A1 Descriptive Adjectives 16 min read 简单

韩语形容词：描述事物（是/很）

韩语形容词就像“自带动作”的描述词，直接变位就能表达“是什么样”，不需要额外加“是”。记好“直接变身”、“自带是”、“元音分边”这三个小锦囊就好啦！
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Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

In Korean, adjectives act like verbs; you must conjugate them to say 'is' or 'are'.

  • Adjectives end in -다 in the dictionary form (e.g., 예쁘다).
  • Drop the -다 and add the appropriate ending for politeness.
  • Use -아요/-어요 for polite informal speech.
Noun + (이/가) + Adjective-Stem + Ending (e.g., 꽃이 예뻐요)

Overview

Korean adjectives (형용사, hyeong-yong-sa) function fundamentally as descriptive verbs. Unlike in English, where adjectives modify nouns and require a separate 'to be' verb (e.g.,
the sky *is blue*
), Korean descriptive verbs inherently contain the meaning of to be, is, am, or are. This means they directly express a state or quality without needing an additional linking verb like 이다 (i-da).
This core linguistic difference simplifies sentence structure. Instead of
The sky is blue,
Korean directly expresses The sky blue-is or 하늘이 파랗다 (ha-neul-i pa-rat-da). Understanding this principle is crucial, as it underpins how states, qualities, and characteristics are communicated in Korean.
It helps beginners avoid the common error of adding 이다 to an adjective.
For example, to state that something is big, you use the descriptive verb 크다 (keu-da). This single word already signifies to be big. To use it politely in a sentence, you simply conjugate 크다 to 커요 (keo-yo). This structure is consistent across all descriptive verbs, forming the foundation for expressing any quality or condition.

How This Grammar Works

Korean descriptive verbs (형용사) are an integral part of the verb system, describing the state, quality, or condition of a subject. They share conjugation patterns with action verbs, but their semantic function differs: descriptive verbs express being, while action verbs express doing. Every descriptive verb exists in a dictionary form, which invariably ends with the infinitive marker -다 (-da), akin to to in English infinitives (e.g., to be pretty).
To utilize a descriptive verb in a sentence, you must first remove this -다 to isolate the verb stem. This stem carries the core meaning and is the base to which various grammatical endings are affixed. Consider 예쁘다 (ye-ppeu-da), meaning to be pretty; its stem is 예쁘- (ye-ppeu-).
This stem will then combine with an appropriate ending to convey politeness, tense, and mood.
Crucially, Korean descriptive verbs do not inflect for gender, number, or person of the subject. The same stem and core conjugation are used whether 예쁘다 describes one pretty person, ten pretty people, or a pretty flower. 예뻐요 means she is pretty, they are pretty, or it is pretty. This simplifies agreement rules considerably compared to many European languages.
For A1 learners, two primary politeness levels are essential: the informal polite style (해요체, hae-yo-che) and the formal polite style (하십시오체, ha-sip-si-o-che). 해요체 is the most common and versatile, used in daily conversations, with friends, and even with polite strangers. It is the safest choice for beginners.
하십시오체 is reserved for highly formal contexts such as news broadcasts, official speeches, or showing extreme deference to elders, though initially, you will primarily encounter it for recognition rather than active production.
In Korean sentence structure, the descriptive verb almost always functions as the predicate and therefore occupies the final position in the sentence. This consistent Subject-Object-Verb (SOV) order places the conjugated descriptive verb as the concluding element that completes the thought or statement.
For instance, 이 꽃이 예뻐요 (i kkot-i ye-ppeo-yo) translates to
This flower is pretty.
Here, 예쁘- is the stem, -어요 is the polite ending, and the entire 예뻐요 forms the predicate at the sentence's conclusion.

Formation Pattern

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Conjugating Korean descriptive verbs involves removing the dictionary ending (-다) and attaching a new ending to the stem. Mastering this pattern, particularly for the informal polite 해요체 and formal polite 하십시오체 forms, is fundamental for expressing states and qualities.
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1. Identify the Dictionary Form and Stem
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All descriptive verbs end in -다. Remove -다 to reveal the verb stem.
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| Dictionary Form | Romanization | Meaning | Stem |
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| :-------------- | :----------- | :---------------- | :-------- |
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| 좋다 | jot-da | to be good | 좋- |
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| 크다 | keu-da | to be big | 크- |
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| 행복하다 | haeng-bok-ha-da | to be happy | 행복하- |
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2. Conjugate to 해요체 (Informal Polite)
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This is the most common and essential form for daily communication. The choice of ending (-아요 or -어요) is primarily governed by vowel harmony, referring to the last vowel in the stem.
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Rule A: Stem's last vowel is ㅏ (a) or ㅗ (o)
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Add -아요 (-a-yo). This maintains vowel harmony, where bright vowels (ㅏ, ㅗ) attract bright vowels.
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좋다 (to be good) -> 좋- + -아요 = 좋아요 (jo-a-yo) - "It's good."
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작다 (to be small) -> 작- + -아요 = 작아요 (jag-a-yo) - "It's small."
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Rule B: Stem's last vowel is anything else (e.g., ㅓ, ㅜ, ㅡ, ㅣ)
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Add -어요 (-eo-yo). This applies to dark vowels (ㅓ, ㅜ, ㅡ, ㅣ) attracting dark vowels.
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슬프다 (to be sad) -> 슬프- + -어요 = 슬퍼요 (seul-peo-yo) - "I'm sad."
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예쁘다 (to be pretty) -> 예쁘- + -어요 = 예뻐요 (ye-ppeo-yo) - "It's pretty."
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Rule C: Stem ends in -하다 (-ha-da)
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This is a highly common and significant irregular conjugation. All verbs ending in -하다 always transform to -해요 (-hae-yo). This is a contraction of 하- + -아요 which became lexicalized.
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행복하다 (to be happy) -> 행복하- -> 행복해요 (haeng-bok-hae-yo) - "I'm happy."
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피곤하다 (to be tired) -> 피곤하- -> 피곤해요 (pi-gon-hae-yo) - "I'm tired."
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3. Essential Vowel Contractions and Irregulars (해요체)
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These are crucial for natural-sounding Korean and occur when the stem ends in specific vowels or consonants, leading to sound changes or deletions.
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Vowel Contractions: When certain vowels combine, they often merge.
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ㅗ + ㅏ요 -> ㅘ요 (wa-yo): 보다 (to see - *action verb, but illustrates the pattern*) -> 보- + -아요 = 봐요 (bwa-yo).
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ㅜ + ㅓ요 -> ㅝ요 (wo-yo): 배우다 (to learn - *action verb*) -> 배우- + -어요 = 배워요 (bae-wo-yo).
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ㅣ + ㅓ요 -> ㅕ요 (yeo-yo): 마시다 (to drink - *action verb*) -> 마시- + -어요 = 마셔요 (ma-syeo-yo).
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ㅡ Deletion (Weak Vowel): If a stem ends in ㅡ, this vowel often drops before an -아/어요 ending. The choice between -아 and -어 depends on the vowel *preceding* the ㅡ.
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If the vowel *before* ㅡ is ㅏ or ㅗ: 바쁘다 (to be busy) -> 바쁘- -> 바ㅃ- + -아요 = 바빠요 (ba-ppa-yo) - "I'm busy." (The ㅏ in 바 dictates -아요).
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If the vowel *before* ㅡ is anything else (or if ㅡ is the only vowel in the stem): 쓰다 (to write/use) -> 쓰- -> ㅆ- + -어요 = 써요 (sseo-yo) - I write/use. (No preceding vowel, so default -어요).
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ㅂ Irregular Conjugation (A1 Essential): Many descriptive verbs whose stems end in ㅂ are irregular. When a vowel-initial ending (like -아/어요) is attached, the ㅂ changes to ㅜ (u) or sometimes ㅗ (o). For A1, focus on the ㅜ change.
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춥다 (to be cold) -> 춥- changes to 추우- + -어요 = 추워요 (chu-wo-yo) - "It's cold."
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아름답다 (to be beautiful) -> 아름답- changes to 아름다우- + -어요 = 아름다워요 (a-reum-da-wo-yo) - "It's beautiful."
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덥다 (to be hot) -> 덥- changes to 더우- + -어요 = 더워요 (deo-wo-yo) - "It's hot."
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Note: Not all ㅂ-ending verbs are irregular. For example, 좁다 (to be narrow) is regular: 좁- + -아요 = 좁아요 (jo-ba-yo). These must be memorized through exposure.
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4. Conjugate to 하십시오체 (Formal Polite)
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This highly formal style is less common in everyday spoken Korean but is essential for comprehension in specific contexts. The rules are simpler, depending on whether the stem ends in a consonant or a vowel.
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Stem ends in a consonant: Add -습니다 (-seup-ni-da).
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좋다 (to be good) -> 좋- + -습니다 = 좋습니다 (joh-seup-ni-da) - It is good.
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작다 (to be small) -> 작- + -습니다 = 작습니다 (jak-seup-ni-da) - It is small.
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Stem ends in a vowel: Add -ㅂ니다 (-mni-da).
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크다 (to be big) -> 크- + -ㅂ니다 = 큽니다 (keum-ni-da) - It is big.
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행복하다 (to be happy) -> 행복하- + -ㅂ니다 = 행복합니다 (haeng-bok-ham-ni-da) - I am happy.

When To Use It

Korean descriptive verbs are utilized whenever you need to express a state, quality, or characteristic of a noun or pronoun. Because they inherently carry the meaning of to be, they function as the predicate of a sentence, replacing the need for separate copulas or linking verbs found in languages like English. For A1 learners, mastering their use in declarative sentences and questions is foundational for basic communication.
  • Describing Physical Qualities of Objects and Places
Use descriptive verbs to comment on attributes like size, color, temperature, taste, or any sensory characteristic. These verbs provide direct, concise descriptions.
  • 이 사과가 맛있어요. (i sa-gwa-ga ma-si-sseo-yo.) -
    This apple is delicious.
  • 방이 정말 넓어요. (bang-i jeong-mal neol-beo-yo.) -
    The room is really spacious.
  • 물이 뜨겁습니다. (mul-i tteu-geop-seup-ni-da.) -
    The water is hot (formal).
  • Describing Characteristics of People and Animals
These verbs are essential for conveying appearance, personality traits, or inherent qualities of living beings.
  • 그 아기가 아주 귀여워요. (geu a-gi-ga a-ju gwi-yeo-wo-yo.) -
    That baby is very cute.
  • 제 친구는 친절해요. (je chin-gu-neun chin-jeol-hae-yo.) -
    My friend is kind.
  • 선생님은 항상 바쁘십니다. (seon-saeng-nim-eun hang-sang ba-ppeu-sim-ni-da.) -
    The teacher is always busy (formal and honorific).
  • Describing States of Being and Feelings
Use descriptive verbs to express emotions, physical sensations, or internal conditions. This is how you convey your or someone else's current state.
  • 저는 요즘 피곤해요. (jeo-neun yo-jeum pi-gon-hae-yo.) -
    I am tired these days.
  • 시험이 어려워요. (si-heom-i eo-ryeo-wo-yo.) -
    The exam is difficult.
  • 저는 지금 배고픕니다. (jeo-neun ji-geum bae-go-peum-ni-da.) -
    I am hungry right now (formal).
  • Describing Environmental Conditions
Weather, atmosphere, and general surroundings are frequently described using descriptive verbs, especially in small talk and observational comments.
  • 오늘 날씨가 정말 맑아요. (o-neul nal-ssi-ga jeong-mal malg-a-yo.) -
    Today the weather is really clear.
  • 이 카페는 분위기가 좋아요. (i ka-pe-neun bun-wi-gi-ga joh-a-yo.) - "This café's atmosphere is good."
  • 밖이 시끄럽습니다. (bakk-i si-kkeu-reop-seup-ni-da.) -
    It is noisy outside (formal).
Cultural Insight: In Korean communication, making observational comments using descriptive verbs is a common and natural way to initiate or maintain social interaction. Phrases like 날씨가 좋네요 ("The weather is good, isn't it?
) or 옷이 예쁘시네요 (
Your clothes are pretty!") facilitate connection and demonstrate attentiveness, making accurate use of these verbs essential for social fluency. They allow speakers to share perceptions of shared reality.

Common Mistakes

Beginners frequently encounter specific challenges when integrating Korean descriptive verbs, primarily due to their distinct grammatical function compared to English adjectives. Addressing these pitfalls directly will significantly enhance your accuracy and fluency.
  • 1. Using 이다 (i-da, to be) with Descriptive Verbs: This is the most prevalent error. English speakers are accustomed to pairing an adjective with a form of to be (e.g., she *is* pretty). However, Korean descriptive verbs intrinsically contain this to be meaning. You must never use 이다 or its conjugated forms (이에요/예요, 입니다) directly after a descriptive verb.
  • Incorrect: 이 꽃이 예쁘다이에요. (i kkot-i ye-ppeu-da-i-e-yo.) - *This is grammatically redundant, akin to
    This flower to-be-pretty is.
    *
  • Correct: 이 꽃이 예뻐요. (i kkot-i ye-ppeo-yo.) -
    This flower is pretty.
  • 2. Incorrect Vowel Harmony for -아/어요 Conjugation: Misapplying the -아요 vs. -어요 rule is a common slip. The rule is strict: stems with a final vowel of ㅏ or ㅗ take -아요; all other vowels take -어요.
  • Incorrect: 크어요. (keu-eo-yo.) - *Incorrectly using -어요 with the vowel ㅡ in 크- (which is not ㅏ or ㅗ). While ㅡ is not ㅏ or ㅗ, it undergoes deletion, making the correct conjugation 커요.*
  • Correct: 커요. (keo-yo.) - *The stem 크-'s ㅡ drops, and -어요 attaches and contracts, forming 커요.*
  • Incorrect: 바쁘어요. (ba-ppeu-eo-yo.) - *Misapplying -어요 when the vowel preceding ㅡ is ㅏ (바-).*
  • Correct: 바빠요. (ba-ppa-yo.) - *The ㅡ in 바쁘- drops, and -아요 attaches because of the preceding ㅏ, forming 바빠요.*
  • 3. Forgetting the -하다 (-ha-da) to -해요 (-hae-yo) Rule: Descriptive verbs ending in -하다 consistently conjugate to -해요 in the informal polite form. Attempting to apply the general -아/어요 rule directly (e.g., 하아요) is incorrect and will sound unnatural to native speakers.
  • Incorrect: 피곤하아요. (pi-gon-ha-a-yo.)
  • Correct: 피곤해요. (pi-gon-hae-yo.) - I am tired.
  • 4. Ignoring Irregular Conjugations, Especially ㅂ Irregular: The ㅂ irregular is a significant hurdle. Many descriptive verbs whose stems end in ㅂ (e.g., 춥다, 덥다, 아름답다) change the ㅂ to 우 (u) or 오 (o) when followed by a vowel-initial ending like -아/어요. Failing to apply this rule results in grammatically incorrect and difficult-to-understand forms.
  • Incorrect: 춥아요. (chup-a-yo.) - *Directly applying -아요 without the required ㅂ change.*
  • Correct: 추워요. (chu-wo-yo.) - It is cold.
  • Incorrect: 아름답어요. (a-reum-dap-eo-yo.)
  • Correct: 아름다워요. (a-reum-da-wo-yo.) - It is beautiful.
  • 5. Confusing Descriptive Verbs with Action Verbs in Advanced Structures: While descriptive verbs conjugate similarly to action verbs at the A1 level (e.g., in -아/어요), they behave differently in more complex grammatical constructions (e.g., you cannot form imperative or most progressive forms with descriptive verbs). For A1, remember their core function: descriptive verbs describe states, while action verbs describe actions. You don't do a state.
  • You can say 밥을 먹어요. (bap-eul meog-eo-yo., I eat rice.) - *Action verb*
  • You cannot say 예쁘고 있어요. (ye-ppeo-go i-sseo-yo.) - *Incorrect continuous form for a descriptive verb, as being pretty is a state, not an ongoing action.*
  • Instead, you simply say 예뻐요. (ye-ppeo-yo., She is pretty.) - *Descriptive verb expressing a static state.*
  • 6. Incorrect Sentence Finality: The conjugated descriptive verb must be the final element of the predicate, and typically the final word in a simple sentence. Placing other words or clauses after it (unless they are specific particles or post-positions modifying the entire sentence) will make your sentence sound unnatural or grammatically incorrect.
  • Incorrect: 책이 좋아요 읽어요. (chaek-i joh-a-yo ilg-eo-yo.) - *Attempting to add another verb after the descriptive verb that already completes the thought.*
  • Correct: 책이 좋아요. (chaek-i joh-a-yo.) -
    The book is good.
  • Correct: 저는 책을 읽어요. (jeo-neun chaek-eul ilg-eo-yo.) -
    I read a book.
    (These are two separate complete sentences.)

Real Conversations

To truly grasp Korean descriptive verbs, observe how native speakers integrate them into authentic communication. These verbs are a cornerstone of daily interaction, appearing in everything from casual observations to expressions of personal feelings.

- 1. Expressing Opinions and Impressions (Casual/Social Media)

Descriptive verbs are frequently used to share immediate reactions, opinions, or emotional responses, particularly in informal settings. This is common when commenting on experiences, media, or other people's posts.

- On a friend's new profile picture:

A

A

와, 사진 진짜 예뻐요! (wa, sa-jin jin-jja ye-ppeo-yo!) -
Wow, the picture is really pretty!
B

B

고마워요! 날씨가 좋았어요. (go-ma-wo-yo! nal-ssi-ga joh-a-sseo-yo.) -
Thanks! The weather was good.

- Commenting on a new restaurant dish:

A

A

이 음식 어때요? 맛있어요? (i eum-sik eo-ttae-yo? ma-si-sseo-yo?) - "How's this food? Is it delicious?"
B

B

네, 진짜 맛있어요! 근데 좀 매워요. (ne, jin-jja ma-si-sseo-yo! geun-de jom mae-wo-yo.) - "Yes, it's really delicious! But it's a bit spicy."

- 2. Making Observations (Everyday Life)

Koreans often use descriptive verbs to comment on their environment, the weather, or general states of affairs. This forms a significant part of small talk and demonstrating attentiveness.

- Entering a cold room:

A

A

방이 좀 추워요. (bang-i jom chu-wo-yo.) -
The room is a bit cold.
B

B

네, 창문 열어서 시원해요. (ne, chang-mun yeol-eo-seo si-won-hae-yo.) - "Yes, I opened the window, so it's cool."

- Discussing daily workload:

A

A

오늘 일이 너무 많아요. (o-neul il-i neo-mu man-a-yo.) - "Today's work is too much."
B

B

맞아요. 저도 너무 피곤해요. (ma-ja-yo. jeo-do neo-mu pi-gon-hae-yo.) - "That's right. I'm too tired too."

- 3. Expressing Personal Feelings and Conditions (Formal/Informal)

Descriptive verbs are indispensable for communicating your internal state, whether in a casual chat with friends or a more formal response in a professional setting.

- Responding to a colleague about a project (formal):

A

A

새 프로젝트가 중요합니다. (sae peu-ro-jek-teu-ga jung-yo-ham-ni-da.) -
The new project is important.
B

B

네, 아주 중요합니다. (ne, a-ju jung-yo-ham-ni-da.) -
Yes, it is very important.

- Talking about a minor ailment:

A

A

어디가 아프세요? (eo-di-ga a-peu-se-yo?) -
Where does it hurt (honorific)?
B

B

배가 좀 아파요. (bae-ga jom a-pa-yo.) -
My stomach hurts a bit.

- 4. Conciseness in Context

Korean frequently omits subjects or objects when they are evident from the context. This is particularly common with descriptive verbs, making conversations efficient and natural. The listener infers the missing information.

- Looking at a beautiful natural scene:

와, 진짜 아름다워요! (wa, jin-jja a-reum-da-wo-yo!) - "Wow, it's really beautiful!

(*The subject, e.g.,
the scenery," is implied*).

- After tasting a very sweet dessert:

너무 달아요! (neo-mu dal-a-yo!) - "It's too sweet!

(*The subject, e.g.,
this dessert," is implied*).

Quick FAQ

Here are answers to frequently asked questions, addressing common points of confusion for A1 learners regarding Korean descriptive verbs.
Q1: Why does 좋다 (jot-da, to be good) become 좋아요 (jo-a-yo) and not 좋어요 (jo-eo-yo)?
A1: This is a direct application of the vowel harmony rule. The stem of 좋다 is 좋- (joh-). The last vowel in this stem is ㅗ (o).
According to Rule A for 해요체 conjugation, stems with a last vowel of ㅏ or ㅗ combine with -아요. Thus, 좋- + -아요 correctly forms 좋아요. The consonant ㅎ (h) is silent when followed by a vowel in this conjugation, maintaining the pronunciation jo-a-yo.
Q2: Are 있다 (it-da, to exist/have) and 없다 (eop-da, to not exist/not have) considered descriptive verbs?
A2: 있다 and 없다 are unique. While they don't describe a quality in the same way 예쁘다 (pretty) or 크다 (big) do, they function grammatically like descriptive verbs, particularly in their conjugation patterns. They are often categorized as existence verbs or quasi-adjectives.
For A1 purposes, treat them as descriptive verbs that conjugate using the standard -어요 rule because their stems (있-, 없-) end in a consonant that doesn't follow the ㅏ/ㅗ rule, and they don't undergo irregular changes in the 해요체.
  • 있- + -어요 = 있어요 (i-sseo-yo) - There is/are, or I have.
  • 없- + -어요 = 없어요 (eop-sseo-yo) - "There isn't/aren't, or I don't have."
Q3: How do I form a question using a descriptive verb?
A3: In the informal polite 해요체 form, forming a question is straightforward: you simply raise your intonation at the end of the sentence. No additional grammatical particles or structural changes are needed for 해요체 questions.
  • Statement: 날씨가 좋아요. (nal-ssi-ga joh-a-yo.) -
    The weather is good.
  • Question: 날씨가 좋아요? (nal-ssi-ga joh-a-yo?) -
    Is the weather good?
For the formal polite 하십시오체 form, the ending changes slightly to indicate a question:
  • Statement: 날씨가 좋습니다. (nal-ssi-ga joh-seup-ni-da.) -
    The weather is good.
  • Question: 날씨가 좋습니까? (nal-ssi-ga joh-seup-ni-kka?) -
    Is the weather good?
Q4: Can I drop the subject of a sentence when using descriptive verbs?
A4: Absolutely. Korean is a highly contextual language, and subjects (or objects) are frequently omitted when they can be inferred from the situation or previous conversation. This is very common with descriptive verbs, especially when making observations or stating personal feelings.
  • Seeing a delicious cake: (Implicit subject: 그 케이크 - That cake)
와, 진짜 맛있어요! (wa, jin-jja ma-si-sseo-yo!) - "Wow, it's really delicious!"
  • Talking about being tired after work: (Implicit subject: 저 - I)
아, 피곤해요. (a, pi-gon-hae-yo.) - "Ah, I'm tired."
Q5: What's the fundamental difference between 이에요/예요 and conjugated descriptive verbs?
A5: This is a critical distinction for A1 learners. 이에요/예요 are conjugated forms of the copula 이다 (i-da), which also means to be. However, they are used *exclusively* after nouns to equate one noun with another (e.g.,
This *is* a student
). Descriptive verbs, as discussed, already contain the to be meaning and are used to describe qualities.
You would never use 이에요/예요 after a descriptive verb.
  • Nouns + 이에요/예요:
이것은 책이에요. (i-geot-eun chaek-i-e-yo.) -
This is a book.
(Book = noun)
그것은 의자예요. (geu-geot-eun ui-ja-ye-yo.) -
That is a chair.
(Chair = noun)
  • Descriptive Verb (conjugated):
이 책은 재미있어요. (i chaek-eun jae-mi-i-sseo-yo.) -
This book is interesting.
(Interesting = quality)
그 의자는 편해요. (geu ui-ja-neun pyeon-hae-yo.) -
That chair is comfortable.
(Comfortable = quality)
Q6: How do descriptive verbs modify nouns (e.g., a pretty flower)?
A6: While this lesson focuses on descriptive verbs acting as predicates (at the end of a sentence), they can also modify nouns directly. However, they take a different form for this function, called the attributive form (관형사형, gwan-hyeong-sa-hyeong). For A1 learners, it's enough to be aware that 예뻐요 (it is pretty) is different from 예쁜 꽃 (a pretty flower).
The rules for changing descriptive verbs into attributive forms (e.g., using -은/ㄴ for adjectives) will be covered in later lessons. For now, concentrate on the fundamental predicate forms discussed here.

Polite Ending Conjugation

Dictionary Stem Vowel Polite Form
크다
크
ㅡ
커요
작다
작
ㅏ
작아요
좋다
좋
ㅗ
좋아요
예쁘다
예쁘
ㅡ
예뻐요
바쁘다
바쁘
ㅏ
바빠요
슬프다
슬프
ㅡ
슬퍼요

Meanings

Korean adjectives (descriptive verbs) function as the predicate of a sentence, meaning they inherently contain the 'is/are' state.

1

State of Being

Describing a quality or state of a subject.

“날씨가 좋아요.”

“방이 커요.”

Reference Table

Reference table for 韩语形容词：描述事物（是/很）
词典形式 敬语形式 (-아/어요) 中文意思 元音类型
좋다
좋아요
好
ㅏ/ㅗ
크다
커요
大
其他
작다
작아요
小
ㅏ/ㅗ
맵다
매워요
辣
不规则 (ㅂ)
예쁘다
예뻐요
漂亮
其他
행복하다
행복해요
幸福
-하다
바쁘다
바빠요
忙
其他
멀다
멀어요
远
其他

正式程度

正式
좋습니다.

좋습니다. (General)

中性
좋아요.

좋아요. (General)

非正式
좋아.

좋아. (General)

俚语
좋네!

좋네! (General)

韩语形容词分类

형용사

感官

  • 맵다 辣
  • 달다 甜

心情

  • 기쁘다 开心
  • 슬프다 悲伤

外观

  • 크다 大
  • 예쁘다 漂亮

“好” (좋다) 的不同敬语等级

非正式 (平语)
좋아 好 (对朋友)
标准敬语 (最常用)
좋아요 好 (对陌生人/同事)
正式敬语 (严格)
좋습니다 好 (新闻/面试)

形容词变位决策树

1

是以 -하다 结尾吗？

YES
变位为 -해요
NO
进入下一步
2

最后一个元音是 ㅏ 或 ㅗ 吗？

YES
加上 -아요
NO
加上 -어요

常见不规则变位模式

🌶️

ㅂ 不规则

  • • 매워요
  • • 추워요
  • • 더워요
✨

ㅡ 不规则

  • • 예뻐요
  • • 바빠요
  • • 커요
🛣️

ㄹ 不规则

  • • 멀어요
  • • 달아요
  • • 길어요
免费注册阅读完整解释

按水平分级的例句

1

사과가 맛있어요.

The apple is delicious.

2

날씨가 좋아요.

The weather is good.

3

방이 커요.

The room is big.

4

사람이 많아요.

There are many people.

1

이 영화가 안 재미있어요.

This movie is not fun.

2

한국어가 어렵나요?

Is Korean difficult?

3

오늘 너무 바빠요.

I am very busy today.

4

그 가방이 예뻐요.

That bag is pretty.

1

그분은 성격이 참 좋으시네요.

His personality is really good.

2

어제는 날씨가 춥지 않았어요.

Yesterday the weather was not cold.

3

이 식당은 음식이 짜기로 유명해요.

This restaurant is famous for being salty.

4

생각보다 훨씬 예쁘네요.

It is much prettier than I thought.

1

그의 태도는 매우 냉담했습니다.

His attitude was very cold.

2

그 사실을 알고 나니 마음이 편안해졌어요.

After knowing the fact, my heart became at ease.

3

이 문제는 해결하기가 매우 까다롭습니다.

This problem is very tricky to solve.

4

그녀의 목소리는 정말 아름답더군요.

Her voice was really beautiful (I recall).

1

그의 주장은 논리적으로 타당해 보입니다.

His argument seems logically valid.

2

상황이 매우 긴박하게 돌아가고 있습니다.

The situation is turning very urgent.

3

그의 행동은 도저히 이해하기 어렵습니다.

His behavior is impossible to understand.

4

그 풍경은 말로 표현할 수 없을 만큼 아름다웠습니다.

The scenery was indescribably beautiful.

1

그의 언사는 매우 고상하고 우아하였습니다.

His speech was very noble and elegant.

2

그토록 광활한 대지를 본 적이 없습니다.

I have never seen such a vast land.

3

그의 철학은 시대를 초월하여 여전히 유효합니다.

His philosophy transcends time and is still valid.

4

그의 태도에는 오만함이 깃들어 있었습니다.

His attitude was imbued with arrogance.

容易混淆

Korean Adjectives: Describing Things (is/am/are) 对比 Adjective vs. Noun + 이다

Learners try to add '이다' to adjectives.

Korean Adjectives: Describing Things (is/am/are) 对比 Adjective vs. Adverb

Learners use adjectives where adverbs are needed.

Korean Adjectives: Describing Things (is/am/are) 对比 Short vs. Long Negation

When to use '안' vs '지 않다'.

常见错误

✗

사과가 맛있어요이다

✓

사과가 맛있어요

Do not add '이다' to adjectives.
✗

날씨가 좋아요다

✓

날씨가 좋아요

Do not keep the dictionary form.
✗

방이 크요

✓

방이 커요

Incorrect vowel conjugation.
✗

안 예쁘다

✓

안 예뻐요

Forgot to conjugate for politeness.
✗

재미있어요가

✓

재미있어요

Adjectives don't take object markers.
✗

바쁘지 않아요

✓

바쁘지 않아요 (Correct, but check context)

Sometimes learners use long form when short is better.
✗

예쁘요

✓

예뻐요

Incorrect stem handling.
✗

좋으셨어요

✓

좋았어요

Honorifics used incorrectly on adjectives.
✗

크게입니다

✓

큽니다

Mixing adverbial and predicate forms.
✗

맛있겠어요

✓

맛있겠어요 (Context dependent)

Misusing conjecture.
✗

아름답게입니다

✓

아름답습니다

Incorrect formal conjugation.
✗

슬프다네요

✓

슬프다네요 (Correct, but check nuance)

Nuance of hearsay.
✗

긴박해요

✓

긴박합니다

Register mismatch.

句型

___이/가 ___요.

___이/가 안 ___요.

___이/가 ___나요?

___이/가 너무 ___요.

Real World Usage

Texting constant

오늘 너무 좋아요!

Food Delivery very common

음식이 맛있어요.

Job Interview common

성격이 밝습니다.

Travel very common

방이 커요?

Social Media constant

너무 예뻐요.

Classroom common

어려워요.

免费注册查看所有例句
🎯

“明亮与阴暗”小窍门

元音 ㅏ 和 ㅗ 就像太阳一样“明亮”，所以它们喜欢同样的“明亮”结尾 -아요。其他的元音就算“阴暗”或中性，统统用 -어요。比如描述房间宽敞：“집이 아주 넓어요.”
⚠️

别再“画蛇添足”啦

千万不要说 “좋아요 이에요”。这就像在说“好是是”。-요 结尾已经帮你把“是”的意思说出来啦。说这句就行：“날씨가 정말 좋아요.”
💬

省掉主语更地道

在韩国，如果大家都知道你在说啥，就不用重复“我”或者“这个东西”了。直接喊出形容词就好！比如被辣到时大喊：“진짜 매워요!”

Smart Tips

Drop the 'ㅡ' and look at the previous vowel.

크다 -> 크어요 → 크다 -> 커요

Use '습니다' instead of '요'.

좋아요 → 좋습니다

Use '안' for short, '지 않아요' for long.

예뻐요 → 안 예뻐요

Just use rising intonation.

좋아요. → 좋아요?

发音

a-yo / eo-yo

Vowel Harmony

The '아요/어요' choice depends on the last vowel of the stem.

Question

커요? ↑

Rising pitch at the end indicates a question.

记住它

记忆技巧

Think of the '다' as a heavy anchor you must cut off to let the adjective fly into a sentence.

视觉联想

Imagine a giant '다' falling off a word like a heavy backpack, making the word light and ready to dance.

Rhyme

Drop the 다, check the vowel, add the ending, hear the howl!

Story

A little word named 'Big' (크다) was sad because he was stuck in a dictionary. One day, he met a '다' cutter. He cut off his '다', added '어요', and became '커요', finally able to join a sentence.

Word Web

크다작다좋다예쁘다바쁘다슬프다맛있다재미있다

挑战

Look at 5 objects in your room and describe them using [Object] + 이/가 + [Adjective] + 요.

文化笔记

Politeness levels are essential. Always use '요' with strangers.

Uses slightly different honorifics and formal endings.

Often drops particles in casual speech.

Korean adjectives are historically descriptive verbs that evolved to express state.

对话开场白

“

오늘 날씨가 어때요?

“

이 음식이 맛있어요?

“

한국어가 어렵나요?

“

그 영화가 재미있었어요?

日记主题

Describe your room.
Describe your favorite food.
How are you feeling today?
Describe a place you visited.

常见错误

Incorrect

正确

Incorrect

正确

Incorrect

正确

Incorrect

正确

Sign up free to see all tips

Test Yourself

请将括号里的形容词变位为敬语 -아/어요 形式。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:
词干是 좋，元音是 ㅗ，所以要加 -아요 变成 좋아요。
哪个句子在语法上是正确的？

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:
맵다 是 ㅂ 不规则形容词，遇到元音时 ㅂ 会变成 워。
找出句子中的错误并选择正确的版本。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:
以 -하다 结尾的形容词（如 피곤하다）永远要变成 -해요。

Score: /3

练习题

8 exercises
Fill in the blank.

날씨가 ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 좋아요
Requires polite conjugation.
Choose the correct form. 多项选择

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 커요
Correct vowel conjugation.
Fix the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

사과가 맛있어요이다.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 사과가 맛있어요
Remove redundant copula.
Reorder the words. Sentence Reorder

좋아요 / 날씨가 / 오늘

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 오늘 날씨가 좋아요
Correct word order.
Translate to Korean. 翻译

The room is big.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 방이 커요
Correct adjective.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: 이 음식이 매워요? B: ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 네, 매워요
Polite response.
Build a sentence. Sentence Building

Use '예쁘다' for 'The bag'.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 가방이 예뻐요
Correct conjugation.
Sort by vowel. Grammar Sorting

Which takes '아요'?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 작다
Ends in ㅏ.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

10 exercises
用“大”（크다）的正确形式填空。 填空

이 옷이 너무 ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 커요
将词语排序，表达“大海真的很美”。 Sentence Reorder

아름다워요 / 바다가 / 정말

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 바다가 정말 아름다워요
用敬语形式将句子翻译成韩语。 翻译

这水很冰。 (차갑다)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 이 물이 차가워요.
哪个形容词变位是错误的？ 多项选择

选出下列变位中错误的一个：

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 싸다 → 싸어요
将词典形式与其正确的敬语变位配对。 Match Pairs

匹配下列单词：

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: All pairs are correct
修正敬语等级错误。 Error Correction

对老师说：“作业很难。”

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 숙제가 어려워요.
完成句子：“宝宝很可爱。” 填空

아기가 ___ (귀엽다).

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 귀여워요
选择“我很幸福”的正确表达。 多项选择

选出正确的一项：

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 저는 행복해요.
翻译“远吗？”成韩语。 翻译

远吗？ (멀다)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 멀어요?
修正句子：'김치가 매워요 이에요。' Error Correction

找出正确的修改方案：

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 김치가 매워요.

Score: /10

常见问题 (8)

Korean adjectives already contain the 'is' meaning.

It becomes '해요'.

Yes, to describe personality or appearance.

The 'ㅡ' vowel drops and merges.

Yes, it is a descriptive verb.

Add '았/었어요'.

Yes, like those ending in 'ㅡ' or 'ㄷ'.

Yes, for simple negation.

Scaffolded Practice

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

免费注册开始练习

In Other Languages

Spanish low

Ser/Estar + Adjetivo

Korean merges the copula and adjective.

French low

Être + Adjectif

No copula in Korean.

German low

Sein + Adjektiv

Korean is agglutinative.

Japanese high

i-adjectives

Korean has more complex vowel rules.

Chinese low

很 + Adjective

Korean conjugates; Chinese does not.

Arabic low

Nominal sentence

Korean uses specific endings.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Next
形容词 vs 动作动词：基本阶与修饰语的区别

Learn These First

A1 Requires

现在时：礼貌的“Yo”体 (아/어/여요)

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韩语语法：形容词变位详解 YouTube

韩语语法：形容词变位详解

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零基础韩语：아요/어요 怎么用？ YouTube

零基础韩语：아요/어요 怎么用？

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韩语基础语法：形容词与动词的变位法则

seemile Korean

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