YUNOVA · Spoken Korean
Module 9: Intermediate Korean grammar
Korean past and future tense
Key points
- Past tense adds -았/었어요 to the verb stem, for example 갔어요.
- Future or intention often uses -(으)ㄹ 거예요, for example 갈 거예요.
- The vowel in the stem decides which ending form is used.
Connecting sentences with go and seo
Key points
- -고 links actions or facts, like 'and'.
- -아/어서 links a cause or a sequence where the first action leads to the next.
- -아/어서 is not used with commands or suggestions for reasons.
Want to and can in Korean
Key points
- -고 싶어요 expresses what you want to do.
- -(으)ㄹ 수 있어요 means can; -(으)ㄹ 수 없어요 means cannot.
- 못 before a verb is a short way to say you cannot do it.
Giving reasons with nikka and neunde
Key points
- -(으)니까 gives a reason and can be followed by commands or suggestions.
- -는데 sets background or contrast before the main point.
- Both endings attach to the verb stem in the first clause.