Present polite endings
Use -아요 / -어요 for very common present-tense statements in spoken standard Korean.
Examples
KoreanTranslation
매일 한국어를 공부해요。Maeil hangugeoreul gongbuhaeyo.
I study Korean every day.
저녁에 책을 읽어요。Jeonyeoge chaegeul ilgeoyo.
I read books in the evening.
지금 버스를 기다려요。Jigeum beoseureul gidaryeoyo.
I am waiting for the bus now.
Pattern
verb stem + 아요/어요
How it works
Use -아요 / -어요 for very common present-tense statements in spoken standard Korean. This pattern typically appears as verb stem + 아요/어요 and becomes easier when you meet it again in short, readable examples.
What to notice
- The exact shape depends on the verb stem and vowel environment.
- This polite present form is central in daily conversation.
Why it matters
Use polite endings and location particles for ordinary life.
Use in context
This is the heart of beginner spoken Korean and appears in a huge amount of early lesson material.