명령형 (myeong-ryeong-hyeong, myeongryeonghyeong) · 청유형 (cheong-yu-hyeong, cheongyuhyeong)
Myeongryeonghyeong (imperative) is for direct commands, while Cheongyuhyeong (suggestive) is for proposals or invitations to act together.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
A grammatical form that directly demands or orders someone to act
When to use
Direct command, Hierarchy relations, Official orders
The nuance
Myeongryeonghyeong is used when strongly demanding action from someone, often from a superior to a subordinate or in official contexts. Typical endings include '-아/어라' and '-십시오'.
A grammatical form used to suggest or invite someone to do something together
When to use
Joint action proposal, Friendly invitation, Peer conversation
The nuance
Cheongyuhyeong is used to propose or invite someone to act together, typically ending with '-자'. It indicates a soft suggestion rather than a command.
문을 닫아라.
mun-eul dat-a-ra., mun eul dat a ra.
Uses imperative '-아라' to give a direct command.
문을 닫자.
mun-eul dat-ja., mun eul dat ja.
Uses suggestive '-자' to propose doing something together.
창문을 열자.
chang-mun-eul yeol-ja., chang mun eul yeol ja.
Cheongyuhyeong is a suggestion, not a command; use imperative for orders.
창문을 열어라.
chang-mun-eul yeol-eo-ra., chang mun eul yeol eo ra.
Correct imperative form demanding action directly.
일찍 일어나자.
il-jjik il-eo-na-ja., il jjik il eo na ja.
Suggestive form inviting joint action.
일찍 일어나라.
il-jjik il-eo-na-ra., il jjik il eo na ra.
Direct command using imperative form.
조용히 해라.
jo-yong-hi hae-ra., jo yong hi hae ra.
Uses imperative '-해라' to express a strong command.
조용히 하자.
jo-yong-hi ha-ja., jo yong hi ha ja.
Suggestive form inviting joint quietness.
Which form is used to give direct commands?
Which form is appropriate to suggest having lunch together with a friend?
Which form is mainly used by superiors to give orders to subordinates?
Which expression is suitable to invite someone to exercise together?
