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Korean study tip

Verb conjugations

Turn dictionary-form verbs into polite everyday Korean.

Pattern

verb stem + 아요 / 어요

가다 → 가요

to go → go / goes

How to use it

Korean dictionary verbs usually end in 다. To make a common polite present-tense sentence, remove 다 and attach 아요 or 어요.

Use 아요 when the last vowel in the stem is 아 or 오. Use 어요 for most other vowels. 하다 is special: it usually becomes 해요.

This polite form is useful for daily speech with people you do not know well, teachers, coworkers, and most public situations.

Examples

가다 → 가요.

to go → go / goes

먹다 → 먹어요.

to eat → eat / eats

공부하다 → 공부해요.

to study → study / studies