Key Grammar Points in Korean

Identifying key grammar points that are versatile across contexts is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of the Korean language. Let’s explore some fundamental grammar points that are significant in various situations.

1. Subject Marking Particle – 이/가 (i/ga)

Usage:

• 이 (i) is used after a vowel stem, and 가 (ga) is used after a consonant stem.
• Indicates the subject of a sentence.

Examples:

• 저 는 학생 이에요. (Jeoneun haksaeng ieyo) – I am a student.
• 고양이 가 예뻐요. (Goyangi ga yeppeoyo) – The cat is pretty.

2. Topic Marking Particle – 은/는 (eun/neun)

Usage:

• 은 (eun) is used after a vowel stem, and 는 (neun) is used after a consonant stem.
• Marks the topic of a sentence, providing context.

Examples:

• 나 는 음악 을 좋아해요. (Naneun eumak eul johahaeyo) – As for me, I like music.
• 커피 는 매일 마셔요. (Kopi neun maeil masyeoyo) – As for coffee, I drink it every day.

3. Object Marking Particle – 을/를 (eul/reul)

Usage:

• 을 (eul) is used after a vowel stem, and 를 (reul) is used after a consonant stem.
• Marks the object of a sentence.

Examples:

• 책 을 읽어요. (Chaek eul ilgeoyo) – I read a book.
• 사과 를 먹어요. (Sagwa reul meogeoyo) – I eat an apple.

4. Honorifics – (시) (si)

Usage:

• Adds politeness to verbs or sentences.
• (시) (si) is added after the verb stem.

Examples:

• 가다 (gada) – to go
  • 가시다 (gasida) – to go (polite)
• 먹다 (meokda) – to eat
  • 먹다시다 (meoksida) – to eat (polite)

5. Negation – 안 (an) / 못 (mot)

Usage:

• 안 (an) is used to negate verbs.
• 못 (mot) is used to express inability.

Examples:

• 안 먹어요. (An meogeoyo) – I don’t eat.
• 못 가요. (Mot gayo) – I can’t go.

Practice Sentences:

1. 나 는 한국어 를 공부해요. (Naneun hangugeo reul gongbuhaeyo) – I study Korean.
2. 컴퓨터 가 고장났어요. (Keompyuteo ga gojangnasseoyo) – The computer is broken.
3. 선생님 께서 친절해요. (Seonsaengnim kkeso chinjeolhaeyo) – The teacher is kind (polite).
4. 그 책 은 너무 비싸요. (Geu chaek eun neomu bissayo) – That book is too expensive.
5. 나 는 춤 추지 못 해요. (Naneun chum chuji mot haeyo) – I can’t dance.