beginner · freeInteractive lesson
Politeness lives on the verb
Try it freeCompare + self-checkRead the contrast, then take the on-page quiz.Open →Explanation
요 is not a free politeness particle for every noun. Speech level is carried by the predicate: 이에요/예요, 아요/어요, 습니다…
Say 학생이에요, not 학생요. Say 가요 as one ending, not 가 요 as two random words.
Nouns can appear bare in lists and topics; the final verb carries 요 for the whole clause.
If you need more respect, upgrade the whole style (honorific 시, 께, 합니다체). Do not sprinkle 요 on every word.
Examples
저는 학생이에요.
I am a student. (요 on the copula)
지금 집에 가요.
I’m going home now. (요 on the verb)
물 주세요.
Water, please. (request ending)
Common mistakes
- Adding 요 to every noun in a full sentence. Noun + 요 is natural in short elliptical replies or orders (커피요, 학생이요).
- Putting spaces before 요 inside a verb ending.
Keep learning
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Repair the pattern with corrected examples, then reinforce the right form through short review and speaking practice.
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