Korean, like any language, has a set of common verbs that are essential for daily communication. Understanding these verbs can greatly enhance your ability to understand and speak the language. Let’s explore some of these verbs, their meanings, and see them used in typical sentences.
먹다 (meok-da) means “to eat.” This verb is used when talking about consuming food.
저는 지금 점심을 먹고 있어요.
(I am eating lunch now.)
마시다 (ma-si-da) means “to drink.” It’s used whenever referring to drinking any liquid.
친구와 커피를 마시러 갈래요?
(Do you want to go drink coffee with a friend?)
가다 (ga-da) means “to go.” This verb is used to express movement from one place to another.
학교에 가야 돼요.
(I need to go to school.)
오다 (o-da) means “to come.” It is used to describe movement towards the speaker or towards a specific place.
친구가 집에 왔어요.
(My friend came to the house.)
보다 (bo-da) means “to see” or “to watch.” It can refer to physically observing something or watching a show or a movie.
영화를 보고 싶어요.
(I want to watch a movie.)
듣다 (deut-da) means “to listen” or “to hear.” This verb is used when discussing listening to something audible.
음악을 듣고 있어요.
(I am listening to music.)
하다 (ha-da) means “to do.” It is a very versatile verb used in numerous contexts.
공부를 해야 해요.
(I need to study.)
만들다 (man-deul-da) means “to make” or “to create.” This verb is used when creating or producing something.
케이크를 만들고 있어요.
(I am making a cake.)
사다 (sa-da) means “to buy.” This verb is used when purchasing items or acquiring goods.
책을 사러 서점에 갔어요.
(I went to the bookstore to buy a book.)
팔다 (pal-da) means “to sell.” It is used when someone is selling something.
그녀는 옷을 팔고 있어요.
(She is selling clothes.)
쓰다 (sseu-da) means “to write” or “to use.” It is used for both writing something down and using an object.
연필로 글을 쓰고 있어요.
(I am writing with a pencil.)
읽다 (ilk-da) means “to read.” This verb is essential for discussing reading books, magazines, or any other written content.
지금 책을 읽고 있어요.
(I am reading a book now.)
자다 (ja-da) means “to sleep.” It refers to the act of sleeping.
밤에 잘 자요.
(Sleep well at night.)
일어나다 (i-reo-na-da) means “to wake up.” It is used when someone wakes up from sleep.
아침에 일찍 일어났어요.
(I woke up early in the morning.)
앉다 (an-da) means “to sit.” This verb is used to describe the action of sitting down.
의자에 앉아 있어요.
(I am sitting on a chair.)
서다 (seo-da) means “to stand.” It is used when someone is standing.
버스 정류장에서 서 있어요.
(I am standing at the bus stop.)
웃다 (ut-da) means “to laugh.” This verb is used to describe the action of laughing.
그 농담에 웃었어요.
(I laughed at that joke.)
울다 (ul-da) means “to cry.” It refers to the act of crying.
영화가 너무 슬퍼서 울었어요.
(I cried because the movie was so sad.)
Understanding these common Korean verbs and practicing them in sentences can significantly improve your conversational skills in Korean. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to brush up on your Korean, focusing on these verbs will give you a solid foundation for communication.
