According to YourDictionary, an adverb is a part of speech that describes either a verb, an adjective, or another adverb. They can also add description to phrases, clauses, or sentences.

Now, let’s see if you can spot an adverb in a sentence: 

오후 내내 자고 싶어요.
Ohu naenae jago sipeoyo.
“I want to sleep all afternoon.”

Were you able to spot the adverb? In that sentence, 내내 (naenae), which means “all through,” is the Korean adverb. If you couldn’t find it this time, don’t worry. Today, we’ll teach you how to make Korean adverbs three different ways, and show you a list of 100 frequently used Korean adverbs. 

By the end of the article, you’ll be able to: 

• Detect Korean adverbs in sentences 
• Know Korean adverb rules and how to construct each rule 
• Study and learn 100 Korean adverbs and know when to use them

Table of Contents

1. Three Korean Adverb Rules That You Need to Know
2. List of -이 (-i) Adverbs
3. List of -게 (-ge) Conjugations
4. List of -으로 (-euro) Adverbs
5. List of Other Korean Adverbs
6. List of Frequency Adverbs in Korean
7. List of Korean Adverbs of Place
8. How KoreanClass101 Can Help You with Your Korean Studies

1. Three Korean Adverb Rules That You Need to Know

Now, let’s have a look at three different ways to make adverbs in Korean. 

1. -이 Adverbs

• Rule: 
  • 하 (ha) in 하다 (hada) verbs becomes 히 (hi)

Examples:

Dictionary Form	Romanization	Adverb Form	Romanization
1) 신중하다	sinjunghada	신중히	sinjunghi
2) 편하다	pyeonhada	편히	pyeonhi

Let’s break it down.

Example 1: 

The verb 신중하다 (sinjunghada) becomes 신중히 (sinjunghi).

• Step 1: Remove 하다 (hada) and replace it with 히 (hi).

Therefore, the meaning becomes “carefully” from the verb meaning “to be careful.”

Example 2: 

The verb 편하다 (pyeonhada) becomes 편히 (pyeonhi).

• Step 1: Remove 하다 (hada) and replace it with 히 (hi).

Therefore, the meaning becomes “comfortably” from the verb meaning “to be comfortable.”

2. -게 Conjugations

 -게 adverbs are those that form from adjectives. 

• Rule: 
  • Replace 다 (da) of the word stem with 게 (ge). 

Examples:

Dictionary Form	Romanization	Adverb Form	Romanization
1) 빠르다	ppareuda	빠르게	ppareuge
2) 느리다	neurida	느리게	neurige

Here’s how you create adverbs from adjectives in the dictionary form.

Example 1: 

The adjective 빠르다 (ppareuda) becomes 빠르게 (ppareuge).

• Step 1: Remove 다 (da) and replace it with 게 (ge).

Therefore, the meaning becomes “quickly” from the dictionary form “quick.”

Example 2: 

The adjective 느리다 (neurida) becomes 느리게 (neurige).

• Step 1: Remove 다 (da) and replace it with 게 (ge).

Therefore, the meaning becomes “slowly” from the dictionary form “slow.”

3. -으로 Adverbs 

으로 (euro) means “in some way.” Actually, it’s a postposition, not an adverb, but it becomes an adverb when you translate Korean into English. Most of the stems for 으로 (euro) adverbs use this suffix.

Dictionary Form	Romanization	Adverb Form	Romanization
1) 본능적	bonneungjeok	본능적으로	bonneungjeogeuro
2) 이성적	iseongjeok	이성적으로	iseongjeogeuro

Here’s how you conjugate the dictionary form to the adverb form.

Example 1: 

The adjective 본능적 (bonneungjeok) becomes 본능적으로 (bonneungjeogeuro).

• Step 1: Add  으로 (euro) after 본능적 (bonneungjeok).

Therefore, the meaning becomes “instinctive” from “instinctual.”

Example 2: 

The adjective 이성적 (iseongjeok) becomes 이성적으로 (iseongjeogeuro).

• Step 1: Add  으로 (euro) after 이성적 (iseongjeok).

Therefore, the meaning becomes “rationally” from “rational.”

2. List of -이 (-i) Adverbs 

To start our Korean adverbs list, let’s take a look at -이 (-i) adverbs. 

1. 대단히 (daedanhi), “greatly” 

Dictionary Form: 

• 대단하다 (daedanhada), “to be great”

Example:

• 오늘 대단히 즐거웠어요.
  Oneul daedanhi jeulgeowosseoyo.
  “I greatly enjoyed our time today.”

2. 분명히 (bunmyeonghi), “clearly”

Dictionary Form: 

• 분명하다 (bunmyeonghada), “to be clear”

Example:

• 내 눈으로 분명히 봤다니깐?
  Nae nuneuro bunmyeonghi bwatdanikkan?
  “I saw it clearly with my own eyes!”

3. 솔직히 (soljikhi), “honestly, frankly” 

Dictionary Form: 

• 솔직하다 (soljikada), “to be frank / honest / open” 

Example:

• 묻는 말에 솔직히 대답해 주세요.
  Munneun mare soljiki daedapae juseyo.
  “Please answer me honestly.”

4. 순순히 (sunsunhi), “passively”

Dictionary Form: 

• 순순하다 (sunsunhada), “to be passive / obedient”

Example:

• 어제 그 범인은 범행 사실을 순순히 자백했다.
  Eoje geu beomineun beomhaeng sasireul sunsunhi jabaekaetda.
  “The suspect passively owned up to his crime yesterday.”

5. 열심히 (yeolsimhi), “zealously”

Dictionary Form: 

• 열심 (yeolsim), “enthusiasm”

Example:

• 제니는 오전 내내 열심히 일했다.
  Jenineun ojeon naenae yeolsimhi ilhaetda.
  “Jennie worked diligently (zealously) all morning.”

6. 완전히 (wanjeonhi), “completely”

Dictionary Form: 

• 완전하다 (wanjeonhada), “to be complete”

Example:

• 지난 레슨을 완전히 마스터 하기 위해 복습하세요.
  Jinan reseuneul wanjeonhi maseuteo hagi wihae boksseupaseyo.
  “Review old lessons to master them completely.”

7. 우연히 (uyeonhi), “by chance”

Dictionary Form: 

• 우연하다 (uyeonhada), “to be accidental”

Example:

• 우연히 전 남자친구를 만났다.
  Uyeonhi jeon namjachingureul mannatda.
  “I accidentally ran into my ex-boyfriend.”

8. 자세히 (jasehi), “in detail”

Dictionary Form: 

• 자세하다 (jasehada), “to be detailed”

Example:

• 좀 더 자세히 말씀해 주시겠어요?
  Jom deo jasehi malsseumhae jusigesseoyo?
  “Could you explain to me in detail?”

9. 천천히 (cheoncheonhi), “slowly”

Dictionary Form: 

There is no dictionary form for this word. 

Example:

• 처음에는 대사를 천천히 읽으세요. 
  Cheoeumeneun daesareul cheoncheonhi ilgeuseyo. 
  “Read the lines slowly at first.”

10. 특별히 (teukbyeolhi), “especially”

Dictionary Form: 

• 특별하다 (teukbyeolhada), “to be special”

Example:

• 특별히 찾는 것이 있으십니까?
  Teukbyeolhi channeun geosi isseusimnikka?
  “Are you looking for anything in particular?”

“Are you looking for anything in particular?”

11. 확실히 (hwaksilhi), “certainly” 

Dictionary Form: 

• 확실하다 (hwaksilhada), “to be certain” 

Example:

• 영어는 확실히 어려운것 같아.
  Yeongeoneun hwaksilhi eoryeoungeot gata.
  “I think that English certainly is a hard language.”

12. 간단히 (gandanhi), “simply”

Dictionary Form: 

• 간단하다 (gandanhada), “to be simple”

Example:

• 그 문제는 간단히 풀 수 있어.
  Geu munjeneun gandanhi pul su isseo.
  “The problem can be solved easily.”

13. 끝없이 (kkeuteopsi), “endlessly”

Dictionary Form: 

• 끝없다 (kkeuteopda), “endless”

Example:

• 장미꽃이 끝없이 펼쳐져 있었다.
  Jangmikkochi kkeuteopsi pyeolchyeojyeo isseotda.
  “The rose field extended endlessly.”

14. 꼼꼼히 (kkomkkomhi), “carefully”

Dictionary Form: 

• 꼼꼼하다 (kkomkkomhada), “to be careful” 

Example:

• 일을 꼼꼼히 했으면 해요.
  Ireul kkomkkomhi haesseumyeon haeyo.
  “I wish you’d work more carefully.”

15. 엄격히 (eomgyeoki), “strictly” 

Dictionary Form: 

• 엄격하다 (eomgyeokada), “to be strict” 

Example:

• 엄격히 말하면 자신을 통제할 필요가 있는것 같아.
  Eomgyeoki malhamyeon jasineul tongjehal pillyoga inneungeot gata.
  “Strictly speaking, I reckon you need to control yourself.”

16. 신중히 (sinjunghi), “cautiously”

Dictionary Form: 

• 신중하다 (sinjunghada), “to be cautious”

Example:

• 신중히 생각하고 결정해.
  Sinjunghi saenggakago gyeoljeonghae.
  “Think carefully before making a decision.”

17. 간신히 (gansinhi), “barely”

Example:

• 지금 간신히 먹고살 정도의 돈만 있어.
  Jigeum gansinhi meokgosal jeongdoui donman isseo.
  “I have barely enough money to live on.”

3. List of -게 (-ge) Conjugations

Now, let’s go through -게 (-ge) adverbs. 

18. 가볍게 (gabyeopge), “lightly”

Dictionary Form:

• 가볍다 (gabyeopda), “to be light”   

Example:

• 아빠가 딸의 볼에 가볍게 입을 맞추었어요.
  Appaga ttarui bore gabyeopge ibeul matchueosseoyo.
  “The father kissed his daughter lightly on her cheek.”

19. 나쁘게 (nappeuge), “badly”

Dictionary Form:

• 나쁘다 (nappeuda), “to be bad”

Example:

• 나를 나쁘게 생각하지 말아요.
  Nareul nappeuge saenggakaji marayo.
  “Don’t think badly of me.”

20. 늦게 (neutge), “late”

Dictionary Form:

• 늦다 (neutda), “to be late”     

Example:

• 미안, 내가 너무 늦게 전화했지?
  Mian, naega neomu neutge jeonhwahaetji?
  “I’m sorry. Am I calling too late?”

21. 맛있게 (masitge), “deliciously”

Dictionary Form:

• 맛있다 (masitda), “to be delicious”

Example:

• 오늘 친구들이랑 저녁을 맛있게 먹었어요.
  Oneul chingudeurirang jeonyeogeul masitge meogeosseoyo.
  “I ate dinner deliciously with my friends.”

22. 무례하게 (muryehage), “rudely”

Dictionary Form:

• 무례하다 (muryehada), “to be rude”

Example:

• 그 웨이터는 손님에게 무례하게 대했어요. 
  Geu weiteoneun sonnimege muryehage daehaesseoyo.
  “The waiter treated a guest rudely.”

23. 바쁘게 (bappeuge), “busily”

Dictionary Form:

• 바쁘다 (bappeuda), “to be busy”     

Example:

• 저희는 정말 바쁘게 살고 있어요.
  Jeohuineun jeongmal bappeuge salgo isseoyo.
  “We have a very busy life.”

24. 밝게 (balge), “brightly”

Dictionary Form:

• 밝다 (balda), “to be bright”

Example:

• 지수는 항상 밝게 웃는것 같아.
  Jisuneun hangsang balge unneungeot gata.
  “Jisoo always smiles brightly.”

25. 싸게 (ssage), “cheap [adv.]” 

Dictionary Form:

• 싸다 (ssada), “to be cheap”     

Example:

• 새 옷을 싸게 사고 싶어?
  Sae oseul ssage sago sipeo?
  “Do you want to buy new clothes cheap?”

26. 아름답게 (areumdapge), “beautifully”

Dictionary Form:

• 아름답다 (areumdapda), “to be beautiful”

Example:

• 에바는 아름답게 노래하는것 같아.
  Ebaneun areumdapge noraehaneungeot gata.
  “I think that Eva sings beautifully.”

27. 안전하게 (anjeonhage), “safely”

Dictionary Form:

• 안전하다 (anjeonhada), “to be safe”     

Example:

• 밤에는 위험하니까 안전하게 운전해.
  Bameneun wiheomhanikka anjeonhage unjeonhae.
  “It’s dangerous at night, so please drive safely.”

28. 어렵게 (eoryeopge), “with difficulty [adv.]” / “the hard way [adv.]” 

Dictionary Form:

• 어렵다 (eoryeopda), “to be difficult”   

Example:

• 저 사람은 회사에서 어렵게 지금의 위치에 올랐어.
  Jeo sarameun hoesaeseo eoryeopge jigeumui wichie ollasseo.
  “He achieved his position the hard way.”

29. 이쁘게 (ippeuge), “prettily”

Dictionary Form:

• 이쁘다 (ippeuge), “to be pretty”     

Example:

• 그 여자는 듣기 좋게 웃었다.
  geu yeojaneun deutgi joke useotda.
  “She laughed prettily.”

30. 용기있게 (yonggiitge), “courageously”

Dictionary Form:

• 용기있다 (yonggi itda), “to have courage”  

Example:

• 우리는 용감하게 싸울 것이다.
  Urineun yonggamhage ssaul geosida.
  “We shall combat them courageously.”

31. 위험하게 (wiheomhage), “dangerously”

Dictionary Form:

• 위험하다 (wiheomhada), “to be dangerous”   

Example:

• 앨리스는 위험한 생활을 즐긴다.
  Aelliseuneun wiheomhan saenghwareul jeulginda.
  “Alice enjoys living dangerously.”

32. 자연스럽게 (jayeonseureopge), “naturally”

Dictionary Form:

• 자연스럽다 (jayeonseureopda), “to be natural”     

Example:

• 그 사람이랑 대화할 때는 항상 웃고 자연스럽게 행동해.
  Geu saramirang daehwahal ttaeneun hangsang utgo jayeonseureopge haengdonghae.
  “Always smile and act naturally when you talk to him.”

33. 자유롭게 (jayuropge), “freely”

Dictionary Form:

• 자유롭다 (jayuropda), “to be free”     

Example:

• 각각의 의견을 자유롭게 이야기 하세요.
  Gakgagui uigyeoneul jayuropge iyagi haseyo.
  “Feel free to share your opinions freely.”

34. 재미있게 (jaemiitge), “entertainingly”

Dictionary Form:

• 재미있다 (jaemiitda), “to be fun”     

Example:

• 그 남자는 어린아이들이 재미있게 읽을수 있도록 쓰는데 재주가 있다.
  Geu namjaneun eorinaideuri jaemiitge ilgeulsu itdorok sseuneunde jaejuga itda.
  “The man has the gift of writing entertainingly for young children.”

35. 조용하게 (joyonghage), “quietly”

Dictionary Form:

• 조용하다 (joyonghada), “to be quiet”

Example:

• 야 민아, 조용하게 식사해줘.
  Ya mina, joyonghage siksahaejwo.
  “Hey Min, you should eat your food quietly.”

36. 즐겁게 (jeulgeopge), “pleasantly”

Dictionary Form:

• 즐겁다 (jeulgeopda), “to be pleasant”

Example:

• 옛날 이야기를 즐겁게 했어요.
  Yennal iyagireul jeulgeopge haesseoyo.
  “We talked pleasantly of old times.”

37. 크게 (keuge), “largely”

Dictionary Form:

• 크다 (keuda), “to be large”  

Example:

• 이번 문제는 크게 매니저에게 책임이 있다.
  Ibeon munjeneun keuge maenijeoege chaegimi itda.
  “The manager is largely responsible for the problem.”

38. 편리하게 (pyeollihagedo), “conveniently”

Dictionary Form:

• 편리하다 (pyeolihada), “to be convenient”   

Example:

• 우리 집은 편리하게 버스 정류장에서 가까워요.
  Uri jibeun pyeollihage beoseu jeongnyujangeseo gakkawoyo.
  “My house is conveniently near the bus stop.”

39. 편하게 (pyeonhage), “comfortably”

Dictionary Form:

• 편하다 (pyeonhada), “to be comfortable”

Example:

• 편하게 앉으세요. 
  Pyeonhage anjeuseyo.
  “Please sit comfortably.”

40. 행복하게 (haengbokage), “happily”

Dictionary Form:

• 행복하다 (haengbokada), “to be happy”

Example:

• 그 두사람은 행복하게 오래오래 살았대.
  Geu dusarameun haengbokage oraeorae saratdae.
  “They lived happily ever after.”

41. 드물게 (deumulge), “rarely”

Dictionary Form:

• 드물다 (deumulda), “to be rare”

Example:

• 이 야채는 비싸서 슈퍼마켓에서 드물게 보인다. 
  I yachaeneun bissaseo syupeomakeseseo deumulge boinda.
  “This vegetable is expensive, therefore it is rarely seen at a supermarket.”

42. 조심스럽게 (josimseureopge), “carefully” 

Dictionary Form:

• 조심스럽다 (josimseureopda), “to be cautious” 

Example:

• 이 문제를 조심스럽게 심사숙고해 보도록 해요.
  I munjereul josimseureopge simsasukgohae bodorok haeyo.
  “Let’s consider the subject carefully.”

43. 깨끗하게 (kkaekkeuthage), “cleanly”

Dictionary Form:

• 깨끗하다 (kkaekkeuthada), “to be clean”

Example:

• 방을 깨끗하게 청소했어요.
  Bangeul kkaekkeuthage cheongsohaesseoyo.
  “I cleaned my room cleanly.”

44. 멋지게 (meotjige), “beautifully” 

Dictionary Form:

• 멋지다 (meotjida), “to be beautiful” — Usually used to describe a man’s action 

Example:

• 그 남자는 오늘밤 정말 멋지게 춤췄어. 
  Geu namjaneun oneulbam jeongmal meotjige chumchwosseo.
  “He really danced beautifully tonight.”

45. 멀게 (meolge), “far” 

Dictionary Form:

• 멀다 (meolda), “to be far” 

Example:

• 난 그날이 멀게만 느껴지지 않아.
  Nan geunari meolgeman neukkyeojiji ana.
  “I feel like that day isn’t too far off.”

46. 빠르게 (ppareuge), “fast” 

Dictionary Form:

• 빠르다 (ppareuda), “to be fast” 

Example:

• 그것은 빠르게 움직여요.
  Geugeoseun pareuge umjitgyeoyo.
  “It moves fast.”

4. List of -으로 (-euro) Adverbs

Now, to continue our list of Korean adverbs, we’ll go through the -으로 (-euro) adverbs. 다 (gandanhada), “to be siNow, to continue our list of Korean adverbs, we’ll go through the -으로 (-euro) adverbs. 

47. 일반적으로 (ilbanjeogeuro), “generally”

Dictionary Form:

• 일반적 (ilbanjeok), “general”      

Example:

• 일반적으로 말하면…
  Ilbanjeogeuro malhamyeon…
  “Generally speaking …”

48. 자동으로 (jadongeuro), “automatically”

Dictionary Form:

• 자동적 (jadongjeok), “automatic”    

Example:

• 문이 자동으로 열립니다. 
  Muni jadongeuro yeollimnida.
  “The door will automatically open.”

49. 공식적으로 (gongsikjeogeuro), “formally”

Dictionary Form:

• 공식적 (gongsikjeok), “formal”  

Example:

• 공식적으로 사과하세요.
  gongsikjeogeuro sagwahaseyo.
  “I want you to apologize formally.”

50. 비공식적으로 (bigongsikjeogeuro), “informally”

Dictionary Form:  

• 비공식적 (bigongsik), “informally”

Example:

• 이 미팅은 비공식적으로 진행되었습니다. 
  I mitingeun bigongsikjeogeuro jinhaengdoeeotseumnida.
  “The meeting was held informally (unofficially) on Friday.”

51. 협동적으로 (hyeopdongjeogeuro), “cooperatively”

Dictionary Form:  

• 협동적 (hyeopdongjeok), “cooperative”    

Example:

• 두 팀은 협동적으로 이 프로젝트를 진행해 갔다.
  Du timeun hyeopdongjeogeuro i peurojekteureul jinhaenghae gatda.
  “These two teams cooperatively proceeded with the project.”

52. 주기적으로 (jugijeogeuro), “regularly”

Dictionary Form:  

• 주기적 (jugijeok), “periodic”

Example:

• 운동은 주기적으로 하는것이 좋아요. 
  Undongeun jugijeogeuro haneungeosi joayo.
  “It’s better to exercise regularly.”

53. 장기적으로 (janggijeogeuro), “in the long term”

Dictionary Form:  

• 장기적 (jangijeok), “long-term”    

Example:

• 장기적으로 보면, 주식에 투자하는 것도 좋을지도 몰라.
  Janggijeogeuro bomyeon, jusige tujahaneun geotdo joeuljido molla.
  “In the long view, it might be better to invest in stocks.”

54. 단기적으로 (dangijeogeuro), “in the short term”

Dictionary Form:  

• 단기적 (dangijeok), “short-term”

Example:

• 단기적으로는 세일즈 건수가 떨어질 수도 있어요.  
  Dangijeogeuroneun seiljeu geonsuga tteoreojil sudo isseoyo.
  “In the short run, the number of sales may decrease.”

55. 상식적으로 (sangsikjeogeuro), “using common sense”

Dictionary Form:  

• 상식적 (sangsikjeok), “common sense” 

Example:

• 그건 상식적으로 생각해도 이해가 안돼.
  geugeon sangsikjeogeuro saenggakaedo ihaega andwae.
  “From a common-sense point of view, that is incomprehensible.”

56. 사적으로 (sajeogeuro), “personally”

Dictionary Form:  

• 사적 (sajeok), “personal”  

Example:

• 그 사람을 사적으로 아세요?
  Geu sarameul sajeogeuro aseyo?
  “Do you know him personally?”

57. 적극적으로 (jeokgeukjeogeuro), “actively”

Dictionary Form:  

• 적극적 (jeokgeukjeok), “active”    

Example:

• 지난번 선거운동에 적극적으로 참여했었어요.
  Jinanbeon seongeoundonge jeokgeukjeogeuro chamyeohaesseosseoyo.
  “I was actively involved in the last campaign.”

58. 획기적으로 (hoekgijeogeuro), “innovatively”

Dictionary Form:  

• 획기적 (hoekgijeok), “innovative”    

Example:

• 사람들이 어떻게 이러한 문제들을 해결할 것인가에 관하여 혁신적으로 생각하기를 원해요.
  Saramdeuri eotteoke ireohan munjedeureul haegyeolhal geosingae gwanhayeo hyeoksinjeogeuro saenggakagireul wonhaeyo.
  “We want people to think innovatively about how they tackle these problems.”

59. 열정적으로 (yeoljeongjeogeuro), “enthusiastically”

Dictionary Form:  

• 열정적 (yeoljeongjeok), “enthusiastic” 

Example:

• 그 여자는 열광적으로 환호하였다.
  geu yeojaneun yeolgwangjeogeuro hwanhohayeotda.
  “She cheered enthusiastically.”

60. 극적으로 (geukjeogeuro), “dramatically”

Dictionary Form:  

• 극적 (geukjeok), “dramatic” 

Example:

• 두 사람은 극적으로 마주하게 되었네요.
  Du sarameun geukjeogeuro majuhage doeeonneyo.
  “They met again dramatically.”

61. 기적적으로 (gijeokjeogeuro), “miraculously”

Dictionary Form:  

• 기적적 (gijeokjeok), “miraculous”      

Example:

• 그는 기적적으로 살아 남았다.
  Geuneun gijeokjeogeuro sara namatda.
  “He miraculously survived.”

62. 전적으로 (jeonjeogeuro), “completely”

Dictionary Form:  

• 전적 (jeonjeok), “complete”  

Example:

• 전적으로 동의합니다.
  Jeonjeogeuro donguihamnida.
  “I completely agree.”

63. 상대적으로 (sangdaejeogeuro), “relatively”

Dictionary Form:

• 상대적 (sangdaejeok), “relative”     

Example:

• 상대적으로 좁은 온도 범위 안에서만 작동한다.
  Sangdaejeogeuro jobeun ondo beomwi aneseoman jakdonghanda.
  “It works in a relatively narrow range of temperatures.”

64. 구체적으로 (guchejeogeuro), “in detail” / “concretely”

Dictionary Form:

• 구체적 (guchejeok), “detailed”     

Example:

• 구체적으로 말하면
  Guchejeogeuro malhamyeon
  “to put it in detail”

65. 의도적으로 (uidojeogeuro), “intentionally”

Dictionary Form:

• 의도적 (uidojeok), “intentional” 

Example:

• 날 의도적으로 피하는 이유라도 있나요?
  Nal uidojeogeuro pihaneun iyurado innayo?
  “Why are you intentionally avoiding me?”

66. 기본적으로 (gibonjeogeuro), “fundamentally”

Dictionary Form:

• 기본적 (gibonjeok), “fundamental”     

Example:

• 기본적으로, 그 문제를 풀기위해서는 두 가지 서로 다른 방법이 있어요.
  Gibonjeogeuro, geu munjereul pulgiwihaeseoneun du gaji seoro dareun bangbeobi isseoyo.
  “Fundamentally, there are two different ways to solve the problem.”

67. 본능적으로 (jijeogeuro), “instinctively”

Dictionary Form:

• 본능적 (bonneungjeok), “instinctive”     

Example:

• 우리의 뇌는 세 가지 방법으로 작동한다. 지적으로, 본능적으로, 그리고 감정적으로.
  Uriui noeneun se gaji bangbeobeuro jakdonghanda. Jijeogeuro, bonneungjeogeuro, geurigo gamjeongjeogeuro.
  “Our brains operate in three ways: intellectually, instinctually, and emotionally.”

68. 수동으로 (sudongeuro), “manually”

Dictionary Form:

• 수동적 (sudongjeok), “manual”

Example:

• 사용자가 수동으로 프로그램을 제거해야 합니다.
  Sayongjaga sudongeuro peurogeuraemeul jegeohaeya hamnida.
  “Users must manually uninstall the agent.”

69. 고질적으로 (gojiljeogeuro), “chronically”

Dictionary Form:

• 고질적 (gojiljeok), “chronic”  

Example:

• 실업률이 여전히 고질적으로 높다.
  Sireomnyuri yeojeonhi gojiljeogeuro nopda.
  “Unemployment remains chronically high.”

70. 심리적으로 (simnijeogeuro), “psychologically”

Dictionary Form:

• 심리적 (simnijeok), “psychological” 

Example:

• 그 여자가 심리적으로 준비 된건지 몰랐어.
  Geu yeojaga simnijeogeuro junbi doengeonji mollasseo.
  “I don’t know that she’s psychologically ready.”

71. 질적으로 (jiljeogeuro), “qualitatively”

Dictionary Form:

• 질적 (jiljeok), “qualitative”  

Example:

• 이 물건은 질적으로 달라요.
  I mulgeoneun jiljeogeuro dallayo.
  “This product is qualitatively different.”

72. 신체적으로 (sinchejeogeuro), “physically”

Dictionary Form:

• 신체적 (sinchejeok), “physical”  

Example:

• 난 그 사람에게 신체적으로 매력을 못 느끼겠는데?
  Nan geu saramege sinchejeogeuro maeryeogeul mot neukkigenneunde?
  “I don’t find him physically attractive.”

73. 시험적으로 (jamjeongjeogeuro), “tentatively”

Dictionary Form:

• 시험적 (siheomjeok), “tentative”

Example:

• 시험적으로 표를 만들어 봤어.
  Siheomjeogeuro pyoreul mandeureo bwasseo.
  “I tentatively prepared a table.”

5. List of Other Korean Adverbs

Here’s a list of other common Korean adverbs that have no certain rules. It’s a good idea to memorize each of the adverbs below. 

74. 틀림없이 (teullimeopsi), “certainly” 

Example:

• 그 사람이 들으면 틀림없이 기뻐할 거야.
  Geu sarami deureumyeon teullimeopsi gippeohal kkeoya.
  “She’ll certainly be happy to hear that.”

75. 따로 (ttaro), “separately” 

Example:

• 신입 사원들은 따로 교육을 받아요.
  Sinip sawondeureun ttaro gyoyugeul badayo.
  “New employees are trained separately.”

76. 갑자기 (gapjagi), “suddenly” 

Example:

• 차가 갑자기 멈춰섰다.
  Chaga gapjagi meomchwoseotda.
  “The car suddenly stopped.”

77. 자꾸 (jakku), “continuously”

Example:

• 자꾸 니 생각이나.
  Jakku ni saenggagina.
  “You are continuously on my mind.”

78. 일부러 (ilbureo), “deliberately” 

Example:

• 나 화나게 하려고 일부러 그랬지.
  Na hwanage haryeogo ilbureo geuraetji.
  “You did that deliberately.”

79. 함부로 (hamburo), “carelessly”

Example:

• 넌 가끔 말을 너무 함부로 말하는것 같아.
  Neon gakkeum mareul neomu hamburo malhaneungeot gata.
  “You speak carelessly sometimes.”

80. 직접 (jikjeop), “in person” 

Example:

• 내가 그 사람을 직접 만나 볼께.
  Naega geu sarameul jikjeop manna bolkke.
  “I am going to meet him in person.”

81. 꼭 (kkok), “for sure” 

Example:

• 난 우리 강아지가가 꼭 돌아올 것이라고 믿어.
  Nan uri gangajigaga kkok doraol geosirago mideo.
  “I strongly believe that my dog will surely come back.”

82. 거의 (geoui), “almost” 

Example:

• 막차 시간이 거의 다 됐네.
  Makcha sigani geoui da dwaenne.
  “It’s almost time for the last train.”

83. 함께 (hamkke), “together” 

Example:

• 당신과 함께 늙고 싶어요.
  Dangsingwa hamkke neulkko sipeoyo.
  “I want to grow old together with you.”

84. 혼자 (honja), “alone” 

Example:

• 넌 혼자가 아니야.
  Neon honjaga aniya.
  “You are not alone.”

6. List of Frequency Adverbs in Korean

Now, let’s go through Korean frequency adverbs. 

85. 결코 (gyeolko), “never” 

Example: 

• 결코 못 잊을 거예요.
  Gyeolko mot ijeul geoyeyo.
  “I’ll never forget it.”

86. 자주 (jaju), “frequently” 

Example: 

• 원어민과 가능한 한 자주 말합니다.
  Woneomingwa ganeunghan han jaju malhamnida.
  “I speak as frequently as possible with native speakers.”

87. 보통 (botong), “usually” 

Example: 

• 그 남자는 보통 일곱 시에는 일어난다.
  Geu namjaneun botong ilgop sieneun ireonanda.
  “He usually wakes up at seven in the morning.”

88. 항상 (hangsang), “always”

Example: 

• 수업 첫날은 항상 쓸모 없어요.
  Sueop cheonnareun hangsang sseulmo eopseoyo.
  “The first day of class is always useless.”

89. 내내 (naenae), “all the time” 

Example: 

• 이 나라는 일년 내내 기후가 편안해요!
  I naraneun illyeon naenae gihuga pyeonanhaeyo!
  “The country has a comfortable climate all year round!”

90. 나날이 (nanari), “daily”

Example: 

• 오늘날의 사회는 나날이 변화하고 있다. 
  oneullarui sahoeneun nanari byeonhwahago itda.
  “The society today is changing daily.”

91. 가끔 (gakkeum), “occasionally”

Example: 

• 언니는 가끔 나를 찾아와.
  ㄸonnineun gakkeum nareul chajawa.
  “My sister visits me occasionally.”

92. 좀처럼 (jomcheoreom), “seldom”

Example: 

• 이 지방은 좀처럼 눈이 안 온와.
  ㅑ jibangeun jomcheoreom nuni an onwa.
  “It seldom snows in this region.”

93. 드물게 (deumulge), “sparsely”

Example: 

• 이 곳은 인가가 드물어.
  I goseun ingaga deumureo.
  “This place is sparsely populated.”

7. List of Korean Adverbs of Place

94. 여기에 (yeogie), “here”

Example: 

• 여기에 서명을 해 주세요.
  Yeogie seomyeongeul hae juseyo.
  “Please sign here.”

95. 저기에 (jeogie), “there”

Example: 

• 저기에 텐트를 칩시다.
  Jeogie tenteureul chipsida.
  “Let’s set up camp there.”

96. 저쪽에 (jeojjoge), “over there”

Example: 

• 저쪽에 텐트를 칩시다.
  Jeojjoge tenteureul chipsida.
  “Let’s set up camp over there.”

97. 어디나 (eodina), “everywhere”

Example: 

• 우리집 강아지는 나를 어디나 따라다닌다.
  Urijip gangajineun nareul eodina ttaradaninda.
  “My dog follows me everywhere.”

98. 아무데나 (amudena), “anywhere”

Example: 

• 어디에서도 그걸 볼 수가 없어.
  Eodieseodo geugeol bol suga eopseo.
  “I can’t see it anywhere.”

99. 어디에도 (eodiedo), “nowhere”

Example: 

• 내 가방이 어디에도 없어요.
  Nae gabangi eodiedo eopseoyo.
  “I can’t find my bags anywhere.”

100. 집에 (jibe), “home”

Example: 

• 내가 어젯밤 네게 전화를 했는데 너 집에 없더라.
  Naega eojetbam nege jeonhwareul haenneunde neo jibe eopdeora.
  “I phoned you last night, but you weren’t at home.”

101. 바깥에 (bakkate), “out”

Example: 

• 바깥에 추운데 서 있지 마.
  Bakkate chuunde seo itji ma.
  “Don’t stand outside in the cold.”

102. 떨어져 (tteoreojyeo), “away”

Example: 

• 그 두 집은 오백미터 떨어져 있어.
  Geu du jibeun obaengmiteo tteoreojyeo isseo.
  “The two houses stood 500 meters apart.”

8. How KoreanClass101 Can Help You with Your Korean Studies

In summary, we looked at different Korean adverbs and how to use Korean adverbs in sentences. 

If you want to continue to challenge yourself and study even further, KoreanClass101 has many free study materials for you, so why not create your account today? Here are a few pages we recommend:

• Must-Know Adverbs and Phrases for Connecting Thoughts
• Korean Word of the Day
• Can You Talk About Your Daily Routine in Korean?

If you want to study more advanced adverbs, check out the pages below. 

• List of vocabulary for studying Korean, created by National Institute of Korean Language
• List of ~이/~히 adverbs, created by National Institute of Korean Language

We hope you enjoyed reading this article. Feel free to leave us a comment if you have any questions!

Understanding Korean conjugation is a fundamental part of learning Korean, and it’s one of the basic skills you need to gain in the process. In this article, we’ll teach you basic Korean verb conjugation, including how to change verbs in the past, present, and future tense, and for different politeness levels. 

Please remember that you apply these Korean conjugation rules to adjectives, too.

Table of Contents

1. Basic Korean Conjugation #1: Past, Present, and Future
2. Basic Korean Conjugation #2: Politeness Level
3. Korean Conjugation Practice!
4. How KoreanClass101 Can Help You with Your Korean Learning

1. Basic Korean Conjugation #1: Past, Present, and Future

Korean verbs change depending on the time being referred to. Here’s how to conjugate Korean verbs for the past, present, and future tenses. 

Dictionary Form	먹다 (meokda)	“to eat”
현재 (hyeonjae) “Present”	먹는다 (meongneunda)	“I eat”
과거 (gwageo) “Past”	먹었다 (meogeotda)	“I ate”
미래 (mirae) “Future”	먹겠다 (meokgetda)	“I will eat”

1) 현재 (hyeonjae) “Present”

Let’s learn a couple fundamental rules about how to conjugate Korean verbs in present tense:

#1: When there is 받침 (batchim), or verb stems that end with a consonant

Rule: Add ~어요 (eoyo) to the stem of the word to complete the present tense.

Example:

Word with 받침 (batchim)	Add ~는다 (~neunda)	Present tense	English
먹다 (meokda)	먹 (meok) +어요 (eoyo)	먹어요 (meongneunda)	“to eat”
울다 (ulda)	울 (ul) +어요 (eoyo)	울어요 (ureoyo)	“to cry”

Example Sentence:

• 동생은 김치를 먹어요.
  dongsaengeun gimchireul meogeoyo.
  “My sister eats Kimchi.”

#2: When there is no 받침 (batchim)

Rule: Add ~워요 (woyo) to the last syllable.

Example:

Word with NO 받침 (batchim)	Add ~ㄴ다 (~nda)	Present tense	English
배우다 (baeuda)	배 (bae) + 워요 (woyo)	배워요 (baewoyo)	“to learn“
지우다 (jiwuda)	지 (ji) + 워요 (woyo)	지워요 (jiwoyo)	“to erase”

Example Sentence:

• 한국어를 배워요. 
  Hangugeoreul baewoyo.
  “I learn Korean.”

2) 과거 (gwageo) “Past” 

The rules for conjugating Korean verbs in past tense are a little bit trickier than present and future conjugations. Let’s learn the fundamental rules for conjugating Korean verbs in past tense: 

#1: If the last vowel of the stem is NOT ㅏ (a) or ㅗ (o)

Rule: Add ~었어요 (~eosseoyo) next to the word.

Example:

L.V is NOT ㅗ (o) or ㅏ (a)	Add ~었어요 (~eosseoyo)	Past tense	English
먹다 (meokda)	먹 (meok) + 었어요 (eosseoyo)	먹었어요 (meogeosseoyo)	“ate”
울다 (ulda)	울 (ul) + 었어요 (eosseoyo)	울었어요 (uleosseoyo)	“cried”
열다 (yeolda)	열 (yeol) +  었어요(eosseoyo)	열었어요 (yeoreosseoyo)	“opened”
서다 (seoda)	서 (seo) +었어요 (eosseoyo)	섰어요 (seosseoyo)	“stood”
주다 (juda)	주 + 었어요 (ju) + (eosseoyo)	줬어요 (jwosseoyo)	“gave”
나누다 (nanuda)	나누 + 었어요 (nanu) + (eosseoyo)	나눴어요  (nanwosseoyo)	“shared”

Example Sentence:

• 어제 김치를 먹었다. 
  Eoje gimchireul meogeotda.
  “I ate Kimchi yesterday.”

#2: If the verb or adjective ends with 하다 (hada)

Rule:  Add ~였어요 (~yeosseoyo) to the stem.

Example:

L.V is ㅗ (o) orㅏ(a)	Add ~였어요 (~yeosseoyo)	Past tense	English
사랑하다 (saranghada)	사랑하 + 였어요 (sarangha) + (yeosseoyo)	사랑했어요 (saranghaesseoyo)	“loved”
공부하다 (gongbuhada)	공부하 + 였어요 (gongbuha) + (yeosseoyo)	공부했어요  (gongbuhaesseoyo)	“studied”
평가하다 (pyeonggahada)	평가하 + 였어요  (pyeonggaha) + (yeosseoyo)	평가했어요 (pyeonggahaesseoyo)	“evaluated”
강하다 (ganghada)	강하 + 였어요 (gangha) + (yeosseoyo)	강했어요 (ganghaesseoyo)	“was strong”
신고하다 (singohada)	신고하 + 였어요 (singoha) + (yeosseoyo)	신고했어요 (singohaesseoyo)	“reported”
기대하다 (gidaehada)	기대하 + 였어요 (gidaeha) + (yeosseoyo)	기대했어요 (gidaehaeosseoyo)	“anticipated”

Example Sentence:

• 어제 저녁 공부를 두시간 했다.
  Eoje jeonyeok gongbureul dusigan haetda.
  “I studied for two hours last night.”

 #3: If the last vowel of the stem is ㅏ(a) or ㅗ (o)

Rule: Add ~았어요 (~asseoyo) to the stem of the word.

Example:

L.V is ㅗ (o) orㅏ (a)	Add ~았어요 (~asseoyo)	Past tense	English
알다 (alda)	알 + 았어요 (al) + (asseoyo)	알았어요 (arasseoyo)	“knew”
보다 (boda)	보 + 았어요 (bo) + (asseoyo)	봤어요 (bwasseoyo)	“saw”
오다 (oda)	오 + 았어요 (o) + (asseoyo)	왔어요 (wasseoyo)	“came”
닫다 (datda)	닫 + 았어요 (dat) + (asseoyo)	닫았어요 (dadasseoyo)	“closed”
만나다 (mannada)	만나 + 았어요 (manna) + (asseoyo)	만났어요 (mannasseoyo)	“met”
살다 (salda)	살 + 았어요 (sal) + (asseoyo)	살았어요 (sarasseoyo)	“lived”

Example Sentence:

• 어제 할아버지를 만났어요. 
  Eoje harabeojireul mannasseoyo.
  “I met my grandfather yesterday.”

3) 미래 (mirae) “Future”

Now let’s learn about Korean future tense conjugations.

Rule: Add -(으)ㄹ 거예요 / -(eu) l (koeyo) to the stem of the word.

Example:

Word	Add -(으)ㄹ 거예요	Future tense	English
여행하다 (yeohaenghada)	여행하 + ㄹ거예요 (yeohaengha) + (l geoeyo)	여행할거예요 (yeohaenghalgeoyeyo)	“will travel“
자다 (jada)	자 + ㄹ거에요 (ja) + (l geoeyo)	잘거예요 (jalgeoyeyo)	“will sleep”
먹다 (meokda)	먹 + ㄹ 거예요 (meok) + (l geoeyo)	먹을거예요 (meogeulgeoyeyo)	“will eat”
마시다 (masida)	마시 + ㄹ거예요 (masi) + (l geoeyo)	마실거예요 (masilgeoyeyo)	“will drink”
가다 (gada)	가(ga) + ㄹ거에요 (l geoeyo)	갈거예요 (-galgeoyeyo)	“will go”
오다 (oda)	오 (o) + ㄹ거에요 (l geoeyo)	올거예요 (olgeoyeyo)	“will come”

Example Sentence:

• 오늘 내로 학교로 가겠다. 
  Oneul naero hakgyoro gagetda.
  “I will go to the school by the end of today.”

2. Basic Korean Conjugation #2: Politeness Level

Pay close attention to conjugations based on politeness level, too. Depending on who you’re talking to, you should change the verb appropriately. Let’s take a look at three different politeness levels that Koreans use on a daily basis.

Dictionary Form	먹다 (meokda)	“to eat”
Formal Polite (1)	먹습니다. (meokseumnida.)	“I eat.”
Casual Formal (2)	먹어요. (meogeoyo.)	“I eat.”
Casual Speech	먹어. (meogeo.)	“I eat.”

1) Formal Polite

The first language level is usually spoken to people who are older than you, or are in a higher position of authority. (E.g. parents, professors, managers, etc.) Let’s look at how to use Korean formal conjugations for this language level.

In order to use formal speech, you need to: Add ~(스)ㅂ니다/~(seu)b+nida) to the stem of the word.

Example:

Word	Add ~(스)ㅂ니다	Formal polite	English
먹다  (meokda)	먹 + 습니다  (meok) + (seu)b+mnida)	먹습니다 (meokseumnida)	“to eat”
사랑하다 (saranghada)	사랑하 + ㅂ니다 (sarangha) + (b+nida)	사랑합니다 (saranghamnida)	“to love”
자다 (jada)	자 + ㅂ니다 (ja) + (b+nida)	잡니다 (jamnida)	“to sleep”
마시다 (masida)	마시 + ㅂ니다 (masi) + (b+nida)	마십니다 (masimnida)	“to drink”
가다 (gada)	가 + ㅂ니다 (ga) + (b+nida)	갑니다 (gamnikda)	“to watch”
오다 (oda)	오 + ㅂ니다 (o) + (b+nida)	옵니다 (omnida)	“to come”

Example Sentence:

• 영화를 봅니다. 
  Yeonghwareul bomnida.
  “(I) watch a film.”

2) Casual Formal

The second “casual formal” language is used to show respect to people that you meet everyday (e.g. strangers).

In order to use this politeness level, you need to: Add ~아/어요 / (~a/eoyo) to the stem of the word.

Example:

Word	Add ~아/어요 (~a/eoyo)	Casual formal	English
먹다 (meokda)	먹 + 어요 (meok) + (eoyo)	먹어요 (meogeoyo)	“to eat”
사다 (sada)	사 + 아요 (sa) + (ayo)	사요 (sayo)	“to buy”
있다 (itda)	있 + 어요 (it) + (eoyo)	있어요 (isseoyo)	“to be”
보다 (boayo)	보 + 아요 (bo) + (ayo)	봐요 (bwayo)	“to see”
가다 (gada)	가 + 아요 (ga) + (ayo)	가요 (gayo)	“to go”
오다 (oda)	오 + 아요 (o) + (ayo)	와요 (wayo)	“to come”

Example Sentence:

• 오늘은 학교에 안가요.
  Oneureun hakgyoe angayo.
  “I don’t go to school today.”

3) Casual Speech: 

In Korean, casual conjugations are used when speaking to friends, close family members, or people who are younger than you. Let’s review the rules of conjugation again; you’ll add either 아 (a), 어 (eo), or 여 (yeo) to use casual speech.

Rule: Add 아 (a) if the last vowel of the word ends with ㅗ (o) orㅏ(a). Add 여 (yeo) if the last vowel ends withㅣ(i). Add 어 (eo) for the rest.

Example:

Word	Add 아 (a) / 여 (yeo) / 어 (eo)	Casual speech	English
먹다 (meokda)	먹 + 어 (meok) + (eo)	먹 + 어 (meok) + (eo)	“to eat”
사다 (sada)	사 + 아 (sa) + (a)	사 (sa)	“to buy”
있다 (itda)	있 + 어 (it) + (eo)	있어 (isseo)	“to be”
보다 (boayo)	보 + 아 (bo) + (a)	봐 (bwa)	“to see”
가다 (gada)	가 + 아 (ga) + (a)	가 (ga)	“to go”
오다 (oda)	오 + 아 (o) + (a)	와 (wa)	“to come”

Example Sentence:

• 점심시간 오분 남았어. 빨리 좀 먹어. 
  Jeomsimsigan obun namasseo. Ppalli jom meogeo.
  “We only have five minutes left for lunchtime. Eat quickly!”

Take a look at “18 Useful Korean Greetings You Should Learn” from our blog. It introduces eighteen essential phrases to learn with different levels of politeness. 

3. Korean Conjugation Practice!

Let’s practice Korean conjugations. Can you conjugate the present, past, and future tenses for the verb 자다 (jada)?

Dictionary Form	자다 (jada)	“to sleep”
현재 (hyeonjae) “Present”	자+요	자요 (jayo)
과거 (gwageo) “Past”	자+ㅆ어요	잤어요 (jasseoyo)
미래 (mirae) “Future”	자+ㄹ거예요	잘거예요. (jalgeoyeyo.)

The answers are already in the table above. Select the cell to see the answer. 

Not sure how to conjugate the word? Revisit Basic Conjugation #1: Past, Present, Future and try it again!

Let’s try a different Korean conjugation. Can you conjugate 먹다 (meokda),”to eat,” for each politeness level?

Dictionary Form	먹다 (meokda)	“to eat”
Formal Polite (1)	먹습니다. (meokseumnida.)	“I eat”
Formal Casual (2)	먹어요. (meogeoyo.)	“I eat”
Casual Speech	먹어. (meogeo.)	“I eat”

The answers are already in the table above. Select the column to see the answer. 

Not sure how to conjugate the word? Revisit Basic Conjugation #2: Politeness Level and try it again!

4. How KoreanClass101 Can Help You with Your Korean Learning

In summary, we introduced how to conjugate Korean verbs in the present, past, and future forms. In addition, we also looked at different conjugations for three different politeness levels. Have a look at these pages on KoreanClass101.com to practice Korean conjugations a little more: 

• Basic Korean Grammar
• Gyeongsangdo Korean: Conjugations
• Korean Past Tense: Why Were You Late in Korea?

And here are some pages on other sites you can practice with:

• 아/어/여 + 요
• Korean Verbs
• How to Use Verbs in Korean

We hope you enjoyed reading this article. If you have any questions, please leave us a comment below. We are more than happy to help you improve your Korean skills in any way! 

Verbs allow you to make complete sentences and describe actions or other motion-related concepts. In this Korean verbs lesson, you’ll learn 100 key Korean verbs that you’ll hear over and over again in Korea. After studying our Korean basic verbs list, be sure to hold onto it so you can refer to it when needed. 

Ready to start using everyday Korean verbs? Let’s get started.

Table of Contents

1. Korean Verb Grouping According to Ending Syllables
2. Korean Action Verbs
3. Helping Verbs
4. How KoreanClass101 Can Help You with Your Korean

1. Korean Verb Grouping According to Ending Syllables 

Before jumping into this Korean verbs list, let’s take a look at basic verb forms in the following Korean verbs chart. If you’re an absolute beginner, these are very fundamental verb forms that you need to remember. And if you’re familiar with them already, you can simply skip this section or check out some of the pages we listed below for further study. 

A. Basic Korean Verb Forms #1

Korean Verb Forms	Korean Verb Structure
Formal Ending	ㅂ니다 / 습니다
Polite Ending	어요 / 아요
Casual Ending	어 / 아

B. Basic Korean Verb Forms #2

Korean Verb Forms	Dictionary Form	Romanization	English
Present	가다	gada	go
Past	갔다	gatda	went

Check out these pages to learn more about Korean verbs with English translations: 

• Past Tense: Uncover the Secrets of Your Past in Korean!
• The Past Tense Particles
• I Did it, I’m Doing it, and I’m Going To Do it
• You Went to the Library and Learned More About Your Korean Past?

2. Korean Action Verbs

1 – Korean Verbs Related to Physical Actions

* Click on a word to listen to it and practice its pronunciation. 

1. 가다 (gada), “to go”

• 어디로 가고 싶어요?

Eodiro gago sipeoyo?

“Where do you want to go?”

2. 가지다 (gajida), “to have”

• 지금 가진 돈 얼마 있어요?

Jigeum gajin don eolma isseoyo?

“Do you have any money with you?”

3. 만들다 (mandeulda), “to make”

• 지금 음식을 만들고 있어요.

Jigeum eumsigeul mandeulgo isseoyo.

“I am making some food.”

4. 보다 (boda), “to look”

• 지민은 수연을 뚫어지게 보았다.

Jimineun suyeoneul ttureojige boatda.

“Jimin looked intensely at Suyeon.”

5. 말하다 (malhada), “to tell”

• 다시 한 번 말해 줄래요?

Dasi han beon malhae jullaeyo?

“Can you tell me one more time?”

6. 일하다 (ilhada), “to work”

• 공장에서 하루 종일 일했어.

Gongjangeseo haru jongil ilhaesseo.

“I worked in the factory all day.”

7. 묻다 (mutda), “to ask”

• 나한테 묻지 말아줄래?

Nahante mutji marajullae?

“Can you not ask me a question?”

8. 움직이다 (umjigida), “to move”

• 사진을 찍을 테니 움직이지 마.

Sajineul jjigeul teni umjigiji ma.

“Don’t move, I’m taking a picture.”

9. 멈추다 (meomchuda), “to stop”

• 눈물이 멈추지 않았어.

Nunmuri meomchuji anasseo.

“The tears didn’t stop running.”

10. 고치다 (gochida), “to repair”

• 철수는 하루종일 노트북을 고치는데 시간을 보냈다.

Cheolsuneun harujongil noteubugeul gochineunde siganeul bonaetda.

“Cheolsu spent the whole day fixing his laptop.”

11. 그리다 (geurida), “to draw”

• 저는 그림 그리기를 좋아해요.

Jeoneun geurim geurigireul joahaeyo.

“I like drawing.”

12. 끊어지다 (kkeuneojida), “to get cut”

• 어라? 실이 끊어져버렸네.

Eora? Siri kkeuneojyeobeoryeonne.

“Oh no, the thread has been cut off.”

13. 낳다 (nata), “to give birth to”

• 오늘 우리집 강아지가 새끼를 낳았어. 

Oneul urijip gangajiga saekkireul naasseo.

“My dog gave birth to puppies today.”

14. 늦다 (neutda), “to be late”

• 미안, 30분 정도 늦을 것 같아. 

Mian, 30bun jeongdo neujeul geot gata.

“Sorry, I will be late for another thirty minutes.”

15. 도망치다 (domangchida), “to run away”

• 좀비다! 도망쳐! 

Jombida! Domangchyeo!

“Zombies! Run!”

16. 돕다 (dopda), “to help”

• 제가 뭐 도울 일이라도 있나요?

Jega mwo doul irirado innayo?

“Can I be of help in any way?”

17. 때리다 (ttaerida), “to hit”

• 왜 그때 저를 때렸어요?

Wae geuttae jeoreul ttaeryeosseoyo?

“Why did you hit me that time?”

18. 발표하다 (balpyohada), “to announce”

• 내가 좋아하는 작가가 신작을 발표했어.

Naega joahaneun jakgaga sinjageul balpyohaesseo.

“My favorite author announced his new piece of work.”

19. 싸우다 (ssauda), “to fight”

• 무엇 때문에 싸우세요?

Mueot ttaemune ssauseyo?

“What are you two fighting about?”

20. 여행하다 (yeohaenghada), “to travel”

• 다음주에 한국으로 여행하러 갈 거야.

Daeumjue hangugeuro yeohaenghareo gal geoya.

“I’m going to travel to Korea next week.”

21. 흔들다 (heundeulda), “to shake”

• 오늘은 광복절이기 때문에 나는 자랑스럽게 태국기를 흔들었다.

Oneureun gwangbokjeorigi ttaemune naneun jarangseureopge taegukgireul heundeureotda.

“Because today is Korea’s National Liberation Day, I waved the Korean flag with pride.”

22. 먹다 (meokda), “to eat” 

• 남자 아이는 핫도그를 먹고 있습니다.

Namja aineun hattogeureul meokgo itsseumnida.

“The boy is eating a hot dog.”

23. 사용하다 (sayonghada), “to use”

• 프로그래머가 컴퓨터를 사용하고 있다.

Peurogeuraemeoga keompyuteoreul sayonghago itta.

“The programmer is using the computer.”

24. 오다 (oda), “to come” 

• 맛있는 저녁 먹으러 저희 집에 오세요.

Masinneun jeonyeok meogeureo jeohui jibe oseyo.

“Come over to my house for a nice dinner.”

25. 마시다 (masida), “to drink”

• 마실 것 좀 드릴까요?

Masil geot jom deurilkkayo?

“Can I get you something to drink?”

26. 자다 (jada), “to sleep”

• 조용! 아기들이 자고 있어요.

Joyong! Agideuri jago isseoyo.

“Shh! The babies are sleeping.”

27. 물어보다 (mureoboda), “to ask” 

• 너한테 좀 물어볼 말이 있어.

Neohante jom mureobol mari isseo.

“I have some questions to ask you.”

28. 달리다 (dallida), “to run” 

• 보람이는 해변에서 달리고 있습니다.

Boramineun haebyeoneseo dalligo itseumnida.

“Boram is running on the beach.”

29. 집다 (jipda), “to pick (up)” 

• 우와, 저기 봐봐. 사람들이 딸기를 집고 있어.

Uwa, saramdeuri ttalgireul jipgo isseo.

“Wow, look. The people are picking the strawberries.”

30. 주다 (juda), “to give” 

• 웨이터에게 팁을 5달러 줬어요.

Weiteoege tibeul odalleo jwosseoyo.

“I gave a five-dollar tip to the waiter.”

31. 떠나다 (tteonada), “to leave” 

• 우린 내일 한국 떠나.

Urin naeil hanguk tteona.

“We are leaving Korea tomorrow.”

32. 놀다 (nolda), “to play” 

• 아기가 장난감을 가지고 놀고 있어요. 

Agiga jangnangameul gajigo nolgo isseoyo.

“The baby is playing with a toy.”

33. 시작하다 (sijakada), “to begin” 

• 회의는 오전 10시에 시작됩니다.

Hoeuineun ojeon yeolsie sijakdoemnida.

“The meeting begins at ten A.M.”

34. 기다리다 (gidarida), “to wait” 

• 여기서 한시간이나 기다렸어요. 

Yeogiseo hansiganina gidaryeosseoyo.

“I’ve been waiting here for an hour.”

35. 전화하다 (jeonhwahada), “to call” 

• 무슨일 생기면 저한테 전화주세요. 

Museunil saenggimyeon jeohante jeonhwajuseyo.

“If something happens, just give me a call.”

36. 요리하다 (yorihada), “to cook” 

• 지금 요리하고 있어요. 

Jigeum yorihago isseoyo.

“I am cooking right now.”

37. 사다 (sada), “to buy” 

• 아내에게 반지를 사 주었다.

Anaeege banjireul sa jueotda.

“I bought a ring for my wife.”

38. 운전하다 (unjeonhada), “to drive” 

• 회사에 갈 때 항상 운전하고 있어요. 

Hoesae gal ttae hangsang unjeonhago isseoyo.

“I always drive to work.”

39. 걷다 (geotda), “to walk” 

• 매일 걸어서 학교에 가요.

Maeil georeoseo hakgyoe gayo.

“I walk to school everyday.”

40. 조사하다 (josahada), “to investigate” 

• 그 이유를 조사해보니까..

Geu iyureul josahaebonikka..

“I researched about this and…”

41. 졸업하다 (joreopada), “to graduate” 

• 9월에 졸업했어요. 

Guwore joreopaesseoyo.

“I graduated in September.”

42. 진행되다 (jinhaengdoeda), “to progress” 

• 진행될 때마다 연락주세요. 

Jinhaengdoel ttaemada yeollakjuseyo.

“Please update me as you progress on this.” 

43. 채우다 (chaeuda), “to fill” 

• 병에 물을 채우다.

byeonge mureul chaeuda.

“Fill a bottle with water.”

44. 쳐다보다 (chyeodaboda), “to stare” 

• 그만 좀 쳐다봐?

Geuman jom chyeodabwa?

“Can you just stop staring at me?” 

45. 흔들다 (heundeulda), “to shake” 

• 파티에서 리듬에 맞춰 몸을 흔들었다.

Patieseo rideume matchwo momeul heundeureotda.

“I shook (danced) my body to the rhythm at the party.”

46. 흘리다 (heullida), “to spill” 

• 실수로 물을 흘렸어요. 

Silsuro mureul heullyeosseoyo.

“I spilled the water by mistake.”

47. 선택하다 (seontaekada), “to choose” 

• 선택은 당신의 자유입니다.

Seontaegeun dangsinui jayuimnida.

“The choice is yours.”

2 – Korean Verbs Related to Mental State

* Click on a word to listen to it and practice its pronunciation. 

48. 알다 (alda), “to know”

• 이 곳 지리를 잘 아세요?

I got jirireul jal aseyo?

“Do you know this area well?”

49. 생각하다 (saenggakada), “to think”

• 생각할 시간이 필요해요.

Saenggakal sigani piryohaeyo.

“I need some time to think.”

50. 원하다 (wonhada), “to want”

• 크리스마스 선물로 BTS 콘서트 티켓 갖고 싶어요. 

Keuriseumaseu seonmullo BTS konseoteu tiket gatgo sipeoyo.

“I want a BTS concert ticket for my Christmas present.” 

51. 믿다 (mitda), “to believe”

• 전 불교를 믿고 있어요. 

Jeon bulgyoreul mitgo isseoyo.

“I believe in Buddhism.” 

52. 기대하다 (gidaehada), “to expect”

시험 성적이 좋기를 기대하고 있어요.

Siheom seongjeogi jokireul gidaehago isseoyo.

“I’m expecting good results for the exam.”  

53. 이해하다 (ihaehada), “to understand”

• 너의 입장도 충분히 이해해.

Neoui ipjangdo chungbunhi ihaehae.

“I understand your situation completely.”

54. 좋아하다 (joahada), “to like”

• 오빠를 많이 좋아해요. 

Oppareul mani joahaeyo.

“I like you a lot, Oppa.”

55. 사랑하다 (saranghada), “to love”

• 나 사랑해?

Na saranghae?

“Do you love me?”

56. 기억하다 (gieokada), “to remember”

• 그 일 기억하니? 

Geu il gieokani?

“Do you remember it?”

57. 기뻐하다 (gippeohada), “to rejoice” / “to be happy”

• 부모님이 무척 기뻐하시겠어요.

Bumonimi mucheok gippeohasigesseoyo.

“Your parents must be very happy.” 

58. 기억나다 (gieongnada), “to remember”

• 아 그때 그랬지, 기억났다!

A geuttae geuraetji, gieongnatda!

“Ah right, I just remembered!”

59. 노력하다 (noryeokada), “to endeavor”

• 노력할게.

Noryeokalge.

“I will work hard.”

60. 느끼다 (neukkida), “to feel”

• 순간 배신감을 느꼈어.

Sungan baesingameul neukkyeosseo.

“For a second, I felt a sense of betrayal.”

61. 닮다 (damda), “to resemble”

• 두 사람 닮지 않았어? 

du saram damji anasseo?

“Don’t they resemble each other?”

62. 무시하다 (musihada), “to ignore”

• 제가 보낸 이메일은 그냥 무시하세요.

Jega bonaen imeireun geunyang musihaseyo.

“Please disregard the email that I sent to you.”

63. 미워하다 (miwohada), “to hate”

• 아직도 그 사람이 미워요?

Ajikdo geu sarami miwoyo?

“Do you still hate him?”

64. 받아들이다 (badadeurida), “to accept”

• 여자친구의 비판은 받아들이기 힘들어.

Yeojachinguui bipaneun badadeurigi himdeureo.

“I found my girlfriend’s criticisms hard to take (accept).”

65. 발전하다 (baljeonhada), “to develop”

• 그 두 사람은 친구에서 연인 사이로 빨리 발전했어.

Geu du sarameun chingueseo yeonin sairo ppalli baljeonhaesseo.

“They instantly became lovers after being friends.”

66. 비교하다 (bigyohada), “to compare”

• 나를 다른사람들과 비교하지마.

Nareul dareunsaramdeulgwa bigyohajima.

“Don’t compare me to other people.”

67. 확인하다 (hwaginhada), “to check” / “to confirm”

• 잠시만요, 확인해볼께요.

Jamsimanyo, hwaginhaebolkkeyo.

“Hold on, let me check it for you.”

68. 화나다 (hwanada), “to be angry”

• 날 화나게 하지마.

Nal hwanage hajima.

“Don’t make me angry.”

69. 필요하다 (piryohada), “to need”

• 도움이 필요합니다.

Doumi piryohamnida.

“I need help.”

70. 시달리다 (sidallida), “to suffer from”

• 불면증에 시달리고 있어.

Bulmyeonjeunge sidalligo isseo.

“I’m suffering from insomnia.”

71. 감사하다 (gamsahada), “to be thankful”

• 호의에 감사드립니다. 

Houie gamsadeurimnida.

“Thanks for your kindness.”

72. 관련되다 (gwallyeondoeda), “to be related to” / “to be associated with”

• 흡연은 폐암과 밀접한 관련이 있다고 생각해요. 

Heubyeoneun pyeamgwa miljeopan gwallyeoni itdago saenggakaeyo.

“I think that smoking is closely associated with lung cancer.” 

73. 깨닫다 (kkaedatda), “to realize”

• 회사로 가는 중에 열쇠를 집에 두고 온 것을 깨달았어.

Hoesaro ganeun junge yeolsoereul jibe dugo on geoseul kkaedarasseo.

“On the way to the office, I found that I had left my keys at home.”

74. 꿈꾸다 (kkumkkuda), “to dream” 

• 그 아이는 외국으로 여행가는 것을 꿈꾸고 있었다.

Geu aineun oegugeuro yeohaengganeun geoseul kkumkkugo isseotda.

“The boy dreamed of traveling to a foreign land.”

75. 나서다 (naseoda), “to step forward” 

• 여긴 네가 나설 자리가 아니야.

Yeogin nega naseol jariga aniya.

“It’s not the place for you to step forward.”

76. 뜻하다 (tteuthada), “to mean” 

• 그것은 무엇을 뜻합니까?

Geugeoseun mueoseul tteuthamnikka?

“What does that mean?”

77. 만족하다 (manjokhada), “to be satisfied” 

• 지금 하고 있는 일에 만족하세요?

Jigeum hago inneun ire manjokaseyo?

“Are you satisfied with your current work?”

78. 미루다 (miruda), “to postpone” 

• 오늘 일을 내일로 미루지 마.

Oneul ireul naeillo miruji ma.

“Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today.”

79. 미치다 (michida), “to go crazy” 

• 당신 미쳤어요?

Dangsin michyeosseoyo?

“Are you crazy?”

80. 바라다 (barada), “to wish” 

• 우리 팀이 꼭 우승하기를 바래.  

Uri timi kkok useunghagireul barae. 

“I wish our team would win the game.”

81. 상상하다 (sangsanghada), “to imagine” 

• 난 절대로 엄마로서의 내 모습을 상상할 수가 없어.

Nan jeoldaero eommaroseoui nae moseubeul sangsanghal suga eopseo.

“I can’t picture myself as a mother.”

82. 실례하다 (sillyehada), “to trouble”

• 실례합니다만, 자리를 잘못 앉아계신것 같습니다.

Sillyehamnidaman, jarireul jalmot anjagyesingeot gatseumnida.

“Excuse me, but I think you are in the wrong seat.”

83. 아끼다 (akkida), “to save” / “to cherish” 

• 야 만지지마, 이거 걔가 제일 아끼는 소유물들이야. 

Ya manjijima, igeo gyaega jeil akkineun soyumuldeuriya.

“You don’t want to touch those, because they are her most cherished possessions.”

84. 애쓰다 (aesseuda), “to trouble”

• 애써 주셔서 감사합니다.

Aesseo jusyeoseo gamsahamnida.

“Thank you for your trouble.”

85. 어울리다 (eoullida), “to get along”

• 수진씨는 직장 동료들과 전혀 어울리지 않는것 같아요.

Sujinssineun jikjang dongnyodeulgwa jeonhyeo eoulliji anneungeot gatayo.

“Sujin doesn’t seem to socialize (get along) with her co-workers.”

86. 웃기다 (utgida), “to make somebody laugh”

• 그 사람은 항상 농담으로 주위사람들을 웃기고 있어.

Geu sarameun hangsang nongdameuro juwisaramdeureul utgigo isseo.

“He always makes everyone laugh with his jokes.”

87. 주장하다 (jujanghada), “to insist” 

• 그 사람은 자신의 무죄를 계속 주장하고 있다.

Geu sarameun jasinui mujoereul gyesok jujanghago itda.

“He continuously insisted on his innocence.”

88. 축하하다 (chukahada), “to celebrate” 

• 생일 축하해! 

Saengil chukahae!

“Happy birthday!” 

3. Helping Verbs

1 – Korean Modal Verbs

89. …할 수 있다. (…hal su itda), “can”

• 넌 할 수 있아!

Neon hal su issa!

“You can do it!”

90. 무조건 …해야 하다. (…haeya hada), “must”

• 무조건 입구 앞에는 차를 주차하면 안돼.

Mujogeon ipgu apeneun chareul juchahamyeon andwae.

“Cars must not park in front of the entrance.”

91. …일 수도 있다. (…il sudo itda), “may”

• 그것은 사실일 수도 있고 사실이 아닐 수도 있어.

Geugeoseun sasiril sudo itgo sasiri anil sudo isseo.

“That may or may not be true.”

92.  …할 것이다. ( …hal geosida), “will”

• 무슨 일이 있어도 난  운동 할거야. 

Museun iri isseodo nan  undong halgeoya.

“I will exercise no matter what.”

93. …일 것이다. (…il geosida), “shall”

• 다음주 이때 쯤이면 미란이는 프랑스에 있을 꺼야. 

Daeumju ittae jjeumimyeon miranineun peurangseue isseul kkeoya.

“This time next week Miran shall be in France.”

94. …해야 한다 (…haeya handa), “should”

• 음주 운전은 하지 말아야 해.

Eumju unjeoneun haji maraya hae.

“He should have been more careful.”

2 – Basic Korean Auxiliary Verbs

Auxiliary verbs are used a lot in Korean and they’re always used together with a preceding main verb: VERB + AUXILIARY VERB.

1. Verb stem + -고 (-go) +있다 (itda), “I am v +ing”

The verb 있다 (itda) is used to form the progressive aspect. This Korean auxiliary verb follows the stem of the main verb with the suffix -고 (-go).

Examples

• 지금 요리하고 있어. 
  Jigeum yorihago isseo.
  “I am cooking now.”
  • 요리하다 -> 요리하고 + 있어.

• 친구가 지금 기다리고 있어. 
  Chinguga jigeum gidarigo isseo.
  “My friend is waiting right now.”
  • 기다리다 -> 기다리고 + 있어.

2. Negative Auxiliary Verb Form: Verb stem + – 지 ( – ji) + 말다 (malda)

Negative Korean auxiliary verbs are attached to the stem of the main verb with the suffix – 지 (– ji). Some examples of negative auxiliary verbs are: 

1. 말다 (malda), “to stop”
2. 않다 (anta), “be not” / “do not”
3. 못하다 (mothada), “to be bad at”

Now let’s look at some of these Korean verbs in sentences as well: 

말다 (malda), “to stop” 

• 걱정 말고 마음 편히 가지세요.

Geokjeong malgo maeum pyeonhi gajiseyo.

“Stop worrying and set your mind at ease.”

않다 (anta), “be not” or “do not”

• 그 사람은 정직하지 않아.

Geu sarameun jeongjikaji ana.

“He is not that honest.”

못하다 (mothada), “to be bad at”

• 저는 노래를 못해요.

Jeoneun noraereul mothaeyo.

“I’m bad at singing.”

Here are some examples of negative auxiliary verbs with the verb stem + – 지 ( – ji) + 않다 (anta) and verb stem + – 지 ( – ji) +  말다 (malda) patterns.

Examples

• 저는 주말에 회사에 가지 않아요.
  Jeoneun jumare hoesae gaji anayo.
  “I don’t go to work on weekends.”
  
  
  • 가다 (gada) -> 가지 (gaji)
  • 않다 (anda) -> 않아요 (anayo)
  • 가지 (gaji) + 않아요 (anayo) = “do not go to…”

• 공원에서 담배를 피우지 마세요. 
  Gongwoneseo dambaereul piuji maseyo.
  “Please do not smoke at the park.”
  
  
  • 피우다 (piuda) -> 피우지 (piuji)
  • 말다 (malda) -> 마세요 (maseyo)
  • 피우지 (piuji) + 마세요 (maseyo) = “please do not smoke”

3. Verb stem + -고 (-go) + 싶다 (sipda), “I want to~” 

This Korean auxiliary verb is used after the stem of the main verb with the suffix -고 (-go). This form expresses the wish to do something.

Examples

• 고등학교 끝나면 세계여행을 하고 싶어요. 

Godeunghakgyo kkeunnamyeon segyeyeohaengeul hago sipeoyo.

“Once I’m done with high school, I want to travel around the world.”

• 크리스마스 선물로 강아지 갖고 싶어요. 

Keuriseumaseu seonmullo gangaji gatgo sipeoyo.

“I want to have a puppy for my Christmas present.”

4. How KoreanClass101 Can Help You with Your Korean

In summary, we’ve introduced a list of 100 Korean verbs, including some crucial grammar structures such as auxiliary verbs. Are there any verbs we missed, or questions you need answered? Let us know in the comments! 

Below, you can check out more Korean verbs and grammar structures for further study:

• Vocabulary for the 25 Most Commonly Used Verbs of Any Language
• 50 Most Common Verbs
• Top 20 Korean Verbs 1
• Top 20 Korean Verbs 2
• Top 20 Korean Verbs 3
• Top 20 Korean Verbs 4

Lastly, KoreanClass101 offers many free lessons for Korean learners. Here, you can learn 15 Ways to Study Korean for FREE with KoreanClass101 to maximize your Korean studies. So feel free to navigate our website and download our free Korean study materials.

Happy Korean learning!

Mastering pronouns is one of the most crucial steps in studying a language, because without them, your sentences will sound a bit off and you won’t be able to properly converse with people. In this article, we’re going to introduce many Korean pronouns, mainly focusing on Korean subject pronouns. 

But first things first, let’s take a look at the definition of “pronoun.” According to Vocabulary.com, a pronoun is a word that replaces a noun in a sentence. For example, instead of repeating someone’s name over and over again while talking about them, you can replace their name with “he” or “she.”  

Ready to learn Korean pronouns? There are many pronouns in Korean that you need to master in order to construct fluid sentences, so let’s have a look at them!

Table of Contents

1. Korean Personal Pronouns
2. First, Second, Third Person Plural
3. Korean Demonstrative Pronouns
4. Korean Interrogative Pronouns
5. How KoreanClass101 Can Help You with Korean

1. Korean Personal Pronouns

1- First, Second, Third Person Singular

1- 나는 / 저는 (naneun / jeoneun), “I” – Informal / Formal

나는 (naneun) is an informal way to address yourself. However, this word is rarely used in speech and it sounds unnatural if you say this word while speaking with someone. Therefore, it’s better to skip 나는 (naneun), or use 난 (nan) instead. 

저는 (jeoneun) is a formal way to address yourself and it’s often used in formal language when speaking. Many Koreans also use 전 (jeon), which is a shortened version of 저는 (jeoneun). 

Examples

• 난 이제 가야 할 것 같아. (Informal) 

Nan ije gaya hal geot gata.

“I think I’d better go now.”

• (나는) 이제 가야할 것 같아. (Informal) 

(Naneun) ije gayahal geot gata.

“(I think) I’d better go now.”

• 전 이탈리아에서 왔습니다. (Formal)

Jeon italliaeseo watseumnida.

“I’m from Italy.”

• (저는) 이탈리아에서 왔습니다. (Formal)

(Jeoneun) italliaeseo watseumnida.

 “I’m from Italy.”

2- 너는 / 당신은 (neoneun / dangsineun), “You” – Informal / Formal

너는 (neoneun) is an informal way to say “you,” and 넌 (neon), which is a shortened version of 너는 (neoneun), is also commonly used in speaking. 

당신은 (dangsineun) is a polite form of 너는 (neoneun). It’s important to know that using this Korean pronoun with a stranger is usually considered impolite. Also, this pronoun is commonly used between married couples, so you’ll hear this word used a lot between mature married couples. 

Examples

• 넌 아무것도 몰라, 존 스노우.

Neon amugeotdo molla, Jon Seunou.

“You know nothing, Jon Snow.”

•  당신과 함께 늙고 싶어요.  

Dangsingwa hamkke neukgo sipeoyo.

“I want to grow old with you.”  

3- 그는 / 그녀는 (geuneun / geunyeoneun), “He” and “She”

그는 (geuneun) and 그녀는 (geunyeoneun) are two words that distinguish the gender of the person you want to talk about. However, do keep in mind that while using the words “he” and “she” in English is very common, it’s rare to use these two Korean personal pronouns when speaking in Korea. 

Many Koreans don’t mention a person’s gender when speaking. Instead, they use the more common words 그 사람 (geu saram) or 그분 (geubun), which mean “that person” in informal and formal language respectively. 

Examples

• 그 사람 자주 와요?

Geu saram jaju wayo?

“Does he/she come often?”

• 그분이 내일 오실까요? 

Geubuni naeil osilkkayo?

“Do you think that he/she will come tomorrow?”

2. First, Second, Third Person Plural

1. 우리는 / 저희는 (urineun / jeohuineun), “We” – Informal / Formal 

As you may have already guessed, 우리는 (urineun) is a casual way to say “we,” and 저희는 (jeohuineun) is used in formal situations. When speaking, you can also slightly shorten these two words and say 우린 (urin) and 저흰 (jeohuin) respectively. 

Examples

• 우리는 전혀 신경 안 써. (Casual speaking)

Urineun jeonhyeo singyeong an sseo.

“We really don’t care.”

• 우린 전혀 신경 안 써. (Casual speaking)

Urin jeonhyeo singyeong an sseo.

“We really don’t care.”

• 저희는 1년 전에 만났어요. (Polite speaking) 

Jeohuineun illyeon jeone mannasseoyo.

“We just met a year ago.”

• 저흰 1년 전에 만났어요. (Polite speaking)

Jeohuin ilnyeon jeone mannasseoyo.

“We just met a year ago.”

• 저희는 아침, 점심, 저녁 식사를 일주일 내내 제공합니다. (Formal speaking – business level) 

Jeohuineun achim, jeomsim, jeonyeok siksareul iljuil naenae jegonghamnida.

“We serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, seven days a week.”

• 저희는 형제 사이입니다.

Jeohuineun hyeongje sai-imnida.

“We are brothers.”

• 저흰 형제 사이입니다.

Jeohuin hyeongje sai-imnida.

“We are brothers.”

2. 그들은  /그 사람들은 (geudeureun / geu saramdeureun), “They,” “You” (in a group)

그들은 (geudeureun) is usually used in written context and is rarely used in speech. If you say this word while describing a group (while speaking), it still makes sense to the native speakers, but they’ll instantly know that you’re not fluent yet. Why? Because it sounds unnatural to their ears.

Instead, you can say 그 사람들은 (geu saramdeureun) to sound more natural when speaking. You can also say 그 분들은 (geu bundeureun), which is a formal way to say “they” in speech. 

Examples

• 그들은 그 계획에 반대투표했다. (Writing) 

Geudeureun geu gyehoege bandaetupyohaetda.

“They voted against the plan.”

• 그들은 헤어졌다. (Writing) 

Geudeureun he-eojyeotda.

“They broke up.”

•  왜 (그 사람들은) 우리를 기다리지 않았지? (Casual speaking) 

Wae geu saramdeureun urireul gidariji anatji?

“Why didn’t they wait for us?”

• 그 사람들은 바쁘면 보통 전화를 안 받아요.

Geu saramdeureun bappeumyeon botong jeonhwareul an badayo.

“They usually don’t answer when they’re busy.”

3. Korean Demonstrative Pronouns

1. 이것 / 저것 (igeot / jeogeot), “This,” “That”

Difference between 이것 (igeot) and 이거 (igeo)

A lot of people are unsure about how to differentiate between words that have similar meanings. One of the most common questions we get is about how to differentiate 이것 (igeot) and 이거 (igeo). 

These two words have the same meaning, but how are they different? According to the National Institute of Korean Language, these two Korean pronouns have exactly the same meaning, but 이거 (igeo) is often used in speaking. For example, 이것 주세요 (igeot juseyo) and 이거 주세요 (igeo juseyo) are the same, except that 이거 주세요 (igeo juseyo) is used in speaking. 

Examples

• 이것 좀 어머니께 전해 드려. (Polite speaking) 

Igeot jom eomeonikke jeonhae deuryeo.

“Give this to your mother.”

• 이것 말고 다른 방법은 없을까? (Casual speaking) 

Igeot malgo dareun bangbeobeun eopseulkka?

“Isn’t there another way?”

• 이것저것 해봤어. (Casual speaking) 

Igeotjeogeot haebwasseo.

“I tried this and that.”

• 이것보다 저것이 더 좋아보이네. (Casual speaking) 

Igeotboda jeogeosi deo joaboine.

“That one is better than this one.”

2. 여기 / 저기 (yeogi / jeogi) “Here,” “There” 

Examples

• 여기 나와 계신 줄 몰랐어요.

Yeogi nawa gyesin jul mollasseoyo.

“I didn’t realize you were out here.”

• 너 방금 그 날 밤에 여기 없었다고 했잖아.

Neo banggeum geu nal bame yeogi eopseotdago haetjana.

“You just said that you weren’t here that night.”

• 저기 좀 봐.

Jeogi jom bwa.

“Look, over there.”

• 저기가 우리 집이다.

Jeogiga uri jibida.

“My place is over there.”

4. Korean Interrogative Pronouns

Below is a list of Korean pronouns used to ask questions:

• “What” — 무엇 (mueot)
• “Which” — 어느 (eoneu) 
• “Who/Whom” — 누가 (nuga)
• “Where” — 어디 (eodi)
• “When” — 언제 (eonje)
• “Why” — 왜 (wae) 
• “Whose” — 누구의 (nuguui)

Let’s have a look at each Korean interrogative pronoun with example sentences. 

1. 무엇 (mueot), “What” 

Examples

• 직업이 무엇입니까? (Formal speaking) 

Jigeobi mueosimnikka?

“What do you do for a living?”

• = 무슨일 하고 있어요? (Casual speaking) 

Museunil hago isseoyo?

“What do you do for a living?”

2. 어느 것 (eoneu geot), “Which” 

Examples

• 어느 것이 더 싸요? (Polite speaking)

Eoneu geosi deo ssayo?

“Which is cheaper?”

• 어느 것이 더 무겁습니까? (Formal speaking) 

Eoneu geosi deo mugeopseumnikka?

“Which one is heavier?”

3. 누가 (nuga), “Who” 

Examples

• 누가 쓴 책이죠?

Nuga sseun chaegijyo?

“Who’s the author?”

• 누가 방귀 뀌었죠?

Nuga banggwi kkwieotjyo?

“Who has just farted?”

4. 어디 (eodi), “Where”

Examples

• 내 신발이 어디 있지? (Casual speaking) 

Nae sinbari eodi itji?

“Where are my shoes?”

• 오늘 어디 가세요? (Formal speaking) 

Oneul eodi gaseyo?

“Where are you going today?”

5. 언제 (eonje), “When” 

Examples

• 언제 찾아 뵐까요? (Formal speaking) 

Eonje chaja boelkkayo?

“When shall I call on you?”

• 서울에는 언제 오셨어요?

seoureneun eonje osyeosseoyo?

“When did you come to Seoul?”

6. 왜 (wae), “Why” 

Examples

• 왜 화가 나있어? 

Wae hwaga naisseo?

“Why are you angry?” 

• 왜 망설이고 있어?

Wae mangseorigo isseo?

“Why are you hesitating?”

7. 누구의 (nuguui), “Whose” 

Examples

• 저건 누구의 집이죠?

jeogeon nuguui jibijyo?

“Whose house is that?”

• 이건 누구 것인지 모르겠네.

igeon nugu geosinji moreugenne.

“I wonder whose this is.”

5. How KoreanClass101 Can Help You with Korean

To summarize what we’ve learned today, our Korean pronouns list covered three main pronoun groups: 

• Korean personal pronouns, such as 나 (na), 너 (neo), and 우리 (uri)
• Korean demonstrative pronouns, such as 이것 (igeot) and 여기 (yeogi)
• Korean interrogative pronouns, such as 언제 (eonje) and 왜 (wae)

We have many exercises to help you practice these pronouns, so check out these pages: 

• Here? No! There? Where?!
• This? That? No, That! Over There!

In addition, KoreanClass101 has many free Korean lessons and vocabulary lists for you to study at your own pace too, so feel free to visit our website! 

I hope you found this Korean pronouns lesson useful. If you have any questions, feel free to leave us a comment below! 

Telling time is part of everyday life. It’s one of the essential conversation skills you need to learn when studying a new language. 

So how do you tell time in Korean?

Today, you’re going to learn many ways to address the time, including essential vocabulary for talking about the specific time with someone. By the end of this article, you should be more knowledgeable on Korean standard time and how to say the time in Korean! Let’s get started.

Table of Contents

1. How to Ask for the Time
2. How to Say “Hour” in Korean
3. How to Say the Minutes in Korean
4. Hours Divided into Minutes
5. General Time Reference of the Day
6. Time Adverbs in Korean
7. Bonus: Time Proverbs and Sayings
8. How KoreanClass101 Can Help You with Korean

1. How to Ask for the Time

1- 몇 시예요? (Myeot si-yeyo?)

몇 시예요? (Myeot si-yeyo?) literally means “What time is it?” 

몇 (myeot) means “how many” or “which number,” and 시 (si) means “o’clock” or “time.” 

So 몇 시 (myeot si) plus 예요 (yeyo), which means “it is,” becomes 몇 시예요? (Myeot si-yeyo?) or “What time is it?”

Example

• 지금 몇 시예요? 

Jigeum myeot siyeyo?

“What time is it now?”

*The first word, 지금 (jigeum), means “now.”

2- ~는 몇 시에 있어요? (~neun myeot sie isseoyo?)

You can use this phrase when you want to ask a question about when a specific thing will happen, such as the departure time of a bus or airplane. In order to ask, you say ~는 몇 시에 있어요? (~neun myeot sie isseoyo?), which means “What time is ~?” Simply add a noun to the front to ask the question. 

Examples

• 버스는 몇 시에 있어요?

Beoseu-neun myeot si-e isseoyo?

“What time is there a bus?”

• 기차는 몇 시에 있어요?

Gicha-neun myeot si-e isseoyo?

“What time is there a train?”

3- 몇 시에 ~? (myeot sie ~?)

If you want to know what time to meet someone or what time you’ll be doing something, you can put the verb indicating the action after saying 몇시에 (myeot si-e), meaning “at what time.” 

Examples

• 몇 시에 만나요?

Myeot sie mannayo?

“What time will (we) meet?”

• 몇 시에 먹어요?

Myeot sie meogeoyo?

“What time will (we) eat?”

• 몇 시에 가요?

Myeot sie gayo?

“What time will (we) go?”

2. How to Say “Hour” in Korean

In Korea, Korean people tend to give the time using the twelve-hour clock, especially when speaking. However, it really depends on the person. Some may prefer to use the twenty-four-hour clock instead.

1- ~시예요. (~siyeyo.)

To say that “It’s ten o’clock” in Korean, the rule is very simple. Add the number, in this case 열 (yeol) which means “ten,” followed by 시 (si) which means “o’clock” and 입니다 (imnida) which means “it is.” So the whole sentence becomes 열시 입니다 (yeolsi imnida).

Have a look at the table below to practice the hours in Korean. 

2- Hours in Korean

*Click on each Korean word to practice the pronunciation!

Korean	Romanization	English
한 시	hansi	1 o’clock
두 시	dusi	2 o’clock
세 시	sesi	3 o’clock
네 시	nesi	4 o’clock
다섯 시	daseotsi	5 o’clock
여섯 시	yeoseotsi	6 o’clock
일곱 시	ilgopsi	7 o’clock
여덟 시	yeodeolsi	8 o’clock
아홉 시	ahopsi	9 o’clock
열 시	yeolsi	10 o’clock
열한 시	yeolhansi	11 o’clock
열두 시	yeoldusi	12 o’clock

Check out 한국 숫자 (hanguk sutja) on KoreanClass101 to practice numbers in Korean. 

Examples

• 지금 몇시에요?

Jigeum myeotsieyo?

“What time is it now?”

• 지금은 12시예요. (formal – speaking)

Jigeumeun yeoldusiyeyo.

“It’s 12 o’clock.”

• 지금은 12시입니다. (formal – writing)

Jigeumeun yeoldusiimnida.

“It’s 12 o’clock.”

• 지금은 12시야. (casual – speaking)

Jigeumeun yeoldusiya.

“It’s 12 o’clock.”

3. How to Say the Minutes in Korean

1- ~ 시 ~ 분 (~ si ~ bun)

“Minute(s)” is 분 (bun) in Korean. When you want to write “how many minutes” in Korean, it’s 몇분 (myeotbun). 

Let’s have a look at a number of examples: 

Korean	Romanization	Translation
5분 (오분)	5bun (obun)	“Five minutes”
10분 (십분)	10bun (sipbun)	“Ten minutes”
20분 (이십분)	20bun (isipbun)	“Twenty minutes”
35분 (삼십오분)	35bun (samsibobun)	“Thirty-five minutes”
42분 (사십이분)	42bun (sasibibun)	“Forty-two minutes”
51분 (오십일분)	51bun (osibilbun)	“Fifty-one minutes”
59분 (오십구분)	59bun (osipgubun)	“Fifty-nine minutes”

Example

• 지금 몇시에요? 

Jigeum myeotsieyo?

“What time is it now?”

• 열시 사십오분이예요. 

Yeolsi sasibobuniyeyo.

“It’s 10:45.”

4. Hours Divided into Minutes

When learning how to read time in Korean, it’s important that you know how to talk about the minutes past the hour. Here are a couple of the most common time phrases in Korean for this.

1- ~분 전 (~bun jeon)

전 (jeon) means “ago.” To say “thirty minutes ago,” as you may have already guessed, you would write this as 30분 전 (samsipbun jeon). Let’s have a look at more examples below. 

Examples

• 삼십분 전에 일어났어요. 

Samsipbun jeone ireonasseoyo.

“I woke up thirty minutes ago.”

• 어? 지민이 한 이십 분 전에 나갔는데요? 

Eo? Jimini han isip bun jeone naganneundeyo?

“Ah? Jimin left (the house) about twenty minutes ago.”

• 십오분 전

sibobun jeon

“Twenty-five minutes ago”

2- ~분 후 (~bun hu)

후 (hu) means “after.” To say “after thirty minutes,” you would write it as 30분 후 (samsipbun hu). Let’s have a look at more examples below. Keep in mind that ~분 뒤 (~bun dwi) is frequently used in speaking as well. 

Examples

• 삼십분 후에 전화할께.

samsipbun hue jeonhwahalkke.

“I will give you a call after thirty minutes.”

• 10분뒤에 좀 쉬자. 

sipbundwie jom swija.

“Let’s take a rest after ten minutes.” 

5. General Time Reference of the Day

1- 오전 / 오후 (ojeon / ohu)

Meaning

• 오전 (ojeon) means “morning.”
• 오후 (ohu) means “afternoon.” 

Examples

• 나 오전 내내 집에만 있었어.

Na ojeon naenae jibeman isseosseo.

“I stayed home all morning.”

• 다음 주 월요일 오후에 시간 돼? 저녁이라도 같이 먹자.

Daeum ju wollyoil ohue sigan dwae? Jeonyeogirado gachi meokja.

“Are you free next Monday afternoon? Let’s grab something to eat.”

2- 아침 / 저녁 (achim / jeonyeok)

Meaning

• 아침 (achim) means “morning.”
• 저녁 (jeonyeok)  means “evening.”

Examples

• 아침부터 계속 비가 오고 있네.

Achimbuteo gyesok biga ogo inne.

“It has been raining since morning.”

• 미안, 오늘 저녁 늦게까지 일해야해.

Mian, oneul jeonyeok neutgekkaji ilhaeyahae.

“Sorry, I have to work late this evening.”

3- 오전 (ojeon) Vs. 아침 (achim) & 오후 (ohu) Vs. 저녁 (jeonyeok)

I’m sure you’re confused by these word pairs. They both have the same meaning, “morning,” but 아침 (achim) refers to early morning, such as when you’re going to work or having breakfast. 오전 (ojeon) includes early morning until noon. 

Examples

• 매일 아침 일찍 일어나서 운동하고 있어요. 

Maeil achim iljjik ireonaseo undonghago isseoyo.

“I wake early in the morning and try exercising everyday.”

• 이 리포트를 오전까지 학교로 내야해요. 

I ripoteureul ojeonkkaji hakgyoro naeyahaeyo.

“I have to submit this report in the morning (before 12pm).”

The difference between the second pair of words is similar to the explanation above. They both have the same translation in English, but the meanings are slightly different. 오후 (ohu) usually refers to the time between noon (we say this as jeongo in Korean) until five or six o’clock in the afternoon. 저녁 (jeonyeok) usually refers to late evening, such as the time when you have dinner, and it usually starts at about seven o’clock in the evening. 

Examples

• 미안, 우리 몇 시에 만나기로 했지? 오후 3시였나?

Mian, uri myeot sie mannagiro haetji? ohu 3siyeonna?

“Sorry, what time were we supposed to meet today? Was it 15:00?”

• 내일 저녁에 같이 밥먹을래?

Naeil jeonyeoge gachi bammeogeullae?

“Are you free for dinner tomorrow evening?”

4- 밤 / 새벽 (bam / saebyeok)

Meaning

• 밤 (bam) means “evening.”
• 새벽 (saebyeok) means “dawn.”

Examples

• 어제 밤에 2시간밖에 못 자서 너무 피곤해.

Eoje bame 2siganbakke mot jaseo neomu pigonhae.

“I slept for only two hours last night so I feel tired.”

• 잠이 안와서 새벽 4시까지 깨어 있었어.

Jami anwaseo saebyeok nesikkaji kkaeeo isseosseo.

“I couldn’t sleep so I stayed up until 4:00 a.m.”

5- 정오 / 자정 (jeongo / jajeong)

Meaning

• 정오 (jeongo) means “at noon.”
• 자정 (jajeong) means “at midnight.”

Examples

• 정오까지 일을 끝내보도록 하겠습니다. (formal – writing) 

Jeongokkaji ireul kkeunnaebodorok hagetseumnida.

“I will try to finish the work by noon.”

• 자정이 지나면 기본요금이 1,000원입니다.

Jajeongi jinamyeon gibonyogeumi cheonwonimnida.

“After midnight, the basic fare is 1,000won.”

6- 밤 (bam) Vs. 저녁 (jeonyeok)

Let’s have a look at the difference between these two. 밤 (bam) is after sunset and before sunrise, so it refers to night time. 저녁 (jeonyeok) refers to the evening and dinnertime. 

Examples

• 밤에도  철수는 일을 해. 

Bamedo  cheolsuneun ireul hae.

“Cheolsu works in the evening.”

• 오늘 저녁까지 꼭 숙제를 끝내야해.

Oneul jeonyeokkkaji kkok sukjereul kkeunnaeyahae.

“I have to finish the homework before this evening.” 

6. Time Adverbs in Korean

1- 지금 (jigeum)

Meaning

• 지금 (jigeum) means “currently” in English.
• It also means “right now” in English.

Examples

• 모든 옵션들이 지금 이용 가능해요.

modeun opsyeondeuri jigeum iyong ganeunghaeyo.

“All the options are currently available.”

• 현재 공사 중

hyeonjae gongsa jung

“currently under construction”

2- 전에 (jeone)

Meaning

• 전에 (jeone) means “before” in English.

Examples

• 점심 시간 전에 올께요. 

jeomsim sigan jeone olkkeyo.

“I will come back before lunch.”

• 지현이는 1년 전부터 거기에 살고 있어. 

jihyeonineun illyeon jeonbuteo geogie salgo isseo.

“Jihyeon’s lived there since one year ago.”

3- 후에 (hue) 

Meaning

• 후에 (hue) means “after” in English.

Example

• 점심 식사 후에 미팅이 있어서 바로 회사로 들어가야해.

jeomsim siksa hue mitingi isseoseo baro hoesaro deureogayahae.

“I have to return to work because I have a meeting after lunch.”

4- ~에 (~e)

The particle -에 (-e) can be translated into English as “at,” “to,” “on,” or “in,” depending on the context. It can be used to indicate time, direction, or a specific location where an action takes place. In this specific lesson, it’s used to indicate time and can be translated as “at,” “on,” or “in,” depending on the context.

This particle can be used to indicate the time at which an action takes place, and is attached to time-specific words (e.g. time, day of the week, date, month, and year). 

Examples

• 두 시 반에 끝나요.

Du si ban-e kkeunnayo. 

“It ends at two thirty.”

• 월요일에 학교에 안 갑니다. 

Woryoil-e hakgyo-e an gamnida.

“I don’t go to school on Monday.”

5- ~하다 (~hada) 

하다 (hada) is a very flexible and important verb in Korean. It’s generally translated as “to do,” but sometimes there’s a need to interpret it according to specific circumstances. 하다 (hada) verbs can be used as follows:

Examples

• 숙제를 하다.

Sukje-reul hada.

“do homework”

• 공부하다.

Gongbuhada.

“to study” 

• 무서워 하다.

Museowo hada.

“to be afraid”

7. Bonus: Time Proverbs and Sayings

Here are some common time expressions in Korean to help you sound like a native! 

• 시간이 약이다.

Sigani yagida.

“Time heals all wounds.”

• 시간은 돈이다.

Siganeun donida.

“Time is money.”

• 일찍 일어나는 새가 벌레를 잡는다.

Iljjik ireonaneun saega beollereul jamneunda.

“The early bird catches the worm.”

8. How KoreanClass101 Can Help You with Korean

By now, you should be able to read and say time in Korean! Practice makes perfect, so check out our free vocabulary list “Talking about Time” on KoreanClass101 to expand your vocabulary skills. 

Also, can you say what time it is in Korea? Drop us a comment below with your answer. Check out Korean standard time and give it a try! Lastly, can you answer the following questions? 

• 몇 시에 아침을 먹어요? 

Myeot sie achimeul meogeoyo?

• 몇 시에 퇴근해요?

Myeot sie toegeunhaeyo?

Find the translations here and try answering these questions in Korean. Good luck!