-아/어
Informal Ending
-아/어 is the informal, non-polite way to end a sentence. It's the base form of the polite -아/어요 ending.
How It Works
-아/어 is the most fundamental sentence ending in informal Korean speech. It's used in casual situations with people you are very close to, such as friends of the same age or younger.
Conjugation Rules:
The rule depends on the last vowel of the verb or adjective stem.
- If the last vowel is ㅏ or ㅗ, you add -아.
- 가다 (to go) → 가 + 아 → 가
- 보다 (to see) → 보 + 아 → 봐 - If the last vowel is anything else (ㅓ, ㅜ, ㅣ, ㅡ, etc.), you add -어.
- 먹다 (to eat) → 먹 + 어 → 먹어
- 읽다 (to read) → 읽 + 어 → 읽어
- 마시다 (to drink) → 마시 + 어 → 마셔 - For verbs ending in 하다, it always becomes 해.
- 공부하다 (to study) → 공부해
- 일하다 (to work) → 일해
This ending can be used for statements, questions (with a rising intonation), and commands.
- Statement: 밥 먹어. (I'm eating. / Eat.)
- Question: 밥 먹어? (Are you eating?)
It is the base form for the polite -요 ending (the polite -아/어요 style), so learning this rule is essential for many other grammar patterns.
Examples (5)
- 지금 뭐 해?
What are you doing now?
Word by Word: now what do?
- 나 먼저 집에 가.
I'm going home first.
Word by Word: I first home go.
- 이 영화 정말 재미있어.
This movie is really fun.
Word by Word: this movie really is fun.
- 피곤하면 조금 쉬어.
If you're tired, rest a bit.
Word by Word: tired if a little rest.
- 오늘 날씨 좋아.
The weather is nice today.
Word by Word: today weather is good.
Common Mistakes
Learn This First
To use this informal ending, you need to understand verb conjugation.
Related Patterns
- -요Politeness Marker
-요 is added directly to -아/어 to create the standard polite form (-아/어요). -아/어 is the informal base, and -아/어요 is the polite version.
- -ㅂ/습니다Formal Polite Ending
This is the formal polite ending. It contrasts with -아/어, which is informal and non-polite. Learners should understand the difference in formality between these endings.
- Verb stems
Understanding verb stems is essential for applying the -아/어 conjugation rules correctly, as the choice between -아 and -어 depends on the last vowel of the stem.
- -아/어라Informal Command
This is another informal ending, but it's specifically a command (imperative). It's stronger and more direct than using -아/어 as a command.
- -지?Right?
A common informal question ending used to confirm information, similar to '..., right?'. It's often used in the same casual contexts as -아/어.
Learn Next
Patterns that build on this one.