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elementary · freeInteractive lesson

-아/어야 하다

Explanation

Stem + 아/어야 하다: 가야 해요 (I have to go).

Very common for schedules and rules. Soften with 겠 or suggestions when appropriate.

This page focuses on “-아/어야 하다.” 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 “-아/어야 하다” 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.

Examples

이 표현을 문장에서 써 보세요.

Practice putting “-아/어야 하다” into a full polite sentence.

비슷한 말과 비교해서 말해 보세요.

Say a near-miss pair out loud and notice the meaning shift.

오늘 배운 걸 한 번 더 복습해요.

Review once more today so the pattern sticks.

Common mistakes

  • Do not translate word-for-word from English when using “-아/어야 하다” — match Korean word order (SOV) and speech level.
  • Do not mix 반말 and 존댓말 in the same short exchange unless you are sure both speakers switched.
  • If a page contrasts two forms, never treat them as free synonyms — pick by meaning, not by which one you memorized first.

How to practice

  1. Level: elementary–friendly explanation; still re-check formality with a native conversation partner when stakes are high.
  2. Say every example out loud, then change one slot (place, time, or person) to force production — not only recognition.
  3. After reading, open Chamelingo and recycle the same pattern in a lesson or speaking practice so it enters long-term memory.

Check yourself

Question 1 of 1

What should you do after studying “-아/어야 하다”?

Keep learning

-고 싶다 (want to)-(으)려고 하다-는데-잖아요밖에조차마저뿐이다

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