How to conjugate Korean verbs like a pro

Do you want to learn how to conjugate verbs in Korean? If so, you have come to the right place! In this blog post, we will discuss the different ways that Korean verbs can be conjugated. We will also provide a list of common Korean verbs and their corresponding conjugations. But before all of that, let us talk about some learning tools that will serve you well in your Korean journey. So without further ado, let’s get started!

Why you should consider using learning tools

By now, you must have figured out that you need help with learning Korean. Online language tools are the best. These tools are designed to help you develop your language skills and also work on your self-confidence while you learn Korean online. Let us show you why

italki is an online learning tool (specialized primarily in language) that offers affordable learning resources and a safe learning environment for its students. This platform also comes with an array of qualified language teachers who are attentive and have experience in the field.

 italki is a technology hub designed to be a safe space where language enthusiasts and professionals can connect, learn and exchange value. If you are starting on this journey, you have the opportunity of getting a Korean teacher on your budget. Students also have a degree of control over their learning process. 

You can and should pinpoint areas they face challenges and believe need more work. The essence of learning a language is to express oneself in said language confidently. italki has an interactive community where engaging sessions are held for the growth of the students. italki is a reliable, affordable, and above all, safe environment for advancing your language skills. 

The italki services are available for both Android and iOS devices. You can get connected on the official italki website via any browser.

Pros of using italki 

• italki is an online learning platform that offers its students an array of qualified and experienced teachers. Who not only teaches you but also encourages you. 
• For beginners with any doubt, italki makes available free unrestricted learning samples. These samples contain learning resources for Korean. 
• An active online community has been set up by italki to help its students create connections, hone conversation skills, and learn Korean pronunciation.

How to properly conjugate Korean verbs 

Korean verbs can be conjugated in several different ways, depending on the tense, mood, and politeness level. In Korean, there are three main tenses – present, past, and future – which are each conjugated differently. 

The present tense is used to describe actions that are happening now or shortly, the past tense is used to describe actions that have already happened, and the future tense is used to describe actions that will happen at some point in the future.

Rules for conjugating Korean verbs 

When conjugating Korean verbs into the different tenses, there are a few rules to keep in mind. First of all, Korean verbs always come after the subject nouns or pronouns. For example, if you wanted to say “I am eating dinner,” you would say “Naneun yeonseup sseoss-eoyo” (나는 저녁 섭취합니다).

 Secondly, Korean verbs always take on the same ending regardless of the subject. So, if you wanted to say “you are eating dinner,” you would say “Neoneun yeonseup sseoss-eoyo” (너는 저녁 섭취합니다), and if you wanted to say “he is eating dinner,” you would say “Geujeo yeonseup sseoss-eoss-eoyo” (그저 저녁 섭취합니다).

Present Tense:

To conjugate a verb in the present tense, all you need to do is add ㅂ, ㅈ, or ㄷ to the end of the verb stem. For example, the verb “eat” would become “eats,” “drink” would become “drinks,” and “read” would become “reads.”

Past Tense:

Conjugating verbs in the past tense is a little bit more complicated than in the present tense. To do so, you must first identify whether the verb stem ends in a vowel or a consonant. If it ends in a vowel, you will need to add ㅡ before adding either ㄹ or ㅣ. For example, the verb “eat” would become “ate,” “drink” would become “drank,” and “read” would become “read.”

If the verb stem ends in a consonant, you will need to add ㄹ before adding either ㄹ or ㅣ. For example, the verb “walk” would become “walked,” “talk” would become “talked,” and “study” would become studied.”

Future Tense:

Conjugating verbs in the future tense is done by adding 겠 to the end of the verb stem regardless of whether it ends in a vowel or consonant. For example, the verb “eat” would become “will eat,” “drink” would become “will drink,” and “read” would become “will read.”

Now that we have gone over the basics of Korean verb conjugation, let’s take a look at some of the most common Korean verbs and their corresponding conjugations. Remember, these verbs can be conjugated into the present, past, and future tenses.

Most common Korean verbs and their conjugation

The first verb on our list is “to eat.” In Korean, this verb is “sseolh-da” (섭취하다). To conjugate this verb into the present tense, you would say “sseolh-da” (섭취하다), “sseolh-da” (섭취한다), or “sseolh-da” (섭취해). To conjugate this verb into the past tense, you would say “sseolh-da” (섭취했다), and to conjugate it into the future tense, you would say “sseolh-eoss-eoyo” (섭취할 것 입니다).

The next verb on our list is “to drink.” In Korean, this verb is “maekju” (맥주). To conjugate this verb into the present tense, you would say “maekju” (마시다), “maek-da” (마셔), or “maek-hae” (마세요). To conjugate it into the past tense, you would say “maek-da” (마셨다), and to conjugate it into the future tense, you would say “maek-eoss-eoyo” (마실 것 입니다).

The last verb on our list is “to go.” In Korean, this verb is “chal” (찾다). To conjugate it into the present tense, you would say “chal” (가다), “chal-da” (가는), or “chal-hae” (갑니다). To conjugate it into the past tense, you would say “chal-da” (갔다), and to conjugate it into the future tense, you would say “chal-eoss-eoyo” (갈 것 입니다).

 Korean verb conjugation can seem daunting at first, but with a little practice, it will become second nature. Now that we know how to conjugate verbs in the different tenses, let’s take a look at how to use the conjugation formula tables, what they are, and how to effectively use one.

What is a conjugation formula table?

A conjugation formula table is a tabulated representation of the different Korean verbs conjugated in all the different tenses. It is a tool that can be used to help you remember how to conjugate verbs. 

To use it, simply find the verb stem you want to conjugate and match it up with the tense you want to use. For example, if you want to say “I will eat,” you would find the verb “eat” in the future tense column and match it up with the 겠 conjugation.

Tips on how to effectively use a conjugation table

Conjugation tables are a common thing nowadays. Everybody who is a student has one, and truth be told, it can be very effective until it is not. Like every other thing good and bad, conjugation tables come with their high and lows. 

But here, we will be talking about how to make the most out of your conjugation formula table. There are effective ways to use a formula table, here are some tricks:

• Take it easy on yourself. As a beginner, an intermediate, or maybe even an advanced Korean student, you need a formula table. Do not let anyone downplay any tool that helps in developing your conjugation skills. 
• Don’t lie to yourself. It is ok if when testing yourself, you go back to your table, the goal is to learn from your mistakes, and don’t beat yourself up. 
• Set a schedule, a particular time during the day when you can study your conjugation formula. Try to repeat this as regularly as you can so it becomes part of your daily routine. 
• Make mini-formula tables. After studying your conjugation table, what you should do is to keep your table away. Then get a piece of paper and write down what you have studied. It is okay if you don’t get it right the first time, remember, the goal is to grow steadily. 
• If you can, get a study buddy. Someone who can help you maximize all of the formulas you have memorized from your table. This method is more effective if you two work on quizzing each other.

Conclusion

We hope by now, you get the big picture and this article about conjugating Korean verbs was helpful to you. Let us reiterate, in order to ease your language journey, it is important to observe these tips and use the right learning tool. italki is a safe space for growth, it is resourceful and affordable. Get connected to italki today and watch yourself succeed.