Korean Verb Conjugation: A Complete Guide
Korean verbs are the core of the language. Understanding verb conjugation and tenses is key to becoming a fluent speaker and writer. In this article, we've selected 20 essential verbs that every beginner to intermediate learner should know. We'll show you how to systematically conjugate them in present, past, and future tenses. Use the rich examples and practice questions to maximize your learning, and prepare for the TOPIK exam.
✅ 20 Essential Verbs: Mastering Conjugation
We have organized 20 essential verbs frequently used by beginners so you can see at a glance how to change them by tense. Based on the base form, check the present, past, and future tense changes and learn the rules of verb conjugation.
| Base Form | Present (-ayo/eoyo) | Past (-asseoyo/eosseoyo) | Future (-l/eul geoyeoyo) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 가다 (to go) | 가요 | 갔어요 | 갈 거예요 |
| 오다 (to come) | 와요 | 왔어요 | 올 거예요 |
| 먹다 (to eat) | 먹어요 | 먹었어요 | 먹을 거예요 |
| 마시다 (to drink) | 마셔요 | 마셨어요 | 마실 거예요 |
| 공부하다 (to study) | 공부해요 | 공부했어요 | 공부할 거예요 |
| 보다 (to see) | 봐요 | 봤어요 | 볼 거예요 |
| 듣다 (to listen) | 들어요 | 들었어요 | 들을 거예요 |
| 자다 (to sleep) | 자요 | 잤어요 | 잘 거예요 |
| 읽다 (to read) | 읽어요 | 읽었어요 | 읽을 거예요 |
| 쓰다 (to write/use) | 써요 | 썼어요 | 쓸 거예요 |
| 하다 (to do) | 해요 | 했어요 | 할 거예요 |
| 만나다 (to meet) | 만나요 | 만났어요 | 만날 거예요 |
| 사다 (to buy) | 사요 | 샀어요 | 살 거예요 |
| 살다 (to live) | 살아요 | 살았어요 | 살 거예요 |
| 만들다 (to make) | 만들어요 | 만들었어요 | 만들 거예요 |
| 일하다 (to work) | 일해요 | 일했어요 | 일할 거예요 |
| 쉬다 (to rest) | 쉬어요 | 쉬었어요 | 쉴 거예요 |
| 주다 (to give) | 줘요 | 줬어요 | 줄 거예요 |
| 입다 (to wear clothes) | 입어요 | 입었어요 | 입을 거예요 |
| 받다 (to receive) | 받아요 | 받았어요 | 받을 거예요 |
1️⃣ Present Tense: Actions and States Happening Now
The present tense is used to express facts, habits, or actions that are currently in progress. If the verb stem ends in a vowel 'ㅏ' or 'ㅗ', you attach -아요. If it ends in any other vowel, you attach -어요. The verb '하다' is irregularly conjugated to -해요.
- 저는 매일 커피를 마셔요. (일상 습관)
- 지금 도서관에서 책을 읽어요. (현재 진행)
- 언니는 학생이라서 매일 열심히 공부해요. (현재 상태)
- 저는 매일 저녁 늦게까지 일해요. (현재 행동)
- 친구와 함께 학교 앞에서 만나요. (현재의 약속)
2️⃣ Past Tense: Completed Actions
The past tense is used to express an action or state that has already been completed. If the verb stem ends in a vowel 'ㅏ' or 'ㅗ', you attach -았어요. If it ends in any other vowel, you attach -었어요. The verb '하다' is irregularly conjugated to -했어요.
- 어제 친구와 함께 영화를 봤어요. (이미 끝난 행동)
- 지난 주말에 한국 음식점에 갔어요. (과거 장소 이동)
- 저는 어렸을 때 노래를 많이 들었어요. (과거의 습관)
- 어제는 너무 피곤해서 하루 종일 쉬었어요. (과거 상태)
- 남자 친구가 꽃을 줬어요. (과거 행동)
3️⃣ Future Tense: Plans and Predictions
The future tense is used to express a plan, a will, or a guess about something that will happen in the future. If the verb stem has no final consonant or ends with a 'ㄹ' consonant, you attach -ㄹ 거예요. If it has a final consonant, you attach -을 거예요.
- 내일 비가 올 거예요. (미래 예측)
- 이번 방학에 여행을 갈 거예요. (미래 계획)
- 저는 오늘 밤 10시에 잘 거예요. (미래의 의지)
- 이번 주말에는 친구를 만날 거예요. (미래 약속)
- 이 옷은 조금 비싸서 다음 달에 살 거예요. (미래 계획)
📝 Practice Questions: Verb Conjugation Quiz
Based on what you've learned so far, try to solve the following quiz. Change the verb in each sentence to the correct tense.
1. 저는 내일 한국 영화를 _____.
정답 보기
2. 어제 친구에게서 선물을 _____.
정답 보기
3. 지금 저는 한국 드라마를 _____.
정답 보기
4. 저는 작년에 한국어를 열심히 _____.
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5. 저는 내일 학교에 _____.
정답 보기
📈 TOPIK Exam and Practical Application Tips
- ✅ Reduce Tense Errors: The most common mistake in TOPIK writing problems is tense errors. You can avoid deductions by correctly identifying the context of the sentences and using the right tense.
- ✅ Practice Matching Verbs and Tenses: Group frequently used verbs and practice saying them out loud repeatedly for each tense. (예: 가요-갔어요-갈 거예요, 와요-왔어요-올 거예요)
- ✅ Apply to Daily Conversations: Try to apply the verb conjugations you learned today directly to your diary, social media posts, and conversations with friends. It will become a skill your body remembers, not just knowledge in your head.
Conclusion: Consistency is the Key to Improving Your Korean!
Korean verb conjugation is not difficult if you practice consistently. Apply what you've learned in this article to build confident Korean skills. If it's difficult to study alone, studying with a professional tutor is also a great option.