The Three Paths of Conjugation
You have learned how Korean stems change. Instead of memorizing every conjugated form as a completely separate word, you only need to know the base stem and three basic attachment rules.
Three Ways Endings Attach
Direct attachment (like -고 , -지만 )
Batchim check (like -으면 , -을 )
Vowel check (like -아요 , -았어요 )
Map 1: Direct Attachment
Endings like -고 (and) and -지만 (but) attach directly to the stem. You do not need to check for a batchim or look at the vowels.
No changes needed
Drop 다 from the dictionary form to find the stem, then simply add the ending.
Stem · -고 · -지만
가- (go) · 가고 · 가지만
먹- (eat) · 먹고 · 먹지만
예쁘- (pretty) · 예쁘고 · 예쁘지만
Map 2: Batchim Check
Endings like -(으)면 (if) and -(으)ㄹ (future modifier) check whether the stem ends in a consonant (batchim).
No batchim (attach directly)
If the stem ends in a vowel, attach -면 or -ㄹ directly to the bottom.
가다 → 가면 , 갈
예쁘다 → 예쁘면 , 예쁠
Has batchim (add 으)
If the stem ends in a consonant, you need to insert 으 to make it easier to pronounce.
먹다 → 먹으면 , 먹을
Map 3: Vowel Check
Endings like -아/어요 (present) and -았/었어요 (past) check the last vowel of the stem.
Vowel is ㅏ or ㅗ (add 아)
If the last vowel is ㅏ or ㅗ, choose the 아 endings. Often, these vowels blend together.
가다 → 가요 , 갔어요
Other vowels (add 어)
If the last vowel is anything else, choose the 어 endings.