평서 (pyeong-seo, pyeongseo) · 의문 (ui-mun, uimun) · 감탄문 (gam-tan-mun, gamtanmun)
평서, 의문, 감탄문 are distinguished by sentence purpose: stating facts, asking questions, and expressing emotions respectively.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
Sentence form that conveys facts or information
When to use
Information delivery, Stating facts, Everyday conversation
The nuance
Declarative sentences are used for ordinary statements or explanations, ending with a period (.)
Sentence form that expresses a question
When to use
Requesting information, Confirming questions, Asking in conversation
The nuance
Interrogative sentences are used to ask or confirm information, ending with a question mark (?). They use question words (who, what, etc.) or question endings (나요, 까요).
Sentence form that strongly expresses emotion or surprise
When to use
Expressing emotions, Conveying surprise, Strong reactions
The nuance
Exclamatory sentences use interjections or endings (구나, 군요, 네) to show emotion, often ending with an exclamation mark (!)
오늘 날씨가 좋다.
o-neul nal-ssi-ga joh-da., o neul nal ssi ga joh da.
Appropriate as a declarative sentence stating a fact.
오늘 날씨가 좋니?
o-neul nal-ssi-ga joh-ni?, o neul nal ssi ga joh ni?
Correct interrogative sentence asking about the weather.
오늘 날씨가 좋구나!
o-neul nal-ssi-ga joh-gu-na!, o neul nal ssi ga joh gu na!
Exclamatory sentence expressing emotion with 감탄사 ending.
오늘 날씨가 좋다?
o-neul nal-ssi-ga joh-da?, o neul nal ssi ga joh da?
Incorrect to use a period form with a question mark; should be interrogative.
너 어디 가니?
neo eo-di ga-ni?, neo eo di ga ni?
Correct interrogative sentence asking destination.
너 어디 가.
neo eo-di ga., neo eo di ga.
Incorrect declarative form when question is intended; use interrogative ending.
정말 멋지구나!
jeong-mal meos-ji-gu-na!, jeong mal meos ji gu na!
Proper exclamatory sentence expressing admiration.
정말 멋지다?
jeong-mal meos-ji-da?, jeong mal meos ji da?
Incorrect to use question mark for exclamatory intent.
Which of the following is a declarative sentence?
Which sentence best expresses surprise?
Which sentence is used to ask a question?
