Core Grammar Rule: -고 있어요
This pattern expresses an ongoing action, similar to "be + V-ing" in English. It emphasizes that an action is in progress at the moment of speaking.
Meaning & Usage
Meaning: It translates to "am/are/is doing (something)." It's used to describe an action that started in the past and is still continuing.
When to use: Use it when you want to specifically highlight that you are in the middle of an action. For example, when someone calls and asks what you're doing, you can say "밥 먹고 있어요" (I'm eating).
Conjugation Rules
Rule: This pattern is very simple. You attach '-고 있어요' directly to the verb stem, regardless of whether it ends in a vowel or a consonant.
Examples:
가다 (to go) → 가 + 고 있어요 → 가고 있어요 (I am going).
먹다 (to eat) → 먹 + 고 있어요 → 먹고 있어요 (I am eating).
공부하다 (to study) → 공부하 + 고 있어요 → 공부하고 있어요 (I am studying).
Vowel Stem: 보다 → 보고 있어요 / Consonant Stem: 읽다 → 읽고 있어요
Politeness Levels of '-고 있어요'
Like other Korean endings, '-고 있어요' changes based on who you're talking to. Mastering these variations is key to sounding natural and respectful.
Polite & Formal: -고 계세요 / -고 있습니다
Context: When speaking to someone older or of higher social status, like a boss, teacher, or grandparent, you should use the honorific form '-고 계세요'. This shows respect. In very formal settings like a presentation or news report, '-고 있습니다' is used.
Example: 할아버지 지금 뭐 하고 계세요? (Grandpa, what are you doing now?) / 사장님께서는 회의하고 계십니다. (The CEO is in a meeting.)
Standard Polite & Casual: -고 있어요 / -고 있어
Context: '-고 있어요' is the standard polite form you can use with most people you don't know well, colleagues, or older acquaintances. '-고 있어' is the casual form (반말) used only with close friends, younger siblings, or people you have agreed to speak casually with.
Polite: 뭐 하고 계세요? / Casual: 뭐 하고 있어?