TOPIK grammar list — 290 patterns, free download
290 Korean grammar patterns you meet on the way to TOPIK, grouped as Beginner (112), Intermediate (93), Advanced (85). Each has an English meaning and an original example sentence; tap a pattern for its full page with dialogues. The levels are our own teaching levels — this is not an official TOPIK grammar list.
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Beginner — 112 patterns
| Pattern | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| N이다 | Used to say what something is. Ends in 「이에요」 if the noun has a final consonant, and 「예요」 if it does not. | 저는 학생이에요. |
| N이/가 있다·없다 | Says whether something exists or not. Also used for having something. | 시간이 있어요? |
| 숫자 (한자어 · 순우리말) | Korean has two number systems: Sino-Korean (prices, dates, minutes) and native Korean (counting items, age, hours). | 커피 두 잔에 팔천 원이에요. |
| 날짜와 요일 | Dates are read using Sino-Korean numbers. Days of the week attach 「요일」 to the day name. | 제 생일은 오월 삼일이에요. |
| 시간 | Hours are read in native Korean numbers, while minutes are read in Sino-Korean numbers. | 세 시 삼십 분에 만나요. |
| A/V-(스)ㅂ니다 | The most formal speech style. Used in presentations, meetings, news broadcasts, and when meeting someone for the first time. | 저는 한국어를 공부합니다. |
| A/V-아/어요 | The most common everyday polite style. It sounds polite and soft, making it suitable for almost any daily situation. | 매일 아침에 커피를 마셔요. |
| A/V-았/었어요 | Used to talk about actions or states that have already ended in the past. | 어제 친구를 만났어요. |
| V-(으)ㄹ 거예요 ① | Used to talk about future actions or plans that have already been decided. | 내일 도서관에 갈 거예요. |
| V-고 있다 ① | Indicates that an action is currently in progress right now. | 지금 밥을 먹고 있어요. |
| A/V-았/었었어요 | Used to emphasize that a past state or event is no longer true today. | 예전에는 담배를 피웠었어요. |
| 단어 부정 (있다↔없다, 알다↔모르다) | Words that have their own distinct antonyms instead of taking the negative prefix 「안」. | 그 사람 이름은 몰라요. |
| 안 A/V-아/어요 | Expresses simple negative action or your intention not to do something. | 저는 커피를 안 마셔요. |
| 못 V-아/어요 | Expresses that you want to do something but cannot due to lack of ability or circumstances. | 매워서 못 먹겠어요. |
| N이/가 | Subject marker pointing out who or what performs the action. Often introduces new information. | 친구가 왔어요. |
| N은/는 | Topic marker used to introduce what you are talking about or to draw a contrast with something else. | 저는 한국 음식을 좋아해요. |
| N을/를 | Object marker indicating the target of an action. | 저녁마다 한국 드라마를 봐요. |
| N와/과, N(이)랑, N하고 | Joins two nouns, or says you did something together with someone. All three mean the same and differ only in tone. | 친구하고 영화를 봤어요. |
| N의 | Possessive marker indicating ownership or belonging. | 이건 동생의 우산이에요. |
| N에 ① (장소·시간) | Indicates the location where something exists or the time when an event occurs. | 책상 위에 안경이 있어요. |
| N에 ② (방향·단위) | Indicates a destination you are heading toward, or marks a unit of measurement/price. | 한 개에 천 원이에요. |
| N에서 | Marks where something happens, or where it starts from. | 도서관에서 공부해요. |
| N에서 N까지, N부터 N까지 | Expresses 'from where to where' for locations, and 'from when to when' for time. | 집에서 회사까지 삼십 분 걸려요. |
| N에게/한테 | Marks the person you give something to or say something to. | 친구한테 선물을 줬어요. |
| N도 | Particle meaning 'also' or 'too', indicating addition or inclusion. | 저도 그 영화를 봤어요. |
| N만 | Particle meaning 'only' or 'just', indicating exclusivity. | 저는 물만 마실게요. |
| N밖에 | Nothing but that — and it feels like too little. | 천 원밖에 없어요. |
| N(으)로 | Indicates a tool, method, direction, or material used. | 지하철로 가면 빨라요. |
| N(이)나 ① (선택) | Particle expressing an option between choices, meaning 'or'. | 커피나 차를 드릴까요? |
| N(이)나 ② (많음) | Attached to numbers to express surprise that an amount is more than expected. | 세 시간이나 기다렸어요. |
| N쯤 | Attached to nouns to indicate an approximation or estimate. | 한 시간쯤 걸려요. |
| N처럼, N같이 | Compares something to what it resembles. | 가수처럼 노래를 잘해요. |
| N보다 | Compares two things and says which one is more. | 오늘이 어제보다 더 추워요. |
| N마다 | Every one without exception, or repeating at that interval. | 주말마다 등산을 해요. |
| A/V-고 | Connects two actions or states side by side, or lists sequential actions. | 이 식당은 싸고 맛있어요. |
| V-거나 | One or the other — a choice between two actions. | 주말에는 책을 읽거나 영화를 봐요. |
| A/V-지만 | The first half and the second half go against each other. | 비싸지만 정말 맛있어요. |
| A/V-(으)ㄴ/는데 ① | Smoothly connects contrasting clauses. It sounds far more natural in conversation than 「-지만」. | 동생은 키가 큰데 저는 작아요. |
| N 전에, V-기 전에 | Before that — you do this first. | 밥 먹기 전에 손을 씻어요. |
| N 후에, V-(으)ㄴ 후에 | After that thing has finished. | 퇴근한 후에 운동해요. |
| V-고 나서 | You finish the first thing completely, then do the next. | 숙제를 하고 나서 놀았어요. |
| V-아/어서 (순서) | Expresses that the first action is completed and directly connected to the following action. | 친구를 만나서 밥을 먹었어요. |
| N 때, A/V-(으)ㄹ 때 | At that time, or around when that happens. | 학생 때 자주 놀러 갔어요. |
| V-(으)면서 | Doing two things at the same time. | 음악을 들으면서 공부해요. |
| N 중, V-는 중 | Indicates that someone is in the middle of doing an action right now. | 지금 회의 중이에요. |
| V-자마자 | The next thing happens the instant the first one ends. | 집에 오자마자 잤어요. |
| N 동안, V-는 동안 | Throughout that stretch of time. | 방학 동안 아르바이트를 했어요. |
| V-(으)ㄴ 지 | Used to state how much time has passed since doing an action. | 한국에 온 지 일 년 됐어요. |
| V-(으)ㄹ 수 있다/없다 | Says whether you can or cannot do something. Covers both ability and possibility. | 저는 한국어를 조금 할 수 있어요. |
| V-(으)ㄹ 줄 알다/모르다 | Expresses knowing or not knowing how to do something as a learned skill. | 저는 수영할 줄 몰라요. |
| V-(으)세요 | Asks or tells someone to do something, politely. It also raises the listener. | 여기 앉으세요. |
| V-지 마세요 | A polite way to tell or ask someone not to do something. | 여기에서는 사진을 찍지 마세요. |
| A/V-아/어야 되다/하다 | Expresses necessity or obligation, meaning one must do something. | 내일까지 끝내야 돼요. |
| A/V-아/어도 되다 | Used to give permission, meaning it is okay to do something. | 여기 앉아도 돼요? |
| A/V-(으)면 안 되다 | Used to prohibit an action, stating that one must not do it. | 여기에서 담배를 피우면 안 돼요. |
| A/V-지 않아도 되다 | Means that it is completely fine not to do something. | 내일은 일찍 오지 않아도 돼요. |
| V-고 싶다 | Expresses that you want to do something. | 한국에 가고 싶어요. |
| A/V-았/었으면 좋겠다 | Expresses a wish for something to happen when it has not happened yet. | 내일 날씨가 좋았으면 좋겠어요. |
| A/V-아/어서 (이유) | States that something happened because of this reason. It is the most basic way to express cause. | 배가 아파서 못 갔어요. |
| A/V-(으)니까 ① | Gives a reason. Unlike 「-아/어서」, a request or a suggestion can follow. | 추우니까 창문을 닫아 주세요. |
| N 때문에, A/V-기 때문에 | Names the cause plainly. Common in writing. | 비 때문에 경기가 취소됐어요. |
| V-아/어 주세요, V-아/어 주시겠어요? | Asks someone to do something for you. The second form is more polite. | 사진 좀 찍어 주세요. |
| V-아/어 줄게요, V-아/어 줄까요? | Offers to do something for someone, or asks if they want you to do it. | 제가 도와 줄게요. |
| V-아/어 보다 | Means trying something out. It is also often used when making suggestions. | 이 떡볶이 한번 먹어 보세요. |
| V-(으)ㄴ 적이 있다/없다 | Expresses past experience by stating whether something has happened or not. | 한복을 입은 적이 있어요. |
| V-(으)ㄹ까요? ① (제안) | Suggests doing something together by asking the listener's thought. | 같이 점심 먹을까요? |
| V-(으)ㄹ까요? ② (의향) | Asks if the listener would like you to do something. | 창문을 열까요? |
| V-(으)ㅂ시다 | Suggests doing something together. It suits formal situations. | 이제 시작합시다. |
| V-(으)시겠어요? | Asks someone's preference very politely. It is frequently used when serving guests. | 무엇을 드시겠어요? |
| V-(으)ㄹ래요? ① | Casually asks what the listener wants to do among close acquaintances. | 같이 갈래요? |
| A/V-겠어요 ① (의지) | Declares your clear intention to do something. | 제가 하겠습니다. |
| V-(으)ㄹ게요 | Tells the listener you will do something as if making a promise. | 제가 이따가 전화할게요. |
| V-(으)ㄹ래요 ② (의지) | Casually states your own choice or intention to do something. | 저는 냉면 먹을래요. |
| A/V-(으)ㄴ/는데 ② (배경) | Provides relevant background context before bringing up the main point. Used very often in Korean conversation. | 지금 밖인데 이따가 전화할게요. |
| V-(으)니까 ② (발견) | Means discovering a fact after trying or experiencing something. | 먹어 보니까 생각보다 맛있네요. |
| V-(으)러 가다/오다 | States that you go or come in order to do something. | 밥을 먹으러 식당에 갔어요. |
| V-(으)려고 | You do something with that intention. | 한국에서 일하려고 한국어를 배워요. |
| V-(으)려고 하다 | Means you intend to do something, or that something is about to happen. | 내년에 유학을 가려고 해요. |
| N을/를 위해서, V-기 위해서 | Says what the purpose is. It suits writing. | 건강을 위해서 매일 걸어요. |
| V-기로 하다 | Means deciding to do something. | 내일 아침에 만나기로 했어요. |
| A/V-(으)면 | Means 'if' or 'when' something happens. Widely used for conditions and suppositions. | 시간이 있으면 같이 가요. |
| V-(으)려면 | If you intend to do that — and what follows is what it takes. | 표를 사려면 줄을 서야 해요. |
| A/V-아/어도 | Means that even in such a situation, the outcome remains unchanged. | 비가 와도 갈 거예요. |
| A/V-겠어요 ② (추측) | Makes an immediate guess based on what you see, hear, or feel right now. | 와, 맛있겠어요! |
| A/V-(으)ㄹ 거예요 ② (추측) | Expresses a guess that something is likely the case. | 지금쯤 도착했을 거예요. |
| A/V-(으)ㄹ까요? ③ (추측) | Wonders together whether something might happen. | 내일 비가 올까요? |
| A/V-(으)ㄴ/는/(으)ㄹ 것 같다 | Softly expresses that something seems to be the case. Frequently used to avoid sounding overly direct. | 오늘은 좀 추운 것 같아요. |
| 관형형 -(으)ㄴ/-는/-(으)ㄹ N | Changes verbs and adjectives into forms that attach in front of nouns to modify them. | 어제 만난 사람이 누구예요? |
| A/V-기 | Turns verbs and adjectives into nouns. | 저는 노래하기를 좋아해요. |
| A-게 | Turns adjectives into adverbs to describe how an action is performed. | 머리를 짧게 잘랐어요. |
| A-아/어하다 | Used to describe another person's emotions observed from the outside. | 동생이 그 선물을 좋아해요. |
| V-고 있다 ② (착용) | Indicates the ongoing state of wearing clothing, accessories, or footwear. | 안경을 쓰고 있어요. |
| V-아/어 있다 | Indicates that a state continues after an action has finished. | 문이 열려 있어요. |
| A-아/어지다 | Indicates a gradual change of state. | 날씨가 따뜻해졌어요. |
| V-게 되다 | Means that something ended up happening regardless of your own intention. | 회사 일로 부산에 살게 됐어요. |
| A/V-(으)ㄴ/는지 | Connects an uncertain clause within a sentence. | 그 사람이 오는지 모르겠어요. |
| V-는 데 걸리다/들다 | Expresses how much time or money it takes to do something. | 여기까지 오는 데 한 시간 걸렸어요. |
| A/V-지요? | Used to ask for confirmation about something you already know. Shortened to 「-죠?」 in speech. | 오늘 좀 춥지요? |
| A/V-군요/는군요 | Expresses a realization or exclamation upon learning something you did not know before. | 여기가 그 유명한 곳이군요. |
| A/V-네요 | Expresses spontaneous admiration or reaction to what you are currently seeing or feeling directly. | 오늘 날씨가 정말 좋네요. |
| A-(으)ㄴ가요?, V-나요? | Used to ask questions softly. It sounds more cautious and gentle than 「-아/어요?」. | 혹시 시간이 있으신가요? |
| A/V-(으)ㄴ/는데요 | Leaves the sentence open to create a lingering nuance. Used to decline softly or express mild surprise. | 저는 잘 모르겠는데요. |
| 직접 인용 | Quotes someone's exact words directly as they were spoken. | 친구가 "내일 만나자"라고 했어요. |
| 간접 인용 | Paraphrases and reports what you heard in your own words. | 친구가 내일 만나자고 했어요. |
| 간접 인용 축약형 | Shortened forms of indirect quotations used in spoken Korean. | 내일 비가 온대요. |
| 'ㅡ' 불규칙 | When stems ending in 「ㅡ」 meet 「-아/어」, the vowel 「ㅡ」 drops. | 머리가 너무 아파요. |
| 'ㄹ' 불규칙 | The final consonant 「ㄹ」 drops before 「ㄴ, ㅂ, ㅅ」. | 저 사람을 아세요? |
| 'ㅂ' 불규칙 | When the final consonant 「ㅂ」 meets a vowel, it changes to 「우」. | 오늘은 정말 추워요. |
| 'ㄷ' 불규칙 | When the final consonant 「ㄷ」 meets a vowel, it changes to 「ㄹ」. | 음악을 들으면서 걸었어요. |
| '르' 불규칙 | When stems ending in 「르」 meet 「-아/어」, it changes into a double 「ㄹ」 (「ㄹㄹ」). | 저는 노래를 잘 몰라요. |
| 'ㅅ' 불규칙 | When the final consonant 「ㅅ」 meets a vowel, it drops. | 감기가 다 나았어요. |
| 'ㅎ' 불규칙 | For adjectives with a final consonant 「ㅎ」, the 「ㅎ」 drops and the vowel changes. | 이렇게 하면 돼요? |
Intermediate — 93 patterns
| Pattern | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| -아/어 보이다 | Expresses an outward visual impression, meaning something looks or appears a certain way. | 오늘 좀 피곤해 보여요. |
| -(으)ㄴ/는 모양이다 | Expresses an inference based on what you observe. Used about other people or external situations. | 불이 꺼진 걸 보니 아무도 없는 모양이에요. |
| -(으)ㄹ 텐데 | Expresses worry or regret while guessing a likely situation. | 지금 가면 늦을 텐데요. |
| -(으)ㄹ 테니까 | Indicates that the speaker will do something, or presumes a situation, and tells the listener what to do. | 제가 준비할 테니까 편히 오세요. |
| -(으)ㄹ걸요 | Expresses a light guess about something you are not entirely sure of. | 그 가게는 지금 문 닫았을걸요. |
| -(으)ㄴ/는/(으)ㄹ 줄 몰랐다 | Expresses that you did not expect something at all. Saying you knew means the opposite. | 이렇게 매울 줄 몰랐어요. |
| -(으)ㄹ지도 모르다 | Expresses that there is a possibility that something might happen. | 내일 비가 올지도 몰라요. |
| -기는 하지만 | Acknowledges one point first while stepping back to mention another contrasting aspect. | 비싸기는 하지만 품질은 좋아요. |
| -(으)ㄴ/는 반면에 | Contrasts two opposing sides side by side, showing one is this way while the other is the opposite. | 형은 조용한 반면에 동생은 활발해요. |
| -(으)ㄴ/는데도 | Expresses that something happened despite expectations to the contrary. | 약을 먹었는데도 낫지를 않아요. |
| 서술체 (-(느)ㄴ다) | Written narrative style used in newspapers, novels, diaries, and reports without addressing a specific listener. | 정부가 새 정책을 발표했다. |
| 반말체 | Informal, casual speech style used with close friends or younger people. | 너 지금 어디야? |
| -거든요 | Shares a reason that the listener does not know yet. | 오늘은 일찍 갈게요. 약속이 있거든요. |
| -잖아요 | Reminds the listener of a fact that they already know. | 어제 말했잖아요. |
| -느라고 | Indicates that doing one action prevented another, resulting in a negative outcome. | 숙제하느라고 못 잤어요. |
| -는 바람에 | Indicates that an unexpected event occurred and caused a negative result. | 지하철이 멈추는 바람에 늦었어요. |
| -(으)ㄴ/는 탓에 | Points out a cause in a blaming tone, stating it was the fault of that event. | 늦게 일어난 탓에 지각했어요. |
| -고 해서 | Mentions one of several reasons casually without listing them all. | 날씨도 좋고 해서 좀 걸었어요. |
| -(으)ㄹ까 봐 | You are worried it might turn out that way, so you do something about it first. | 늦을까 봐 택시를 탔어요. |
| -다고요? | Repeats what you heard in disbelief to ask for confirmation. | 내일 온다고요? |
| -다고 하던데 | Passes on something you heard and asks for the listener's thoughts. | 그 영화가 재미있다고 하던데 보셨어요? |
| -다면서요? | Used to verify or confirm something you heard from someone else. | 다음 달에 이사한다면서요? |
| -다니요? | Used to ask back in disbelief or surprise about something unexpected you just heard. | 그만두신다니요? 무슨 일이에요? |
| -(으)ㄹ까 하다 | Expresses that you are thinking about doing something, but have not made up your mind yet. | 주말에 등산이나 갈까 해요. |
| -고자 | A formal expression meaning 'in order to' or 'with the purpose of doing something'. | 여러분께 한 말씀 드리고자 합니다. |
| -(으)려던 참이다 | Expresses that you were just about to do that very action. | 저도 막 나가려던 참이었어요. |
| -(으)ㄹ 겸 | Indicates doing an action to serve dual purposes, killing two birds with one stone. | 바람도 쐴 겸 산책도 할 겸 나왔어요. |
| -아/어야지요 | Expresses a firm personal resolution or reminds someone of what must rightfully be done. | 약속했으면 지켜야지요. |
| -(으)ㄹ 만하다 | Indicates that something is worthwhile or worth doing. | 그 영화는 한번 볼 만해요. |
| -도록 하다 | Used to gently instruct or encourage someone to do something. | 내일까지 제출하도록 하세요. |
| -지 그래요? | Gently suggests a course of action, asking why you do not do it that way. | 피곤하면 좀 쉬지 그래요? |
| -던 | Modifies a noun to indicate a past repeated action or an unfinished state. | 제가 다니던 학교예요. |
| -더라고요 | Shares a fact based on your own past direct experience or observation. | 가 보니까 사람이 정말 많더라고요. |
| -던데요 | Shares what you directly observed in the past while leaving room for the listener to respond. | 아까 보니까 문을 닫았던데요. |
| 단어 피동 (-이/히/리/기-) | Passive verbs indicating that an action is done to the subject. The affix varies by verb stem. | 저 멀리 산이 보여요. |
| -아/어지다 | Expresses a passive action without specifying who performed it. | 이 책은 여러 나라 말로 번역됐어요. |
| -게 되다 | Indicates that a situation ended up that way regardless of your own intention. | 회사 사정으로 그만두게 됐어요. |
| 단어 사동 (-이/히/리/기/우/추-) | Causative verbs indicating that the subject makes or lets someone else do an action. | 아이에게 밥을 먹였어요. |
| -게 하다 | Indicates making, ordering, or allowing someone to perform an action. | 동생에게 설거지를 하게 했어요. |
| -아/어야 | States an essential condition, meaning only if the first clause happens can the rest occur. | 예약을 해야 들어갈 수 있어요. |
| -거든 | Sets a condition meaning 'once/if that happens'. Followed by a request or suggestion. | 도착하거든 연락 주세요. |
| -(으)ㄹ 뿐만 아니라 | Adds more information, meaning 'not only this, but also that'. | 값이 쌀 뿐만 아니라 맛도 좋아요. |
| -(으)ㄴ/는 데다가 | Indicates that an additional situation is compounded on top of the first one. | 비가 오는 데다가 바람까지 불어요. |
| 조차 | Even that one — and that is surprising. | 이름조차 기억이 안 나요. |
| 만 해도 | Gives an example, stating that just considering this single case proves the point. | 어제만 해도 세 번이나 왔어요. |
| -는 길에 | On the way there or back. | 퇴근하는 길에 장을 봤어요. |
| -다가 | Indicates that an action was interrupted or changed to another action midway. | 걸어가다가 넘어졌어요. |
| -(으)ㄹ 정도로 | Compares the degree of an action or state, meaning 'to the extent that'. | 말도 못 할 정도로 바빠요. |
| 만 하다 | Indicates that the size or degree of something is roughly equivalent to the noun. | 수박이 아기 머리만 해요. |
| -(으)ㄴ/는/(으)ㄹ 만큼 | Means 'as much as' or 'in proportion to' the extent of the action or state. | 노력한 만큼 결과가 나와요. |
| 아무나 / 아무거나 / 아무 데나 | Indicates that any person, item, or place is fine without restriction. | 아무거나 다 좋아요. |
| (이)나 (아쉬운 선택) | Expresses settling for an option as a second-best choice, even if not fully satisfied. | 심심한데 영화나 볼까요? |
| (이)라도 | Not the best choice, but that one will do. | 물이라도 한 잔 드릴까요? |
| -든지 -든지 | Indicates that choosing either option makes no difference. | 가든지 말든지 마음대로 하세요. |
| -(으)ㄴ/는 대신에 | Indicates replacing one action or thing with another instead. | 고기를 먹는 대신에 생선을 먹어요. |
| 만에 | Indicates that a certain amount of time has elapsed before an action takes place. | 십 년 만에 고향에 갔어요. |
| -아/어 가지고 | Indicates completing an action and carrying that resulting state into the next action. | 김밥을 싸 가지고 갔어요. |
| -았/었다가 | You did that, then switched to the opposite. | 창문을 열었다가 추워서 닫았어요. |
| -고서 | Clarifies sequential order, meaning doing the next action after completely finishing the first. | 밥을 다 먹고서 약을 드세요. |
| -고 보니 | Indicates realizing something new only after completing the action. | 사고 보니 같은 게 집에 있었어요. |
| -다 보니 | You kept doing it, and this is how it turned out. | 매일 듣다 보니 귀가 트였어요. |
| -다 보면 | Keep doing it and one day it will turn out that way. | 꾸준히 하다 보면 늘어요. |
| -더니 | Connects an observation you witnessed in the past with its resulting outcome. | 며칠 무리하더니 결국 몸살이 났어요. |
| -았/었더니 | Expresses that doing a certain action resulted in a particular outcome or discovery. | 약을 먹었더니 좀 낫네요. |
| -다가는 | Warns that continuing to do an action will eventually lead to a bad result. | 그렇게 먹다가는 배탈 나요. |
| -(으)ㄴ/는 셈이다 | Indicates that, all things considered, a situation is practically equivalent to something. | 이 정도면 다 끝난 셈이에요. |
| -아/어 놓다 | Indicates doing an action in advance and maintaining that resulting state. | 창문을 열어 놨어요. |
| -아/어 두다 | Indicates doing an action in advance for future use or purpose. | 필요할까 봐 적어 뒀어요. |
| -(으)ㄴ 채로 | Indicates doing another action while maintaining the preceding state unchanged. | 신발을 신은 채로 들어왔어요. |
| -(으)ㄴ/는 대로 | Means doing something exactly as it is, or immediately after an action occurs. | 본 대로 말씀해 주세요. |
| -(으)ㄴ/는 편이다 | States that something leans toward a certain side rather than making a definitive claim. | 저는 매운 걸 잘 먹는 편이에요. |
| 스럽다 | Attaches to a noun to create an adjective meaning having that quality or impression. | 그 소식은 정말 자랑스러워요. |
| 답다 | Attaches to a noun to indicate being truly worthy of or matching its name. | 역시 프로답네요. |
| 얼마나 -(으)ㄴ/는지 모르다 | Emphasizes the extreme degree of a state or action beyond description. | 얼마나 기뻤는지 몰라요. |
| -(으)ㄹ 수밖에 없다 | Expresses that there is no other choice or alternative but to do that action. | 비가 오니 취소할 수밖에 없었어요. |
| -(으)ㄹ 뿐이다 | Expresses that something is only that one thing and nothing more. | 저는 최선을 다했을 뿐이에요. |
| (이)야말로 | That one, and nothing else, is the real thing. | 건강이야말로 가장 큰 재산이에요. |
| -게 (목적) | Indicates a purpose or goal, meaning 'so that' a certain state or action is achieved. | 잘 보이게 크게 써 주세요. |
| -도록 | So that it turns out that way, or right up until then. | 모두 들을 수 있도록 크게 말해 주세요. |
| -았/었다가 (완료 후 전환) | Indicates that an action was completed and then reversed to the opposite state. | 불을 켰다가 다시 껐어요. |
| -았/었던 | Describes a noun by something that was true once, back then. | 예전에 살았던 동네예요. |
| -아/어 버리다 | Expresses completing an action entirely, accompanied by feelings of relief or regret. | 다 먹어 버렸어요. |
| -고 말다 | Expresses that a situation ended up happening in the end, with strong lingering regret. | 결국 지고 말았어요. |
| -(으)나 마나 | Expresses that doing or not doing the action makes no difference, so it is useless. | 물어보나 마나 안 된다고 할 거예요. |
| -아/어 봤자 | Expresses that even if you try doing the action, it will be useless or in vain. | 지금 가 봤자 이미 끝났어요. |
| -(느)ㄴ다면 | Supposes that it were so. For things far from what is actually true. | 제가 새라면 날아갈 텐데요. |
| -았/었더라면 | Expresses regret about a past situation, imagining what would have happened if things went differently. | 조금만 일찍 나왔더라면 안 늦었을 텐데요. |
| -(으)ㄹ 뻔하다 | Indicates that something almost happened, but ultimately did not occur in reality. | 하마터면 넘어질 뻔했어요. |
| -(으)ㄹ걸 그랬다 | Expresses personal regret, wishing that you had done a particular action. | 우산을 가져올걸 그랬어요. |
| -았/었어야 했는데 | Expresses regret that you should have done something, but failed to do so. | 미리 연락했어야 했는데 깜빡했어요. |
| -곤 하다 | Expresses a repeated habit or routine that you do from time to time. | 주말이면 산에 가곤 해요. |
| -기는요 | Used to modestly deflect a compliment or apologize in a humble way. | 잘하기는요, 아직 멀었어요. |
| -(으)ㄴ/는 척하다 | Indicates pretending to do or be something that is not true in reality. | 모르는 척했어요. |
Advanced — 85 patterns
| Pattern | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| -느니 | Indicates that choosing the latter option is better than doing the former. | 이 값을 주고 사느니 차라리 만들어 쓰겠어요. |
| -(으)ㄹ 바에야 | Expresses choosing a better alternative since things have already ended up this way. | 늦게 갈 바에야 아예 가지 맙시다. |
| -건 -건 | Indicates that the outcome remains the same regardless of which option is chosen. | 비가 오건 눈이 오건 경기는 열립니다. |
| -(느)ㄴ다기보다는 | Used to rephrase a statement, indicating that the latter expression is more accurate than the former. | 싫다기보다는 아직 자신이 없어요. |
| 보고 | A colloquial particle pointing to the person spoken to. Used among closer acquaintances than 「에게」. | 누가 너보고 그런 말을 했어? |
| -(느)ㄴ다니까 | Used to emphasize and reiterate what you already said. | 벌써 출발했다니까 걱정하지 마세요. |
| -(느)ㄴ다면서 | Used to ask the listener for confirmation regarding a fact you heard. | 다음 달에 이사한다면서요? |
| 에 의하면 | A formal expression used to state the source of information. | 일기 예보에 의하면 내일 비가 온답니다. |
| -(으)ㅁ | A written nominalizer that turns sentences into noun forms, commonly used in public notices and reports. | 회의가 취소되었음을 알려 드립니다. |
| -는 데 | Marks the process or the case of doing something. | 집을 구하는 데 두 달이 걸렸어요. |
| -는 바 | Used in formal contexts to refer to the preceding content and continue the statement. | 조사한 바에 따르면 원인은 부주의였습니다. |
| (으)로 인해서 | Used to state a cause in formal contexts. Frequently appears in news broadcasts and formal reports. | 폭설로 인해서 항공편이 결항되었습니다. |
| -는 통에 | Used when a chaotic or hectic situation leads to a bad outcome. | 공사하는 통에 밤새 잠을 못 잤어요. |
| (으)로 말미암아 | Used in formal written Korean to state a cause or ground. | 작은 오해로 말미암아 사이가 멀어졌다. |
| -느니만큼 | Indicates that the preceding content serves as a sufficient reason or ground for what follows. | 경험이 많으니만큼 믿음이 갑니다. |
| -는 이상 | Indicates that since things have already turned out this way, one must naturally do the following action. | 약속한 이상 지켜야지요. |
| -기로서니 | Indicates that no matter how much that may be the case, going that far is excessive. | 아무리 바쁘기로서니 밥은 먹어야지. |
| -기에 망정이지 | Expresses that fortunately, taking that action prevented a serious disaster or trouble. | 미리 예약했기에 망정이지 못 들어갈 뻔했어요. |
| -(느)ㄴ답시고 | Used when someone did something under a plausible excuse but the result is displeasing. | 돕는답시고 오히려 일을 키웠어요. |
| -(으)ㅁ으로써 | Used to state a means or method of an action in formal contexts. | 서로 대화함으로써 갈등을 풀 수 있습니다. |
| -기에 | Used in written style to state a reason or ground for an action. | 하늘이 맑기에 창문을 활짝 열었다. |
| -길래 | Used in spoken Korean to give a reason. The subject of the first clause is usually not the speaker. | 맛있어 보이길래 하나 샀어요. |
| -더라도 | Even supposing that were so, the result does not change. | 실패하더라도 후회는 없어요. |
| -(으)ㄹ지라도 | A concessive expression meaning 'even if', stronger and more literary than 「-더라도」. | 아무리 어려울지라도 포기하지 않겠습니다. |
| -(으)ㄴ들 | Means that doing so is useless, commonly used alongside a rhetorical question. | 지금 후회한들 무슨 소용이 있겠어요? |
| -(으)ㄹ망정 | Indicates that even if the first condition is accepted, one will firmly uphold the following principle. | 굶을망정 남의 것에 손대지 않겠다. |
| -(느)ㄴ다고 치다 | Used to assume and accept something as true, even if it is not actually the case. | 그렇다고 쳐도 설명은 해야지요. |
| -는 셈치다 | Indicates considering or treating something as such, even though it is not true in reality. | 속는 셈치고 한번 믿어 볼게요. |
| -기가 무섭게 | Emphasizes that the second action occurs immediately as soon as the first action finishes. | 종이 울리기가 무섭게 교실을 나갔다. |
| -자 | A written expression indicating that the second action immediately follows the first. | 문을 열자 찬바람이 들어왔다. |
| -는 한 | Means 'as long as' or 'while that condition is maintained'. | 내가 아는 한 그런 규정은 없습니다. |
| -(으)ㄹ라치면 | Indicates that whenever you try to do an action, an interruption always gets in the way. | 좀 쉴라치면 꼭 전화가 온다. |
| -노라면 | A written expression meaning 'if you keep on doing that action'. | 꾸준히 하노라면 좋은 날이 옵니다. |
| -느냐에 달려 있다 | Indicates that the outcome depends entirely on that factor. | 성공은 얼마나 준비하느냐에 달려 있어요. |
| -기 나름이다 | Indicates that the outcome changes depending on how one does or perceives it. | 세상일은 다 생각하기 나름이지요. |
| 은/는 대로 | Indicates that each item has its own distinct usefulness or value respectively. | 이건 이것대로 저건 저것대로 쓸모가 있어요. |
| -는 김에 | Indicates taking the opportunity of doing one action to do another at the same time. | 나가는 김에 우편물도 부칠게요. |
| -건만 | A written expression showing regret that the result fell short of expectations despite the preceding effort. | 그렇게 열심히 했건만 결과가 아쉽네요. |
| -고도 | Indicates acting in an opposite or contradictory way even after doing that action. | 알고도 모른 척했어요. |
| -(으)ㅁ에도 불구하고 | A formal expression meaning 'in spite of' or 'despite that'. | 반대에도 불구하고 계획을 밀어붙였다. |
| -듯이 | Used to make a comparison, meaning 'just as' or 'as if'. | 물이 흐르듯이 자연스럽게 말해요. |
| -다시피 하다 | Indicates that an action is practically equivalent to doing that, almost to the point of being true. | 요즘은 회사에서 살다시피 해요. |
| -거니와 | Indicates that not only the first statement is true, but the following is even more so. | 값도 싸거니와 품질도 좋습니다. |
| -기는커녕 | Far from what you expected — the opposite happened instead. | 칭찬은커녕 잔소리만 들었어요. |
| -(으)ㄹ뿐더러 | Adds further information, meaning 'not only that, but also...'. | 성격도 좋을뿐더러 아주 성실합니다. |
| -되 | Used to grant permission for the first action while attaching a specific condition. | 참여하되 무리하지는 마세요. |
| 마저 | Even the last one left is included. | 믿었던 친구마저 등을 돌렸다. |
| 을/를 비롯해서 | Used to list several items by putting the primary or representative one first. | 회장님을 비롯해서 모두 참석했습니다. |
| -아/어 대다 | Expresses negative disapproval toward someone repeatedly performing an excessive action. | 아이가 밤새 울어 대서 혼났어요. |
| -기 일쑤이다 | Indicates that something happens frequently, used mostly for bad or undesirable events. | 늦잠을 자서 지각하기 일쑤예요. |
| -는 둥 마는 둥 하다 | Indicates doing an action half-heartedly or barely doing it at all. | 밥을 먹는 둥 마는 둥 하고 나갔다. |
| -(으)리만치 | A formal written expression meaning 'to the extent that' or 'so much that'. | 눈이 부시리만치 환한 아침이었다. |
| -다 못해 | Indicates reaching an extreme point where one can no longer endure, leading to an outcome. | 참다 못해 한마디 하고 말았어요. |
| -(느)ㄴ다는 것이 | Used when intending to do one action unexpectedly resulted in a different, mistaken outcome. | 설탕을 넣는다는 것이 소금을 넣었어요. |
| -(으)려다 말다 | Indicates intending to do something but giving it up midway. | 전화하려다 말았어요. |
| -(으)려더니 | Indicates that something looked like it was about to happen and ended up actually occurring. | 비가 오려더니 결국 쏟아지네요. |
| -는 듯이 | Indicates acting in a manner that makes it appear as though something is true. | 다 아는 듯이 고개를 끄덕였다. |
| -(느)ㄴ다는 듯이 | Means 'as if saying that', showing something through facial expressions or actions. | 못 믿겠다는 듯이 저를 쳐다봤어요. |
| -는 듯하다 | Used to make a gentle, soft guess that something seems to be the case. | 밖에 비가 오는 듯해요. |
| -(으)ㄹ 게 뻔하다 | Used when you are entirely certain that an obvious outcome will happen. | 지금 가 봤자 문 닫았을 게 뻔해요. |
| -(으)ㄹ 법하다 | Indicates that a situation or feeling is fully understandable and natural. | 화가 날 법한 상황이었어요. |
| -(으)ㄹ 리가 없다 | Strongly denies something, stating there is absolutely no reason or possibility for it. | 그 사람이 거짓말할 리가 없어요. |
| -기 십상이다 | Means that it is very easy or likely to end up in a certain state, usually a negative one. | 서두르면 실수하기 십상이에요. |
| -기 마련이다 | Expresses that it is natural and inevitable for something to happen that way. | 꾸준히 하면 늘기 마련이지요. |
| -는 법이다 | Used to state a universal principle or natural law of the world. | 급하게 먹으면 체하는 법이에요. |
| -는가 하면 | Indicates that while one case exists, another contrasting or different case also occurs. | 웃는가 하면 곧 울상이 돼요. |
| -느니 -느니 하다 | Expresses that there is a lot of talk and gossip about this and that. | 좋으니 나쁘니 하며 말이 많았다. |
| -(으)랴 -(으)랴 | Lists multiple tasks to vividly describe being extremely busy doing this and that. | 밥하랴 청소하랴 정신이 없어요. |
| (이)며 (이)며 | Used to list multiple items together, meaning 'this, that, and more'. | 옷이며 신발이며 다 새로 샀어요. |
| -(으)ㄴ 끝에 | Indicates that an outcome was reached after a long period of struggle or effort. | 오래 고민한 끝에 결정했습니다. |
| -아/어 내다 | Expresses finally accomplishing a difficult task through hard work and persistence. | 그 어려운 일을 결국 해냈어요. |
| -(으)ㄴ 나머지 | Indicates that an emotion or state became so extreme that it resulted in a certain outcome. | 너무 긴장한 나머지 이름을 잊었다. |
| -데요 | Used to report and recall something you directly observed or experienced in the past. | 어제 가 보니까 아주 좋데요. |
| -는 가운데 | Means in the middle of or while such an ongoing situation continues. | 비가 내리는 가운데 경기가 계속됐다. |
| -는 마당에 | Means 'now that things have reached this point', referring to a critical situation. | 헤어지는 마당에 무슨 말이 필요해요? |
| 치고 | Indicates that there is no exception within that category, or means 'considering that'. | 신입치고 일을 참 잘하네요. |
| -(으)ㅁ에 따라 | Indicates that as the first change occurs, the following situation also changes accordingly. | 기온이 높아짐에 따라 전력 사용이 늘었다. |
| 여간 -지 않다 | Means that something is extraordinary, indicating an extreme degree. | 여간 까다롭지 않은 손님이에요. |
| -기가 이를 데 없다 | Means that a quality is beyond description, being as extreme as can be. | 친절하기가 이를 데 없어요. |
| -(으)려야 -(으)ㄹ 수가 없다 | Expresses that even if you desperately want or try to do an action, you cannot do it at all. | 그날 일은 잊으려야 잊을 수가 없어요. |
| 하오체 | An archaic, respectful speech style preserved in public notices and historical texts. | 어서 오시오. 여기 앉으시오. |
| 하게체 | A speech style used to address people of lower status with a certain degree of respect. | 자네도 이리 와서 한잔하게. |
| -(으)므로, -(으)나, -(으)며 | Written connecting endings used for expressing reason, contrast, and listing. | 규정이 바뀌었으므로 확인 바랍니다. |
| 피동과 사동 | Deals with the structural forms of passive and causative verbs. | 바람에 문이 저절로 닫혔어요. |
| -(으)세라, -는 양, -는 한편, -(으)ㄹ 턱이 없다 | Advanced Korean grammatical expressions useful to recognize in literary texts. | 아이가 깰세라 조용히 문을 닫았다. |
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