A2 · Elemental Capítulo 18

Describing Colors and Showing Respect

4 Reglas totales
40 ejemplos
5 min
Reglas en este capítulo Práctica rápida

Chapter in 30 Seconds

Master the art of vivid description and social grace in Korean.

  • Conjugate irregular 'ㅎ' verbs to describe colors and situations.
  • Apply the honorific infix '-(으)시' to show respect to others.
  • Distinguish between talking about yourself and honoring your elders.
Color your world and speak with heart-felt respect.

Lo que aprenderás

You’ve already mastered the basics, now let’s take your Korean to the next level and make you sound more like a native speaker! In this chapter, we dive into a few tricky but fun verbs: the irregular 'ㅎ' verbs. You’ll learn how these mischievous 'ㅎ's elegantly disappear or transform during conjugation, making your sentences sound natural and beautiful. For example, how to talk about a blue (파랗다) dress or describe a situation as 'being like that' (그렇다) without missing a beat in your grammar. These skills are super handy in everyday conversations when you want to describe colors or explain situations. Next, we tackle a crucial aspect of Korean communication: showing respect! You know that respect is paramount in Korean culture, and in this section, you’ll learn how to use the honorific infix '-(으)시' with verbs. Think of it as your 'respect button'! You'll discover exactly when and how to add '-(으)시' to show deference to the person performing the action, whether you're talking about an elder, a teacher, or anyone who deserves special honor. The golden rule, though? Never use it for yourself! By the end of this chapter, you’ll not only be able to describe the world around you in vivid detail, but you'll also navigate social interactions with confidence, speaking respectfully like a true Korean. Ready for this exciting journey? Let’s go!

Learning Objectives

By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

  1. 1
    By the end you will be able to describe objects using irregular color adjectives like 'blue' and 'yellow' in polite sentences.
  2. 2
    By the end you will be able to modify verbs with '-(으)시' to speak respectfully about teachers or elders.

Guía del capítulo

Overview

Welcome, fellow language adventurer! You've tackled the basics, and now it's time to elevate your Korean grammar A2 skills to truly sound like a native speaker. This chapter is your key to unlocking more natural and respectful communication.
We’re diving into two fascinating areas: the quirky world of irregular ㅎ verbs and the essential art of showing respect with the honorific infix -(으)시. Mastering these will not only expand your descriptive vocabulary, allowing you to talk about anything from a blue sky (파란 하늘) to a red apple (빨간 사과), but also equip you with the cultural nuance needed for polite interactions. Understanding these patterns is crucial for anyone learning Korean, as they appear constantly in everyday conversations.
Get ready to refine your expressions and navigate social situations with newfound confidence!

How This Grammar Works

Let's unravel the mysteries of Korean grammar in this chapter, starting with the intriguing irregular ㅎ verbs. These are a special group of descriptive verbs (adjectives) that end in -ㅎ다, such as 파랗다 (to be blue), 노랗다 (to be yellow), 빨갛다 (to be red), 하얗다 (to be white), and 그렇다 (to be like that/so). The trick is, when these verbs are followed by a vowel ending like -아요/-어요 or -은/-ㄴ (for noun modification), the ㅎ mysteriously disappears, and the preceding vowel changes.
For -아요/-어요 endings, ㅏ or ㅗ followed by ㅎ becomes ㅐ, and other vowels become ㅔ. So, 파랗다 becomes 파래요 (not *파랗아요*), and 그렇다 becomes 그래요 (not *그렇아요*). When modifying a noun, -은/-ㄴ becomes -ㄴ after the transformed vowel, so 파랗다 becomes 파란 (a blue thing) and 그렇다 becomes 그런 (a thing like that).
This rule, often called the H-drop irregulars, makes your descriptions flow beautifully.
Next up, we have a crucial aspect of Korean honorific grammar: the honorific infix -(으)시. This respect button is used to show deference to the *subject* of your sentence – the person performing the action. It's a fundamental part of
Respecting the Subject: Using (으)시
.
If the verb stem ends in a consonant, you add -으시- (e.g., 읽다 (to read) -> 읽으시다). If the verb stem ends in a vowel, you add -시- (e.g., 가다 (to go) -> 가시다). This infix is then followed by other conjugations like -ㅂ니다/습니다, -어요/아요, or -았/었-.
For instance, My grandmother goes would be 할머니가 가십니다 or 할머니가 가세요. Remember the golden rule: never use -(으)시 to refer to yourself! It's solely for showing respect to others.

Common Mistakes

  1. 1✗ Wrong: «이 옷은 파랗아요.» (This clothes is blue.)
✓ Correct:
이 옷은 파래요.
(This clothes is blue.)
*Explanation:* When conjugating ㅎ irregular adjectives with the -아요/-어요 ending, the ㅎ drops, and the preceding vowel changes to ㅐ (if it's ㅏ or ㅗ) or ㅔ (if it's other vowels like ㅓ).
  1. 1✗ Wrong:
    저는 선생님을 가셔요.
    (I go to the teacher.)
✓ Correct:
저는 선생님께 가요.
or
선생님이 가세요.
(I go to the teacher / The teacher goes.)
*Explanation:* The honorific infix -(으)시 is used to show respect to the *subject* of the sentence. In the first incorrect example, the speaker (저) is the subject, so -(으)시 should not be used. In the second correct example, if the teacher is the subject, then 가세요 is appropriate.
  1. 1✗ Wrong:
    저 하얗은 구름이 예뻐요.
    (That white cloud is pretty.)
✓ Correct:
저 하얀 구름이 예뻐요.
(That white cloud is pretty.)
*Explanation:* When ㅎ irregular adjectives modify a noun, the ㅎ drops, and the preceding vowel changes, followed by -ㄴ. So, 하얗다 becomes 하얀.

Real Conversations

A

A

저기 파란 하늘 좀 봐! 정말 아름다워요. (Look at that blue sky! It's really beautiful.)
B

B

네, 오늘 날씨가 맑아서 더 파래요. (Yes, because the weather is clear today, it's even bluer.)
A

A

어머니, 언제쯤 집에 오시겠어요? (Mother, around when will you come home?)
B

B

나 지금 가는 중이야. 곧 갈게. (I'm on my way now. I'll go soon.)
A

A

저 빨간 사과가 정말 맛있어 보여요. (That red apple looks really delicious.)
B

B

네, 아버지가 좋아하시는 사과예요. (Yes, it's the apple my father likes.)

Quick FAQ

Q

What are the most common Korean ㅎ irregular verbs I should learn first?

Focus on colors like 파랗다 (blue), 노랗다 (yellow), 빨갛다 (red), 하얗다 (white), and the very common descriptive verb 그렇다 (to be like that/so).

Q

Can I use -(으)시 with all verbs?

Yes, you can technically add -(으)시 to most verbs, but it's used specifically when you need to show respect to the *subject* of the action. Some verbs also have special honorific forms (e.g., 먹다 -> 드시다) that are used instead of -(으)시.

Q

How do I conjugate ㅎ irregular adjectives in past tense?

The ㅎ drop and vowel change happen *before* the past tense ending. For example, 파랗다 (to be blue) becomes 파랬어요 (it was blue), and 그렇다 (to be like that) becomes 그랬어요 (it was like that).

Q

Why is Korean honorifics so important for A2 Korean learners?

Understanding and using honorifics correctly, like -(으)시, is fundamental for respectful communication in Korean society. It demonstrates cultural awareness and politeness, which is essential for smooth interactions with elders, teachers, or anyone deserving respect.

Cultural Context

In Korean culture, showing respect is woven into the very fabric of communication, and the honorific infix -(으)시 is one of your most powerful tools for this. It’s not just a grammar rule; it's a social signal. Using it correctly for elders, teachers, or supervisors instantly conveys your politeness and understanding of social hierarchy, making your interactions much smoother.
Conversely, misusing it (especially for oneself) can sound awkward or even rude. The ㅎ irregular verbs for colors, while seemingly just descriptive, allow you to express the world with the natural cadence of a native speaker, adding a vibrant and authentic touch to your everyday conversations.

Ejemplos clave (8)

1

The sky is really blue.

El cielo está realmente azul.

Verbos Irregulares ㅎ: Colores y 'Ser así' (파랗다, 그렇다)
2

How is the yellow dress I bought yesterday?

¿Qué tal el vestido amarillo que compré ayer?

Verbos Irregulares ㅎ: Colores y 'Ser así' (파랗다, 그렇다)
3

얼굴이 왜 이렇게 빨개요?

¿Por qué tienes la cara tan roja?

Irregularidades con H: Colores y Cómo (ㅎ)
4

저는 하얀색 운동화를 사고 싶어요.

Quiero comprar unos tenis blancos.

Irregularidades con H: Colores y Cómo (ㅎ)
5

Profesor, ¿a dónde va?

Profesor, ¿a dónde va?

Infijo honorífico coreano: Respetar al sujeto (-(으)시)
6

Mamá está cocinando ahora.

Mamá está cocinando ahora.

Infijo honorífico coreano: Respetar al sujeto (-(으)시)
7

선생님께서 지금 학교에 가세요.

El profesor va a la escuela ahora.

Respetar al sujeto: Usar (으)시
8

할머니, 점심 드셨어요?

Abuela, ¿comiste el almuerzo?

Respetar al sujeto: Usar (으)시

Consejos y trucos (4)

⚠️

¡No toques el 'Bien'!

Nunca uses esta regla con la palabra 좋다 (ser bueno). Esta palabra siempre mantiene su ㅎ, así que lo correcto es decir «좋아요».
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Verbos Irregulares ㅎ: Colores y 'Ser así' (파랗다, 그렇다)
⚠️

¡No la quites en 'Bueno'!

Nunca apliques esta regla a «좋다» (ser bueno). A esta palabra le encanta su H. Siempre se dice «좋아요», nunca «조애요».
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Irregularidades con H: Colores y Cómo (ㅎ)
⚠️

La regla del ego

No te honres a ti mismo o sonarás como un emperador delirante: «저는 지금 학교에 가요.»
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Infijo honorífico coreano: Respetar al sujeto (-(으)시)
⚠️

La trampa del autorespeto

¡Ojo! Nunca uses «(으)시» para hablar de ti mismo. Si dices «저는 시장에 가셨어요», sonarás súper arrogante, ¡como si fueras tu propio fan número uno!
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Respetar al sujeto: Usar (으)시

Vocabulario clave (7)

파랗다(parata) to be blue 노랗다(norata) to be yellow 그렇다(geureota) to be like that 어떻다(eotteota) to be how / in what way 읽다(itda) to read 선생님(seonsaengnim) teacher 까맣다(kkamata) to be black

Real-World Preview

shopping-bag

Shopping for a Teacher

Review Summary

  • Stem (ㅎ drops) + 애요
  • Stem + (으)시 + Ending

Errores comunes

You should never use honorifics for your own actions. It sounds like you are praising yourself.

Wrong: 저는 가세요. (jeoneun gaseyo.)
Correcto: 저는 가요. (jeoneun gayo.)

For ㅎ irregulars, the vowel must change to '애' after the 'ㅎ' is dropped.

Wrong: 노라요. (norayo.)
Correcto: 노래요. (noraeyo.)

While '읽어요' is polite, using '-(으)시' is much more appropriate when the subject is a teacher.

Wrong: 선생님이 읽어요. (seonsaengnimi ilgeoyo.)
Correcto: 선생님이 읽으세요. (seonsaengnimi ilgeuseyo.)

Next Steps

You've done an incredible job finishing this level. Your Korean journey is just beginning, and you're already speaking with such respect and color. Keep going!

Write a letter to a teacher describing your favorite colorful season.

Watch a Korean drama and spot when characters use '-(으)시'.

Continue to: Setting the Scene and Conditions

Práctica rápida (7)

Completa el espacio con la forma honorífica correcta de '읽다'.

선생님이 책을 ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 읽으세요
Como 읽다 termina en consonante (patchim), añadimos -으세요 para ser educados.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Infijo honorífico coreano: Respetar al sujeto (-(으)시)

Rellena el espacio con la forma honorífica correcta de '가다'.

교수님께서 방금 ____. (went)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 가셨어요
Al hablar de una acción pasada de un profesor, usa el pasado honorífico «가셨어요».

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Respetar al sujeto: Usar (으)시

Traduce esta frase al coreano usando la forma honorífica (으)세요.

Please sit here.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 여기 앉으세요.
El verbo «앉다» (sentarse) tiene raíz en consonante, así que añadimos «으세요» para ser educados.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Respetar al sujeto: Usar (으)시

Encuentra el error en esta oración.

Find and fix the mistake:

저는 하얗 차를 좋아해요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 저는 하얀 차를 좋아해요.
Al describir un sustantivo, '하얗다' se convierte en '하얀' (cae la ㅎ, entra la ㄴ).

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Irregularidades con H: Colores y Cómo (ㅎ)

Conjuga 'ser rojo' (빨갛다) correctamente.

얼굴이 너무 ___ (Red)!

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 빨개요
빨갛다 pierde la ㅎ y añade ㅐ → 빨개요.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Irregularidades con H: Colores y Cómo (ㅎ)

Encuentra y corrige el error en la frase.

저는 오늘 아침에 빵을 드셨어요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 저는 오늘 아침에 빵을 먹었어요.
Nunca debes usar verbos honoríficos como «드시다» para ti mismo. Usa la forma plana «먹었어요».

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Respetar al sujeto: Usar (으)시

Encuentra y corrige el error en la oración: '아버지가 집에 있습니다.'

Find and fix the mistake:

아버지가 집에 있습니다.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 아버지가 집에 계십니다.
Cuando el sujeto es alguien a quien respetas, debes usar el verbo especial '계시다' en lugar de '있다'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Infijo honorífico coreano: Respetar al sujeto (-(으)시)

Score: /7

Preguntas frecuentes (6)

Aunque termina en ㅎ, la palabra 좋다 es una excepción fija. Siempre se conjuga normal como «좋아요».
Casi nunca. Verbos como 넣다 (meter) o 낳다 (dar a luz) son regulares, por ejemplo «넣어요».
¡El idioma es caprichoso! «좋다» es uno de los verbos más antiguos y usados, por lo que resistió el cambio. Memorízalo como el Rey de los Regulares: «좋아요».
Ocurre el mismo cambio de vocal primero. Por ejemplo: «빨갛다» → «빨개» + «ㅆ어요» → «빨갰어요».
¡No! Úsalo con jefes o desconocidos para mostrar respeto social: «사장님, 지금 어디에 가세요?»
Porque va en medio del verbo, como un relleno de respeto: «가 + 시 + 어요».
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