Verb stems
The verb stem is the part of the verb you attach endings to. Find it by dropping -다 from the dictionary form (e.g., 먹다 → 먹-).
How It Works
Every Korean verb and adjective you learn will be in its 'dictionary form' (사전형), which always ends with the syllable -다. To use the verb in a sentence, you must first find its 'stem' (어간).
Finding the stem is simple: just remove the -다 from the end of the dictionary form.
Dictionary Form: 먹다 (to eat)
Remove -다
Stem: 먹-
This stem is the essential building block. You will attach all other grammar patterns and endings to this stem. For example:
- Stem 먹- + ending -고 = 먹고 (eat and...)
- Stem 가- + ending -ㅂ/습니다 = 갑니다 (go)
Important: Some verbs are 'irregular'. Their stems might change when you add certain endings. You'll learn these as you progress. For now, focus on identifying the basic stem. See irregular verb patterns for more.
Examples (5)
- 가다 → 가-
Dictionary Form: To go → Stem: 가-
- 먹다 → 먹-
Dictionary Form: To eat → Stem: 먹-
- 보다 → 보-
Dictionary Form: To see/watch → Stem: 보-
- 만들다 → 만들-
Dictionary Form: To make → Stem: 만들-
Even if the syllable before -다 ends in a consonant like 'ㄹ', the rule is the same. The stem is 만들-.
- 공부하다 → 공부하-
Dictionary Form: To study → Stem: 공부하-
For verbs made by adding 하다 to a noun, the entire part before -다 forms the stem. So for 공부하다 (to study), the stem is 공부하-.
Common Mistakes
Using the full dictionary form...
Not Quite저는 밥을 먹다요.Better저는 밥을 먹어요.Grammar endings are attached...
Related Patterns
- Basic verb conjugation
Verb stems are the starting point for all conjugations. Once you have the stem, you can apply conjugation rules to create different tenses and forms.
- Adjective conjugation
Korean adjectives (descriptive verbs) also have stems found by removing -다 (e.g., 크다 → 크-). They conjugate in a very similar way to action verbs.
- Irregular verb patterns
While most verb stems are regular, some change their form when certain endings are attached. Understanding the basic stem is the first step to learning these important irregular patterns.
- 하다To Do, To Make
하다 (to do) is one of the most common verbs. Its stem is '하-'. Many nouns can be turned into verbs by adding 하다 (e.g., 공부 → 공부하다), so identifying its stem is crucial.
- -아/어Informal Ending
-아/어 is one of the most fundamental verb endings (used for the informal polite -요 form). It attaches directly to the verb stem, making it a perfect example of how stems are used.
Learn Next
Patterns that build on this one.