Endings That Attach Directly

In Korean conjugation you often have to check the stem's final letter. However many endings simply attach directly to the stem.

You do not need to check for a final consonant ( batchim ) or a specific vowel when using these endings.

The ending -고 connects two actions or states. To use it, drop -다 from the dictionary form and attach -고 .

Dictionary Form · Stem + 고

가다 · 가고

먹다 · 먹고

Notice that 먹 has a final consonant (batchim) but the rule is exactly the same as 가 .

The ending -지만 shows contrast between two clauses. Just like -고 , it attaches directly to the stem regardless of the final consonant.

Dictionary Form · Stem + 지만

가다 · 가지만

먹다 · 먹지만

This works for both action verbs and descriptive verbs (adjectives).

Because some other grammar patterns require adding an extra vowel when there is a batchim, learners sometimes overthink these simple endings.

Incorrect: 먹으고 or 먹어지만

If the ending is designed to attach directly, simply add it to the stem:

먹고

먹지만