A2 · Elementary Chapter 18

Describing Colors and Showing Respect

4 Total Rules
40 examples
5 min
Rules in This Chapter Quick Practice

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.

What You'll Learn

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.

Chapter Guide

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.

Key Examples (8)

1

The sky is really blue.

The sky is really blue.

Irregular ㅎ Verbs: Colors & 'Like that' (파랗다, 그렇다)
2

How is the yellow dress I bought yesterday?

How is the yellow dress I bought yesterday?

Irregular ㅎ Verbs: Colors & 'Like that' (파랗다, 그렇다)
3

얼굴이 왜 이렇게 빨개요?

Why is your face so red?

The H-Drop Irregulars: Colors & How (ㅎ)
4

저는 하얀색 운동화를 사고 싶어요.

I want to buy white sneakers.

The H-Drop Irregulars: Colors & How (ㅎ)
5

Teacher, where are you going?

Teacher, where are you going?

Korean Honorific Infix: Respecting the Subject (-(으)시)
6

Mother is cooking now.

Mother is cooking now.

Korean Honorific Infix: Respecting the Subject (-(으)시)
7

선생님께서 지금 학교에 가세요.

The teacher is going to school now.

Respecting the Subject: Using (으)시
8

할머니, 점심 드셨어요?

Grandma, did you eat lunch?

Respecting the Subject: Using (으)시

Tips & Tricks (4)

⚠️

Don't touch 'Good'!

Never apply this rule to 좋다 (to be good). It keeps its ㅎ. 좋아요 is correct.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Irregular ㅎ Verbs: Colors & 'Like that' (파랗다, 그렇다)
💡

Check the suffix

Always look at the suffix first. If it starts with a consonant, you don't need to do anything!
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: The H-Drop Irregulars: Colors & How (ㅎ)
💡

Always check the subject

Before conjugating, ask: 'Is this person older or higher status than me?' If yes, use -(으)시.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Korean Honorific Infix: Respecting the Subject (-(으)시)
💡

Check the Subject

Always identify the subject before conjugating. If it's someone you respect, add (으)시.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Respecting the Subject: Using (으)시

Key Vocabulary (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

Common Mistakes

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

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

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

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

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

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

Quick Practice (10)

Fill in the blank.

그렇다 + -면 = ___

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 그러면
Irregular conjugation.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: The H-Drop Irregulars: Colors & How (ㅎ)

Fill in the blank.

하늘이 ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
ㅎ-irregular rule applies.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Irregular ㅎ Verbs: Colors & 'Like that' (파랗다, 그렇다)

Choose the correct honorific form of '읽다'.

교수님께서 책을 ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 읽으십니다
Consonant stems need -으시.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Korean Honorific Infix: Respecting the Subject (-(으)시)

Correct the error.

Find and fix the mistake:

어머니가 읽으십니다.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Must use 께서.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Respecting the Subject: Using (으)시

Fill in the blank.

하얗다 + 아요 = ___

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 하얘요
Drop ㅎ, change vowel to ㅐ.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: The H-Drop Irregulars: Colors & How (ㅎ)

Which is correct for 'Grandfather'?

할아버지께서 ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 주무십니다
Use the special honorific verb.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Korean Honorific Infix: Respecting the Subject (-(으)시)

Choose the correct form.

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 파랗고
Consonant ending keeps the ㅎ.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: The H-Drop Irregulars: Colors & How (ㅎ)

Choose the correct form.

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Consonant ending keeps the ㅎ.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Irregular ㅎ Verbs: Colors & 'Like that' (파랗다, 그렇다)

Choose the correct sentence.

Which sentence is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
Must use 께서 with honorific verb.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Respecting the Subject: Using (으)시

Correct the sentence.

Find and fix the mistake:

눈이 하얗아요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
ㅎ drops and vowel changes.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Irregular ㅎ Verbs: Colors & 'Like that' (파랗다, 그렇다)

Score: /10

Common Questions (6)

It's a phonological process to make the transition between the stem and the suffix smoother.
Most are, but not all. Always check your dictionary.
It's a result of the 'ㅎ' disappearing and the preceding vowel merging with the suffix.
No, only to specific descriptive verbs ending in 'ㅎ'.
No, it is reserved for people you respect. Using it for friends might sound sarcastic.
You still use -(으)시 if the group consists of people you respect.
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Advanced Irregular Transformations
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Setting the Scene and Conditions
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