Pattern: -(아/어)요
-(아/어)요 (-(a, (a, eo)yo)
-(아/어)요 is a basic polite sentence ending used frequently in everyday Korean conversations.
When and how native speakers actually use it.
A polite sentence ending that expresses respect toward the listener.
When to use
Everyday conversation, Friendly polite speech, Casual requests or questions
The nuance
Attach -(아)요 or -(어)요 to the verb/adjective stem depending on the last vowel. If the stem ends with 아 or 오 without a final consonant, use -(아)요; otherwise, use -(어)요. The verb 하다 changes to 해요.
가다 → 가요
ga-da → ga-yo, ga da → ga yo
The stem '가' ends with 아, so attach '-아요'.
먹다 → 먹어요
meok-da → meok-eo-yo, meok da → meok eo yo
The stem '먹' does not end with 아 or 오, so attach '-어요'.
하다 → 해요
ha-da → hae-yo, ha da → hae yo
The verb 하다 is irregular and changes to '-해요'.
가다 → 가어요
ga-da → ga-eo-yo, ga da → ga eo yo
Since '가다' ends with 아 or 오, use '-아요'. '-가어요' is incorrect.
먹다 → 먹아요
meok-da → meok-a-yo, meok da → meok a yo
'먹다' does not end with 아 or 오, so use '-어요'. '-먹아요' is incorrect.
Which is the correct sentence ending?
What is the correct present form of 하다?
Which polite ending attaches to '먹다'?
