Comparing Three Tenses of the Same Word

In Korean, the time of an action or state is typically shown at the end of the sentence.

The Basic Endings

Present: -아요 / -어요

Past: -았/었어요

Future / Plan: -(으)ㄹ 거예요

By looking at the final word, you immediately know when the event happens.

Let's look at action verbs across the three tenses. Notice how the same root word changes slightly to reflect the time.

Action Verb Examples

Word

Present

Past

Future

가다 (to go)

가요

I go / I am going

갔어요

I went

갈 거예요

I will go

먹다 (to eat)

먹어요

I eat / I am eating

먹었어요

I ate

먹을 거예요

I will eat

Once you recognize these endings, you can instantly tell if an action is happening now, already happened, or is planned for the future.

Descriptive verbs (adjectives) and nouns follow the exact same time zones. You don't need a completely different system for states or identities.

Adjectives and Nouns

Word

Present

Past

Future

바쁘다 (to be busy)

바빠요

I am busy

바빴어요

I was busy