Grammar
Sentence patterns, explained simply
Every grammar point across both books — no linguistics background required, just clear explanations and real examples.
-이에요 / -예요
BeginnerSaying what something is (polite 'to be')
Attach -이에요 to a noun ending in a consonant, or -예요 to a noun ending in a vowel, to say what something or someone is in polite, everyday speech.
저는 학생이에요.
Jeoneun haksaeng-ieyo.
“I am a student.”
-은/는
BeginnerIntroducing a topic ('as for ___')
-은 follows a noun ending in a consonant and -는 follows a noun ending in a vowel, marking that noun as the topic being talked about — very common in self-introductions.
저는 네팔에서 왔어요.
Jeoneun Nepaleseo wasseoyo.
“As for me, I came from Nepal.”
-았/었어요
IntermediateTalking about the past
Attach -았어요 or -었어요 to a verb or adjective stem (based on vowel harmony) to talk about something that already happened.
어제 일찍 출근했어요.
Eoje iljjik chulgeunhaesseoyo.
“I went to work early yesterday.”
-(으)ㄹ 거예요
IntermediateTalking about the future or intentions
Attach -ㄹ 거예요 (or -을 거예요 after a consonant) to a verb stem to talk about future plans or make a prediction.
내일부터 일찍 출근할 거예요.
Naeilbuteo iljjik chulgeunhal geoyeyo.
“I'm going to start coming to work early from tomorrow.”
-을/를
BeginnerMarking the object of a sentence
-을 follows a noun ending in a consonant and -를 follows a noun ending in a vowel, marking that noun as the object of the verb.
이 상자를 옮겨주세요.
I sangjareul omgyeojuseyo.
“Please move this box.”
-고 싶어요
BeginnerSaying what you want to do
Attach -고 싶어요 to a verb stem to say that you want to do that action.
다시 한번 배우고 싶어요.
Dasi hanbeon baeugo sipeoyo.
“I want to learn it one more time.”
-아/어야 해요
BeginnerSaying you must do something
Attach -아야 해요 or -어야 해요 to a verb stem (based on vowel harmony) to express obligation — something you must or have to do.
안전모를 써야 해요.
Anjeonmoreul sseoya haeyo.
“You must wear a safety helmet.”
-지 마세요
BeginnerTelling someone not to do something
Attach -지 마세요 to a verb stem to politely tell someone not to do an action — common in safety instructions.
기계를 만지지 마세요.
Gigyereul manjiji maseyo.
“Please don't touch the machine.”
-이/가
BeginnerMarking the subject of a sentence
-이 follows a noun ending in a consonant and -가 follows a noun ending in a vowel, marking that noun as the subject of the sentence.
사장님이 사무실에 있어요.
Sajangnimi samusile isseoyo.
“The boss is in the office.”
-(으)시-
IntermediateThe honorific infix
Inserting -시- before a verb ending shows respect toward the subject of the sentence — used when talking about (or to) a supervisor or elder.
사장님께서 오셨어요.
Sajangnimkkeseo osyeosseoyo.
“The boss has arrived. (honorific)”
-(으)면
IntermediateSaying 'if / when'
Attach -으면 to a consonant-ending stem or -면 to a vowel-ending stem to form a conditional clause — extremely common in safety procedures.
사고가 나면 바로 신고하세요.
Sagoga namyeon baro singohaseyo.
“If an accident happens, report it immediately.”
-아/어서
IntermediateGiving a reason ('because / so')
Attach -아서 or -어서 to a verb or adjective stem (by vowel harmony) to connect a reason to a result — used often when explaining why a safety step matters.
바닥이 미끄러워서 조심해야 해요.
Badagi mikkeureowoseo josimhaeya haeyo.
“The floor is slippery, so you need to be careful.”
-네요
IntermediateReacting to something you just noticed
Attach -네요 to a verb or adjective stem to express mild surprise or realization about something you're noticing in the moment.
생각보다 빠르네요.
Saenggakboda ppareuneyo.
“Oh, it's faster than I thought.”
-(으)ㄹ 수 있다/없다
IntermediateSaying you can or can't do something
Attach -(으)ㄹ 수 있다 to say you're able to do something, or -(으)ㄹ 수 없다 to say you're not able to.
여기서 통장을 만들 수 있어요.
Yeogiseo tongjangeul mandeul su isseoyo.
“You can open a bank account here.”
Put it into practice
Try a scored practice quiz to see how these patterns are actually tested.