Descriptive Verbs vs Action Verbs: The 'Be' Trap
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
In Korean, adjectives act like verbs, so you don't need a 'to be' verb to describe things.
- Use descriptive verbs directly: 'The flower is pretty' becomes 'Flower pretty-is' (꽃이 예쁘다).
- Do not add 'is' (이다) to adjectives: 'It is pretty' is just '예쁘다', not '예쁜이다'.
- Conjugate descriptive verbs just like action verbs: 'It was pretty' (예뻤다).
Overview
In Korean, understanding the fundamental distinction between Action Verbs (동사, dongsa) and Descriptive Verbs (형용사, hyeongyongsa) is paramount. This grammatical separation isn't merely a linguistic nuance; it reflects a core conceptual difference in how Korean expresses actions versus states or qualities. Unlike English, where adjectives (like 'happy' or 'tall') always require a separate linking verb ('to be' as in 'She is happy'), Korean integrates the concept of 'being' directly into the descriptive word itself.
For A1 learners, this means re-framing how you think about words that describe things.
Action Verbs depict dynamic activities, processes, or changes initiated by a subject, such as 먹다 (meokda, to eat) or 가다 (gada, to go). They answer the question, "What is the subject doing?" Descriptive Verbs, conversely, portray static qualities, states, or characteristics of a subject, like 예쁘다 (yeppeuda, to be pretty) or 크다 (keuda, to be big/tall). They answer, "What is the subject like?" Mastering this distinction is crucial because it dictates conjugation patterns, politeness levels, and even the types of grammatical constructions a verb can participate in.
How This Grammar Works
꽃이 예쁘다 (kkochi yeppeuda). While we translate this as "The flower is beautiful," a more literal understanding reveals 예쁘다 (yeppeuda) inherently means "to be beautiful." The 'to be' component is already embedded within the Descriptive Verb.이다 (ida), which also translates as 'to be', is used for identifying nouns (e.g., 저는 학생입니다 - jeoneun haksaengimnida, I am a student), not for describing qualities with adjectives.드세요 deuseyo, from 먹다), or describe someone "eating" (먹고 있어요 meokgo isseoyo). However, you cannot directly command someone to "be pretty" using 예쁘다 (예쁘세요 ❌) or say someone is "being pretty" in the progressive sense (예쁘고 있어요 ❌). These grammatical constraints are vital indicators of a verb's type and prevent ungrammatical or unnatural expressions.Formation Pattern
-다, -da)
-다 ending in their dictionary form. This is their base, unconjugated form, serving as the starting point for all conjugations.
가다 (gada, to go), 읽다 (ikda, to read)
좋다 (jota, to be good), 작다 (jakda, to be small)
-아/어요, -a/eoyo)
+아요 (-ayo) | 가다 → 가요 (gayo) | 좋다 → 좋아요 (joayo) |
+어요 (-eoyo) | 먹다 → 먹어요 (meogeoyo) | 없다 → 없어요 (eopseoyo) |
저는 지금 집에 가요. (jeoneun jigeum jibe gayo, I'm going home now.) Example: 날씨가 정말 좋아요. (nalssiga jeongmal joayo, The weather is really good.)
-ㅂ니다/-습니다, -(seup)nida)
-ㅂ니다 after a vowel stem and -습니다 after a consonant stem.
+ㅂ니다 (-pnida) | 하다 → 합니다 (hamnida) | 바쁘다 → 바쁩니다 (pappeumnida) |
+습니다 (-seupnida) | 읽다 → 읽습니다 (ikseupnida) | 높다 → 높습니다 (nopseupnida) |
회의는 9시에 시작합니다. (hoeui neun 9si-e sijakhamnida, The meeting starts at 9 AM.) Example: 저 건물은 매우 높습니다. (jeo geonmureun maeu nopseupnida, That building is very tall.)
-ㄴ다/-는다 vs. No Change)
-ㄴ다 (-nda) if it ends in a vowel, or -는다 (-neunda) if it ends in a consonant.
가다 (gada, to go) → 간다 (ganda)
먹다 (meokda, to eat) → 먹는다 (meongneunda)
-다.
예쁘다 (yeppeuda, to be pretty) → 예쁘다 (yeppeuda)
작다 (jakda, to be small) → 작다 (jakda)
(ㄴ/는)다 | Stem + 다 |
철수가 밥을 먹는다. (cheolsuga bab-eul meongneunda, Cheolsu eats rice.) Example (Descriptive): 하늘이 파랗다. (haneuri parata, The sky is blue.)
-(으)ㄴ vs. -는)
-는 (-neun) to describe an ongoing or habitual action. This -는 functions similarly to an '-ing' modifier in English, or 'who/that does something.'
읽다 (ikda, to read) → 읽는 책 (ingneun chaek, the book being read / the book one reads)
가다 (gada, to go) → 가는 사람 (ganeun saram, the person going / the person who goes)
-(으)ㄴ (-(eu)n). Use -은 after a consonant stem and -ㄴ after a vowel stem. This describes the current state or quality of the noun.
예쁘다 (yeppeuda, to be pretty) → 예쁜 꽃 (yeppeun kkot, a pretty flower)
작다 (jakda, to be small) → 작은 집 (jageun jip, a small house)
-는 | Stem + (으)ㄴ |
지금 공부하는 학생들 (jigeum gongbuhaneun haksaengdeul, students who are studying now). Example (Descriptive): 비싼 가방 (bissan gabang, an expensive bag).
-세요, -아/어라) and propositives (-ㅂ시다, -자).
가다 (gada, to go) → 가세요 (gaseyo, Please go!), 갑시다 (gapsida, Let's go!)
먹다 (meokda, to eat) → 먹어라 (meogeora, Eat!), 먹자 (meokja, Let's eat!)
크세요 ❌) or propose "let's be quiet" using 조용하다 (조용합시다 ❌). To express such meanings, you must rephrase by converting the descriptive state into an action.
조용하다, to be quiet): 조용히 하세요! (joyonghi haseyo!, Literally: Do quietly!)
건강하다, to be healthy): 건강해집시다! (geonganghaejipsida!, Literally: Let's become healthy!)
~히 하다 or ~아/어지다) |
~아/어지다) |
When To Use It
동사, dongsa) when:- Describing a physical, mental, or abstract activity: Any verb where a subject performs a dynamic action falls into this category. These verbs answer "What is [subject] doing?"
아이가 그림을 그린다.(aiga geurimeul geurinda, The child draws a picture.) –그리다(geurida, to draw) describes an active creation.저는 어제 한국 영화를 봤어요.(jeoneun eoje hanguk yeonghwareul bwass-eoyo, I watched a Korean movie yesterday.) –보다(boda, to watch) is a direct action.
- Indicating a process, change, or becoming: Even if the action isn't overtly physical, if it signifies a transition or development, it's an Action Verb. This often includes verbs ending in
~아/어지다(to become). 날씨가 따뜻해진다.(nalssiga ttatteuthaejinda, The weather is getting warmer.) –따뜻해지다(ttatteuthaejida, to become warm) marks a change of state, making it an action.한국어를 공부하고 있어요.(hanguk-eoreul gongbuhago isseoyo, I am studying Korean.) –공부하다(gongbuhada, to study) is an ongoing process.
- Forming commands, suggestions, or expressing intent: As discussed, only Action Verbs can directly take imperative or propositive endings, as these grammatical moods imply a dynamic will or collective action.
여기에 앉으세요.(yeogi-e anjeuseyo, Please sit here.) –앉다(anda, to sit) is a direct command for an action.우리 같이 저녁 먹자!(uri gachi jeonyeok meokja!, Let's eat dinner together!) –먹다(meokda, to eat) is a collective suggestion for an action.
형용사, hyeongyongsa) when:- Stating qualities, characteristics, or inherent states of being: These verbs describe what something is like, not what it does. They often answer "What is [subject] like?"
이 가방은 정말 예쁘다.(i gabang-eun jeongmal yeppeuda, This bag is really pretty.) –예쁘다(yeppeuda, to be pretty) expresses an inherent visual quality.그는 키가 크다.(geuneun kiga keuda, He is tall.) –크다(keuda, to be big/tall) describes a physical characteristic.
- Expressing opinions, subjective feelings, or sensory perceptions: When conveying how something feels or your personal assessment of it, Descriptive Verbs are typically used.
영화가 재미있다.(yeonghwaga jaemiitda, The movie is interesting.) –재미있다(jaemiitda, to be interesting/fun) expresses a subjective evaluation.저는 오늘 기분이 안 좋아요.(jeoneun oneul gibuni an joayo, I don't feel good today.) –좋다(jota, to be good) describes a state of feeling.
- Describing static conditions or attributes: If the subject's condition is not the result of an active process but rather a constant or inherent attribute, a Descriptive Verb is used.
하늘이 맑다.(haneuri makda, The sky is clear.) –맑다(makda, to be clear) denotes a stable atmospheric condition.이 방은 너무 좁다.(i bang-eun neomu jopda, This room is too narrow.) –좁다(jopda, to be narrow) expresses a physical attribute of the room.
Common Mistakes
-을/를, -eul/reul) with Descriptive Verbs- The Error: In English, you might say "I like pretty things" or "I find the food delicious." Learners mistakenly try to apply an object particle to a Descriptive Verb, treating the quality itself as something acted upon.
- ❌
나는 너를 예쁘다.(naneun neoreul yeppeuda, Incorrect: I pretty you.) - The Explanation: Descriptive Verbs describe the subject; they do not exert an action on an object. Therefore, they cannot take an object particle (
-을/를). The subject of a Descriptive Verb takes the subject particle (-이/가, -i/ga) or the topic particle (-은/는, -eun/neun). - ✅
네가 예쁘다.(nega yeppeuda, Correct: You are pretty.) - ✅
이 음식은 맛있다.(i eumsigeun masitda, Correct: This food is delicious.) - Solution: If you want to express a liking for something described, you must use a nominalized form with an Action Verb like
좋아하다(to like). For example,나는 예쁜 것을 좋아해요.(naneun yeppeun geoseul joahaeyo, I like pretty things.) Here,예쁜 것(예쁘다modifying것) becomes the object of the Action Verb좋아하다.
-고 있다, -go itda) with Descriptive Verbs- The Error: The
-고 있다pattern signifies an ongoing action (e.g.,먹고 있어요- meokgo isseoyo, I am eating). Learners frequently attempt to use it with Descriptive Verbs to express an ongoing state (e.g., "I am being happy"). - ❌
나는 행복하고 있어요.(naneun haengbokago isseoyo, Incorrect: I am being happy.) - The Explanation: A state simply is; it does not progress dynamically in the same way an action does. For a Descriptive Verb, its inherent meaning already implies an ongoing state. Using
-고 있다with a Descriptive Verb sounds unnatural because it tries to impose a dynamic, action-oriented meaning onto a static quality. - ✅
나는 행복해요.(naneun haengbokhaeyo, Correct: I am happy.) - Important Nuance: You can use
-(아/어)지고 있다(-(a/eo)jigo itda, "to be becoming") with Descriptive Verbs, because "becoming" is an action, signifying a change from one state to another. For example,나는 예뻐지고 있어요.(naneun yeppeojigo isseoyo, I am becoming pretty.) is correct because예뻐지다(예쁘다+-아/어지다) is an Action Verb, denoting the process of change.
- The Error: English allows commands like "Be quiet!" or "Be healthy!" (using 'be' + adjective). Learners might directly apply imperative or propositive endings to Korean Descriptive Verbs.
- ❌
조용하세요!(joyonghaseyo, Incorrect: Be quiet! - direct imperative with조용하다) - The Explanation: You cannot directly command a static state of being in Korean. Instead, you must rephrase it to command an action that results in that state. This typically involves using the Action Verb
하다(hada, to do) with the adverbial form of the Descriptive Verb, or by converting the Descriptive Verb into an Action Verb using-아/어지다. - ✅
조용히 하세요!(joyonghi haseyo!, Correct: Please do quietly! - from조용하다→조용히adverb +하다) - ✅
건강해지세요!(geonganghaejiseyo!, Correct: Please become healthy! - from건강하다→건강해지다)
있다 (itda) and 없다 (eopda)- The Trap:
있다(to exist, to have) and없다(to not exist, to not have) are unique and highly frequent verbs. For most conjugations (e.g.,있어요,없습니다, and remaining있다/없다in plain form), they behave like Descriptive Verbs. However, when used as noun modifiers in the present tense, they unexpectedly behave like Action Verbs, taking the-는(-neun) ending. 재미있다(jaemiitda, to be interesting/fun), a compound of재미(fun) +있다. Despite있다typically being descriptive, when modifying a noun, it becomes재미있는(jaemiinneun, interesting), not재미있은❌.있는 돈(inneun don, existing money) –있다uses-는.없는 시간(eomneun sigan, non-existent time / no time) –없다uses-는.- Solution: These are fundamental, high-frequency exceptions that require memorization. Always use
-는when있다or없다(or their common compounds like맛있다,재미있다,괜찮다) modify a noun in the present tense. Think of있다/없다as describing a continuous state of being present/absent, which in a modifying context, takes on an action-like quality in Korean.
이다 (the Copula)- The Error: English uses "is/am/are" for both identity and description. Learners might try to use
이다for descriptions with Korean Descriptive Verbs, e.g.,꽃이 예쁘다 이다❌. - The Explanation:
이다is a copula that connects a noun to another noun, asserting identity (e.g.,이것은 책이다- igeoseun chaegida, This is a book.). It does not combine with Descriptive Verbs. As established, Korean Descriptive Verbs inherently contain the 'to be' meaning. You simply use the Descriptive Verb on its own. - ✅
꽃이 예쁘다.(kkochi yeppeuda, The flower is pretty.) - ❌
꽃이 예쁘다 이다.
Real Conversations
Understanding the theoretical distinction is one thing; observing how these verbs function in everyday Korean truly cements the concept. In modern communication, the choice between Action and Descriptive Verbs feels intuitive to native speakers, reflecting whether they're expressing a dynamic event or a static characteristic.
1. Everyday Dialogue and Texting:
In casual chats or text messages, the distinction is constant. When you're describing your mood or the quality of something, Descriptive Verbs are your go-to. For actions, you use Action Verbs, often in their progressive forms.
- Descriptive (State/Quality):
- "점심 진짜 맛있었어!" (jeomsim jinjja masisseosseo!, Lunch was really delicious!)
- "오늘 날씨 좋다." (oneul nalssi jota., The weather is good today.)
- "아, 너무 피곤해." (a, neomu pigonhae., Ah, I'm so tired.)
- Action (Doing/Happening):
- "지금 버스 타고 있어." (jigeum beoseu tago isseo., I'm taking the bus right now.)
- "주말에 뭐 했어?" (jumal-e mwo haesseo?, What did you do on the weekend?)
- "친구랑 밥 먹을 거야." (chingurang bap meogeul geoya., I'm going to eat with a friend.)
2. Social Media & Online Posts:
When sharing experiences or opinions, people naturally lean on the appropriate verb type. Descriptive Verbs paint the picture, while Action Verbs recount events.
- Descriptive:
- "이 카페 분위기가 정말 예뻐요." (i kape bunwigiga jeongmal yeppeoyo., "This cafe's atmosphere is really pretty.")
- "오늘 본 영화가 너무 슬펐어요." (oneul bon yeonghwaga neomu seulpeosseoyo., "The movie I watched today was so sad.")
- Action:
- "주말에 등산 갔다 왔어요!" (jumal-e deungsan gatda wasseoyo!, "I went hiking this weekend!")
- "새로운 레시피로 요리하는 중~" (saeroun resipiro yorihaneun jung~, "Cooking with a new recipe~")
3. Formal Settings (e.g., Presentations, Reports):
Even in formal language, the underlying distinction holds. Professional communication still requires precision in expressing facts (states) versus processes (actions).
- Descriptive:
- "본 자료는 매우 중요합니다." (bon jaryo neun maeu jungyohamnida., "This material is very important.")
- "저의 의견은 분명합니다." (jeoui uigyeon-eun bunmyeonghamnida., "My opinion is clear.")
- Action:
- "저희 팀은 현재 신제품을 개발 중입니다." (jeohi tim-eun hyeonjae sinjepum-eul gaebal jungimnida., "Our team is currently developing a new product.")
- "다음 주에 최종 보고서를 제출할 예정입니다." (daeum ju-e choejong bogoseoreul jechulhal yejeongimnida., "I plan to submit the final report next week.")
Korean speakers do not consciously sort verbs into these categories when speaking; it's an ingrained linguistic habit. For learners, however, actively testing verbs against the conjugation rules and semantic functions (dynamic vs. static) will build this intuition over time. Pay close attention to how native speakers use words, especially in the plain form or when modifying nouns, as these are the most reliable indicators.
Quick FAQ
stem + (ㄴ/는)다, it's an Action Verb. If its plain form is simply stem + 다 (same as dictionary form), it's a Descriptive Verb.가세요! - Go!), it's an Action Verb. If you cannot (e.g., 예쁘세요! ❌), it's a Descriptive Verb.이다 (ida)? Is it a Descriptive Verb?이다 is classified as a copula. While it translates to 'to be' in English, its function is distinct from Descriptive Verbs. 이다 connects a noun to another noun, asserting identity (e.g., 저는 학생입니다 - I am a student).하늘이 파랗다 - The sky is blue). Do not combine 이다 with Descriptive Verbs.있다 (itda, to exist/have) and 없다 (eopda, to not exist/not have). While they mostly behave like Descriptive Verbs in conjugations (e.g., 있어요, 없습니다, 있다/없다 in plain form), they behave like Action Verbs when modifying nouns, using the -는 ending (e.g., 있는 사람 - inneun saram, the person who exists/has; 없는 돈 - eomneun don, no money). Compound verbs involving 있다 (e.g., 재미있다, 맛있다) also follow this ~는 pattern when modifying nouns.-아/어요) seems similar for both?- Plain Form: Essential for reading and informal writing.
- Noun Modification: Key for describing nouns accurately.
- Imperative/Propositive Forms: Fundamental for commands and suggestions.
- Progressive Forms: Avoids unnatural expressions of states.
Descriptive Verb Conjugation (Present Polite)
| Dictionary Form | Meaning | Polite (-아요/어요) |
|---|---|---|
|
예쁘다
|
to be pretty
|
예뻐요
|
|
좋다
|
to be good
|
좋아요
|
|
맛있다
|
to be delicious
|
맛있어요
|
|
크다
|
to be big
|
커요
|
|
작다
|
to be small
|
작아요
|
|
춥다
|
to be cold
|
추워요
|
Meanings
Korean descriptive verbs (형용사) function as the predicate of a sentence without requiring an auxiliary 'to be' verb.
State of Being
Describing the quality or state of a noun.
“날씨가 좋다 (The weather is good).”
“사과가 맛있다 (The apple is delicious).”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Subject + 이/가 + Adj
|
꽃이 예쁘다
|
|
Negative
|
Subject + 이/가 + 안 + Adj
|
꽃이 안 예쁘다
|
|
Question
|
Subject + 이/가 + Adj?
|
꽃이 예뻐요?
|
|
Past
|
Subject + 이/가 + Adj-았/었
|
꽃이 예뻤다
|
|
Polite
|
Subject + 이/가 + Adj-아요/어요
|
꽃이 예뻐요
|
|
Formal
|
Subject + 이/가 + Adj-습니다
|
꽃이 예쁩니다
|
Formality Spectrum
날씨가 좋습니다. (General)
날씨가 좋아요. (General)
날씨가 좋아. (General)
날씨 굿! (General)
The Descriptive Verb Universe
Quality
- 예쁘다 pretty
- 좋다 good
Size
- 크다 big
- 작다 small
English vs. Korean Structure
Do I need '이다'?
Is it a descriptive verb?
Examples by Level
날씨가 좋다.
The weather is good.
꽃이 예쁘다.
The flower is pretty.
물이 차갑다.
The water is cold.
방이 넓다.
The room is spacious.
오늘 날씨가 안 좋아요.
The weather is not good today.
이 사과가 맛있어요?
Is this apple delicious?
그 영화가 정말 슬펐어요.
That movie was really sad.
한국어가 재미있어요.
Korean is fun.
그는 성격이 아주 밝은 사람이에요.
He is a person with a very bright personality.
방이 너무 좁아서 불편해요.
The room is too small, so it's uncomfortable.
어제는 날씨가 맑았는데 오늘은 흐려요.
Yesterday the weather was clear, but today it is cloudy.
이 문제는 생각보다 어려워요.
This problem is more difficult than I thought.
그녀의 태도는 매우 차가웠지만 마음은 따뜻했다.
Her attitude was very cold, but her heart was warm.
이 제품은 디자인이 예쁠 뿐만 아니라 기능도 좋아요.
This product is not only pretty in design, but its functions are also good.
그 소식은 우리에게 매우 기쁜 일이었다.
That news was a very happy event for us.
상황이 복잡해져서 어떻게 해야 할지 모르겠어요.
The situation has become complicated, so I don't know what to do.
그의 논리는 명쾌했으나 현실과는 거리가 멀었다.
His logic was clear, but it was far from reality.
이번 프로젝트는 결과가 만족스럽지 못해 아쉽다.
It is a pity that the results of this project are not satisfactory.
그토록 간절했던 꿈이 현실이 되니 감격스럽다.
It is moving that the dream I longed for so much has become reality.
그의 성격은 다소 괴팍하지만 실력은 출중하다.
His personality is somewhat eccentric, but his skills are outstanding.
그의 문체는 간결하면서도 깊은 울림을 준다.
His writing style is concise yet gives a deep resonance.
사태가 이토록 위급한데도 다들 태연하기만 하다.
Even though the situation is this critical, everyone is just nonchalant.
그의 업적은 후대에 길이 남을 만큼 위대하다.
His achievements are great enough to remain for generations.
그의 태도는 오만불손하기 짝이 없었다.
His attitude was nothing short of arrogant.
Easily Confused
Both end in -다 and can be used as predicates.
Both are used to describe things.
Using -게 form as a predicate.
Common Mistakes
꽃이 예쁜이다
꽃이 예쁘다
꽃을 예쁘다
꽃이 예쁘다
꽃이 예쁘
꽃이 예쁘다
꽃이 예쁘어요
꽃이 예뻐요
날씨가 안 좋다이다
날씨가 안 좋다
사과를 맛있어요
사과가 맛있어요
영화가 슬펐다이다
영화가 슬펐다
예쁜 사람이다
예쁜 사람이다 (This is actually correct for noun modification, but not as a predicate)
방이 넓고 있다
방이 넓다
맛있게 먹다
맛있게 먹다 (This is an adverbial use)
Let's be pretty (예쁘자)
N/A (Not possible)
Be pretty! (예뻐라)
N/A (Not possible)
예쁨을 당하다
N/A
Sentence Patterns
___이/가 ___요.
___이/가 안 ___요.
___이/가 ___았/었어요.
___이/가 ___지만 ___요.
Real World Usage
오늘 날씨 너무 예뻐요!
정말 맛있었어요.
제 성격은 밝습니다.
이곳은 정말 넓어요.
좋아!
이 문제가 어려워요.
Think in States
No '이다'
Use 이/가
Politeness
Smart Tips
Stop yourself from saying 'is'. Just use the adjective.
Treat it like a verb.
Put '안' before the verb.
Just add a question mark/rising intonation.
Pronunciation
Final Consonants
Ensure the final consonant is clearly articulated before the ending.
Question
날씨가 좋아요? ↑
Rising intonation indicates a question.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of descriptive verbs as 'Super-Adjectives' that carry their own 'is' power inside them.
Visual Association
Imagine a superhero cape on an adjective—it doesn't need a sidekick (the verb 'to be') because it's strong enough on its own.
Rhyme
When the quality is what you see, drop the 'is', just use the verb-y!
Story
A little cat named 'Small' (작다) walked into a room. He didn't need a translator to say 'I am small.' He just shouted '작다!' and everyone understood his size immediately.
Word Web
Challenge
Look around your room right now and describe 5 things using only [Noun] + [이/가] + [Descriptive Verb].
Cultural Notes
Using descriptive verbs correctly is a sign of fluency. Koreans often drop the subject particle in casual speech.
The usage is similar, but formal endings like '-ㅂ니다' are more strictly adhered to in public discourse.
Heritage speakers often mix English syntax, leading to the 'is' mistake.
Korean descriptive verbs evolved from ancient adjectival roots that integrated the copula.
Conversation Starters
오늘 날씨가 어때요?
이 음식 어때요?
한국어가 어때요?
방이 넓어요?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
날씨가 ___.
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
사과가 맛있어요이다
방 / 넓다 / .
춥다
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Descriptive verbs can be used in imperative.
A: 날씨가 어때요? B: ___
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercises날씨가 ___.
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
사과가 맛있어요이다
방 / 넓다 / .
춥다
크다
Descriptive verbs can be used in imperative.
A: 날씨가 어때요? B: ___
Score: /8
Practice Bank
11 exercisesIs it Action or Descriptive?
Today the weather is hot. Oneul nalssiga ___.
I met a ___ friend. (kind / chakhada)
Jeoneun jagneun gabang-i isseoyo. (I have a small bag.)
The movie is interesting. Yeonghwa___ jaemisseoyo.
expensive / clothes / buy / I
How do you say 'The sleeping cat' (Action modifier)?
Which of these is an Action Verb?
He goes to school. Hakgyoe ___.
I am being busy. (Jeoneun bappeugo isseoyo.)
Match the verb to its Plain Form
Score: /11
FAQ (8)
Korean descriptive verbs already contain the meaning of 'is'.
No, it is grammatically incorrect.
Use '이/가' because these are stative.
They conjugate the same, but they are stative.
No, descriptive verbs don't have propositive forms.
Add '안' before the verb.
Yes, it is a descriptive verb.
In professional or public settings.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Ser/Estar + Adjetivo
Korean verbs contain the 'is'.
Être + Adjectif
Korean lacks the copula in this context.
Sein + Adjektiv
Korean integrates the state into the verb.
i-adjectives
Particle usage differs slightly.
Nominal sentences
Korean uses specific verb forms.
Adjectival verbs
Korean conjugates the verb.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Related Videos
Related Grammar Rules
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Comparisons: Better than (-boda)
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