Korean Verbs Guide Apr 2026
Conjugation in Korean is "additive." You attach suffixes to the stem to change the meaning or tone. 1. Tense Markers Tense is determined by specific endings added to the stem:
Every Korean verb in its dictionary (infinitive) form ends with the suffix ( -da ). To use a verb, you must first identify the verb stem by dropping the -다. For example: 먹다 ( meok-da - to eat) →right arrow Stem: 먹 ( meok ) 가다 ( ga-da - to go) →right arrow Stem: 가 ( ga ) Mastering Conjugation
Understanding the Korean sentence structure: A basic guide - Preply Korean Verbs Guide
A unique feature of Korean is that . In English, you need the verb "to be" (e.g., "The weather is good"). In Korean, the word for "good" ( 좋다 - jota ) already acts as a verb. You conjugate it just like "to eat" or "to go." Irregularities and Nuances
) structure . This means the verb always comes at the end, carrying the weight of tense, politeness, and intent. The Anatomy of a Korean Verb Conjugation in Korean is "additive
Ends in -아요/어요 . The standard for most daily interactions.
Formed by adding -았어/었어 or -았어요/었어요 . To use a verb, you must first identify
Ends in -습니다 ( -seumnida ) or -ㅂ니다 ( -mnida ). Used in business, news, or with elders.