Being & Having (있다/없다)
있다 to say you have something or are somewhere, and 없다 when you don't or aren't.
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use '있다' for existence/possession and '없다' for non-existence/lack, always paired with the particle '이/가'.
- Use 있다 to say something exists or you have it: 책이 있어요 (I have a book).
- Use 없다 to say something is missing or you don't have it: 시간이 없어요 (I have no time).
- Always attach the subject particle 이/가 to the noun being possessed or located.
Overview
In Korean, the verbs 있다 (itda) and 없다 (eopda) are fundamental for expressing both existence and possession. Unlike English, which uses distinct verbs like "to be" and "to have," Korean employs these two versatile words to convey whether something is present in a location or whether someone possesses an item. Understanding 있다 and 없다 is crucial as they form the backbone of countless everyday expressions, enabling you to describe your surroundings, your belongings, and the availability of things.
These verbs are often categorized as descriptive verbs or adjective-like verbs in Korean grammar, meaning they describe a state rather than an action. This classification significantly influences their grammatical behavior, particularly regarding the particles they combine with. When discussing the presence or absence of a subject, you will primarily use the subject particles 이 (i) or 가 (ga).
When indicating location, the locative particle 에 (e) is essential, specifying where something exists or does not exist. Mastering 있다 and 없다 provides the linguistic tools to articulate basic realities: what is, what isn't, what you have, and what you lack.
Formation Pattern
있다 and 없다 is regular and straightforward. To conjugate these verbs, you first extract the verb stem by removing the dictionary ending 다 (da). Both 있다 and 없다 have verb stems ending in ㅆ, which is considered a final consonant. This characteristic determines which polite ending variant is applied.
해요체), you typically attach 아요 (ayo) or 어요 (eoyo) to the verb stem. Since the stems 있 (it) and 없 (eop) do not have a preceding vowel for 아요 to attach to (as they end in ㅆ and the base vowel for 있 is ㅣ and for 없 is ㅓ), they consistently take 어요. For the formal polite style (합니다체), a different set of endings is applied, while the plain casual style (해체) simply uses 어.
있다 (itda) / 없다 (eopda)
다 to get 있 (it) / 없 (eop)
해요체): Add 어요. Both 있 and 없 yield 있어요 (isseoyo) and 없어요 (eopseoyo).
합니다체): Add 습니다 (seumnida). Both 있 and 없 yield 있습니다 (isseumnida) and 없습니다 (eopseumnida).
해체): Add 어. Both 있 and 없 yield 있어 (isseo) and 없어 (eopseo).
Conjugation Table
| Form | 있다 (itda) | 없다 (eopda) | Translation (exists/has) | Translation (doesn't exist/have) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| :------------- | :------------------------------ | :------------------------------ | :------------------------------ | :-------------------------------- | ||
| Dictionary | 있다 |
없다 |
To be/To have | To not be/To not have | ||
| Polite | 있어요 (isseoyo) |
없어요 (eopseoyo) |
Is/Has | Isn't/Doesn't have | ||
| Formal | 있습니다 (isseumnida) |
없습니다 (eopseumnida) |
Is/Has (formal) | Isn't/Doesn't have (formal) | ||
| Casual | 있어 (isseo) |
없어 (eopseo) |
Is/Has (casual) | Isn't/Doesn't have (casual) | ||
| Past Polite | 있었어요 (isseosseoyo) |
없었어요 (eopseosseoyo) |
Was/Had | Wasn't/Didn't have | ||
| Past Formal | 있었습니다 (isseosseumnida) |
없었습니다 (eopseosseumnida) |
Was/Had (formal) | Wasn't/Didn't have (formal) |
How This Grammar Works
있다 and 없다 is to assert the presence or absence of a noun. This noun, which is the subject of the sentence, is invariably marked with the subject particles 이 or 가. You use 이 after a noun ending in a consonant and 가 after a noun ending in a vowel.Noun이/가 있다/없다) directly translates to "(Noun) exists" or "(Noun) doesn't exist," and by extension, "(I/You/He/She) have (Noun)" or "(I/You/He/She) don't have (Noun)."책이 있어요 (chaegi isseoyo). Here, 책 (chaek, book) ends in a consonant, so it takes 이. This can mean "A book exists" (e.g., "There is a book on the table") or "I have a book." The precise interpretation is determined by the surrounding context.책이 있어요 clearly implies possession. If you are describing a room, it describes existence. The ambiguity is natural and easily resolved in conversation.에 is attached directly to the place noun. The structure becomes Place에 Noun이/가 있어요/없어요. This literally means "(Noun) exists/doesn't exist at (Place)." For example, 집에 고양이가 있어요 (jibe goyangiga isseoyo) means "A cat is at home" or "There is a cat at home." Without 에, 집이 있어요 would suggest that "A house exists" or "I have a house." The particle 에 specifically points to a static location, distinguishing it from directional particles or movement.있다 and 없다 as descriptive verbs. They describe a state of being or having, not an active process. This is why they always pair with the subject particles 이/가 for the noun being described, rather than the object particles 을/를 (eul/reul), which are used with action verbs.When To Use It
있다 and 없다 in a vast array of situations to express existence, possession, availability, and location. Their versatility makes them indispensable for basic communication in Korean.- 1Existence of Objects/People: To state whether something or someone is present. This is the most direct application.
물 있어요?(mul isseoyo?) – "Is there water?" / "Do you have water?" (Asking for existence/availability)친구가 있어요.(chinguga isseoyo.) – "A friend exists." / "I have a friend."학생들이 교실에 없어요.(haksaengdeuri gyosire eopseoyo.) – "The students are not in the classroom."
- 1Possession: To indicate that you or someone else has (or doesn't have) a particular item or abstract concept. In this context, the "possessor" is often implied by the situation or indicated with the topic particle
은/는or explicitly with a possessive marker.
저는 시간이 없어요.(jeoneun sigani eopseoyo.) – "I don't have time." (시간(sigan) meaning "time")핸드폰이 있어요.(haendeuponi isseoyo.) – "I have a phone." (Or "A phone exists.")그는 여동생이 없어요.(geuneun yeodongsaengi eopseoyo.) – "He doesn't have a younger sister."
- 1Location: To specify where something or someone is physically situated. The locative particle
에is mandatory here.
저는 도서관에 있어요.(jeoneun doseogwane isseoyo.) – "I am at the library."주말에 집에 없었어요.(jumare jibe eopseosseoyo.) – "I wasn't home on the weekend."가방 안에 지갑이 있어요.(gabang ane jigabi isseoyo.) – "There is a wallet inside the bag."
- 1Availability/Status: To inquire about or state the availability of goods, services, or conditions.
와이파이 있어요?(waipai isseoyo?) – "Is there Wi-Fi?" (Asking about availability)문제 없어요.(munje eopseoyo.) – "There is no problem." / "No worries." (문제(munje) meaning "problem")배터리가 없어요.(baeteoriga eopseoyo.) – "The battery is dead/empty." (배터리(baeteori) meaning "battery")
- 1Abstract Concepts:
있다and없다can also describe the presence or absence of abstract ideas, feelings, or qualities.
용기가 있어요.(yonggiga isseoyo.) – "There is courage." / "(He/She) has courage." (용기(yonggi) meaning "courage")희망이 없어요.(huimangi eopseoyo.) – "There is no hope." / "(I) have no hope." (희망(huimang) meaning "hope")
When Not To Use It
있다 and 없다 are remarkably versatile, there are specific contexts where using them would be grammatically incorrect or convey an unintended meaning. Misusing these verbs is a very common beginner error, particularly when translating directly from English.- 1For Identity ( "to be" as
이다): You cannot use있다to state someone's identity or definition. This is the exclusive domain of the copula이다(ida), which means "to be" in the sense of "A is B."있다describes existence or location, not identity.
- Incorrect:
저는 학생이 있어요.(jeoneun haksaengi isseoyo.) – This literally means "I have a student" or "A student exists for me," not "I am a student." - Correct:
저는 학생이에요.(jeoneun haksaengieyo.) – "I am a student." (학생(haksaeng) meaning "student") - Incorrect:
이것은 연필이 있어요.(igeoseun yeonpiri isseoyo.) – "This has a pencil" (unlikely intended meaning). - Correct:
이것은 연필이에요.(igeoseun yeonpirieyo.) – "This is a pencil." (연필(yeonpil) meaning "pencil")
- 1For Negating Identity ( "to not be" as
아니다): Just as이다handles positive identity,아니다(anida) handles negative identity ("to not be"). You cannot use없다to negate identity.
- Incorrect:
저는 학생이 없어요.(jeoneun haksaengi eopseoyo.) – This means "I don't have a student," not "I am not a student." - Correct:
저는 학생이 아니에요.(jeoneun haksaengi anieyo.) – "I am not a student."
- 1For Negating Actions (
안 하다or-지 않다):없다is for non-existence or non-possession, not for negating an action or verb. To say you "don't do" something, you use안(an) before the verb or attach–지 않다(-ji anta) to the verb stem.
- Incorrect:
공부 없어요.(gongbu eopseoyo.) – This is grammatically awkward and unclear, implying "study doesn't exist." (Though in some very specific contexts it might mean "I have no studies to do"). - Correct:
공부 안 해요.(gongbu an haeyo.) – "I don't study." - Correct:
공부하지 않아요.(gongbuhaji anayo.) – "I don't study."
- 1For Movement Verbs:
있다describes a static location or state. When describing the result of a movement (e.g., someone went and is now there), it is common, but있다itself does not convey the action of moving. For active movement, use verbs like가다(gada, to go) or오다(oda, to come).
어디에 있어요?(eodie isseoyo?) – "Where are you (right now)?" (Static location)어디에 가요?(eodie gayo?) – "Where are you going?" (Action of movement)
Common Mistakes
있다 and 없다 often comes with a set of predictable pitfalls for English speakers due to direct translation interference. Recognizing these common errors and understanding their underlying grammatical reasons is key to avoiding them.- 1Confusing
있다with이다: This is the most frequent and significant error.있다concerns existence and possession, while이다is the copula for identity.이다equates two nouns (A=B), whereas있다describes a noun's state or location.
- Error: Saying
저는 선생님이 있어요.(jeoneun seonsaengnimi isseoyo.) when you mean "I am a teacher." This translates to "I have a teacher" or "A teacher exists for me." - Correction:
저는 선생님이에요.(jeoneun seonsaengnimieyo.) – "I am a teacher."
- 1Using Object Particle
을/를instead of Subject Particle이/가: Because "to have" in English often takes a direct object, learners instinctively try to use을/를with있다. However,있다and없다are descriptive verbs, not action verbs. The item that exists or is possessed is the subject of the sentence.
- Error:
돈을 있어요.(doneul isseoyo.) – This is grammatically incorrect.돈(don, money) is marked as an object, which doesn't fit있다's descriptive nature. - Correction:
돈이 있어요.(doni isseoyo.) – "I have money." (돈(don) ending in a consonant takes이) - Error:
시간을 없어요.(siganeul eopseoyo.) – Incorrect marking시간as an object. - Correction:
시간이 없어요.(sigani eopseoyo.) – "I don't have time." (시간(sigan) ending in a consonant takes이)
- 1Omitting the Locative Particle
에for Location: If you are at a place, the place must be marked with에. Without it, you change the meaning from "being at a place" to "possessing a place" or "a place exists."
- Error:
학교 있어요.(hakgyo isseoyo.) – This could imply "A school exists" or "I have a school," not "I am at school." - Correction:
학교에 있어요.(hakgyoe isseoyo.) – "I am at school." (학교(hakgyo) ending in a vowel takes에)
- 1Confusing
없다with아니다: Similar to the있다vs.이다confusion,없다is for non-existence/non-possession, while아니다is for negating identity.
- Error:
이것은 사과가 없어요.(igeoseun sagwaga eopseoyo.) when you mean "This is not an apple." This means "This doesn't have an apple" or "There is no apple in this." - Correction:
이것은 사과가 아니에요.(igeoseun sagwaga anieyo.) – "This is not an apple." (사과(sagwa) meaning "apple")
- 1Over-reliance on
있다/없다for abstract concepts in all contexts: While they work for many abstracts (e.g.,시간이 없어요), some English phrases like "I have a cold" or "I have a headache" use different Korean constructions, often involving the verb걸리다(geollida, to catch/contract) or아프다(apeuda, to hurt).
- Error:
감기가 있어요.(gamgiga isseoyo.) – While understandable, a more natural phrasing for "I have a cold" is감기에 걸렸어요.(gamgie geollyeosseoyo.). - Correction:
머리가 아파요.(meoriga apayo.) – "My head hurts." (For "I have a headache.") (머리(meori) meaning "head",아프다(apeuda) meaning "to hurt")
Memory Trick
To solidify your understanding of these core verbs, consider a visual mnemonic.
- For 있다 (itda), visualize the two vertical lines of the ㅆ (ss) sound in the stem 있 as representing two people standing side by side. They are present or they have something between them. The sound 이 also starts like "in" or "inside" – something is in a place or is inside your possession.
- For 없다 (eopda), picture the initial 없 (eop) sounding like "ops! it's gone!" or think of the ㅂ (b) as a barrier, signifying nothing passing through, thus "not existing" or "not having." The open ㅓ sound also conveys a sense of emptiness or lack. 없다 fundamentally expresses an "empty" state.
Real Conversations
Observe how 있다 and 없다 naturally appear in various modern Korean communication contexts.
1. Casual Text Message Exchange:
- A: 지갑 있어요? (jigap isseoyo?) - "Do you have your wallet?"
- B: 아니, 없어. 집에 있어. (ani, eopseo. jibe isseo.) - "No, I don't. It's at home."
- A: 그럼 돈 없어? (geureom don eopseo?) - "Then you don't have money?"
- B: 응, 없어. (eung, eopseo.) - "Yeah, I don't."
2. At a Coffee Shop (Polite):
- Customer: 혹시 딸기 케이크 있어요? (hoksi ttalgi keikeu isseoyo?) - "By any chance, do you have strawberry cake?"
- Barista: 죄송합니다, 지금은 없어요. 초콜릿 케이크는 있습니다. (joesonghamnida, jigeumeun eopseoyo. chokollit keikeuneun isseumnida.) - "I'm sorry, we don't have it right now. We do have chocolate cake."
3. Social Media Comment:
- Post: 오늘 날씨 진짜 좋다! (oneul nalssi jinjja jota!) - "The weather's really good today!"
- Comment 1: 저는 지금 독일에 있어요. (jeoneun jigeum dogire isseoyo.) - "I'm in Germany right now."
- Comment 2: 부럽다! 난 휴가가 없어... (bureopda! nan hyugaga eopseo...) - "Jealous! I don't have vacation..." (휴가 (hyuga) meaning "vacation")
4. Work Email (Formal):
- 안녕하십니까. 요청하신 자료는 현재 저희 시스템에 없습니다. (annyeonghasimnikka. yocheonghasin jaryoneun hyeonjae jeohi sisteme eopseumnida.) - "Hello. The requested data is currently not in our system."
- 추가로 필요한 정보가 있으시면 알려주십시오. (chugaro piryohan jeongboga isseusimyeon allyeojusipsio.) - "Please let us know if there is any additional information you need." (정보 (jeongbo) meaning "information")
These examples showcase the natural flow and context-dependency of 있다 and 없다 in everyday Korean communication, from direct questions about availability to more formal statements of non-existence.
Contrast With Similar Patterns
있다 and 없다, it is essential to distinguish them from other Korean grammatical structures that might seem similar but carry fundamentally different meanings or usage contexts.- 1
있다/없다vs.이다/아니다(Identity vs. Existence):
이다(to be, copula): Defines what a noun is. It acts like an equals sign (N1 = N2). The particle used with the noun preceding이다is typically이/가or it can directly attach if the noun ends in a vowel.저는 한국 사람이에요.(jeoneun hanguk saramieyo.) – "I am Korean." (한국 사람(hanguk saram) meaning "Korean person")그것은 연필이 아니에요.(geugeoseun yeonpiri anieyo.) – "That is not a pencil."있다/없다(to be/to have, existence/possession): Describes whether a noun exists, is present, or is possessed. It concerns a state, not an identity. The noun preceding있다/없다takes the subject particle이/가.저는 돈이 있어요.(jeoneun doni isseoyo.) – "I have money." (Money exists for me.)카페에 사람이 없어요.(kapee sarami eopseoyo.) – "There are no people in the cafe." (사람(saram) meaning "person")- Key Difference:
이다defines,있다describes presence/possession.
- 1
있다/없다vs.안 + Verb/Verb-지 않다(Non-existence vs. Non-action):
안 + VerborVerb-지 않다: These constructions are used to negate an action verb, indicating that an action is not performed or does not occur. They apply to verbs like먹다(meokda, to eat),자다(jada, to sleep),가다(gada, to go).저는 밥을 안 먹어요.(jeoneun babeul an meogeoyo.) – "I don't eat rice." (밥(bap) meaning "rice")저는 자고 싶지 않아요.(jeoneun jago sipji anayo.) – "I don't want to sleep."없다: This is exclusively for negating existence or possession. It is not used to negate an action verb.커피가 없어요.(keopiga eopseoyo.) – "There is no coffee." (Coffee doesn't exist.)- Key Difference:
안/-지 않다negates actions,없다negates existence/possession.
- 1
있다/없다vs.계시다/안 계시다(Honorific Forms):
계시다(gyesida): This is the honorific equivalent of있다. You use계시다when the subject whose existence or location is being described is someone of higher social status or age (e.g., elders, teachers, superiors). Its negative form is안 계시다(an gyesida).할머니는 방에 계세요.(halmeonineun bange gyeseyo.) – "Grandmother is in the room." (할머니(halmeoni) meaning "grandmother")선생님은 지금 없어요.(seonsaengnimeun jigeum eopseoyo.) – This would be impolite for a teacher. Instead, use:선생님은 지금 안 계세요.(seonsaengnimeun jigeum an gyeseyo.) – "The teacher is not here right now."- Key Difference:
계시다and안 계시다are specifically for showing respect to the subject, while있다and없다are neutral.
Progressive Practice
To reinforce your understanding of 있다 and 없다, engage in these structured practice exercises. Start simple and gradually add complexity.
Identify and State Existence (Objects): Look around your current environment. Name 5 objects and state their existence using Noun이/가 있어요.
- Example: 컴퓨터가 있어요. (keompyuteoga isseoyo.) – "There is a computer."
- Example: 의자가 있어요. (uijaga isseoyo.) – "There is a chair."
State Non-Existence (Possessions): Think about what you don't have right now (money, a specific item, etc.). State 3 things you lack using Noun이/가 없어요.
- Example: 현금이 없어요. (hyeongeumi eopseoyo.) – "I don't have cash."
- Example: 시간이 없어요. (sigani eopseoyo.) – "I don't have time."
Describe Location: Use the 에 있어요 structure to describe where 3 different things or people are located. Be specific with the place.
- Example: 책이 가방 안에 있어요. (chaegi gabang ane isseoyo.) – "The book is inside the bag."
- Example: 친구가 카페에 있어요. (chinguga kapee isseoyo.) – "My friend is at the cafe."
Ask About Availability/Possession: Imagine you are at a store or with a friend. Form 3 questions using Noun이/가 있어요?.
- Example: 혹시 물 있어요? (hoksi mul isseoyo?) – "By any chance, do you have water?"
- Example: 우유 있어요? (uyu isseoyo?) – "Is there milk?" (우유 (uyu) meaning "milk")
Distinguish 있다 from 이다: For each pair, choose the correct verb to complete the sentence based on whether it expresses identity or existence/possession.
- a) 저는 학생 ___ (이에요/있어요). (Answer: 이에요)
- b) 제 가방 안에 펜 ___ (이에요/있어요). (Answer: 있어요)
- c) 이것은 제 차 ___ (이에요/있어요). (Answer: 이에요)
Formulate Formal Statements: Using 있습니다 and 없습니다, write two sentences: one stating the presence of something relevant to a professional setting (e.g., a report) and another stating the absence of something.
- Example: 보고서가 있습니다. (bogoseoga isseumnida.) – "There is a report." (보고서 (bogoseo) meaning "report")
- Example: 문제는 없습니다. (munjeneun eopseumnida.) – "There is no problem."
Quick FAQ
있다 and 없다.있다 be used for people, meaning "to have" a person (e.g., "I have a younger sister")?있다 is used with people, it most commonly means "to have" a family member, friend, or partner. For example, 저는 여동생이 있어요. (jeoneun yeodongsaengi isseoyo.) translates to "I have a younger sister." Similarly, 남자친구가 있어요. (namjachinguga isseoyo.) means "I have a boyfriend." It can also mean a person is present in a location, such as 친구가 집에 있어요. (chinguga jibe isseoyo.) – "My friend is at home."있다 and 없다 change for past or future tense?았/었어요 to the stem, resulting in 있었어요 (isseosseoyo, was/had) and 없었어요 (eopseosseoyo, wasn't/didn't have). For the future tense, you attach -을/ㄹ 거예요 to the stem, yielding 있을 거예요 (isseul geoyeyo, will be/will have) and 없을 거예요 (eopseul geoyeyo, won't be/won't have).- Example (Past):
어제 숙제가 많았어요. 하지만 지금은 없어요.(eoje sukjega manasseoyo. hajiman jigeumeun eopseoyo.) – "Yesterday, I had a lot of homework. But now I don't." - Example (Future):
내일 시간이 있을 거예요.(naeil sigani isseul geoyeyo.) – "I will have time tomorrow." (내일(naeil) meaning "tomorrow")
있다 sometimes heard as 있어 (isseo) and 없다 as 없어 (eopseo)?해체) forms of the verbs. They are used when speaking to close friends, family members, or individuals younger than yourself. It is the least formal conjugation and is very common in everyday, informal conversation, including text messages and social media.있다 express the meaning "to exist" in a more abstract or philosophical sense?있다 can certainly be used in an abstract sense. For example, 신이 있어요? (sini isseoyo?) means "Does God exist?" (신 (sin) meaning "God"). 희망이 있다 (huimangi itda) means "There is hope." While concrete existence is its primary function for beginners, its application extends to abstract concepts of presence.괜찮아요 (gwaenchanayo) and 문제 없어요 (munje eopseoyo)? How do they relate?괜찮아요 (gwaenchanayo) means "It's okay" or "I'm fine." It's used for general well-being or agreement. 문제 없어요. (munje eopseoyo.) literally means "There is no problem," implying that everything is fine or nothing is amiss. While both can be used to convey a sense of "all clear," 문제 없어요 specifically negates the existence of a problem, making it a direct application of 없다 in a practical, reassuring context.문제 없어요.Conjugation of 있다/없다
| Form | Polite (해요) | Formal (합니다) | Past (했어요) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Exist (있다)
|
있어요
|
있습니다
|
있었어요
|
|
Not Exist (없다)
|
없어요
|
없습니다
|
없었어요
|
Common Contractions
| Full | Contraction |
|---|---|
|
있지 않아요
|
없어요
|
Meanings
These are the fundamental verbs for existence and possession in Korean. They describe whether something exists in a location or is in someone's possession.
Existence
Something exists in a specific place.
“학교에 선생님이 있어요.”
“가방 안에 지갑이 있어요.”
Possession
Someone possesses an object or relationship.
“저에게 돈이 있어요.”
“동생이 있어요.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Noun + 이/가 + 있다
|
책이 있어요.
|
|
Negative
|
Noun + 이/가 + 없다
|
책이 없어요.
|
|
Question
|
Noun + 이/가 + 있다/없다?
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책이 있어요?
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Past
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Noun + 이/가 + 있었다/없었다
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책이 있었어요.
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Honorific
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Noun + 이/가 + 계시다
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선생님이 계세요.
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Formality Spectrum
펜이 있습니다. (General)
펜이 있어요. (General)
펜 있어. (General)
펜 있네. (General)
Existence Map
Possession
- 돈 money
Location
- 집 house
Examples by Level
사과가 있어요.
I have an apple.
가방이 없어요.
I don't have a bag.
친구가 있어요.
I have a friend.
물이 없어요.
There is no water.
학교에 선생님이 있어요.
The teacher is at school.
지갑에 돈이 없어요.
There is no money in the wallet.
오늘 시간이 있어요?
Do you have time today?
집에 아무도 없어요.
There is no one at home.
회의가 있어서 바빠요.
I have a meeting, so I am busy.
그분은 지금 사무실에 계세요.
He is in the office right now.
경험이 없어서 걱정이에요.
I am worried because I have no experience.
좋은 생각이 있어요.
I have a good idea.
그는 실력이 있는 사람이에요.
He is a person who has skill.
문제가 없는 것은 아니에요.
It's not that there are no problems.
여기에 머물러 있을 거예요.
I will be staying here.
그 사실을 알고 있었어요.
I knew that fact.
그의 존재는 우리에게 큰 힘이 됩니다.
His existence is a great strength to us.
그는 어디에 있든 상관없어요.
It doesn't matter where he is.
그럴 리가 없어요.
That cannot be.
그는 항상 곁에 있어 주었어요.
He was always by my side.
있음과 없음의 경계는 모호하다.
The boundary between existence and non-existence is vague.
그는 부재중입니다.
He is absent.
어디에 계신지 여쭤봐도 될까요?
May I ask where you are?
그는 아무것도 가진 게 없었다.
He had nothing.
Easily Confused
Learners use '있다' for everyone.
Common Mistakes
책을 있어요.
책이 있어요.
선생님이 있어요.
선생님이 계세요.
시간을 없어요.
시간이 없어요.
그것은 존재가 없어요.
그것은 존재하지 않아요.
Sentence Patterns
___이/가 있어요?
Real World Usage
메뉴판이 있어요?
The Particle Trap
Don't say '안 있어요'
Politeness with Elders
Smart Tips
Use 계시다.
Pronunciation
Liaison
When '있어요' is pronounced, the 'ㅅ' sound moves to the next syllable.
Question
있어요? ↑
Rising intonation for questions.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'It-da' (있다) as 'It is there' and 'Op-da' (없다) as 'Oops, it's gone'.
Visual Association
Imagine a box. If an apple is inside, you say '있어요'. If you open it and it's empty, you say '없어요'.
Rhyme
Something there is '있어요', nothing there is '없어요'.
Story
Min-su looks for his keys. He checks his pocket. '열쇠가 없어요!' (No keys). He checks the table. '아, 여기 있어요!' (Ah, here they are).
Word Web
Challenge
Look around your room and name 5 things you have using '있어요' and 3 things you don't have using '없어요'.
Cultural Notes
Using '계시다' for elders is a sign of respect. It is crucial for social harmony.
These are native Korean verbs that have existed since Middle Korean.
Conversation Starters
지금 시간이 있어요?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
저는 동생이 ___.
Score: /1
Practice Exercises
1 exercises저는 동생이 ___.
Score: /1
Practice Bank
10 exercises시간이 _______?
I don't have money.
[집에] [고양이가] [있어요]
Match the items:
Formal '있다':
차를 있어요.
선생님 _______?
I have no friends.
[여기] [와이파이] [있어요]
Choose one:
Score: /10
FAQ (1)
No, never with 있다/없다.
Scaffolded Practice
1
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
iru/aru
Korean uses one verb for both, Japanese uses two.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Continue With
Present Progressive: -ing (고 있다)
Overview Korean, like English, distinguishes between habitual or general actions and actions that are actively in progre...
Currently Doing Something (-고 있다)
Overview The Korean grammatical pattern **`-(고) 있다`** (`-go itda`) is fundamental for expressing actions that are cu...
Honorific 'To Be' (계시다)
Overview Korean is a language where social relationships are encoded directly into the grammar. This system, known as **...
Continuous State (-아/어 있다)
Overview Korean often differentiates between an action in progress and the resulting state after an action has been comp...
Resultative State (-아/어/여 있다): Describing 'Is Seated', 'Is Open'
Overview Korean grammar possesses a nuanced system for describing actions and their resulting states, often with greater...
Related Grammar Rules
Talking About the Past in Korean: The 았/었/였 Rules
Overview The Korean past tense, primarily expressed through the suffix **-았/었/였-**, is fundamental for conveying acti...
Future Tense: Will & Going To ((으)ㄹ 거예요)
Overview When communicating in Korean, articulating future actions, intentions, or predictions is fundamental. The gramm...
Past Tense: Did you do it? (았/었/였)
Overview To master Korean, you must accurately describe events that have already transpired. The past tense, realized th...
Identifying the Verb Stem (어간)
Overview In Korean, verbs (`동사`, *dongsa*) and adjectives (`형용사`, *hyeong-yongsa*), often collectively referred to...
Present Tense: The Polite 'Yo' Style (아/어/여요)
Overview Korean verbal conjugation might initially seem complex due to its multiple politeness levels and shifting endin...
