아요 / 어요

Explanation

Dictionary form ends in 다. Drop 다 to get the stem, then add 아요 or 어요 for polite present.

If the last stem vowel is ㅏ or ㅗ, you often get 아요 (with contractions like 가 + 아요 → 가요).

Otherwise 어요 is common (먹 + 어요 → 먹어요). Irregulars (ㄷ, 르, ㅂ, 으) need dedicated tables.

This ending is the everyday conversation default for learners.

This page focuses on “아요 / 어요.” Read for meaning first, then re-read looking only at formality and particle choice — those two details decide whether you sound natural.

After the explanation, study the worked examples and the common mistakes. Then take the one-question check so you know you did not only skim.

Connect this page to nearby Chamelingo lessons and tools. Isolated tips do not stick; a graph of vocabulary + grammar + speaking does. Use the related links at the bottom to keep walking the graph.

When you can explain “아요 / 어요” in one plain English sentence and produce one new Korean example without looking, you are ready to move on — then review again within 24 hours.