Essential Korean verbs and adjectives

Embarking on your Korean language learning journey? 

Mastering basic verbs and adjectives is an excellent starting point. These words are fundamental in everyday communication with native speakers and in navigating the Korean language.

 

Korean verbs and adjectives

In this article, we will explore key verbs and adjectives in Korean, including their conjugation and usage within sentences.

 

Section 1: Fundamental Verbs

Take note of these essential verbs:

  •  가다 (gada) - to go
  •  먹다 (meokda) - to eat
  •  보다 (boda) - to see
  •  하다 (hada) - to do
  •  듣다 (deutda) - to listen
  •  말하다 (mal hada) - to speak
  •  묻다 (mudda) - to ask
  •  알다 (alda) - to know
  •  있다 (itda) - to be

 

Section 2: Basic Adjectives

Here are some fundamental adjectives to remember:

  •  크다 (keuda) - big
  •  작다 (jakda) - small
  •  좋다 (jota) - good
  •  나쁘다 (nappeuda) - bad
  •  예쁘다 (yeppuda) - pretty
  •  멋있다 (meotshipda) - cool
  •  재미있다 (jaemi itda) - fun
  •  쉽다 (shipda) - easy
  •  어렵다 (eolppuda) - difficult

 

Section 3: Verb Conjugation

Korean verbs undergo conjugation by attaching appropriate endings to the verb stem.

The specific ending to use depends on the tense, mood, and level of formality in the sentence.

 

For instance, 가다 (gada) means "to go." In the present tense, the conjugated form is 가요 (ga-yo). This is the most common way to conjugate verbs in Korean. The ending -요 (-yo) is used for the present tense, informal mood, and polite level. In the past tense, the conjugated form is 갔어요 (gasseoyo). For the future tense, it becomes 갈 거예요 (gal geo-yeyo).

 

Section 4: Adjective Conjugation 

Conjugating Korean adjectives involves attaching endings to the verb stem, depending on the subject of the sentence.

 

For example:

크다 (keuda) means "big." If the subject is singular, the conjugated form is 커요 (kkeo-yo). If the subject is plural, the conjugated form is 커요 (kkeu-yo).

 

Section 5: Using Verbs and Adjectives in Sentences

Let's see how verbs and adjectives are used in sentences:

 

  •  저는 한국어를 배웁니다. (Jeoneun hangugeoreul baeobseubnida.) - I am learning Korean.
  •  저는 오늘 학교에 가요. (Jeoneun oneul hakgyoe ga-yo.) - I am going to school today.
  •  이 책은 재미있어요. (I chegeumyeon jaemi-iss-eoyo.) - This book is fun.
  •  이 꽃은 예뻐요. (I kkot-eun yeppeoyo.) - This flower is pretty.

 

Section 6: Practice

Practicing the use of verbs and adjectives in sentences is key to learning. Create your own sentences or utilize the ones we have provided.

 

Conclusion

In this lesson, we covered essential verbs and adjectives in Korean. Understanding their usage within sentences will provide context and enhance your comprehension of their meanings. Keep practicing and exploring the Korean language to further solidify your understanding.