Korean Verb Conjugations for Present

Conjugating verbs in the present tense is fundamental for expressing actions happening now. We’ll cover the three most common verb conjugations: -아/어요 (-a/eoyo), -아/어서 (-a/eoseo), and -고 (-go).

1. -아/어요 (-a/eoyo):

This is the standard present tense ending and is versatile for most situations.

• Rules:
  • If the verb stem ends in a vowel, attach -아요.
  • If the verb stem ends in a consonant, attach -어요.

Examples:

1. 먹다 (meokda) – to eat
   • 먹어요 (meogeoyo) – I eat.
2. 가다 (gada) – to go
   • 가요 (gayo) – I go.

2. -아/어서 (-a/eoseo):

Used to connect two related actions or express the reason or cause.

• Rules:
  • If the verb stem ends in a vowel, attach -아서.
  • If the verb stem ends in a consonant, attach -어서.

Examples:

1. 먹다 (meokda) – to eat
   • 먹어서 (meogeoseo) – Because I eat…
2. 가다 (gada) – to go
   • 가서 (gaseo) – Because I go…

3. -고 (-go):

Used to connect two actions, often when expressing intentions or plans.

• Rules:
  • If the verb stem ends in a vowel, attach -고.
  • If the verb stem ends in a consonant, attach -고.

Examples:

1. 먹다 (meokda) – to eat
   • 먹고 (meogo) – Eat and…
2. 가다 (gada) – to go
   • 가고 (gago) – Go and…

Practice Sentences:

1. 공부하다 (gongbuhada) – to study
   • 공부해요 (gongbuhaeyo) – I study.
   • 공부해서 (gongbuhaeseo) – Because I study…
   • 공부하고 (gongbuhago) – Study and…
2. 쓰다 (sseuda) – to write
   • 쓰여요 (sseuyeoyo) – I write.
   • 쓰여서 (sseuyeseo) – Because I write…
   • 쓰고 (sseugo) – Write and…
3. 마시다 (masida) – to drink
   • 마셔요 (masyeoyo) – I drink.
   • 마셔서 (masyeoseo) – Because I drink…
   • 마시고 (masigo) – Drink and…