도 (do)
도 (do) is a key Korean particle meaning ‘also’, ‘too’, or ‘even’. It adds extra information or emphasis in various contexts.
When and how native speakers actually use it.
‘도’ is a particle used after nouns to mean ‘also’, ‘too’, or ‘even’ in Korean.
When to use
Adding information, Making comparisons, Emphasizing
The nuance
1. Attach ‘도’ after a noun as ‘~도’. 2. It adds additional information, comparison, or emphasis to the preceding content. 3. It can be used in both affirmative and negative sentences. 4. When used as ‘even’, it emphasizes an extreme example or surprise.
나도 갈 거야.
na-do gal geo-ya., na do gal geo ya.
‘도’ correctly attaches to ‘나’ to mean ‘I too’.
커피도 마셨어요.
keo-pi-do ma-syeoss-eo-yo., keo pi do ma syeoss eo yo.
‘도’ attaches to ‘커피’ naturally to add information.
책도 읽었어요.
chaek-do ik-eoss-eo-yo., chaek do ik eoss eo yo.
‘도’ after ‘책’ means ‘book too’.
나도 안 갔어.
na-do an gass-eo., na do an gass eo.
‘도’ in negative sentence means ‘I also didn’t’.
그 사람도 왔어요.
geu sa-ram-do wass-eo-yo., geu sa ram do wass eo yo.
‘도’ adds ‘that person’ as an additional subject.
심지어 아이도 할 수 있어요.
sim-ji-eo a-i-do hal su iss-eo-yo., sim ji eo a i do hal su iss eo yo.
‘도’ here emphasizes ‘even a child’.
나도 몰라.
na-do mol-ra., na do mol ra.
‘도’ in negative sentence means ‘I also don’t know’.
사과도, 바나나도 좋아해요.
sa-gwa-do, ba-na-na-do joh-a-hae-yo., sa gwa do, ba na na do joh a hae yo.
‘도’ used with both nouns to indicate ‘both apples and bananas’.
What role does ‘도’ play?
What is the meaning of ‘도’ in ‘나도 갔어요.’?
When can you NOT use ‘도’?
