Korean grammar — TOPIK II · Level 3
82 grammar patterns for this level, each with a full explanation and examples.
-(으)ㄴ 줄
Knowing/not knowing a past fact (-(으)ㄴ 줄)
TOPIK II
The past-tense counterpart of -는 줄, used with 알다/모르다 to show whether the speaker knew or didn't know about a past fact or state.
나는 승규가 그렇게 똑똑한 줄 몰랐는데 오늘 발표를 보고 알았어.
I didn't know Seunggyu was that smart, but I found out after seeing his presentation today.
가방에 책을 잘 챙겨 넣은 줄 알았는데 빠뜨렸어요.
I thought I had packed the book properly in my bag, but I forgot it.
민준이는 어제 숙제를 다 한 줄 알았다.
I thought Minjun had finished all his homework yesterday.
-(으)셔
Casual honorific statement or question (-(으)셔)
TOPIK II
A casual, familiar ending used while honoring the subject of the sentence, either to state a fact or ask the listener something.
김 씨는 마음도 넓으셔.
Mr. Kim is really generous, you know.
나한테 왜 그러셔?
Why are you doing that to me?
할아버지는 아침마다 산책을 하셔.
Grandfather goes for a walk every morning.
-재요
Relaying a heard proposal, polite (-재요)
TOPIK II
A contraction of -자고 해요, used to politely relay a proposal or suggestion someone else made.
유민이가 방학 때 중국어를 같이 배우재요.
Yumin suggests we study Chinese together during vacation.
사장님이 이번 주말에 다 같이 식사하재요.
The boss suggests we all eat together this weekend.
선배가 이 문제는 나중에 다시 이야기하재요.
The senior suggests we talk about this issue again later.
-재서
Basing an action on a heard proposal (-재서)
TOPIK II
A contraction of -자고 해서, used to develop the following content based on a proposal or suggestion heard from someone else.
친구들이 숙제 같이 하재서 도서관에서 만났다.
My friends suggested we do homework together, so we met at the library.
동생이 같이 놀재서 공원에 나갔다.
My younger sibling suggested we play together, so I went out to the park.
팀원들이 회의를 미루재서 다음 주로 정했다.
The team suggested postponing the meeting, so we set it for next week.
-으라면
If told to X (batchim stem) (-으라면)
TOPIK II
Attached to a consonant-final stem, used to assume that someone gives a certain order, which becomes the condition for what follows.
애들은 조용히 있으라면 오히려 더 떠든다.
If you tell kids to be quiet, they actually get louder.
우리 딸은 책을 읽으라면 못 들은 척하고 다른 일만 한다.
If I tell my daughter to read, she pretends not to hear and does something else.
무릎을 꿇으라면 꿇겠습니다. 제발 용서해 주세요.
If you tell me to kneel, I'll kneel. Please forgive me.
-으래요
Relaying an order, polite, batchim stem (-으래요)
TOPIK II
A polite contraction of -(으)라고 해요, attached to a consonant-final stem, used to indirectly convey another person's order or request.
형이 실내에서는 모자를 벗으래요.
My brother says to take off your hat indoors.
엄마가 밥은 남기지 말고 꼭꼭 씹어서 다 먹으래요.
Mom says not to leave any food and to chew well and finish it all.
누나가 키 크고 싶으면 허리를 펴고 똑바로 걸으래요.
My sister says to stand straight and walk properly if you want to grow taller.
-으래
Relaying an order, casual, batchim stem (-으래)
TOPIK II
An informal, addressee-lowering contraction of -(으)라고 해, attached to a consonant-final stem, used to convey another person's order or request.
승규야, 엄마가 밥 잘 챙겨 먹으래.
Seunggyu, Mom says make sure to eat properly.
반장이 쪽지에 각자 하고 싶은 말을 적으래.
The class president says to write what you want to say on the note.
유민아, 선생님이 빗자루를 책상 옆에 갖다 놓으래.
Yumin, the teacher says to put the broom next to the desk.
-(으)라며
You told me to X, so why...? (-(으)라며)
TOPIK II
Used to question someone about an order or recommendation they already gave.
나더러 여기 있으라며 왜 다른 데서 날 찾아?
You told me to stay here — why are you looking for me somewhere else?
밥을 먹으라며 왜 상을 다 치웠어?
You told me to eat, so why did you clear the whole table?
나한테는 참으라며 너는 왜 나에게 화를 내?
You told me to be patient — why are you the one getting angry at me?
-(으)라니까요
Re-stressing an order, polite (-(으)라니까요)
TOPIK II
A polite expression used to stress an order mentioned earlier, one more time.
신문을 매일 읽으라니까요.
I'm telling you, read the newspaper every day.
담배는 건강에 해로우니 끊으라니까요.
I'm telling you, quit smoking since it's bad for your health.
이쪽이 아니라 그쪽 길을 막으라니까요.
I'm telling you, block that road, not this one.
-(으)라고
Relaying an order, batchim stem (-(으)라고)
TOPIK II
Attached to a consonant-final verb stem to indirectly convey an order or recommendation heard from another person.
승규가 너보고 여기에 있으라고 하던데.
Seunggyu said to tell you to stay here.
의사는 감기 예방을 위해 손을 자주 씻으라고 말했다.
The doctor said to wash your hands often to prevent colds.
선생님께서 화단에 있는 쓰레기를 주우라고 말씀하셨어.
The teacher told us to pick up the trash in the flower bed.
-재
Relaying a suggestion, casual (-재)
TOPIK II
An informal, addressee-lowering expression used to indirectly quote someone's recommendation or suggestion.
지수가 나보고 다음 주 주말에 만나재.
Jisu suggested we meet up next weekend.
내일 집에 와. 엄마가 같이 점심 먹재.
Come home tomorrow. Mom suggests we all eat lunch together.
남자 친구가 올해에는 결혼하재.
My boyfriend suggested we get married this year.
-잔다
Relaying a suggestion, very informal (-잔다)
TOPIK II
A very formal, highly addressee-lowering expression used to convey someone else's suggestion to the listener.
민준아, 시험 끝나고 승규가 잠깐 보잔다.
Minjun, Seunggyu wants to meet up for a bit after the exam.
남편이 오늘은 너무 피곤하다고 일찍 자잔다.
My husband says he's too tired today and wants to go to bed early.
어린 딸이 자기 사진을 찍어서 아버지에게 보내 주잔다.
My young daughter wants us to take her picture and send it to her father.
-래도
Even granted it's said to be N (-래도)
TOPIK II
Used to indicate that although the preceding statement (heard from someone) assumes or presents a situation, it doesn't affect what follows.
친한 친구 사이래도 예의를 잘 지켜야 해.
Even if you're said to be close friends, you still have to be polite.
내 잘못이 아니래도 아무도 믿어주지 않았다.
Even though I said it wasn't my fault, no one believed me.
아무리 힘든 일이래도 사람들의 힘을 합하면 못할 것이 없다.
No matter how hard a task is said to be, there's nothing people can't do if they join forces.
-래서
Because it's said to be N (-래서)
TOPIK II
Attached to a noun, used to indicate that the following content is based on what the speaker heard from someone else.
내 동생이래서 하는 말이 아니라 지수는 정말 착해.
I'm not saying this because she's my sister — Jisu really is kind.
우리 엄마가 만든 요리래서 그러는 게 아니라 이건 정말 맛있어.
I'm not saying this because my mom made it — this is really delicious.
그 영화는 내가 좋아하는 배우가 주인공이래서 꼭 보려고.
I heard my favorite actor is the lead in that movie, so I'm definitely going to watch it.
-래요
Relaying that it is N, polite (-래요)
TOPIK II
A polite contraction of -(이)라고 해요, used to tell the listener something the speaker knows from having heard it.
유민이는 어머니께서 학교 선생님이시래요.
Yumin says her mother is a schoolteacher.
승규가 요즘 푹 빠져 있는 게 이 게임이래요.
They say this is the game Seunggyu is really into these days.
제가 나가는 경기는 단거리 달리기가 아니래요.
They say the event I'm entering isn't a short-distance race.
-래
Relaying that it is N, casual (-래)
TOPIK II
An informal, addressee-lowering contraction of -(이)라고 해, used to indirectly tell the listener something the speaker heard about it being N.
민준이는 아버지께서 의사이시래.
Minjun says his father is a doctor.
유민이가 제일 좋아하는 계절은 겨울이래.
Yumin says her favorite season is winter.
지수는 이 영화가 가장 감명 깊게 본 영화래.
Jisu says this is the most moving movie she's seen.
-(이)라며
You said it was N, so why...? (-(이)라며)
TOPIK II
Attached to a noun to question whether what the listener or someone else said before is different from what's expected or the current situation.
네가 필요한 건 이 책이 아니라며 왜 무겁게 여기까지 가져왔어?
You said the book you needed wasn't this one — why did you carry it all the way here?
영수 씨는 정직한 사람이라며 어째서 그의 말을 못 믿어요?
You said Yeongsu was an honest person — why can't you believe what he says?
만나기로 한 곳이 지하철역이라며 왜 공원 쪽으로 가?
You said the meeting place was the subway station — why are you heading toward the park?
-(이)라면
If it's the case that N (-(이)라면)
TOPIK II
Attached to a noun to assume that someone states their thought or will about being N, which becomes the condition for what follows.
일부러 그런 게 아니라면 선생님께서 나를 용서해 주실까?
If it wasn't on purpose, will the teacher forgive me?
승규도 내일 같이 갈 거라면 일찍 오라고 해.
If Seunggyu is going tomorrow too, tell him to come early.
내가 거짓말이 아니라면 믿을래?
If I say it's not a lie, will you believe me?
-(이)라고
Relaying/stating that it is N (-(이)라고)
TOPIK II
Attached to a noun to indirectly pass along what the speaker heard about it being N, or to present the subject's own opinion.
아이는 화분을 자기가 깬 것이 아니라고 했어요.
The child said it wasn't them who broke the flowerpot.
그는 자기가 둘의 싸움에 끼어 난처한 입장이라고 말했다.
He said he was in an awkward position, having gotten caught up in the two people's fight.
많은 사람들이 오늘날에는 정보가 힘이라고 이야기한다.
Many people say that information is power these days.
-(으)로 인하다
To be caused by (dictionary/attributive form) (-(으)로 인하다)
TOPIK II
The plain dictionary-form base of this app's already-covered -(으)로 인해(서) — attached to a noun to indicate it's the cause or reason for something.
오래된 건축물이 화재로 인해 소실되었다.
The old building was destroyed by fire.
오늘 경기는 폭우로 인하여 취소되었습니다.
Today's match was cancelled due to heavy rain.
지진으로 인한 사망자가 백 명이 넘는다.
The number of deaths caused by the earthquake exceeds one hundred.
-지 아니하다
Formal negation (-지 아니하다)
TOPIK II
A formal/written-register counterpart of -지 않다 — attached to a verb/adjective stem to deny the act or state mentioned.
나는 열다섯 살부터 키가 크지 아니하였다.
I have not grown taller since I was 15 years old.
아침부터 날씨가 좋지 아니하더니 결국 비가 내린다.
The weather wasn't good since morning, and now it's finally raining.
대한민국 국적을 가지지 아니한 사람은 공무원이 될 수 없다.
A person who does not hold Korean nationality cannot become a civil servant.
에 비하여
Compared with, relative to (에 비하여)
TOPIK II
Attached to a noun with the particle 에 to indicate that comparing it with the preceding content yields the following result — a slightly more formal counterpart of 에 비해(서).
물가가 작년에 비해 많이 오른 것 같다.
Prices seem to have risen a lot compared to last year.
지수는 나이에 비해 나이가 더 들어 보인다.
Jisu looks older relative to her actual age.
승규는 뚱뚱한 몸집에 비하여 날렵한 편이었다.
Seunggyu was quite agile relative to his heavy build.
에 비하면
Compared to (에 비하면)
TOPIK II
Attached to a noun with the particle 에 to indicate that comparing it with the preceding content yields the following result.
이 옷은 가격에 비하면 품질이 좋다.
Compared to its price, the quality of these clothes is good.
지수는 나이에 비하면 꽤 어른스러운 편이다.
Jisu is quite mature compared to her age.
전에 살던 집에 비하면 지금 사는 집은 궁궐 같다.
Compared to the house I used to live in, the house I live in now feels like a palace.
-아/어 가다
An action or state gradually continuing (-아/어 가다)
TOPIK II
An expression used to indicate that the act or state mentioned in the preceding statement is continuing.
수업이 다 끝나 간다.
Class is about to end.
지수는 아이를 키우면서 새삼 부모의 사랑을 깨달아 갔다.
As Jisu raised her child, she came to realize her parents' love anew.
높아 가는 하늘을 보니 가을이 온 것 같다.
Looking at the ever-higher sky, it seems autumn has come.
만은
only N, N of all things (restricting to one specific thing) (만은)
TOPIK II
Used to limit something to one specific thing, excluding everything else.
이번 기회만은 양보 못 해.
I can't give up this chance, of all things.
난 널 위해 뭐든지 다 해 줄 수 있지만 거짓말만은 할 수 없어.
I can do anything for you, but I can't lie, of all things.
비싼 게 항상 좋은 것만은 아니다.
Expensive things aren't always the only good ones.
만 아니면
if it weren't for N, were it not N (an unavoidable condition/reason) (만 아니면)
TOPIK II
Used to emphasize that the preceding word is an unavoidable condition or reason.
미성년자만 아니면 누구나 술을 구입할 수 있다.
As long as you're not a minor, anyone can buy alcohol.
나도 내일 졸업식만 아니면 모임에 참석하는 건데.
If it weren't for my graduation ceremony tomorrow, I'd attend the gathering too.
무더운 날씨만 아니면 친구들이랑 농구를 하러 갔을 텐데.
If it weren't for the sweltering weather, I would have gone to play basketball with my friends.
-았/었으면
if (something) had (been the case), as a condition (-았/었으면)
TOPIK II
Used to say that a past situation is the condition for the following content.
그렇게 속았으면 이제 다시는 안 속겠지.
If you've been fooled like that, surely you won't be fooled again.
수업 시간에 졸았으면 당연히 혼나야지.
If you dozed off during class, of course you should get scolded.
책을 다 봤으면 도서관에 빨리 반납해.
If you've finished reading the book, return it to the library quickly.
-(이)로군요
oh, it's (a noun)...! (exclaiming, after a noun) (-(이)로군요)
TOPIK II
Used after a noun, in a casual polite tone, to exclaim over or draw attention to a newly learned fact.
보통 솜씨가 아니로군요.
Oh, that's no ordinary skill.
바람이 차가워진 걸 보니 가을이로군요.
Judging by how cold the wind has gotten, it must be autumn.
아이가 그렸다고는 믿겨지지 않을 만큼 훌륭한 그림이로군요.
Oh, it's such a wonderful drawing that it's hard to believe a child made it.
-고말고요
of course...!, absolutely (emphatic agreement) (-고말고요)
TOPIK II
Used, in a casual polite tone, to give an emphatic positive answer to a question or to emphasize agreement.
우리 팀의 일인데 참여하고말고요.
It's our team's work, so of course I'll take part.
반에서 일등을 했는데 잘했고말고요.
You got first place in class — of course you did well!
제가 한 일도 아닌데 비난을 받았으니 기분이 나쁘고말고요.
I got blamed for something I didn't even do, so of course I feel bad.
-아/어 죽다
dying of..., extremely (-아/어 죽다)
TOPIK II
Used to say that the degree of the preceding state is very severe.
한 시간이나 뛰었더니 목말라 죽겠다.
I ran for a whole hour, so I'm dying of thirst.
내가 우승을 하다니 너무 좋아 죽겠어.
I can't believe I won — I'm so happy I could die.
요새는 정말 바빠 죽을 지경이라 밥 먹는 시간도 아깝다.
I'm so busy these days I could die, so even the time to eat feels wasted.
-아/어야지요
I should..., of course I will (stating one's resolve, casual polite) (-아/어야지요)
TOPIK II
Used, in a casual polite tone, to express the speaker's own resolve or will.
동생은 아직 어리니 형인 제가 참아야지요.
My younger sibling is still young, so I, the older one, should be patient.
엄마가 하시는 일인데 딸인 제가 무조건 도와야지요.
It's something my mom is doing, so of course I, her daughter, should help.
내일은 아침 일찍 나가야 되니 오늘은 일찍 자야지요.
I have to leave early tomorrow morning, so I should go to bed early tonight.
-아/어서는 안 되다
must not..., should not... (prohibition) (-아/어서는 안 되다)
TOPIK II
Used to say that the preceding action or state is prohibited or restricted.
내일은 중요한 회의니 저번처럼 늦게 와서는 안 되네.
Tomorrow is an important meeting, so you mustn't come late like last time.
우리는 식구가 많아서 집이 이렇게 좁아서는 안 돼요.
We have a large family, so the house shouldn't be this cramped.
김 씨는 공무원으로서 받아서는 안 될 돈을 받아 구속되었다.
Mr. Kim, as a public official, accepted money he shouldn't have and was arrested.
-아/어 드리다
to do... for someone (honorific) (-아/어 드리다)
TOPIK II
Used, in honorific speech, to say that the preceding action is done for someone else's benefit.
나는 부모님의 이사를 도와 드렸다.
I helped my parents move.
나는 어머니의 상처에 연고를 발라 드리면서 괜히 눈물이 났다.
As I applied ointment to my mother's wound, tears welled up in me for no clear reason.
지수는 고생하시는 아버지를 위해 구두를 깨끗이 닦아 드렸다.
Jisu polished her hardworking father's shoes clean for him.
-아/어 달다
please do... for me (asking someone to do something) (-아/어 달다)
TOPIK II
Used to request that someone do the preceding action for the speaker.
친구가 도와 달라고 부탁을 하면 기꺼이 도와줘야지.
If a friend asks me to help, I should gladly help them.
나는 장난감만 보면 사 달라는 아이 때문에 골치가 아프다.
I have a headache because of my child, who asks me to buy every toy he sees.
시장에서 잃어버린 아이를 찾아 달라며 한 남자가 경찰서로 찾아왔다.
A man came to the police station asking them to find his child who had gone missing at the market.
-아/어 내다
to manage to..., succeed in finishing (through one's own effort) (-아/어 내다)
TOPIK II
Used to say that the preceding action was accomplished through the subject's own effort.
골키퍼는 수차례 골을 막아 내어 팀의 승리에 큰 역할을 했다.
The goalkeeper managed to block several goals and played a big role in the team's win.
어른도 참기 힘든 고통을 소녀는 잘 참아 냈다.
The girl managed to endure pain that even an adult would find hard to bear.
승규는 숨을 몰아쉬며 이마에 흐른 땀을 소맷자락으로 쓱 닦아 냈다.
Gasping for breath, Seunggyu wiped the sweat off his forehead with his sleeve.
-아/어 나가다
to keep on... (an action progressing outward/onward) (-아/어 나가다)
TOPIK II
Used to say that the preceding action continues to progress.
승규는 열심히 일을 해 빚을 조금씩 갚아 나갔다.
Seunggyu worked hard and gradually kept paying off his debt.
인생을 살아 나가다 보면 어려운 일에 부딪칠 때가 있다.
As you go on living your life, there are times you run into hardships.
우리 팀은 경기 초반부터 주도권을 잡아 나갔고 결국 승리했다.
Our team kept seizing the initiative from early in the game and ended up winning.
-아/어 계시다
to be (in a state), honorific (-아/어 계시다)
TOPIK II
Used, in honorific speech, to say that the state expressed by the preceding word continues.
할아버지께서 살아 계셨을 때 나와 동생은 할아버지 댁에 자주 가곤 했다.
When Grandfather was alive, my sibling and I used to visit his house often.
선생님께서 벌써 와 계시니 너도 빨리 오너라.
The teacher is already here, so you should hurry over too.
집에 가 보니 아버지께서 혼자 거실에 앉아 계셨다.
When I got home, Father was sitting alone in the living room.
-아/어 갖고
do... and then (keeping the result), a casual contraction of -아/어 가지고 (-아/어 갖고)
TOPIK II
Used to say that the result or state of the preceding action is maintained; a casual, contracted form of -아/어 가지고.
나는 시장에서 반찬에 쓰일 채소들을 사 갖고 왔다.
I bought vegetables to use for side dishes at the market and brought them home.
승규가 도시락을 싸 갖고 와서 덕분에 모두 맛있게 먹었다.
Seunggyu packed a lunchbox and brought it, so thanks to him everyone ate well.
지수는 저금통에다 동전들을 모아 갖고 연말이면 불우 이웃을 도왔다.
Jisu collected coins in a piggy bank and used them to help people in need at the end of the year.
-(으)려던
that I had intended to... (attributive, unfulfilled) (-려던)
TOPIK II
Used to modify a following noun, showing that the subject had an intention or will to do the preceding action but it wasn't fulfilled or the mind changed.
내가 보려던 책을 친구에게 빌려주었다.
I lent the book I had intended to read to a friend.
밖으로 나가려던 순간 엄마가 나를 불렀다.
The moment I was about to go outside, my mom called me.
신발을 벗으려던 순간 전화가 왔다.
The moment I was about to take off my shoes, the phone rang.
-(으)려다
intended to..., but instead... (-려다)
TOPIK II
Used to say that the speaker had an intention to do the preceding action, but stopped it or did something else instead.
대학원에 진학하려다 취직했어요.
I intended to go to graduate school, but got a job instead.
케이크를 직접 만들려다 실패했어요.
I intended to make the cake myself, but I failed.
공원을 걸으려다 비가 와서 집에 있었어요.
I was about to take a walk in the park, but it rained so I stayed home.
-는가 보다
it seems that... (guessing, action verbs) (-는가 보다)
TOPIK II
Used to guess about the preceding fact.
오늘 학교 수업이 일찍 끝났는가 보다.
It seems like school ended early today.
목소리가 밝은 걸 보니 승규에게 뭔가 좋은 일이 있는가 보다.
Judging by how cheerful his voice sounds, something good must have happened to Seunggyu.
집 안이 조용한 게 모두 나가셨는가 보다.
The house is so quiet, it seems like everyone went out.
-도록 하다
to make sure (someone/something) does... (-도록 하다)
TOPIK II
Used to say that someone is made or told to do the preceding action, or that something is made to work a certain way.
나는 딸에게 손님이 왔으니 차를 내오도록 했다.
I told my daughter to bring out tea since a guest had arrived.
선원들은 승객들에게 모두 구명조끼를 입도록 했다.
The crew made sure all the passengers put on life jackets.
어머니는 우리에게 밥을 먹기 전에는 손을 씻도록 하셨다.
Mom always made sure we washed our hands before eating.
-기 위한
(a noun) for the purpose of, aimed at (-기 위한)
TOPIK II
Used to modify the following noun, indicating its purpose or intention.
쓰레기 배출을 줄이기 위한 노력은 우리 모두가 해야 한다.
We all need to make an effort aimed at reducing waste output.
정부는 청년 실업을 해결하기 위한 방안을 마련 중이다.
The government is preparing measures aimed at solving youth unemployment.
그 선수는 평소 체중을 조절하기 위한 노력을 한다.
That athlete normally makes efforts aimed at managing their weight.
-고 나다
after (doing something) is finished (-고 나다)
TOPIK II
Used to say that the preceding action has finished.
봄이라 그런지 밥만 먹고 나면 잠이 쏟아졌다.
Maybe because it's spring, but every time I finished eating I'd get so sleepy.
세 시간 정도 설거지에 주방 청소까지 하고 나니 무척 힘들었다.
After finishing about three hours of dishes and kitchen cleaning, I was exhausted.
어려운 일을 극복하고 나면 정신적으로 성숙하게 된다.
After you finish overcoming a hard thing, you become more mature mentally.
-게 만들다
to make (something/someone) become... (-게 만들다)
TOPIK II
Used to say that something is caused to become the state or situation indicated by the preceding content.
박 선수는 처음으로 출전한 국제 경기에서 우승을 해 모두를 놀라게 만들었다.
Athlete Park won her first international competition, surprising everyone.
두 사람의 절절한 사랑 이야기는 많은 관객들의 가슴을 아프게 만들었다.
The two people's heartfelt love story made many in the audience feel a pang in their chest.
아이의 웃는 모습은 항상 날 행복하게 만든다.
The child's smiling face always makes me happy.
-(으)ㄴ 편이다
tends to have (done), rather (past verb) (-(으)ㄴ 편이다)
TOPIK II
Used after a verb stem to say that, rather than stating something definitively, the past action generally leans toward being the case — the verb-past counterpart of -는 편이다.
이번 시험은 문제를 많이 맞힌 편이다.
For this exam, I got a fair number of questions right, relatively speaking.
어릴 때 책을 많이 읽은 편이다.
As a child, I read quite a lot of books, relatively speaking.
이 식당은 손님이 빨리 빠진 편이다.
At this restaurant, customers tend to clear out fairly quickly.
-아/어야겠다
I guess I should / I'll have to (verb + -아/어야겠다)
TOPIK II
Attach -아야겠다 or -어야겠다 to a verb stem to express a resolution or sudden realization that you need to do something, based on the situation right in front of you — stronger and more spontaneous than -아/어야 돼요.
오늘은 일찍 자야겠어요
I guess I should sleep early today.
돈을 좀 아껴야겠어요
I think I need to save money a bit.
비가 오니까 우산을 가져가야겠어요
Since it's raining, I should take an umbrella.
-(으)ㄹ 텐데
It'll probably be ~, so (verb/adj + -(으)ㄹ 텐데)
TOPIK II
Attach -(으)ㄹ 텐데 to a verb or adjective stem to make a confident guess about something, usually as a lead-in to advice, concern, or a related suggestion — 'it's probably going to be X, so...'
배고플 텐데 어서 드세요
You must be hungry, so please eat quickly.
길이 막힐 텐데 일찍 출발하세요
Traffic will probably be bad, so leave early.
힘들 텐데 좀 쉬세요
You must be tired, so please rest a bit.
-는지 알다/모르다
To know/not know whether (verb/adj + -는지 알다/모르다)
TOPIK II
Attach -는지 (or -(으)ㄴ지 for adjectives, -인지 for nouns) before 알다/모르다 to say whether you know or don't know a fact — turns a question into an embedded clause: 'I don't know whether/how/where ~.'
그가 어디에 사는지 알아요
I know where he lives.
이 문제를 어떻게 푸는지 몰라요
I don't know how to solve this problem.
지금 몇 시인지 알아요?
Do you know what time it is now?
-아/어 놓다
To do something in advance / leave the result (verb + -아/어 놓다)
TOPIK II
Attach -아 놓다 or -어 놓다 to a verb stem to say you did something and are deliberately leaving the result in place for later use — similar to -아/어 두다, and often interchangeable with it in casual speech.
창문을 열어 놓았어요
I left the window open.
표를 미리 사 놓았어요
I bought the tickets in advance.
음식을 냉장고에 넣어 놓았어요
I put the food in the fridge (and left it there).
-나 보다/-(으)ㄴ가 보다
It seems, I guess (based on evidence) (verb + -나 보다 / adj + -(으)ㄴ가 보다)
TOPIK II
Attach -나 보다 to a verb stem (or -(으)ㄴ가 보다 to an adjective stem) to make a guess based on outside evidence you've observed, rather than your own direct experience — similar to -는 것 같다, but specifically implies 'I'm guessing this from what I see/hear.'
밖에 비가 오나 봐요
It seems like it's raining outside (judging by what I see).
저 식당이 맛있나 봐요, 사람이 많아요
That restaurant seems delicious — there are a lot of people.
오늘 기분이 안 좋은가 봐요
I guess he's not in a good mood today.
-(으)ㄴ 채(로)
While still in that state (-(으)ㄴ 채(로))
TOPIK II
Attach -(으)ㄴ 채(로) to a verb stem to say an action happens while a certain state continues unchanged, usually a state you'd expect to change first — 'while still ~,' 'with ~ left as is.' The 로 is often dropped in casual speech.
옷을 입은 채로 잠들었어요
I fell asleep still wearing my clothes.
불을 켠 채로 나갔어요
I went out leaving the light on.
창문을 연 채로 자면 감기에 걸려요
If you sleep with the window left open, you'll catch a cold.
-(으)ㄴ/는걸(요)
But actually ~ (-는걸요)
TOPIK II
Attach -는걸요 (or -(으)ㄴ걸요 for past/adjective) to a verb/adjective stem to make a mild, slightly surprised or defensive statement, often correcting an assumption — 'but actually ~,' '~ though.' Common in casual spoken Korean.
저도 그거 좋아하는걸요
But I like that too, you know.
벌써 다 먹었는걸요
But I already ate it all.
생각보다 어렵지 않은걸요
It's actually not as hard as I thought.
-(으)ㄴ가(요)?
Is it ~? (soft question) (-(으)ㄴ가요?)
TOPIK II
Attach -(으)ㄴ가요? to an adjective stem (or -나요? to a verb stem) to ask a soft, indirect question — gentler and more thoughtful-sounding than a plain -아요/어요? question. Common when asking about something a bit personal or uncertain.
요즘 많이 바쁜가요?
Are you very busy these days?
이 옷이 저한테 어울리는가요?
Does this outfit suit me?
그 식당 음식이 맛있는가요?
Is the food at that restaurant good?
-(으)ㄹ 만하다
Worth ~ing (-(으)ㄹ 만하다)
TOPIK II
Attach -(으)ㄹ 만하다 to a verb stem to say something is worth doing, or good/tolerable enough to be worth it — 'worth ~ing,' 'not bad.' Can also express that something is bearable, depending on context.
이 영화는 볼 만해요
This movie is worth watching.
그 식당 음식은 먹을 만했어요
The food at that restaurant was decent.
힘들지만 견딜 만해요
It's tough, but bearable.
-(으)ㄹ 뻔하다
Almost ~ (-(으)ㄹ 뻔하다)
TOPIK II
Attach -(으)ㄹ 뻔하다 to a verb stem, always in the past tense (-(으)ㄹ 뻔했다), to say something almost happened but didn't — 'almost ~,' 'narrowly avoided ~ing.' Usually used for something negative that was avoided at the last moment.
넘어질 뻔했어요
I almost fell over.
버스를 놓칠 뻔했어요
I almost missed the bus.
하마터면 지갑을 잃어버릴 뻔했어요
I nearly lost my wallet.
-(으)ㄹ까 말까
Whether to ~ or not (-(으)ㄹ까 말까)
TOPIK II
Attach -(으)ㄹ까 말까 to a verb stem to describe hesitating between doing something and not doing it — 'whether to ~ or not,' 'I'm torn about whether to ~.'
이 옷을 살까 말까 고민 중이에요
I'm debating whether to buy this outfit or not.
그 사람한테 연락할까 말까 계속 생각해요
I keep thinking about whether to contact that person or not.
오늘 운동하러 갈까 말까 아직 모르겠어요
I still don't know whether to go work out today or not.
-(으)ㄹ수록
The more ~, the more ~ (-(으)ㄹ수록)
TOPIK II
Attach -(으)ㄹ수록 to a verb/adjective stem to say that as one thing increases, so does another — 'the more ~, the more ~.' Often paired with -(으)ㄹ수록 again or 더 in the second clause.
한국어는 공부할수록 재미있어요
Korean gets more fun the more you study it.
높이 올라갈수록 공기가 차가워져요
The higher you go up, the colder the air gets.
생각할수록 그의 말이 맞는 것 같아요
The more I think about it, the more his words seem right.
-(으)ㄹ지(도) 모르다
Might ~, not sure if ~ (-(으)ㄹ지도 모르다)
TOPIK II
Attach -(으)ㄹ지(도) 모르다 to a verb/adjective stem to say something might be true, without much confidence — 'might ~,' 'who knows, maybe ~.' A softer, more uncertain guess than -(으)ㄹ 것 같다.
내일 비가 올지도 몰라요
It might rain tomorrow.
그 사람은 벌써 집에 갔을지도 몰라요
That person might have already gone home.
제가 틀렸을지도 몰라요
I might be wrong.
-(으)로서
As (a role/status) (-(으)로서)
TOPIK II
Attach -(으)로서 to a noun to indicate a role, status, or qualification the subject has — 'as a ~,' 'in the capacity of ~.' Don't confuse with -(으)로써 (by means of), which sounds similar but means something different.
선배로서 조언 하나 할게요
As your senior, let me give you a piece of advice.
부모로서 최선을 다하고 있어요
As a parent, I'm doing my best.
팀장으로서 책임감을 느껴요
As the team leader, I feel a sense of responsibility.
-게 하다
Makes/causes ~ (causative) (-게 하다)
TOPIK II
Attach -게 하다 to a verb/adjective stem to say someone makes or allows something to happen — 'makes ~,' 'lets ~.' The general-purpose causative pattern, usable with almost any verb, unlike the irregular causative verb forms.
엄마는 저를 일찍 자게 해요
Mom makes me go to sleep early.
그 소식은 저를 슬프게 했어요
That news made me sad.
선생님이 학생들을 웃게 만들었어요
The teacher made the students laugh.
-고 나니(까)
After ~ing, (I realized) (-고 나니까)
TOPIK II
Attach -고 나니(까) to a verb stem to say that after finishing an action, you realized or noticed something as a result — 'after ~ing, (I realized) ~.' Emphasizes a new realization that came only after completing the first action.
운동을 하고 나니 기분이 좋아졌어요
After exercising, I felt good.
이야기를 듣고 나니 이해가 됐어요
After hearing the story, it made sense.
다 먹고 나니 배가 너무 불렀어요
After eating it all, I felt too full.
-고 나면
Once ~ is done (-고 나면)
TOPIK II
Attach -고 나면 to a verb stem to say that once an action is completely finished, the following result will happen — 'once ~ is done, ~,' 'after finishing ~.' Focuses on the future consequence of completion, unlike -고 나니(까) which reports a past realization.
이 일을 끝내고 나면 좀 쉴 거예요
Once I finish this work, I'll rest a bit.
청소를 하고 나면 기분이 상쾌해져요
Once you clean, you feel refreshed.
시간이 지나고 나면 잊혀질 거예요
Once time passes, it'll be forgotten.
-고 말다
Ended up ~ing (-고 말다)
TOPIK II
Attach -고 말다 to a verb stem to say something happened despite your effort not to let it, or that it finally happened — 'ended up ~ing,' 'finally ~ed.' Usually carries a regretful or resigned tone.
결국 넘어지고 말았어요
I ended up falling in the end.
참다가 결국 웃고 말았어요
I tried to hold it in, but ended up laughing.
그 비밀을 말하고 말았어요
I ended up telling that secret.
-곤 하다
Used to ~ (habitually) (-곤 하다)
TOPIK II
Attach -곤 하다 to a verb stem to describe something that happened repeatedly, as a habit — 'used to ~,' 'would often ~.' Usually used with the past tense (-곤 했다) to describe a past habit.
어릴 때 여기서 놀곤 했어요
I used to play here when I was little.
주말마다 등산을 하곤 했어요
I used to go hiking every weekend.
스트레스를 받으면 산책을 하곤 해요
When I'm stressed, I often go for a walk.
-ㄴ/는다
Plain-style present tense (-ㄴ/는다)
TOPIK II
Attach -ㄴ다 (vowel-ending stems) or -는다 (consonant-ending stems) to a verb stem for the plain/diary style present tense — used in writing (diaries, novels, news headlines), talking to close friends/family, or as the base form for quoting speech (-ㄴ/는다고 하다). Adjectives just use their dictionary form instead.
나는 매일 학교에 간다
I go to school every day.
그는 커피를 마신다
He drinks coffee.
오늘 날씨가 정말 좋다
The weather is really nice today.
-나(요)?
Is it? (soft question, verb) (-나요?)
TOPIK II
Attach -나요? to a verb stem to ask a soft, indirect question — the verb counterpart of -(으)ㄴ가요? used with adjectives. Gentler-sounding than a plain -아요/어요? question.
이 버스가 시청에 가나요?
Does this bus go to City Hall?
내일도 회의를 하나요?
Are we having a meeting tomorrow too?
이 근처에 카페가 있나요?
Is there a cafe near here?
-는 대신(에)
Instead of ~ (-는 대신에)
TOPIK II
Attach -는 대신(에) to a verb stem (or -(으)ㄴ 대신에 for past/adjective) to say one thing replaces or compensates for another — 'instead of ~,' 'in exchange for ~.' Can also link a downside with an upside about the same thing.
밥을 먹는 대신에 빵을 먹었어요
Instead of eating rice, I ate bread.
돈을 주는 대신에 도와달라고 했어요
Instead of giving money, I asked for help.
이 집은 좁은 대신에 값이 싸요
This house is small, but instead it's cheap.
-는 편이다
Tend to be, on the ~ side (-는 편이다)
TOPIK II
Attach -는 편이다 to a verb stem (or -(으)ㄴ 편이다 for adjectives) to describe a general tendency rather than an absolute — 'tend to be,' 'on the ~ side.' Softens a statement instead of making a blunt claim.
저는 밥을 빨리 먹는 편이에요
I tend to eat quickly.
이 동네는 조용한 편이에요
This neighborhood is on the quiet side.
저희 가족은 자주 여행하는 편이에요
My family tends to travel often.
-니/냐?
Plain-style question (-니/냐?)
TOPIK II
Attach -니? or -냐? to a verb/adjective stem to ask a casual, plain-style question — used with close friends, younger people, or family. -니? sounds a bit softer/gentler, while -냐? can sound blunter, especially from a man or in an argument.
너 지금 어디 가니?
Where are you going right now?
오늘 뭐 했냐?
What did you do today?
-도록
So that ~, to the point that ~ (-도록)
TOPIK II
Attach -도록 to a verb stem to state a purpose or goal for the following action — 'so that ~,' 'in order to ~.' Can also mean 'to the extent/point that ~' when describing a degree, similar to -게.
다들 잘 들리도록 크게 말해 주세요
Please speak loudly so that everyone can hear well.
늦지 않도록 서두르세요
Please hurry so you're not late.
목이 쉬도록 응원했어요
I cheered so much my voice went hoarse.
-든지
Whether ~ or ~, no matter which (-든지)
TOPIK II
Attach -든지 to a verb/adjective stem, often used twice to list alternatives, to say the choice doesn't matter — 'whether ~ or ~,' 'no matter which.' Can also attach to question words (누구든지, 언제든지) to mean 'anyone/anytime/etc.'
가든지 말든지 마음대로 하세요
Whether you go or not, do as you please.
비가 오든지 눈이 오든지 저는 나갈 거예요
Whether it rains or snows, I'm going out.
언제든지 연락 주세요
Contact me anytime.
-듯이
As if ~, like ~ (-듯이)
TOPIK II
Attach -듯이 to a verb/adjective stem to compare an action or state to another — 'as if ~,' 'just like ~.' Often shortened to just -듯 in casual or written speech.
시간이 흐르듯이 사람도 변해요
Just as time flows, people also change.
물 쓰듯이 돈을 써요
He spends money like water.
아까 말씀드렸듯이 내일 회의가 있어요
As I mentioned earlier, there's a meeting tomorrow.
(이)라도
Even, at least ~ (이)라도
TOPIK II
Attach (이)라도 to a noun to suggest it as a not-quite-ideal but acceptable option — 'even ~,' 'at least ~,' '~ or something.' Implies the speaker would prefer something else, but this will do.
물이라도 한 잔 드릴까요?
Should I at least bring you a glass of water?
시간이 없으면 문자라도 보내 주세요
If you don't have time, at least send a text.
커피라도 마시면서 이야기해요
Let's talk over at least a coffee.
-아/어야지
I should ~ (self-reminder) (-아/어야지)
TOPIK II
Attach -아/어야지 to a verb stem to remind yourself of something you should do, or to gently tell someone else what they should do — 'I should ~,' 'you should ~.' Softer and more casual than -아/어야 돼요.
이제 그만 자야지
I should go to sleep now.
운동을 좀 해야지
I should exercise a bit.
너도 이제 철 좀 들어야지
You should grow up a bit now too.
-에 관해(서)
About, concerning ~ (-에 관해서)
TOPIK II
Attach -에 관해(서) to a noun to introduce the topic being discussed — 'about ~,' 'concerning ~.' Very close in meaning to -에 대해(서), often interchangeable, though 관해서 leans slightly more formal/written.
그 사건에 관해서 아는 게 있어요?
Do you know anything about that incident?
환경 문제에 관해 이야기해 볼까요?
Shall we talk about environmental issues?
이 책은 한국 역사에 관한 책이에요
This book is about Korean history.
-에 대해(서)
About, regarding ~ (-에 대해서)
TOPIK II
Attach -에 대해(서) to a noun to introduce the topic being discussed — 'about ~,' 'regarding ~.' The most common way to say 'about' a topic, used constantly in both spoken and written Korean.
오늘은 가족에 대해서 이야기해 봅시다
Let's talk about family today.
그 문제에 대해 어떻게 생각해요?
What do you think about that problem?
저는 한국 문화에 대해 관심이 많아요
I'm very interested in Korean culture.
-에 따라(서)
Depending on ~ (-에 따라서)
TOPIK II
Attach -에 따라(서) to a noun to say something changes based on it — 'depending on ~,' 'according to ~.' Common in explaining variation, e.g. prices, rules, or outcomes that shift case by case.
사람에 따라 생각이 달라요
Thoughts differ depending on the person.
날씨에 따라 계획이 바뀔 수 있어요
The plan might change depending on the weather.
가격은 크기에 따라서 달라요
The price differs depending on the size.
-을/를 통해(서)
Through, via ~ (-을/를 통해서)
TOPIK II
Attach 을/를 통해(서) to a noun to say something happens by means of, or via, that channel — 'through ~,' 'via ~.' Common with media, people, or processes that connect one thing to another.
친구를 통해서 그 소식을 들었어요
I heard the news through a friend.
인터넷을 통해 물건을 샀어요
I bought the item through the internet.
이 경험을 통해 많은 것을 배웠어요
Through this experience, I learned a lot.
-자
Let's ~ (plain style) (-자)
TOPIK II
Attach -자 to a verb stem to casually propose doing something together — 'let's ~.' The plain-style counterpart of -(으)ㅂ시다, used with close friends, family, or people younger than you.
같이 밥 먹자
Let's eat together.
이따가 다시 이야기하자
Let's talk again later.
-잖아(요)
You know, ~, right? (reminding) (-잖아요)
TOPIK II
Attach -잖아(요) to a verb/adjective stem to remind the listener of something they should already know, or to point out something obvious — 'you know, ~,' '~, right?' Common in casual conversation to gently correct or explain.
오늘 제 생일이잖아요
You know, it's my birthday today.
제가 매운 음식 못 먹잖아요
You know I can't eat spicy food.
거기 문 닫았잖아요
That place is closed, you know.
-(으)ㄴ가 보다
seems to be (guess, adjective/이다) (-(으)ㄴ가 보다)
TOPIK II
Used with 이다 or an adjective to guess about something based on what was just seen or heard.
어머, 딸인가 봐요. 엄마랑 많이 닮았네.
Oh, she must be his daughter. She looks a lot like her mom.
모두들 연락이 안 되는 걸 보니 바쁜가 보다.
Since no one is answering, they must be busy.
며칠째 학교에도 못 나오는 걸 보니 지수가 많이 아픈가 보다.
Since Jisu hasn't been able to come to school for days, she must be very sick.
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