Language/Korean/Grammar/How-to-Use-Be

Korean Grammar - How to Use "Be"

Hi Korean learners! 😊
In this lesson, we will focus on one of the most essential verbs in the Korean language, "to be". Using the verb "be" is crucial for forming Korean sentences, so it's important to know how to use it correctly. We will also explore some cultural facts and interesting tips along the way, so keep reading!

With the completion of this lesson, consider investigating these related pages: Plurals & Conjunctions.

Basic Forms

In Korean, the verb "to be" is 이다 (ida). You can use it in various forms depending on the context, such as: 이에요 (ieyo), 예요 (yeyo), and 있어요 (isseoyo). Here's how you can use them:

Korean	Pronunciation	English
이에요	ee-eh-yo	equivalent to "am/is/are" in English - polite form
예요	yeh-yo	equivalent to "am/is/are" in English - polite form
있어요	ee-sseo-yo	equivalent to "have/has" in English - polite form

Here's an example to help you understand:

• Person 1: 이것은 뭐에요? (Igeoseun mwoeyo?) - What is this?
• Person 2: 이것은 사과예요. (Igeoseun sagwa yeyo.) - This is an apple.

In the example above, Person 2 used the polite form of "to be" to answer the question. You can use 이에요 or 예요 interchangeably, depending on your preference.

Contractions

In everyday conversation, Koreans tend to use contractions to abbreviate long sentences or words. You can contract 이에요 and 있어요 in the following ways:

• 이에요 (ieyo) → 예요 (yeyo) → 야 (ya)
• 있어요 (isseoyo) → 있어 (isseo)

Here are some examples:

• Person 1: 오늘 날씨가 어때요? (Oneul nalssiga eottaeyo?) - How's the weather today?
• Person 2: 추워요. (chuwoyo.) - It's cold.
• Person 1: 너무 추워요. (Neomu chuwoyo.) - It's very cold.
• Person 2: 별로예요. (Byeollo yeyo.) - It's not that great.

In the above conversation, 별로예요 (Byeollo yeyo) is a contracted form of 별로이에요 (Byeoro ieyo).

Adjectives

In Korean, adjectives function as descriptive verbs. You can use the verb "be" to describe something in more detail. Here's an example:

• Person 1: 이 사진이 예쁘네요. (I sajini yeppeuneyo.) - This picture is pretty.
• Person 2: 네, 이 사진은 정말 예쁘다. (Ne, i sajineun jeongmal yeppeuda.) - Yes, this picture is really pretty.

In the example above, 정말 (jeongmal) means "really," which is used to emphasize the beauty of the picture.

Cultural Facts

Koreans often use the verb "to be" to express politeness and formality. For example, when you meet someone for the first time, it's common to ask "어디에서 왔어요?" (Eodieseo wasseoyo?) - "Where are you from?" instead of "어디서 왔어?" (Eodieseo wasseo?) - "Where are you from?". The addition of 요 (yo) at the end of the sentence makes it sound more polite and formal.

Additionally, honorifics play a significant role in the Korean language. When speaking to someone older or in a higher position, it's polite to use honorific verbs, such as 시다 (sida) or 오시다 (osida) instead of 이다 (ida).

Tips

To get more familiar with the usage of "to be" in Korean, it's essential to practice speaking and writing. You can improve your skills by:

• Watching Korean drama and movies to hear how the verb "be" is used in context.
• Reading Korean books and articles to get more examples of the verb "be" in action.
• Joining language exchange programs, such as Polyglot Club, to practice with native speakers. You can find native speakers and ask them any questions.

Remember, practice makes perfect!

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➡ If you have any questions, please ask them in the comments section below.
➡ Feel free to edit this wiki page if you think it can be improved. 😎

Other Lessons

• Adjectives
• Future Tense
• Nouns
• How to Use Have
• Negation
• Questions
• Give your Opinion
• Gender
• Plurals

Sources

• KOREAN GRAMMAR IN USE : BEGINNING: Ahn Jean-Myung, Lee ...
• Korean Grammar In Use: Beginning To Early Intermediate by Jean ...
• Korean Grammar in Use [Beginner - by Vyhrani - Memrise]