Kaja · Korean Grammar.

Learn real Korean patterns in short chapters with simple examples and quick practice

Introduction

How this grammar course works.

Particles

은/는

Use it to set the topic.

이/가

Use it to mark the subject.

을/를

Use it to mark the object.

에 vs 에서

Go to a place vs do it there.

에게/한테/께

To someone (casual vs polite).

와/과, 하고, (이)랑

Say 'and' between nouns.

도

Say 'also / too'.

만, 밖에

Say 'only' (two patterns).

부터/까지

From A to B (time or place).

으로/로

By / to / with (one particle).

보다

Compare: A is more than B.

(이)나, (이)라도

Say 'or' / 'at least'.

Connectors

그리고/그래서/하지만

And / so / but (basic set).

는데/지만

Give background, then contrast.

(으)면

If: 'If I do this, then…'.

아/어서

Because / so (simple reason).

(으)니까

Because (your reason or opinion).

거나/나(=or)

Choose: do A or do B.

Tense & Aspect

있다/없다

Say 'have / exist' and 'not have'.

현재 (-(으)ㄴ/는)

Present tense: facts and habits.

과거 (-았/었)

Past tense: what happened.

미래 (-(으)ㄹ)

Future: will / going to.

고 있다 (진행)

Say 'I am doing it now'.

아/어 있다 (상태)

A state stays after an action.

아/어 본 적 있다 (경험)

Say 'I tried it before'.

Speech Levels

존댓말 vs 반말 (말투의 기본)

Polite vs casual speech basics.

해요체 만들기: -아요/어요

Make polite everyday sentences.

합니다(격식체): -습니다/ㅂ니다

Formal style for work and news.

해체(반말): -아/어

Casual style with friends.

Please do: -(으)세요, -아/어 주세요

Ask politely: 'Please do…'.

Let’s / Shall we?: -(으)ㅂ시다, -(으)ㄹ까요?

Suggest: 'Let's… / Shall we?'.

Don't: -지 마세요, -면 안 돼요

Say 'Don't do it' and 'must not'.

Ability & Obligation

Can — (으)ㄹ 수 있다/없다

Can / cannot do something.

아/어야 하다 (must)

Must / have to do something.

(으)ㄹ 것 같다 (probably)

Guess: 'I think it will…'.

겠어요

Will / likely (polite tone).

Reported Speech

다고 하다 — They said

Report what someone said.

(으)라고 하다 / 자고 하다

Report orders and suggestions.

Honorifics

주체 높임: -(으)시-, 계시다

Be polite about the subject.

객체 높임: 드리다, 여쭙다

Be polite to the other person.