Korean Verb Conjugation
Korean verb conjugation is more regular than English. Once you learn the patterns, you can conjugate almost any verb. Here are the three essential tenses every beginner needs.
Watch a verb morph from dictionary form → present → past:
Dictionary
gada
to go (dictionary form)
Present Tense: 아요/어요
The present tense ending depends on the last vowel of the verb stem:
- ㅏ or ㅗ in the stem → use 아요
- Everything else → use 어요
- 하다 verbs → always 해요
| Dictionary Form | Stem | Present | English |
|---|---|---|---|
| 가다 | 가 | 가요 | go |
| 먹다 | 먹 | 먹어요 | eat |
| 마시다 | 마시 | 마셔요 | drink |
| 공부하다 | 공부하 | 공부해요 | study |
Dictionary
meokda
to eat (dictionary form)
Practice present tense with interactive examples →
Past Tense: 았/었어요
The past tense follows the same vowel harmony rule as present tense:
- ㅏ or ㅗ → 았어요
- Everything else → 었어요
- 하다 → 했어요
| Present | Past | English |
|---|---|---|
| 가요 | 갔어요 | went |
| 먹어요 | 먹었어요 | ate |
| 마셔요 | 마셨어요 | drank |
| 공부해요 | 공부했어요 | studied |
Dictionary
gongbuhada
to study (dictionary form)
Practice past tense with interactive examples →
Future Tense: (으)ㄹ 거예요
The future tense pattern:
- Stem ends in vowel → add ㄹ 거예요
- Stem ends in consonant → add 을 거예요
| Present | Future | English |
|---|---|---|
| 가요 | 갈 거예요 | will go |
| 먹어요 | 먹을 거예요 | will eat |
| 마셔요 | 마실 거예요 | will drink |
| 공부해요 | 공부할 거예요 | will study |
Practice future tense with interactive examples →
Negation: 안 and 못
Korean has two ways to negate verbs:
안 (don't / won't, by choice):
- 안 먹어요 = I don't eat
못 (can't, inability):
- 못 먹어요 = I can't eat
Learn about 안 negation → | Learn about 못 vs 안 →
Irregular stems (starter list)
Most verbs are regular. A few high-frequency irregulars appear early:
| Dictionary | Present | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| 듣다 (listen) | 들어요 | ㄷ → ㄹ before vowel endings |
| 걷다 (walk) | 걸어요 | same ㄷ irregular |
| 춥다 (cold) | 추워요 | ㅂ → 우 before vowel endings |
| 돕다 (help) | 도와요 | ㅂ irregular (often 와) |
| 쓰다 (write/use) | 써요 | ㅡ drops / contracts |
You do not need every irregular on day one. Learn the three tenses first, then collect irregulars as you meet them in lessons.
Mini practice
Conjugate 가다 / 먹다 / 공부하다 into present, past, and future polite forms.
| Verb | Present | Past | Future |
|---|---|---|---|
| 가다 | 가요 | 갔어요 | 갈 거예요 |
| 먹다 | 먹어요 | 먹었어요 | 먹을 거예요 |
| 공부하다 | 공부해요 | 공부했어요 | 공부할 거예요 |
Related guides
Practice on Chamelingo
Our curriculum introduces present tense early, then past and future with spaced review so endings stick. Interactive drills conjugate verbs in full sentences. Not isolated flashcards.