Verb conjugation in present tense in Korean

In Korean, verb conjugation in the present tense can be a bit different from what you're used to in languages like English, as the verb endings change depending on the formality level, politeness. Here's a detailed breakdown with examples:

Basic Structure of Verb Conjugation in Present Tense:

Korean verbs typically end in one of two basic vowel sounds: -다 (which is the dictionary form of the verb), and the conjugation is based on this root.

Steps for Conjugation:

1. Remove the verb ending -다 (the dictionary form).

2. Check the final vowel of the stem (the part of the verb before -다) to determine how to conjugate it.

3. Add the appropriate ending based on the formality and politeness level.

   
   

1. Informal Polite Present Tense:

This is commonly used among friends, younger people, or in casual settings where you still want to be respectful. The verb ending is -아요 or -어요.

• If the verb stem ends with a vowel ㅏ or ㅗ, you add -아요.

• For other vowel endings, you add -어요.

Examples:

1. 가다 (to go)

   • Stem: 가 (ga) + -아요 = 가요 (I go / you go / he/she goes)

2. 먹다 (to eat)

   • Stem: 먹 (meok) + -어요 = 먹어요 (I eat / you eat / he/she eats)

3. 하다 (to do)

   • Stem: 하 (ha) + -아요 = 해요 (I do / you do / he/she does)

More Examples:

• 만나다 (to meet) → 만나요 (I meet / you meet)

• 자다 (to sleep) → 자요 (I sleep / you sleep)

  
  

2. Polite Present Tense:

In more formal settings or when speaking to someone you don’t know well (or to show extra respect), you use the -ㅂ니다or -습니다 endings.

• If the verb stem ends with a vowel, use -ㅂ니다.

• If the verb stem ends with a consonant, use -습니다.

Examples:

1. 가다 (to go)

   • Stem: 가 (ga) + -ㅂ니다 = 갑니다 (I go / you go / he/she goes)

2. 먹다 (to eat)

   • Stem: 먹 (meok) + -습니다 = 먹습니다 (I eat / you eat / he/she eats)

3. 하다 (to do)

   • Stem: 하 (ha) + -ㅂ니다 = 합니다 (I do / you do / he/she does)

More Examples:

• 만나다 (to meet) → 만납니다 (I meet / you meet)

• 자다 (to sleep) → 잡니다 (I sleep / you sleep)

3. Casual Informal Present Tense:

This form is used among close friends or people of the same age group, typically in a very informal setting. It omits the polite endings and is used in daily, relaxed conversations.

• 가다 (to go) → 가 (Go!)

• 먹다 (to eat) → 먹어 (Eat!)

• 하다 (to do) → 해 (Do!)

Examples:

• 만나다 (to meet) → 만나 (Meet!)

• 자다 (to sleep) → 자 (Sleep!)

  
  

Summary of Conjugation Based on Politeness Level:

Politeness Level	Ending	Example Verb	Conjugated Form
Informal Polite	-아요 / -어요	가다 (to go)	가요 (I go)
Formal Polite	-ㅂ니다 / -습니다	먹다 (to eat)	먹습니다 (I eat)
Casual / Informal	- (No ending)	하다 (to do)	해 (Do)

Additional Notes:

• For verbs ending in 하다, the most common conjugation is 해요 in informal polite speech (e.g., 해요 for "I do" or "You do"), and 합니다 in formal polite speech (e.g., 합니다 for "I do" or "You do").

• The conjugation changes depending on vowel harmony, which is why verbs like 가다 (to go) conjugate with -아요, and verbs like 먹다 (to eat) conjugate with -어요.

These basic conjugations cover most situations in the present tense. As you progress in learning Korean, you'll encounter more subtle conjugation rules (like tense markers or honorifics), but this is a solid foundation for everyday conversations!