Korean Verbs Guide Apr 2026

Ends in -습니다 ( -seumnida ) or -ㅂ니다 ( -mnida ). Used in business, news, or with elders.

The Korean verb system is often considered the "backbone" of the language. Unlike English, where word order ( SVOcap S cap V cap O ) dictates meaning, Korean follows a Subject-Object-Verb ( SOVcap S cap O cap V Korean Verbs Guide

Drops the -요 . Reserved for close friends or those younger than you. "Descriptive" Verbs (Adjectives) Ends in -습니다 ( -seumnida ) or -ㅂ니다 ( -mnida )

Ends in -아요/어요 . The standard for most daily interactions. Unlike English, where word order ( SVOcap S

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

Often uses -아요/어요 ( -ayo/eoyo ) for a polite, everyday tone.

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