elementary · freeInteractive lesson
-아/어야 하다
Try it freeComplete examples with -아/어야 하다Apply the formation rule before moving into the related grammar path.Open →Explanation
Obligation.
Often 해야 돼요 in speech.
Start with “가야 해요.” (I must go.). Say the whole sentence first, then identify exactly what -아/어야 하다 contributes before changing any other words.
Compare “공부해야 해요.” with “쉬어야 해요.”. Keep the function of -아/어야 하다 the same while noticing what changes around it; then rebuild one of the examples with vocabulary you already know.
Examples
가야 해요.
I must go.
공부해야 해요.
I have to study.
쉬어야 해요.
You must rest.
Common mistakes
- Do not choose -아/어야 하다 only because an English translation contains “must”. Check the Korean function, attachment, and speech level in the full sentence.
- Do not memorize -아/어야 하다 as an isolated ending. Mark the stem or phrase it attaches to in one example, then rebuild that example with new vocabulary.
How to practice
- Production check: say “가야 해요.” naturally, then change one content word without changing the job -아/어야 하다 is doing.
- When a related pattern is listed below, compare both forms in the same situation instead of memorizing two English glosses separately.
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