neoui) contracts to 네 (ne) = your. In speech 네 (ne) often sounds like 니 (ni) to avoid confusion with 내 (nae).
Formal: 저의 (jeoui) contracts to 제 (je) = my (humble). 선생님의 (seonsaengnim-ui) = teacher's. 누구의 (nuguui) = whose?
의 (ui) is often dropped in casual speech: 나 책 (na chaek) = my book, 엄마 가방 (eomma gabang) = mom's bag.
이것은 친구의 핸드폰이에요 (igeoseun chinguui haendeuponieyo) = This is my friend's phone.
With pronouns: 우리의 (uriui) / 우리 (uri) = our, 그의 (geuui) = his, 그녀의 (geunyeoui) = her. 우리 나라 (uri nara) = our country.
Demonstratives (이/그/저)
Korean demonstrative system — this, that (near/far), and related location words
이것은 뭐예요? 저 사람은 누구예요? (Igeoseun mwoyeyo? Jeo sarameun nuguyeyo?)
이 (i) = this (near the speaker): 이것 (igeot) = this thing, 이 사람 (i saram) = this person, 이 책 (i chaek) = this book.
그 (geu) = that (near the listener or already known): 그것 (geugeot) = that thing, 그 사람 (geu saram) = that person, 그 영화 (geu yeonghwa) = that movie.
저 (jeo) = that (far from both): 저것 (jeogeot) = that thing over there, 저 사람 (jeo saram) = that person over there, 저 산 (jeo san) = that mountain.
Location words follow the same pattern: 여기 (yeogi) = here, 거기 (geogi) = there, 저기 (jeogi) = over there. 어디 (eodi) = where?
Contractions: 이것 (igeot) → 이거 (igeo), 그것 (geugeot) → 그거 (geugeo), 저것 (jeogeot) → 저거 (jeogeo) in casual speech.
그 (geu) also refers to previously mentioned things: 그 이야기 (geu iyagi) = that story (we talked about). 이런 (ireon) = this kind, 그런 (geureon) = that kind, 저런 (jeoreon) = that kind (far).
있다/없다 (Existence & Possession)
있다 means 'to exist' or 'to have'; 없다 means 'to not exist' or 'to not have'
탁자 위에 책이 있어요. 시간이 없어요. (Takja wie chaegi isseoyo. Sigani eopseoyo.)
있다 (itda) = there is / to have. 없다 (eopda) = there isn't / don't have. These are among the most common Korean verbs.
있어요 (isseoyo) polite present: 책이 있어요 (chaegi isseoyo) = There is a book / I have a book. Subject takes 이/가 (i/ga) particle.
없어요 (eopseoyo) polite present: 시간이 없어요 (sigani eopseoyo) = There is no time / I don't have time.
Location + 에 (e): 탁자 위에 (takja wie) = on the table. 방에 고양이가 있어요 (bange goyangi-ga isseoyo) = There is a cat in the room.
Formal forms: 있습니다 (itseumnida) / 없습니다 (eopseumnida). Past: 있었어요 (isseosseoyo) / 없었어요 (eopseosseoyo).
있다 (itda) also means 'to stay/be at a place': 집에 있어요 (jibe isseoyo) = I'm at home. 어디에 있어요? (eodie isseoyo?) = Where are you?