A2 · 初中級 チャプター 18

Describing Colors and Showing Respect

4 トータルルール
40 例文
5 分
このチャプターのルール クイック練習

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.

学べること

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.

チャプターガイド

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.

重要な例文 (6)

1

The sky is really blue.

空が本当に青いです。

ㅎ 変格活用：色と「こう・そう・ああ」 (파랗다, 그렇다)
2

How is the yellow dress I bought yesterday?

昨日買った黄色いワンピース、どうですか？

ㅎ 変格活用：色と「こう・そう・ああ」 (파랗다, 그렇다)
3

얼굴이 왜 이렇게 빨개요?

顔がどうしてそんなに赤いんですか？

ㅎ変格活用：色と「どう」（ㅎ不規則）
4

저는 하얀색 운동화를 사고 싶어요.

私は白いスニーカーを買いたいです。

ㅎ変格活用：色と「どう」（ㅎ不規則）
5

선생님께서 지금 학교에 가세요.

先生が今学校に行かれます。

主語を敬う：(으)시の使い方
6

할머니, 점심 드셨어요?

おばあちゃん、お昼ご飯食べましたか？

主語を敬う：(으)시の使い方

ヒントとコツ (4)

⚠️

「좋다」は変身しません！

「ㅎ」で終わりますが、「좋다」は規則通りに活用します。 «기분이 좋아요.» が正解です。
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: ㅎ 変格活用：色と「こう・そう・ああ」 (파랗다, 그렇다)
⚠️

「良い」は例外です！

«좋다»（良い）だけはルールを無視して「ㅎ」を残します。絶対に «좋아요» と言いましょう。 «조애요» とは言いません。
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: ㅎ変格活用：色と「どう」（ㅎ不規則）
⚠️

自分への尊敬はNG！

自分の動作に «(으)시» を使うと、まるで自分が王様になったような変な感じになります。自分には «저는 점심을 먹어요» を使いましょう。
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 韓国語の尊敬中接辞：目上の人を敬う表現 (-(으)시)
⚠️

自分リスペクトの罠

自分の動作に「(으)시」を使うと、自分をアイドル扱いしているみたいで変に聞こえちゃいます。 «저는 밥을 맛있게 먹었어요.»
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 主語を敬う：(으)시の使い方

重要な語彙 (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

よくある間違い

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

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

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

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

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

Wrong: 선생님이 읽어요. (seonsaengnimi ilgeoyo.)
正解: 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

クイック練習 (6)

文章の中の間違いを見つけて直してください。

Find and fix the mistake:

저는 오늘 아침에 빵을 드셨어요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 저는 오늘 아침에 빵을 먹었어요.
自分の動作に「드시다」のような尊敬動詞を使ってはいけません。普通の「먹었어요」を使いましょう。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 主語を敬う：(으)시の使い方

この文章の間違いを見つけてください。

Find and fix the mistake:

저는 하얗 차를 좋아해요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 저는 하얀 차를 좋아해요.
名詞を修飾する時は、하얗다 の ㅎ を取って ㄴ をつけた 하얀 を使います。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: ㅎ変格活用：色と「どう」（ㅎ不規則）

次の文章の間違いを見つけて直してください： '아버지가 집에 있습니다.'

Find and fix the mistake:

아버지가 집에 있습니다.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 아버지가 집에 계십니다.
主語が尊敬すべき人の場合、「있다」の尊敬語である「계시다」を使う必要があります。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 韓国語の尊敬中接辞：目上の人を敬う表現 (-(으)시)

「읽다（読む）」を正しい尊敬の形にして空欄を埋めてください。

선생님이 책을 ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 읽으세요
「읽다」はパッチムで終わるので、「-으세요」を付けて丁寧にします。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 韓国語の尊敬中接辞：目上の人を敬う表現 (-(으)시)

「行く（가다）」の正しい尊敬形を選んで空欄を埋めてください。

교수님께서 방금 ____. (行かれました)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 가셨어요
教授の過去の動作について話しているので、尊敬の過去形「가셨어요」が正解です。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 主語を敬う：(으)시の使い方

「赤い」（빨갛다）を正しく活用させてください。

얼굴이 너무 ___ (Red)!

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 빨개요
빨갛다 は ㅎ が消えて ㅐ が加わり 빨개요 になります。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: ㅎ変格活用：色と「どう」（ㅎ不規則）

Score: /6

よくある質問 (6)

「ㅎ」で終わりますが、「좋다」は特別な例外として規則通りに活用します。 «좋아요» と言えば完璧です。
いいえ、動詞では稀です。 «넣다» (入れる) や «낳다» (産む) は規則通り «넣어요», «낳아요» となります。
言葉の歴史の不思議です！ «좋다» は非常に古くから使われているため、変化に抵抗して元の形を守ったと言われています。 «좋아요» とそのまま覚えましょう。
現在形と同じ母音の変化が起きます。 «빨갛다» → «빨개» + «ㅆ어요» で «빨갰어요» に、 «그렇다» は «그랬어요» になります。
いいえ！上司や知らない人など、敬意を払いたい相手なら誰でも使います。年齢だけでなく社会的な立場も関係します。 «사장님, 고기 많이 주세요!» のように使ってみましょう。
動詞の語幹と語尾の「間」に入るからです。 「語幹 + (으)시 + 語尾」という、動詞のサンドイッチの具のようなイメージですね。
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