Basic Structure of Korean Adjectives

Before diving into the adjective endings, it’s crucial to understand the core structure of adjectives in the Korean language. In Korean, most adjectives end with the syllable ‘다’ in their verb form, making it easier to identify and differentiate them from other words. Here is a quick example to illustrate the point:

– 기쁘다 (gippeuda): to be happy

After identifying the adjective, the next step is to remove the ‘다’ syllable and replace it with the appropriate ending based on tense, formality, and other grammatical requirements.

Present Tense Adjective Endings

In this section, we will explore some of the most frequently used adjective endings for the present tense.

1. Informal Non-Polite Form:

To construct the informal non-polite form, simply remove the ‘다’ syllable and add ‘어’ or ‘아’ depending on the vowel that precedes the ‘다’. If the vowel is ‘아’ or ‘오’, add ‘아’, otherwise, add ‘어’.

Examples:

– 기쁘다 (gippeuda) -> 기쁘어 (gippeo) (happy)
– 작다 (jagda) -> 작아 (jaga) (small)

2. Informal Polite Form:

For informal polite forms, follow the same rule as informal non-polite, but add ‘요’ at the end.

Examples:

– 기쁘다 (gippeuda) -> 기쁘어요 (gippeoyo) (happy)
– 작다 (jagda) -> 작아요 (jagayo) (small)

3. Formal Polite Form:

For formal polite forms, remove the ‘다’ and add ‘습니다’. If the adjective ends in ‘하다’, the ending will change to ‘합니다’.

Examples:

– 기쁘다 (gippeuda) -> 기쁩니다 (gippeumseubnida) (happy)
– 작다 (jagda) -> 작습니다 (jakseubnida) (small)

Past and Future Tense Adjective Endings

Now that we have covered the present tense adjective endings, let’s explore past and future tenses.

1. Past Tense:

For past tense, add ‘았’ or ‘였’ (for adjectives ending in ‘하다’) followed by the regular present tense endings based on degree of politeness.

Examples:

– 기쁘다 (gippeuda) -> 기뻤어 (gippeosseo) (was happy)
– 작다 (jagda) -> 작았어요 (jagasseoyo) (was small)

2. Future Tense:

Future tense adjective endings require the addition of ‘겠’ followed by the regular present tense endings.

Examples:

– 기쁘다 (gippeuda) -> 기쁠 거예요 (gippeul geoyeyo) (will be happy)
– 작다 (jagda) -> 작을 거야 (jageul geoya) (will be small)

Conclusion

Mastering adjective endings in Korean grammar allows individuals to effectively express and understand varying degrees of formality and tenses while communicating in Korean. By following the rules outlined in this article, learners can significantly enhance their language abilities and achieve greater fluency in Korean. Remember to always practice and apply the knowledge in real-life situations for the best learning experience.