# Lesson 6: Korean Honorifics ## Vocabulary ### Nouns 신발 = shoe
Common Usages: - 신발을 신다 = to put on a shoe - 신발을 벗다 = to take off a shoe Notes: The suffix “화” usually denotes a specific type of shoe. For example: 운동화 (exercise shoes), 실내화 (shoes for inside) Example: - 이 **신발**은 너무 불편해요 = These **shoes** are too uncomfortable - 저는 **신발**을 신으려고 잠깐 앉았어요 = I sat down for a minute in order to put on my **shoe** - 한국에서 집에 들어가면 **신발**을 벗어야 돼요 = When you go into a house in Korea, you must take off your **shoes**
남방 = shirt
Notes: - The Korean pronunciation of “shirt” (셔츠) is more commonly used Example: - 그녀는 흰 **남방**을 입었어요 = She put on a white **shirt**
질문 = question
Common Usages: - 질문을 물어보다 = to ask a question - 질문이 있어요? = Do you have a question? Example: - **질문**이 있어요 = I have a **question** - 저는 점원한테 **질문**을 물어봤어요 = I asked the clerk a **question** - 이것은 어려운 **질문**입니다 = This is a difficult **question**
문제 = question, problem
Common Usages: - 문제를 풀다 = to solve a problem/question - 큰 문제 = big problem - 중요한 문제 = important issue/problem - 기출문제 = problems/questions from previous tests (that you can use to practice for an upcoming test) Notes: - 질문 typically means “question,” but “문제” is used more when referring to a problem that somebody may have. Examples: - 그 회사는 **문제**가 많아요 = That company has a lot of **problems** - 저는 그 수학 **문제**를 연필과 종이로 풀었어요 = I solved that math **problem** using a paper and a pencil - 또 다른 **문제**는 그것이 비싸요 = Another **problem** is that it (that thing) is expensive - 그들은 그 **문제**를 과학적으로 풀었다 = They solved that **problem** scientifically - 나는 개인적 **문제**로 회사를 그만두었다 = I quit the company due to personal **problems** - 그 **문제**에 대해 담임선생님과 함께 얘기했어요 = I talked about that **problem** with my homeroom teacher - 모든 학생들은 그 **문제**를 쉽게 풀었어요 = All the students easily solved that **problem**
나이 = age
Common Usages: - 나이가 많다 = old Example: - 저의 여자 친구는 저보다 **나이**가 더 많아요 = My girlfriend is **older** than me - 나이가 많은 사람들은 항상 재채기를 시끄럽게 해요 = **Old** people always sneeze loudly - 그 사람이 **나이**가 많지만 여전히 똑똑해요 = Although that person is old, he is still very smart
화장실 = bathroom, restroom
Common Usages: - 화장실에 가다 = to go to the bathroom Examples: - **화장실**은 어디에 있어요? = Where is the **bathroom**? - **화장실**에 가도 돼요? = May I go to the bathroom? - 만약 **화장실**에 가야 된다면 우리가 가기 전에 가세요 = If you have to go to the **bathroom**, go before we leave/go
부장님 = boss
Notes: 부장 literally means “head of some department,” and ~님 is a prefix that is attached to a position to show respect. Examples: - 그것을 하려면 먼저 **부장님**께 물어봐야 돼요 = In order to do that, you need to ask the **boss** first - 저는 **부장님**을 위해서 이것을 썼어요 = I wrote this for my **boss** - **부장님**을 만족시키는 것은 어려워요 = Is it is difficult to satisfy our **boss** - **부장님**은 내일까지 출장을 갔어 = The **boss** went on a business trip until tomorrow - **부장님**이 그 일을 이미 다 한 것 같아요 = It seems like the **boss** already did all that work - 이 사실을 **부장님**께 알려 줘야겠어요 = I guess I should tell the **boss** (about) that fact
분위기 = the atmosphere of something
Example: - 이 도시는 **분위기**가 좋아요 = This city has a good **atmosphere** - 스타벅스의 내부 **분위기**는 매우 안락해요 = The **atmosphere** inside Starbucks is very comfortable - 오늘 고객이 많고 **분위기**가 좋아요 = Today there are a lot of customers and the **atmosphere** is good
차 = tea
Common Usages: - 홍차 = black tea - 녹차 = green tea - 차를 마시다 = to drink tea Example: - 녹**차** 한 잔 주세요 = Give me one glass of green **tea**, please
바지 = pants
Common Usages: - 바지를 입다 = to put on pants - 바지를 벗다 = to take off pants - 청바지 = jeans - 반바지 = shorts (literally, “half pants”) Example: - 저는 새로운 **바지**를 사야 돼요 = I need to buy new **pants** - 이 **바지**가 너무 작아서 다른 것으로 바꿀 거예요 = I’m going to change these **pants** to another (a different) pair because they are too small
교실 = classroom
Examples: - 학생들은 **교실**에 들어갔어요 = The students went into the **classroom** - 학생은 **교실**에서 나왔어요 = The student came out of the **classroom** - **선생님**은 학생들과 함께 교실에 갔어요 = The teacher went to the **classroom** with the students - **교실**이 너무 더워서 온도를 내려도 돼요? = Because the **classroom** is too hot, may I lower the temperature? - **교실**에서 선생님들을 컴퓨터로 대체할 수 없어요 = You can’t replace teachers with computers in the **classroom** - **교실**이 너무 어두워서 학생들은 칠판을 볼 수 없어요 = The students can’t see the board because the **classroom** is too dark
급식 = food at school
Notes: If you work at a school in Korea, you will hear this word every day – otherwise, it will not be as common Example: - 우리는 **급식**으로 오리고기를 먹었어요 = We had duck for the **school lunch** - 오늘 **급식**으로 김치찌개를 먹었어요 = We had Kimchi jigae for **lunch** today **at school**
교감선생님 = vice principal
Example: - **교감선생님**은 선생님들을 위해 식사를 살 거예요 = The **vice principal** will buy a meal for all the teachers - 저는 **교감선생님**에게서 한국어를 배웠어요 = I learned Korean from my **vice principal**
교장선생님 = principal
Examples: - 우리 **교장선생님**은 영어를 할 수 있습니다 = Our **principal** can speak English - 저는 책을 **교장선생님**께 줬어요 = I gave the **principal** a book
풀 = glue
Example: - 그 종이를 공책에 **풀**로 붙이세요! = Stick that paper to your notebook using **glue**!
수도 = capital city
Common Usages: - 수도권 = metropolitan area around a capital city Example: - 대부분 사람들이 캐나다의 **수도**가 무엇인지 몰라요 = Most people don’t know what Canada’s **capital city** is
병 = bottle
Common Usages: - 물병 = water bottle - 유리병 = glass bottle Examples: - 맥주 1**병** 주세요! = One **bottle** of beer, please! - **병**이 탁자에서 떨어졌어요 = The bottle fell from the table - 저는 **병**을 탁자에 놓았어요 = I put the **bottle** on the table
병 = disease, sickness
Common Usages: - 눈병 = eye disease - 병에 걸리다 = to catch a disease - 불치병 = incurable disease - 전염병 = infectious disease Example: - **병**은 다행히 심하지 않아요 = Thankfully, the **disease** isn’t serious - **병**이 나았어요 = I’m better (literally – the **sickness**/**disease** is better)
생선 = fish
Notes: - The word “물고기” (literally water meat) is used to refer to the animals themselves. “생선” is used to refer to the fish that we eat. Example: - 저는 **생선**이 별로 안 좋아요 = I don’t really like **fish**
야채 = vegetable
Examples: - 사람들은 **야채**와 과일을 많이 먹어야 돼요 = People need to eat lots of fruits and **vegetables** - 저는 과일도 좋아하고 **야채**도 좋아해요 = I like fruit and **vegetables** too - 저는 주로 과일과 **야채**를 먹어요 = I mainly eat fruits and **vegetables** - 저는 **야채**를 냉장고에 넣었어요 = I put the **vegetables** in the fridge
언덕 = hill
Common Usages: - 언덕을 올라가다 = to go up a hill Example: - 우리 집은 **언덕** 위에 있어요 = Our house is on top of the **hill**
선물 = present; gift
Common Usages: - 선물을 주다 = to give a present - 선물을 받다 = to receive a present Example: - 저는 저의 여자 친구를 위해 **선물**을 샀어요 = I bought a **present** for my girlfriend - 저는 저의 여자 친구에게 **선물**을 많이 줬어요 = I gave my girlfriend a lot of **presents** - 저는 친구들에게 **선물**을 돌렸어요 = I distributed/handed out **presents** to my friends - 아들은 할아버지께 **선물**을 줬어요 = The son gave a **present** to his grandfather - 할아버지께 **선물**을 드리고 싶어요 = I want to give my grandfather a **present** - 저는 그 사람이 저에게 줄 **선물**을 받고 싶지 않아요 = I don’t want to accept the **gift** that person will give me
기타 = guitar
Common Usages: - 기타를 치다 = to play guitar Example: - 저의 남자친구는 **기타**를 잘 쳐요 = My boyfriend plays the **guitar** well
종이 = paper
Notes: The counter for pieces of paper, and other things like it is “장” Common Usages: - 종이 1장 = one piece of paper Examples: - 전화번호를 **종이**에 써 주세요 = Write your phone number on a piece of **paper** please - 저는 그 수학 문제를 연필과 종이로 풀었어요 = I solved that math problem using a **paper** and a pencil - 그 **종이**를 공책에 풀로 붙이세요! = Stick that **paper** to your notebook using glue! - 수업시간 동안 **종이**를 던지지 마세요 = During class, don’t throw **paper** please
우유 = milk
Common Usages: - 우유를 마시다 = to drink milk Example: - 저는 슈퍼에서 **우유**를 샀어요 = I bought **milk** at the supermarket - 저는 애기에게 **우유**를 마시라고 했어요 = I told the baby to drink his **milk** - 애기는 **우유** 대신에 물만 마시고 싶어요 = Instead of **milk,** the baby wants to drink only water - 저는 **우유** 두 잔을 샀어요 = I bought two glasses of **milk**
손목 = wrist
Common Usages: - 손목시계 = wristwatch Example: - 저는 저의 **손목**을 다쳤어요 = I hurt my **wrist**
시계 = clock/watch
Common Usages: - 손목시계 = wristwatch Example: - 시간을 몰라서 **시계**를 봤어요 = I didn’t know what time it was so I looked at the **clock**
손목시계 = wristwatch
Common Usages: - 손목시계를 차다 = to wear a watch Example: - 그 **손목시계**를 어디 샀어요? = Where did you buy that **watch**?
영화 = movie
Common Usages: - 영화를 보다 = to watch a movie - 영화를 촬영하다 = to film a movie Notes: In English, we use the words “watch,” “see” and “looking at” in different situations depending on what our eyes are focused on. In Korean, all of those translate to “보다.” Therefore, to “watch” a movie in Korean is “영화를 보다”. Examples: - 저는 무서운 **영화**를 보고 싶어요 = I want to see a scary **movie** - 저는 그 **영화**를 다섯 번 봤어요 = I saw that **movie** five times - 저는 어제 **영화**를 봤어요 = I saw a **movie** yesterday - 배우들은 그들의 **영화**를 보통 좋아하지 않아 = Actors usually don’t like their **movies** - 좋은 **영화**를 추천해 주세요 = Recommend a good **movie**, please! - 저는 이 **영화**를 더 이상 보고 싶지 않아요 = I don’t want to watch this **movie** anymore - 아이들은 만화**영화**를 매우 좋아해요 = Children really like animated **movies** - 학생들은 짧은 **영화**를 보고 있어요 = The students are watching a short **film** - 어떤 **영화**를 보고 싶어요? = What **movie** do you want to see?
### Verbs 노력하다 = to try
Common Usages: - ~려고 노력하다 (to try to do). See [Lesson 32](https://www.howtostudykorean.com/unit-2-lower-intermediate-korean-grammar/unit-2-lessons-26-33/lesson-32/) for more information. Example: - 저는 한국어를 배우려고 **노력하**고 있어요 = I am **trying** to learn Korean - 그 친구를 매 주말 만나려고 **노력해요** = I **try** to meet that friend every weekend - 한국 정부는 교통사고를 방지하려고 **노력하**고 있어요 = The Korean government is **trying** to prevent traffic accidents
앉다 = to sit
This word appears in Korean Sign Explanation [Video 14] Common Usages: - 앉으세요! = have a seat! Notes: To say that one was sitting while doing something, you should attach “~아/어서” to 앉다. For example: 저는 앉아서 먹었어요 = I sat down and ate. The grammar for this is introduced in [Lesson 17](https://www.howtostudykorean.com/unit1/unit-1-lessons-17-25-2/lesson-17/). Example: - 발이 아파서 **앉**고 싶어요 = I want to **sit** down because my feet are sore - 저는 신발을 신으러 잠깐 **앉았어요** = I **sat** **down** for a minute in order to put on my shoe - 그는 소파에 **앉아** 있어요 = He is **sitting** on the couch - 여기에 **앉아**도 돼요? = May I **sit** here? - 오빠는 바닥에 **앉아**서 점심을 먹었어요 = My brother ate lunch **sitting** on the floor
만지다 = to touch
Common Usages: - 만지지 마세요! = don’t touch! Example: - 그것이 비싸서 **만지**지 마세요! = That is very expensive, so please don’t **touch** it! - 저는 저의 머리를 부드럽게 **만졌어요** = I **touched** my hair softly
자다 = to sleep
Common Usages: - 낮잠 자다 = to take a nap - 늦잠 자다 = to sleep in Examples: - 너무 피곤해서 **자**고 싶어요 = I want to **sleep** because I am so tired - 저는 세 시간 동안 **잤어요** = I **slept** for three hours - 저는 지금 **자**고 싶어요 = I want to **sleep** now - 애기는 침대에서 **자**고 있어요 = The baby is **sleeping** in the bed - 우리는 집에 와서 바로 **잤어요** = We came home and went to **sleep** immediately - 저는 어젯밤에 잘 잤어요 = I **slept** well last night - 저는 오늘 오후에 낮잠을 **잤어요** = I took a **nap** in the afternoon today
보다 = to see
Common Usages: - 보고 싶다 = to want to see, or to “miss” Notes: In English, there are many different ways to say that you are looking at something (to watch, to see, to look at). In Korean, “보다” takes on all of these meanings. Example: - 저는 어제 **영화**를 봤어요 = I **saw** a movie yesterday - 저는 마지막 것을 안 **봤어요** = I didn’t **see** the last thing (I didn’t **see** that last one) - 저는 그 영화를 다섯 번 **봤어요** = I **saw** that movie five times - 저는 어제 두 시간 동안 TV를 **봤어요** = I **watched** TV for two hours yesterday - 저는 방금 뭔가(를) **봤어요** = I just **saw** something a minute ago - 원숭이가 벽을 **보**고 있어요 = The monkey is **looking** at the wall - 저는 저의 친구를 병원에서 **봤어요** = I **saw** my friend at the hospital - 형하고 아버지는 영화를 **봤어요** = My brother and dad **saw** a movie - 교실이 너무 어두워서 학생들은 칠판을 **볼** 수 없어요 = The students can’t **see** the board because the classroom is too dark
기다리다 = to wait
Common Usages: - 버스를 기다리다 = to wait for the bus - 기다리고 있다 = to be waiting Notes: In English, we say that one waits “for” something. In Korean, the common translation for “for” is ~기 위해. However, in Korean the particle “~을/를” is attached to the person/thing that one is waiting for. For example: 저는 친구를 기다리고 있어요 = I am waiting for my friend. Example: - 저는 30분 동안 **기다렸어요** = I **waited** for 30 minutes - 3시까지 **기다릴** **거예요** = I will **wait** until 3:00 - 저는 줄에 서서 순서를 **기다렸어요** = I stood in line and **waited** for my turn - 저는 아직 **기다리**고 있어요 = I am still **waiting** - 엄마는 **기다리**고 있을 것 같아요 = Mom is probably **waiting** (It seems like mom is waiting) - 모든 사람들은 교수님이 말씀하기 시작하는 것을 **기다렸다** = Everybody was **waiting** for the professor to start talking
청소하다 = to clean
Common Usages: - 방을 청소하다 = to clean a room - 집을 청소하다 = to clean a house - 청소기 = vacuum cleaner (literally, “cleaning machine”) Example: - 밖에 나가기 전에 집을 **청소해**야 돼요! = Before I go out, I need to **clean** the house - 저는 집을 청소기로 **청소했어요** = I **cleaned** the house with a vacuum cleaner
약속하다 = to promise
Notes: The noun form of this verb (약속) translates to “a promise,” and is often used to refer to plans that somebody has. For example: 저는 오늘 약속이 있어요 = I have a promise, or “I made a promise with somebody today, which means I have plans to meet him/her.” Example: - 그는 올 거라고 **약속했어요** = He **promised** that he would come
듣다 = to hear
- 듣다 follows the ㄷ irregular. See [Lesson 7](https://www.howtostudykorean.com/unit1/unit-1-lessons-1-8/unit-1-lesson-7/) for more information. Common Usages: - 들어보다 = to listen - 수업을 듣다 = to take a class (literally, to “listen to” a class) Examples: - 그 말을 못 **들었어요** = I didn’t **hear** that thing that you just said - 저는 쥐를 **들었어요** = I **heard** a mouse - 저는 2달 동안 한국어 수업을 **들었어요** = I **took** a Korean class for 2 months - 저는 선생님의 목소리를 못 **들었어요** = I couldn’t **hear** the teacher’s voice - 그 말을 **들었**더니 기분이 상했어요 = My feelings were hurt after **hearing** that
들어보다 = to listen
Notes: Although there is sometimes overlap in their usages, 듣다 is used when one hears something. However, by adding ~아/어보다 (the grammar of this is taught in [Lesson 32](https://www.howtostudykorean.com/unit-2-lower-intermediate-korean-grammar/unit-2-lessons-26-33/lesson-32/)) changes the verb into “to try/attempt to hear.” In English, the act of trying/attempting to hear something is “listening.” Example: - 선생님의 말을 잘 **들어보세요**! = **listen** carefully to what the teacher says!
그만하다 = to stop
Notes: - This is usually used when you are stopping an action. When you are stopping a machine, the word 멈추다 is usually used. Example: - 빨리 **그만하세요**! = **stop** quickly! - 다음 달에 한국어를 배우는 것을 **그만할** **거예요** = I will **stop** learning Korean next month
운동하다 = to exercise
Examples: - 저는 매일 **운동해요** = I **exercise** everyday - 저는 오늘 두 번 **운동할** **것입니다** = I will **exercise** twice (two times) today - 어제 **운동**을 해서 오늘 저의 팔이 아파요 = my arms are sore because I **exercised** yesterday - 저는 **운동**을 열심히 하고 숨을 빨리 쉬었어요 = After I **exercised** I was breathing really fast - 저는 요즘에 **운동**을 많이 해요 = I am **exercising** a lot these days - **운동**은 스트레스를 풀어요 = **exercise** relieves stress - **운동**할 때 알맞은 자세로 해야 돼요 = When you **exercise**, you need to do so with the correct posture
놀라다 = to be surprised
Notes: - There are many adverbs in Korean that are used in very specific situations to add feeling to the meaning in the sentence. The word “깜짝” is used in sentences where one is surprised. By putting the word “깜짝” before “놀라다,” it will make your Korean sound very good! Example: - 저는 그 사람을 보고 깜짝 **놀랐어요**! = I looked at that man and I was really **surprised**!
### Adjectives 빠르다 = to be fast
빠르다 follows the 르 irregular. See [Lesson 7](https://www.howtostudykorean.com/unit1/unit-1-lessons-1-8/unit-1-lesson-7/) for more information. Notes: The adverb form of this word is 빨리 Example: - 그 차는 너무 **빨라요** = That car is too **fast** - 택시는 버스보다 더 **빨라요** = The taxi is **quicker** than the bus
느리다 = to be slow
Notes: - 느리다 is used when “slow” has a negative meaning, usually from moving _too_ slow. For the positive meaning, the adverb “천천히” is used. For example: 천천히 먹어 = eat slowly Example: - 이 인터넷은 왜 이렇게 **느려요**? = Why is this internet so **slow**?
착하다 = to be nice
Notes: Another common way to say “nice” is 친절하다 Examples: - 한국 사람들은 보통 아주 **착해요** = Korean people are usually very **nice** - 저의 첫 번째 친구는 **착했어요** = My first friend was **nice**
### Adverbs and Others 곧 = soon
Example: - 우리가 **곧** 가야 돼요 = We have to go **soon** - 저는 **곧** 선생님이 될 것입니다 = I will be a teacher **soon** - 시험공부를 **곧** 할 필요가 있어요 = I need to study **soon** - 우리는 **곧** 중국에 갈 거예요 = We are going to China **soon** - 우리가 3주 후에 미국에 갈 예정이라서 **곧** 준비를 해야 돼요 = We need to plan **soon** because we are scheduled to go to the US in three weeks
항상 = always
Examples: - 그 여자는 **항상** 그렇게 걸어요 = That girl **always** walks like that - 저는 **항상** 아침에 운동해요 = I **always** exercise in the morning - 우리 아버지는 차를 **항상** 안전하게 운전해요= Our dad **always** drives his car safely - 저는 **항상** 저녁에 음식을 먹어요 = I **always** eat food - in the evening - 제가 수업을 하면 **항상** 영어로 해요 = When I teach, I **always** do so in English - 저는 **항상** 일요일에 늦잠 자요 = I **always** sleep in on Sundays - 저의 아버지는 모자를 **항상** 써요 = My father **always** wears a hat
주 = week
Common Usages - 일주일 동안 = for one week - 다음 주 = next week - 이번 주 = this week - 지난 주 = last week Example: - 우리는 다음 **주**에 캐나다에 갈 거예요 = We are going to Canada next **week** - 저는 지난 **주**에 영화를 봤어요 = I saw a movie last **week** - 저는 지난 **주**에 캐나다에 갔어요 = I went to Canada last **week**. - 지난 **주**에 저는 계획이 많았어요 = I had a lot of plans last **week** - 저는 이번 **주**에 계획이 없어요 = I have no plans this **week** - 저의 여동생은 지난 **주**에 책 2권을 읽었어요 = My sister read two books last **week** - 저는 2**주** 동안 열심히 일했어요 = I worked hard for 2 **weeks** - 저는 4**주** 동안 여자친구를 안 만났어요 = I didn’t meet my girlfriend for four **weeks**
아래 = bottom
This word appears in Korean Sign Explanation [Video 16] Example: - 여기 **아래**에 사인해 주세요 = Please sign **below,** here
You might also want to try listening to all of the words on loop with this [Vocabulary Practice video] ## Conjugating with Honorifics In [Lesson 5](https://www.howtostudykorean.com/unit1/unit-1-lessons-1-8/unit-1-lesson-5/), you learned how to conjugate verbs and adjectives into the past, present and future forms. You also learned that those conjugations are hardly ever used in speech and are most often used when writing a book, test, article or diary. In this lesson, you will learn the basic word conjugations that are more commonly used in speech. ## What are Honorifics in Korean? To this point, you haven’t learned anything about Honorifics (from this website, at least). In Korean, depending on who you are speaking to, you must use different conjugations of the same word. The different conjugations imply respect and politeness to the person you are speaking to. Depending on that person’s age and/or seniority in relation to yours, you must speak differently to that person. The reason this is so hard for English speakers to understand is that we have nothing like this in English. We can make some sentences sound polite by adding ‘please’ and ‘thank you,’ but you can only use those words in a limited amount of sentences. For example, if somebody asked you “where did you go yesterday?” You could respond: I went to school yesterday. In English, regardless of whether you were speaking to your girlfriend’s grandfather or your best friend, that sentence would look and sound exactly the same. In Korean, you _must_ use a higher respect form when speaking to somebody older or higher in position. Unless you are literally just starting to learn Korean (in which case, some Korean people would let it pass) you must always do this. I can share a really funny experience that happened to me. I started learning Korean a few months before I moved to Korea. I was not studying very hard or often, so my Korean was extremely basic. When I arrived at the airport in Seoul, was driven directly to my school and introduced to my principal immediately. My principal said “I am happy you are working at my school,” to which I replied: 나도 (the lower respect form of saying “me too”) Instead of being impressed that I at least knew some words in Korean, the look on his face was as if somebody had just kidnapped his daughter. Never, _never_ underestimate the importance of honorific endings in Korean. Keep in mind that all these conjugations with different honorific endings have exactly the same meaning. You will learn how to conjugate using honorifics in the following ways: 1. Informal low respect Used when talking to your friends, people you are close with, people younger than you and your family. 2. Informal high respect This can be used in most situations, even in formal situations despite the name being “informal.” This is usually the way most people speak when they are trying to show respect to the person they are talking to. 3. Formal high respect This is a very high respect form that is used when addressing people who deserve a lot of respect from you. It is hard to describe perfectly, but honestly, the difference between ‘Informal high respect’ and ‘Formal high respect’ is not very big. As long as you speak in either of these two ways, you will not offend anyone. The names of each form of speech might be different in every source, but I have chosen the words above to describe each form. In addition, you learned the “Plain form” in the previous lesson. Before you start! Remember the rule you learned in [Lesson 5](https://www.howtostudykorean.com/unit1/unit-1-lessons-1-8/unit-1-lesson-5/): When adding something to a word stem, if the last vowel in the stem is ㅏ or ㅗ, you must add 아 plus whatever you are adding. If the last vowel is anything other than ㅏ or ㅗ, you must add 어 plus whatever you are adding. If the syllable of the stem is 하, you add 하여 which can be shortened to 해. Also, in the previous lesson, you learned that if a stem of a word ends in a vowel, “~았/었다” gets merged to the actual stem itself when conjugating into the past tense. In this lesson, two of the conjugations you will learn will require the addition of ~아/어. When adding ~아/어 to the stem of a word, the same rule applies from previous lesson. That is, if ~아/어 gets added to a stem that ends in a vowel, ~아/어 will be merged to the stem itself. For example: 가다 + ~아/어 = 가 (가 + 아) 오다 + ~아/어 = 와 (오 + 아) 배우다 + ~아/어 = 배워 (배우 + 어) 끼다 + ~아/어 = 껴 (끼 + 어) 나서다 + ~아/어 = 나서 (나서 + 어) 켜다 + ~아/어 = 켜 (켜 + 어) 하다 + ~아/어 = 해 (하 + 여) Conversely, if a stem ends in a consonant, ~아/어 is attached to the stem, but not merged to it. For example: 먹다 + ~아/어 = 먹어 (먹 + 어) 앉다 + ~아/어 = 앉아 (앉 + 아) There are _many_ situations when you will have to add ~아/어 (or other vowels and consonants) to stems. Conjugating is just one of these situations. Always keep this rule in mind, as you will see it throughout this lesson, and throughout your studies. ### Verbs #### Present Tense You learned in [Lesson 5](https://www.howtostudykorean.com/unit1/unit-1-lessons-1-8/unit-1-lesson-5/) how to conjugate verbs to the present tense by adding ㄴ/는다 to the stem of the word. To review: 먹다 = to eat (not conjugated) 나는 먹는다 = I eat (conjugated – present tense) 배우다 = to learn (not conjugated) 나는 배운다 = I learn (conjugated – present tense) There are three more conjugations in the present tense that you should know: 1. Informal low respect All you need to do is add ~어/아/여 to the stem of the verb: _Remember, 나 is the informal way to say “I” and 저 is the formal way to say it. As such, you will always see 나 used in informal situations and in sentences conjugated informally. Conversely, you will see 저 used in formal situations and in sentences conjugated formally._ 나는 항상 저녁에 음식을 먹어 = I always eat food in the evening (먹 + 어) 나는 나의 선생님을 항상 봐 = I always see my teacher (보 + 아) 나는 항상 아침에 운동해 = I always exercise in the morning (운동하 + 여) _In [Lesson 1](https://www.howtostudykorean.com/unit1/unit-1-lessons-1-8/unit-1-lesson-1/), you were introduced to the function of_ ~에 _as a particle which identifies a location or a time in which something occurs in a sentence. Since then, you have seen many cases of_ ~에 _being used to indicate a place, but you have yet to see any examples of it being used to indicate a time. This is just a quick reminder that_ ~에 is (in addition to other things) attached to part of a sentence to indicate a time. *Also notice in the examples above that “*항상*” (always) is placed in two different places within a sentence. Adverbs are usually able to be placed wherever the speaker desires. The usage and placement of adverbs is discussed in* [Lesson 8](https://www.howtostudykorean.com/unit1/unit-1-lessons-1-8/unit-1-lesson-8/) 2. Informal high respect This is done the exact same way as ‘Informal low respect’ but you also add ‘~요’ to the end of the word. Adding ~요 to the end of anything in Korean makes it more respectful: 저는 항상 저녁에 음식을 먹어요 = I always eat food in the evening (먹 + 어요) 저는 저의 선생님을 항상 봐요 = I always see my teacher (보 + 아요) 저는 항상 아침에 운동해요 = I always exercise in the morning (운동하 + 여요) 3. Formal high respect This is done very similar to the conjugation you learned in [Lesson 5](https://www.howtostudykorean.com/unit1/unit-1-lessons-1-8/unit-1-lesson-5/) – that is, adding ~ㄴ/는다 to the stem of the word. To conjugate using the Formal high respect honorific ending, you add ~ㅂ니다/습니다 to the end of the word stem. If a word stem ends in a vowel, you add ~ㅂ to the last syllable and 니다 follows. If a word stem ends in a consonant, you add ~습니다 to the word stem. 저는 항상 저녁에 음식을 먹습니다 = I always eat food in the evening (먹 + 습니다) 저는 저의 선생님을 항상 봅니다 = I always see my teacher (보 + ㅂ니다) 저는 항상 아침에 운동합니다 = I always exercise in the morning (운동하 + ㅂ니다) #### Past Tense You learned in [Lesson 5](https://www.howtostudykorean.com/unit1/unit-1-lessons-1-8/unit-1-lesson-5/) how to conjugate verbs to the past tense by adding 었다/았다/였다 to the stem of the word. To review: 먹다 = to eat (not conjugated) 나는 먹었다 = I ate (conjugated – past tense) 배우다 = to learn (not conjugated) 나는 배웠다 = I learned (conjugated – past tense) The three new conjugations should be very simple for you now: 1. Informal low respect Instead of adding 었다/았다/였다 to a stem, remove 다 and add 어 after 었/았/였: 나는 먹었어 = I ate (먹 + 었어) 나는 들어봤어 = I listened (들어보 + 았어) 나는 운동했어 = I exercised (운동하 + 였어) 2. Informal high respect Just add 요 to the end of the Informal low respect conjugations: 저는 먹었어요 = I ate (먹 + 었어요) 저는 들어봤어요 = I listened (들어보 + 았어요) 저는 운동했어요 = I exercised (운동하 + 였어요) 3. Formal high respect After adding 었/았/였 instead of adding 다 add 습니다: 저는 먹었습니다 = I ate (먹 + 었습니다) 저는 들어봤습니다 = I listened (들어보 + 았습니다) 저는 운동했습니다 = I exercised (운동하 + 였습니다) #### Future Tense You learned in Lesson 5 how to conjugate verbs to the future tense by adding 겠다 to the stem of the word. To review: 먹다 = to eat (not conjugated) 나는 먹겠다 = I will eat (conjugated – future tense) 배우다 = to learn (not conjugated) 나는 배우겠다 = I will learn (conjugated – future tense) The three new conjugations should be very simple for you now: 1. Informal low respect Instead of adding 겠다 to a word stem, remove 다 and add 어 after 겠: 나는 먹겠어 = I will eat (먹 + 겠어) 나는 배우겠어 = I will learn (배우 + 겠어) 2. Informal high respect Just add 요 to the end of the Informal low respect conjugations: 저는 먹겠어요 = I will eat (먹 + 겠어요) 저는 배우겠어요 = I will learn (배우 + 겠어요) 3. Formal high respect After 겠 instead of adding 다 add 습니다: 저는 먹겠습니다 = I will eat (먹 + 겠습니다) 저는 배우겠습니다 = I will learn (배우 + 겠습니다) Lets try looking at all the verb conjugations you know together in one table. This table will include the conjugation you learned in [Lesson 5](https://www.howtostudykorean.com/unit1/unit-1-lessons-1-8/unit-1-lesson-5/), often called “Formal low respect,” “plain form,” or “diary form.” | 먹다 | Past | Present | Future | | ------------- | ---------- | -------- | ---------- | | Informal low | 먹었어 | 먹어 | 먹겠어 | | Informal high | 먹었어요 | 먹어요 | 먹겠어요 | | Plain form | 먹었다 | 먹는다 | 먹겠다 | | Formal high | 먹었습니다 | 먹습니다 | 먹겠습니다 | | 자다 | Past | Present | Future | | ------------- | -------- | ------- | ---------- | | Informal low | 잤어 | 자 | 자겠어 | | Informal high | 잤어요 | 자요 | 자겠어요 | | Plain form | 잤다 | 잔다 | 자겠다 | | Formal high | 잤습니다 | 잡니다 | 자겠습니다 | | 이해하다 | Past | Present | Future | | ------------- | ------------ | ---------- | -------------- | | Informal low | 이해했어 | 이해해 | 이해하겠어 | | Informal high | 이해했어요 | 이해해요 | 이해하겠어요 | | Plain form | 이해했다 | 이해한다 | 이해하겠다 | | Formal high | 이해했습니다 | 이해합니다 | 이해하겠습니다 | . ### Adjectives Thankfully, adjectives are conjugated the exact same way as verbs are when using these three honorific endings. The major difference in conjugating adjectives and verbs is when conjugating in the most basic form (which we did in [Lesson 5](https://www.howtostudykorean.com/unit1/unit-1-lessons-1-8/unit-1-lesson-5/)). To conjugate adjectives with ‘Informal low respect,’ Informal high respect’ and Formal high respect,’ follow the same rules as verbs: | 비싸다 | Past | Present | Future | | ------------- | ---------- | -------- | ------------ | | Informal low | 비쌌어 | 비싸 | 비싸겠어 | | Informal high | 비쌌어요 | 비싸요 | 비싸겠어요 | | Plain form | 비쌌다 | 비싸다 | 비싸겠다 | | Formal high | 비쌌습니다 | 비쌉니다 | 비싸겠습니다 | | 길다 | Past | Present | Future | | ------------- | ---------- | --------- | ---------- | | Informal low | 길었어 | 길어 | 길겠어 | | Informal high | 길었어요 | 길어요 | 길겠어요 | | Plain form | 길었다 | 길다 | 길겠다 | | Formal high | 길었습니다 | 깁니다 \* | 길겠습니다 | \*Irregular conjugation. You will learn about irregulars in the next lesson. | 착하다 | Past | Present | Future | | ------------- | ---------- | -------- | ------------ | | Informal low | 착했어 | 착해 | 착하겠어 | | Informal high | 착했어요 | 착해요 | 착하겠어요 | | Plain form | 착했다 | 착하다 | 착하겠다 | | Formal high | 착했습니다 | 착합니다 | 착하겠습니다 | There are 1250 example sentences in Unit 1. All entries are linked to an audio file. You can download all of these files in one package [here](https://www.howtostudykorean.com/audio/). That’s it for this lesson! You are progressing really well in Korean! There are a few irregulars that you need to learn before anything else, so we will cover that in our next lesson. [Okay, I got it! Take me to the next lesson!](./07-irregulars.md) Or, [Click here for a workbook to go along with this lesson.](https://www.howtostudykorean.com/workbooks#Unit118) ## Resources Want to try to create some sentences using the vocabulary and grammar from this lesson? This YouTube video will prompt you to translate English sentences into Korean using the concepts from this lesson. This lesson focused on conjugations. You might want to try practicing the conjugations by watching this video. I will prompt you with verbs to conjugate into the past, present and future tenses. Want to practice your listening skills? This YouTube video will prompt you with Korean sentences to dictate using the concepts from this lesson. [Lesson Recap] [Click here for a free PDF of this lesson.](https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/HowtoStudyKorean-Unit-1-Lesson-6.pdf)