Common Korean Grammar Points
Common grammar points used in everyday conversations and written texts
1. -아/어/여서 (Reason/Cause)
Use:
- To express the reason or cause behind an action.
Example:
- 비가 오서 우산을 가지고 왔어요. (Biga oseo usaneul gajigo wasseoyo) – I brought an umbrella because it’s raining.
2. -(으)면 (If/When)
Use:
- To indicate a conditional relationship, expressing what will happen if a certain condition is met.
Example:
- 내일 비(가) 오면, 우리는 집에 있을게요. (Naeil bi(ga) omyeon, urineun jibe isseulgeyo) – If it rains tomorrow, we will stay at home.
3. -고 있다 (Present Continuous Action)
Use:
- To describe an ongoing action in the present.
Example:
- 그는 책을 읽고 있어요. (Geuneun chaeg-eul ilggo isseoyo) – He is reading a book.
4. -지 마세요 (Prohibition)
Use:
- To express a prohibition or to advise against doing something.
Example:
- 너무 빨리 달리지 마세요. (Neomu ppalli dalliji maseyo) – Don’t drive too fast.
5. -게 (Making Adjectives or Giving Permission)
Use:
- To turn verbs into adjectives or to give permission.
Example:
- 시끄러워 말고 조용히 해. (Sikkeuleoweo malgo joyonghi hae) – Be quiet instead of being noisy.
6. -고 싶다 (Expressing Desire)
Use:
- To express a desire or a want to do something.
Example:
- 여행에 가고 싶어요. (Yeohaeng-e gago sip-eoyo) – I want to travel.
7. -(으)려고 하다 (Intention or Attempt)
Use:
- To express intention or an attempt to do something.
Example:
- 내일 일찍 일어나려고 해. (Naeil iljjig ileonalyeogo hae) – I plan to wake up early tomorrow.
8. -기 전에 (Before Doing Something)
Use:
- To indicate doing something before another action or event.
Example:
- 숙제를 하기 전에 저에게 전화해 주세요. (Sukjereul hagi jeone jeoege jeonhwa hae juseyo) – Please call me before doing your homework.