Understanding the Basics of Korean Verb Conjugation

Korean verb conjugation differs significantly from English and many other languages. In Korean, verbs do not conjugate for person or number but change according to tense, mood, politeness level, and speech style. Grasping these foundational concepts is vital before diving into the rules of conjugation.

Verb Stems and Endings

Every Korean verb consists of a stem and an ending. The stem is the root form to which various endings are attached to indicate tense, mood, or politeness. For example, the verb 가다 (gada, “to go”) has the stem 가 and the dictionary ending 다.

• Verb Stem: The base form without the 다 (e.g., 가)
• Verb Ending: Attached to the stem to show tense, mood, and politeness

Politeness Levels in Korean Verbs

Korean language has multiple speech levels that reflect respect and formality. When conjugating verbs, choosing the appropriate politeness level is essential to communicate appropriately in different social contexts.

• Formal Polite: Used in official or formal settings (e.g., 갑니다)
• Informal Polite: Commonly used in everyday conversation with strangers or acquaintances (e.g., 가요)
• Informal Casual: Used among close friends or younger people (e.g., 가)

How to Conjugate Verbs in Korean: Key Tenses and Forms

Conjugating Korean verbs primarily involves changing verb endings to reflect tense and politeness. Below are the most common tenses and how to form them.

Present Tense Conjugation

The present tense indicates an action currently happening or a habitual action.

• Informal Polite: Add 아요/어요 to the verb stem
• Formal Polite: Add 습니다/ㅂ니다 to the verb stem

Rules for Present Tense:

• If the last vowel of the stem is ㅏ or ㅗ, add 아요.
• If the last vowel is anything else, add 어요.
• If the stem ends with 하, change 하 to 해 and add appropriate ending.

Examples:

Verb	Stem	Informal Polite	Formal Polite
가다 (to go)	가	가요	갑니다
먹다 (to eat)	먹	먹어요	먹습니다
하다 (to do)	하	해요	합니다

Past Tense Conjugation

The past tense indicates an action that has already occurred.

• Attach 았어요/었어요 for informal polite
• Attach 았습니다/었습니다 for formal polite

Rules:

• If the last vowel of the stem is ㅏ or ㅗ, use 았어요/았습니다.
• Otherwise, use 었어요/었습니다.
• For 하 verbs, replace 하 with 했어요/했습니다.

Examples:

Verb	Informal Polite	Formal Polite
가다 (to go)	갔어요	갔습니다
먹다 (to eat)	먹었어요	먹었습니다
하다 (to do)	했어요	했습니다

Future Tense Conjugation

The future tense is used to indicate actions that will happen.

• Add ㄹ 거예요 after the verb stem for informal polite
• Add 겠습니다 for formal polite

Examples:

Verb	Informal Polite	Formal Polite
가다 (to go)	갈 거예요	가겠습니다
먹다 (to eat)	먹을 거예요	먹겠습니다
하다 (to do)	할 거예요	하겠습니다

Common Irregular Verb Conjugations in Korean

While many Korean verbs conjugate regularly, several common irregular verbs have unique conjugation patterns that learners must memorize.

ㅂ Irregular Verbs

When a verb stem ends in ㅂ followed by a vowel, ㅂ changes to 우 or 오.

• 돕다 (to help) → 도와요 (present informal polite)
• 춥다 (to be cold) → 추워요

ㄷ Irregular Verbs

If a verb stem ends with ㄷ and is followed by a vowel, ㄷ changes to ㄹ.

• 걷다 (to walk) → 걸어요
• 듣다 (to listen) → 들어요

르 Irregular Verbs

When 르 appears in the stem and is followed by a vowel, add an additional ㄹ and change 르 to 라 or 러.

• 모르다 (to not know) → 몰라요
• 르다 (to rise) →를라요

ㅎ Irregular Verbs

When the verb stem ends with ㅎ and is followed by a vowel, ㅎ is often dropped, affecting the vowel before it.

• 좋다 (to be good) → 좋아요
• 넣다 (to put in) → 넣어요 (no change in pronunciation, but sometimes vowel changes)

Practical Tips on How to Conjugate Verbs in Korean Efficiently

Learning how to conjugate verbs in Korean may seem complex initially, but consistent practice and the right strategies can accelerate your progress.

Use Language Learning Apps Like Talkpal

Talkpal offers interactive lessons specifically designed to practice Korean verb conjugation with real-life dialogues and instant feedback. This helps build confidence and accuracy.

Practice with Verb Lists and Flashcards

• Create flashcards with verb stems and their conjugated forms.
• Group verbs by regular and irregular conjugation patterns.
• Review frequently to reinforce memory.

Engage in Conversation Practice

Speaking with native speakers or language partners allows you to practice conjugating verbs in natural contexts. Talkpal’s community features facilitate such interactions.

Watch Korean Media with Subtitles

Listening to Korean dramas, movies, or variety shows with subtitles helps you see and hear verb conjugations in action, improving both recognition and understanding.

Keep a Verb Journal

Write daily sentences using different tenses and politeness levels to solidify your conjugation skills. Reflect on mistakes and revisit difficult verbs.

Summary: Mastering Korean Verb Conjugation

Understanding how to conjugate verbs in Korean is essential for expressing time, mood, and politeness accurately. By learning the basic rules for present, past, and future tenses, recognizing irregular verb patterns, and practicing consistently with tools like Talkpal, learners can significantly improve their Korean proficiency. Remember, patience and regular practice are key to mastering this fundamental aspect of the language.