Are you starting your journey in Korean and preparing for the TOPIK 1 exam? This post is designed just for beginners, offering a complete guide to understanding and practicing the 90 essential Korean grammar patterns for TOPIK 1.
Each grammar point comes with clear explanations and practical examples, making it perfect for beginners who want to build a solid foundation in Korean. Whether you’re focusing on listening, speaking, reading, or writing, these grammar patterns will help you communicate more effectively and confidently in everyday situations.
Plus, we’ve got a downloadable PDF so you can study anytime, anywhere at your own pace.
📥 Download the 90 TOPIK 1 Grammar PDF for Beginners here.
Start exploring the list now and take the first big step toward mastering Korean!
90 TOPIK 1 Grammar Rules for Beginners with Examples
Provided to you by koreantopik.com
1. N + 은/는 (Basic subject marker)
This is a particle added after a noun to indicate it as the subject of the sentence.
Example: 저는 선생님입니다. (I am a teacher.)
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This particle is used after a noun functioning as the object of the sentence.
Example: 저는 사과를 먹어요. (I eat an apple.)
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This particle marks the subject of the sentence, similar to 은/는, but emphasizes the subject itself.
Example: 제가 선생님입니다. (I am the teacher.)
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A formal and polite sentence-ending form used to define or explain a subject.
Example: 저는 의사입니다. (I am a doctor.)
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5. N + 입니까? (Is it...?, are you...?)
The interrogative form of 입니다, used to ask questions in a polite manner.
Example: 당신은 의사입니까? (Are you a doctor?)
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A less formal and more friendly sentence-ending form compared to 입니다.
Example: 저는 의사예요. (I am a doctor.)
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A formal and polite negation form of 입니다, used to deny or negate.
Example: 저는 한국 사람이 아닙니다. (I am not Korean.)
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A less formal and more friendly negation form compared to 아닙니다.
Example: 이것은 펜이 아니에요. (This is not a pen.)
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These conjunctions connect two nouns to indicate addition or association.
• 하고: Informal and common in conversation.
• 와: Added after nouns without final consonants.
• 과: Added after nouns with final consonants.
Example: 저는 친구와 영화를 봐요. (I watch a movie with my friend.)
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10. V/A + ㅂ니다/습니다 (Polite sentence-ending form)
This formal ending is used with verbs and adjectives to express politeness and respect.
Example: 저는 사과를 먹습니다. (I eat an apple.)
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11. V/A + 아/어/여요 (Informal polite ending)
Informal polite ending, less formal than ㅂ니다/습니다.
Example:
• 저는 밥을 먹어요. (I eat rice.)
• 저는 한국어를 공부해요. (I study Korean.)
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12. N + 에서 (Particle for place or origin)
This particle is used to indicate the location where an action takes place or the starting point of an action.
i) At/In: For actions taking place at a location (e.g., eating, exercising).
Example: 저는 집에서 밥을 먹어요. (I eat at home.)
ii) From: For verbs of movement (e.g., 오다, 가다).
Example: 저는 베트남에서 왔어요. (I come from Vietnam.)
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13. N + 에 (Particle for direction, location, or time)
This particle indicates direction, static location, or time.
i) To: With movement verbs (e.g., 가다, 오다).
Example: 학교에 가요. (I go to school.)
ii) At/In: With existence verbs (있다/없다).
Example: 친구가 학교에 있어요. (My friend is at school.)
iii) On/At: To indicate time.
Example: 아침 7시에 일어나요. (I wake up at 7 a.m.)
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14. A/V + 지 않다 (not - formal negation)
Used to negate verbs or adjectives in a more formal manner, often seen in writing.
Example: 오늘 학교에 가지 않습니다. (I don’t go to school today.)
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Used to negate verbs and adjectives in an informal manner, often used in spoken Korean.
Example: 오늘 학교에 안 가요. (I don’t go to school today.)
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16. V + 이/가 있다/없다 (have, don't have)
Indicates possession, used to express having or not having something.
Example:
• 저는 자동차가 없어요. (I don’t have a car.)
• 저는 자전거가 있어요. (I have a bicycle.)
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17. N + 에 있다/없다 (to be at/to be not at a location)
Indicates the presence or absence of someone or something at a location, meaning "is at" or "is not at."
Example: 우리 집이 대전에 있어요. (My house is in Daejeon.)
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18. Place + Position + 에 있다/없다 (is at/is not at a location)
Indicates the existence of an object in a particular location.
Common position nouns: 앞 (in front), 뒤 (behind), 위 (above), 아래/밑 (below), 오른쪽 (right side), 왼쪽 (left side), 안 (inside), 밖 (outside), 가운데 (middle), 옆 (beside), 근처 (near).
Example: 우리 집이 병원 뒤에 있어요. (My house is behind the hospital.)
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19. A/V + 고 (and)
This grammar is used to connects two verbs or adjective, meaning "and."
Example: 책을 읽고 음악을 들어요. (I read a book and listen to music.)
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This is the past tense grammar, used to express actions or states that occurred in the past.
Example: 학교에 갔어요. (I went to school.)
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This is a polite imperative form, used to request or command someone to do something politely.
Example: 열심히 공부하세요. (Please study hard.)
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This is a polite form used for making suggestions or inviting someone to do something together.
Example: 학교에 같이 갑시다. (Let’s go to school together.)
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Used after a noun to indicate "also" or "too." It can replace subject or object markers like 이/가, 은/는, 을/를.
Example: 저도 한국어를 공부해요. (I also study Korean.)
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24. N + 만 (only)
Used after a noun to indicate "only." It can replace subject or object markers like 이/가, 은/는, 을/를.
Example: 오늘 빵만 먹어요. (I only eat bread today.)
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25. V/A + 지만 (but)
This grammar is used to connect contrasting clauses, meaning "but."
Example: 어렵지만 재미있어요. (It’s hard, but fun.)
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26. V/A + 을/ㄹ까요? (shall we, why don't we?)
This grammar is used to ask for the listener’s opinion, suggest an action, or invite someone to do something together.
Example:
• 내일 갈까요? (Shall we go tomorrow?)
• 창문을 열까요? (Shall I open the window?)
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This grammar is used to express surprise, admiration, or realization about something. It translates as "Oh!" or "Wow!" in English.
Example: 날씨가 좋네요! (Wow, the weather is nice!)
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28. V/A + (으)시다 (honorific form)
This grammar is used to show respect towards the subject (the second or third person).
Example: 선생님이 학교에 가십니다. (The teacher goes to school.)
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29. N부터~ N까지 (from ~ to [time])
Expresses a time range, indicating the starting point and endpoint of a time period.
Examples: 월요일부터 금요일까지 한국어를 공부해요. (I study Korean from Monday to Friday.)
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30. N에서~ N까지 (from ~ to [place])
Expresses a location range, indicating the starting point and endpoint of a journey or distance.
Examples: 학교에서 도서관까지 걸어요. (I walk from school to the library.)
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31. V/A + 아/어서 (because, since)
This grammar is used to indicate cause-effect or sequence.
Examples:
• 비가 와서 못 가요. (Because it’s raining, I can’t go.)
• 밥을 먹어서 기분이 좋아요. (I ate, so I feel good.)
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This structure is used to express a planned or intended future action.
Example: 내년에 결혼할 거예요. (I will get married next year.)
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Expresses a future action with determination or a spontaneous decision of the speaker.
Example: 열심히 공부하겠습니다! (I will study hard!)
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34. V + 지 말다 (don’t)
Used to discourage or prohibit someone from performing an action.
Example: 이런거를 먹지 마세요. (Don’t eat this.)
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Expresses an obligation or necessity to do something.
Example: 한국어를 열심히 공부해야 돼요. (I must study Korean diligently.)
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36. V/A + 지요? (isn’t it? right?)
Used to seek confirmation, agreement, or to express shared understanding.
Example: 여기가 좋지요? (This place is nice, isn’t it?)
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Indicates an action that is ongoing in the present (present continuous tense).
Example: 숙제를 하고 있어요. (I am doing homework.)
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Expresses the speaker’s desire to do something.
Example: 그 옷을 사고 싶어요. (I want to buy that dress.)
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39. 못 + V (cannot)
Expresses the inability to perform an action despite willingness.
Example: 비가 와서 학교에 못 가요. (It’s raining, so I can’t go to school.)
Special case:
With 하다 verbs, 못 is placed before 하다.
Example: 밖에 시끄러워서 공부를 못 해요. (It's so lousy outside that I can't study.)
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40. V + 지 못하다 (cannot - formal, written)
Similar in meaning to 못 + V but is more formal and often used in written contexts.
Example: 비가 와서 학교에 가지 못해요. (It’s raining, so I can’t go to school.)
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Expresses a condition and its result.
Example: 돈이 많으면 집을 살 거예요. (If I have a lot of money, I will buy a house.)
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42. V + (으)려고 하다 (intend to, plan)
This grammar is used to indicate the speaker’s intention or plan.
Example: 내일 병원에 가려고 해요. (I intend to go to the hospital tomorrow.)
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43. V + 아/어/여 주다 (to do something for someone)
Expresses doing an action for the benefit of someone else.
Example: 수업이 끝나고 전화해 줘요. (Please call me after class ends.)
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This particle has two uses:
i) To indicate the method or means of doing something, meaning "by"
Example: 인터넷으로 검색해요. (I search by using the Internet.)
ii) To indicate the direction of an action, meaning "to"
Examples: 학교로 가요. (I go to school.)
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Indicates the recipient or target of an action.
i) 에게: Used in formal or written language.
Example: 저는 친구에게 문자를 보내요. (I send a message to my friend.)
ii) 한테: Used in spoken language.
Example: 친구한테 소포를 보내요. (Send a parcel to my friend.)
iii) 께: Honorific, used for people of higher status (e.g., parents, teachers).
Example: 할아버지께 선물을 드렸습니다. (I gave my grandfather a gift.)
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46. V + 아/어/여 보다 (to try/to have experienced)
V + 아/어/여 봤다: Indicates past experience.
Example: 저는 한국에 가 봤어요. (I have been to Korea.)
V + 아/어/여 보세요: Suggests trying something.
Example: 머리가 너무 아프면 병원에 가 보세요. (If your head hurts a lot, try going to the hospital.)
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47. V + 는 + N (noun modifier - verb)
Modifies a noun by adding a descriptive meaning using a verb.
Example: 가는 여자가 제 친구예요. (The girl who is walking is my friend.)
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48. A + 은/ㄴ + N (noun modifier - adjective)
Modifies a noun by adding a descriptive meaning using an adjective.
Example: 예쁜 여자가 많아요. (There are many pretty girls.)
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This grammar expresses the ability to do something.
Example: 저는 요리를 할 수 있어요. (I can cook.)
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This grammar expresses the inability to do something.
Example: 저는 수영할 수 없어요. (I cannot swim.)
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51. V + (으)려고 (to/in order to)
This grammar is used to express the purpose of an action. The purpose appears before (으)려고, and the action follows it.
Example: 친구에게 선물하려고 케이크를 만들어요. (I make a cake to give to my friend.)
Special Case:
(으)러 가다/오다: Used only with movement verbs to indicate the purpose of going/coming.
Example: 고기를 사러 시장에 가요. (I go to the market to buy meat.)
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52. V + 을/ㄹ게요 (I will, I promise)
This grammar expresses a promise or immediate decision for a future action, used only with the first person.
Example: 지금 잘게요. (I will sleep now.)
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This grammar indicates two actions happening simultaneously.
Example: 숙제를 하면서 음악을 들어요. (I do homework while listening to music.)
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54. N + (이)라고 하다 (to be called, to say that)
This grammar is used to:
i) Indicate what someone or something is called.
Example: 저는 코리아토픽이라고 합니다. (I am called Korean Topik.)
ii) Indirectly report what someone said.
Example: 제가 수지한테 전화하라고 했어요. (I told Suzy to make a call.)
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55. V/A + 거나 (or)
This is used to express a choice between two verbs or adjectives.
Example: 내일 놀이공원에 가거나 영화를 볼까요? (Shall we go to the amusement park or watch a movie tomorrow?)
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56. N + (이)나 (or)
This is used to express a choice between two nouns.
Example: 밥이나 빵을 먹어요? (Do you eat rice or bread?)
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57. V + 을/ㄹ 줄 알다 (to know how to do something)
This grammar indicates the ability or knowledge of how to do something.
Example: 수영할 줄 알았어요. (I knew how to swim.)
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58. V + 는 것 (turning verbs into nouns)
This grammar transforms a verb into a noun, similar to adding "tion," "ing," or "ance" in English.
Example: 저는 축구를 보는 것을 좋아해요. (I like watching soccer.)
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This grammar expresses a duration of time when attached to a noun.
Example: 3개월 동안 한국어를 공부해요. (I study Korean for 3 months.)
Special Case:
V + 는 동안: Indicates "while doing something."
Example: 공부하는 동안 어려운 것이 많아요. (There are many difficulties while studying.)
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60. V + 는데 (but, because, while)
This grammar connects two clauses, where the first clause sets the background for the second. Depending on the context, it can mean "but," "because," or "while."
Example: 한국어를 공부하는데 어려워요. (I am studying Korean, but it is hard.)
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61. A + 은/ㄴ데 (but, because, while)
This grammar is used after adjectives to connect two clauses, where the first clause provides a background or sets up the second.
Example: 날씨가 추운데 코트를 입으세요. (It's cold, so wear a coat.)
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62. N + 인데 (but, because, while)
This is similar to "A + 은/ㄴ데" but is used after nouns to connect two clauses.
Example: 저는 베트남 사람인데 한국어를 공부해요. (I am Vietnamese, and I am studying Korean.)
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63. A + 은/ㄴ 것 같다 (I think, it seems like)
This structure expresses the speaker's assumption or guess about something.
Example: 그 옷이 비싼 것 같아요. (I think that dress is expensive.)
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64. N + 보다 (than, compared to)
This grammar is used to compare two nouns, with the standard of comparison preceding "보다."
Example: 언니는 동생보다 더 예뻐요. (The older sister is prettier than the younger one.)
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65. A/V + 았/었/였으면 좋겠다 (I wish, I hope)
This structure is used to express a desire or wish for something hypothetical.
Example: 돈이 많았으면 좋겠어요. (I wish I had a lot of money.)
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This structure connects a cause and a result, where the first clause is the reason for the second.
Example: 저 식당은 문 닫았으니까 우리는 다른 식당에 갔어요. (Because that restaurant was closed, we went to another one.)
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67. V + 고 나서 (after doing, and then)
This grammar links two actions in sequence, where the first action precedes the second.
Example: 생각해 보고 나서 연락해 줄게요. (I’ll think about it and then get back to you.)
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68. N + (이)라서 (because it is, since it is)
This grammar indicates a reason related to a noun.
Example: 퇴근 시간이라서 길이 복잡해요. (Because it is rush hour, the roads are crowded.)
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69. V + (으)면 되다 (if ..., it’s okay)
This structure expresses that fulfilling a condition is sufficient.
Example: 여기에서 오른쪽으로 가면 돼요. (From here, just turn right, and it’s fine.)
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70. V + (으)면 안 되다 (if ..., it’s not allowed)
This structure is used to indicate that a condition is not permitted, often as advice or a warning.
Example: 매일 늦게 자면 안 돼요. (If you sleep late every day, it’s not good.)
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71. V + 는지 알다/모르다 (know/don’t know if...)
This grammar expresses whether the speaker knows or doesn’t know about a certain fact or situation. The clause before "는지" often includes question words like 누구 (who), 어디 (where), or 어떻게 (how).
Example:
• 지금 어떻게 하는지 알아요. (I now know how to do it.)
• 저 사람이 누구인지 모르겠어요. (I don’t know who that person is.)
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72. V + (으)려면 (if you want to...)
This structure connects two clauses, where the first expresses a desire or intention, and the second describes the required condition.
Example: 한국에 유학가려면 열심히 공부해야 돼요. (If you want to study abroad in Korea, you need to study hard.)
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73. V + 다가 (while doing... then...)
This grammar connects two clauses where the second interrupts or follows the first, indicating a change in actions or situations.
Example: 어제 티비를 보다가 엄마가 왔어요. (Yesterday, I was watching TV, and then my mom came home.)
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74. N + 때문에 / V/A + 기 때문에 (because of...)
This grammar expresses the cause or reason for something.
Example: 비가 오기 때문에 학교에 못 갔어요. (Because it rained, I couldn’t go to school.)
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75. V + 아/어 버리다 (... ended up, ... completely)
This structure conveys that an action is completely finished. It may imply relief, regret, or loss, depending on the context.
Example: 그 영화가 벌써 끝나 버렸어요. (That movie is already ended.)
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This grammar indicates a specific time when an action or event occurs.
Example: 공부할 때 질문이 있으면 물어 보세요. (If you have questions when studying, ask.)
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77. N + 는데요 / A + 은/ㄴ데요 / N + 인데요 (ending, emphasis)
Used as a sentence-ending particle, it softly emphasizes the speaker’s thoughts or invites a response.
Example: 그 집이 너무 예쁜데요. (That house is so pretty!)
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78. V + 는 중이다 (in the middle of...)
This grammar describes an action that is ongoing at the moment of speaking.
Example: 지금 운전하는 중입니다. (I’m driving right now.)
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79. A + 은/ㄴ가요? (polite ending, is it...?)
This is a polite way to ask a question or confirm something softly and naturally.
Example: 이 옷이 예쁜가요? (Is this dress pretty?)
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80. V + 나요? (polite ending, have you...?)
A soft and polite sentence-ending particle for asking questions naturally.
Example: 밥을 먹나요? (Have you eaten yet?)
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81. N + 인가요? (polite ending, is it...?) ~ similar to A + 은/ㄴ가요?
This is a polite way to ask a question or confirm something softly and naturally.
Example: 학생인가요? (Are you a student?)
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This structure follows a noun and is always paired with a negative expression (e.g., 없다, 안). It means "nothing but..." or "only...".
Example: 당신 밖에 없어요. (There’s no one but you = I only have you.)
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83. V + 게 되다 (to become, to get to...)
Express a change from one state to another, regardless of the will of the subject, often with a positive connotation.
Example: 아이돌을 만나게 됐어요. (I got to meet my idol.)
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84. V + (으)면 큰일이다 (if..., it’ll be a big problem)
This structure expresses concern or emphasizes the negative consequence of a hypothetical situation.
Example: 그렇게 하면 큰 일이다. (If you do that, it’ll be a big problem.)
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85. V + 기로 하다 (to decide to...)
Used to state a decision or resolution to do something.
Example: 한국에 유학가기로 했어요. (I decided to study abroad in Korea.)
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86. V + 은/ㄴ 적이 있다/없다 (have/haven’t experienced)
This structure describes whether someone has or hasn’t experienced something.
Examples:
• 한국에 간 적이 있어요. (I’ve been to Korea before.)
• 한국에 간 적이 없어요. (I’ve never been to Korea.)
• 쌀국수를 먹은 적이 있어요? (Have you ever eaten pho?)
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87. V + 아/어/여 있다 (to be in a state of...)
This structure describes an ongoing state or condition resulting from a previous action.
Example: 동생은 앉아 있어요. (My younger sibling is sitting.)
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88. N + 에(에게/한테) + S이/가 어울리다 (to suit, to match)
Used to indicate that something suits or matches someone.
Example: 이 옷이 손님에 잘 어울러요. (This outfit suits you well, customer.)
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89. V + ㄴ/는다 (narrative ending for verbs)
This plain narrative ending is used in writing, such as newspapers or books, or in informal speech. It is not honorific but not disrespectful.
Example: 오늘 친구를 만난다. (Today I meet my friend.)
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90. A + 다 (narrative ending for adjectives)
This plain narrative ending is used for adjectives in similar contexts as verbs, such as writing or informal speech.
Example: 우와! 이거 너무 맛있다. (Wow! This is so delicious.)
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