Lecture on Conjugating Korean Verbs

Introduction

• Purpose: Learn how to conjugate verbs in Korean from their dictionary form.
• Dictionary form: Always ends with 다 (e.g., 가다, 먹다, 좋아하다, etc.).
• Examples of Conjugation:
  • 가다 (to go) → 가요
  • 먹다 (to eat) → 먹어요
  • 좋아하다 (to like) → 좋아해요
  • 보다 (to see) → 보아요
  • 이다 (to be) → 이에요/예요

What is Conjugation?

• Each verb can have multiple conjugations based on tense and formality.
• Examples with 먹다 (to eat):
  • Present Formal: 먹습니다
  • Past Formal: 먹었습니다
  • Future Formal: 먹겠습니다
  • Present Informal: 먹어요
  • Past Informal: 먹었어요
  • Future Informal: 먹을 거예요
  • Present Casual: 먹어
  • Past Casual: 먹었어
  • Future Casual: 먹을 거야
• Note: Only need to learn each form once; can be applied to all verbs.

고 싶다 Form

• Conjugating with 고 싶다 to express desire.
• Examples:
  • 가고 싶어요 (I want to go)
  • 먹고 싶어요 (I want to eat)

Present Tense Informal 요 Form

• Used in informal, non-rude situations.
• Examples:
  • 가다 → 가요
  • 먹다 → 먹어요
  • 좋아하다 → 좋아해요
  • 보다 → 보아요
  • 이다 → 이에요/예요
• Usage: Informal, not suitable for formal settings.
  • Example Sentence: 저는 피자를 좋아해요 (I like pizza).

Steps to Make the 요 Form

1. Get the verb stem: Remove 다 from dictionary form.
2. Attach 아 or 어:

• If the stem's final vowel is 아 or 오, attach 아.
• For other vowels, attach 어.

3. Attach 요.

Examples

• 안다 (to sit):
  • Stem: 안
  • Attach 아: 앉아
  • Attach 요: 앉아요
  • Sentence: 저는 앉아요 (I sit down).
• 먹다 (to eat):
  • Stem: 먹
  • Attach 어: 먹어
  • Attach 요: 먹어요
  • Sentence: 저는 피자를 먹어요 (I eat pizza).
• 만들다 (to make):
  • Stem: 만들
  • Attach 어: 만들어
  • Attach 요: 만들어요
  • Sentence: 저는 케이크를 만들어요 (I make cake).

Exceptions to Rules

1. Verb stem ending with vowel: Combine attached 아/어 with final vowel.

• 가다 (to go): 가 + 아 → 가요 (not 가아요)
• Sentence: 저는 가요 (I go).
• 부다 (to see): 부 + 아 → 봐요

2. Verb stem with 에: Simply add 요.

• 보내다 (to send): 보내 + 요 → 보내요
• Sentence: 저는 이메일을 보내요 (I send an email).

3. Verb stem ending with ㅡ: Remove ㅡ, check second-to-last vowel.

• 쓰다 (to write/use): 쓰 → 써요
• Sentence: 저는 펜을 써요 (I use a pen).
• 바쁘다 (to be busy): 바쁘 → 바빠요
• Sentence: 저는 바빠요 (I am busy).

4. Verb stem ending with 르: Remove ㅡ, add duplicate consonant and appropriate vowel.

• 부르다 (to sing): 부르 → 불러요
• Sentence: 빌리는 노래를 불러요 (Billy sings a song).

5. Verb stem ending with: Replace with 에 and attach 요.

• 그렇다: 그렇 → 그래요
• Sentence: 그것은 그래요 (That thing is so).

6. Verbs ending with 하다: 하다 conjugates to 해요.

• 좋아하다: 좋아해요
• Sentence: 저는 요리를 좋아해요 (I like cooking).

7. Verb stem ending with ㅂ: Remove ㅂ, attach 우 + 어, then 요.

• 맵다 (to be spicy): 맵 → 매워요
• Sentence: 김치는 매워요 (Kimchi is spicy).
• 부럽다 (to be jealous): 부럽 → 부러워요
• Sentence: 저는 부러워요 (I am jealous).
• 춥다 (to be cold): 춥 → 추워요
• Sentence: 저는 추워요 (I am cold).

Notes

• Don't stress over conjugations; practice will help.
• Many exceptions make words easier to pronounce.
• Some verbs don't follow any rules (e.g., 이다 → 이에요/예요).
• Some verb stems with 르 change to a different form about half of the time.
• Irregular verbs and descriptive verbs will be covered later.

Conclusion

• You can now conjugate most verbs in present tense informal form.
• Practice and apply these rules to new verbs.
• Next lesson will cover more topics.

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