The Basic Structure of Conjugation
In the verb forms introduced here, the word can be analyzed as a stem followed by an ending .
The stem carries the word's core meaning, while the ending adds grammatical information or connects the word to what follows.
Recognizing this "stem + ending" structure makes it easier to compare different forms of the same verb.
The Stem: The Relatively Stable Part
Korean verbs are usually listed in dictionaries in a form ending in -다 .
Remove the final -다 to identify the stem. In the regular examples introduced here, the stem remains recognizable while different endings are attached.
In 먹다 , removing -다 gives the stem 먹- .
The Ending: The Changing Part
Different endings can attach to the same stem to build different forms.
먹- + -어요 becomes 먹어요
먹- + -었어요 becomes 먹었어요
먹- + -으면 becomes 먹으면
먹- + -고 becomes 먹고
The stem 먹- remains recognizable, while each ending adds a different grammatical function or connects the form to what follows.
One Stem, Several Endings
The forms 먹어요 , 먹었어요 , 먹으면 , and 먹고 all begin with the same recognizable stem 먹- .
The material after the stem changes according to the form being built. Some forms can finish a sentence, while others connect the verb to what follows.
The detailed rules for choosing and combining each ending will be introduced in later lessons.
Common Mistake: Using the Dictionary Form in Polite Speech
A common beginner mistake is using the dictionary form where a polite sentence ending is needed.
In beginner polite conversation, 저는 밥을 먹다 is not the form used to mean "I eat a meal." Say 저는 밥을 먹어요 .