Core Pattern Rule: Expressing Duty and Intention with -아/어야지
This pattern combines -아/어야 하다 (must/should) with the ending -지, which adds a nuance of "of course" or "don't you agree?". It's used to express a strong sense of obligation, duty, or personal intention that the speaker feels is obvious or natural.
Meaning & Usage
Meaning: Expresses something that "should" or "must" be done, often with a feeling that it's the right, natural, or obvious course of action.
When to use:
To state a general truth or social norm: 사람이 양심이 있어야지. (A person should have a conscience.)
To gently chide or remind someone of their duty: 약속은 지켜야지. (You should keep your promises.)
To talk to yourself, expressing a firm intention or resolution: 이제 자야지. (I should go to sleep now.)
Formation
Attach -아/어야지 to a verb or adjective stem.
Stems with final vowel ㅏ or ㅗ: Add -아야지
가다 → 가야지
보다 → 봐야지
Stems with other vowels: Add -어야지
먹다 → 먹어야지
지키다 → 지켜야지
있다 → 있어야지
하다 verbs: Becomes 해야지
공부하다 → 공부해야지
성공하다 → 성공해야지
사람이 양심이 있어야지. / 이제 자야지. / 약속은 지켜야지. / 잘못했으면 사과해야지.
Synonyms & Differences: -아/어야지 vs. -아/어야 하다
While both patterns translate to "should" or "must," they carry different nuances.
-아/어야 하다/되다 (Objective Obligation)
Function: This is the standard, neutral way to state an obligation or necessity. It's objective and factual, like stating a rule.
Example: 약속은 지켜야 해요. (One must keep promises.) - This sounds like a general rule.
-아/어야지(요) (Subjective & Emphatic Obligation)
Function: This pattern is more subjective and personal. It adds the speaker's feeling that the obligation is obvious, natural, or a matter of course. It's less about a rule and more about common sense or personal resolve.