Korean Imperative Conjugation: A Complete Grammar Guide
Introduction to the Korean Imperative
The imperative mood in Korean is used to give commands, make requests, or offer suggestions. Unlike English, where "please" softens a command, Korean has multiple levels of formality built directly into the verb conjugation itself. Understanding Korean imperative conjugation is essential for natural communication, whether you're asking someone to pass the salt or giving directions to a taxi driver.
Korean speakers choose their imperative form based on the relationship with the listener, the social context, and the level of politeness required. Using the wrong form can come across as rude or awkwardly formal, so mastering these distinctions is crucial for effective communication.
Formation of Korean Imperatives
Korean imperative conjugation follows predictable patterns based on the verb stem and the desired politeness level. There are four main levels you'll encounter regularly.
Formal Polite Imperative (-십시오/-으십시오)
This is the most formal imperative, used in announcements, formal instructions, and when addressing someone of significantly higher status.
| Verb Stem Ending | Conjugation Rule | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Vowel | Stem + 십시오 | 가다 → 가십시오 (Please go) |
| Consonant | Stem + 으십시오 | 읽다 → 읽으십시오 (Please read) |
Polite Imperative (-세요/-으세요)
This is the most commonly used imperative form in everyday polite conversation. It's appropriate for most situations with strangers, elders, or in professional contexts.
| Verb Stem Ending | Conjugation Rule | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Vowel | Stem + 세요 | 보다 → 보세요 (Please look) |
| Consonant | Stem + 으세요 | 먹다 → 드세요* (Please eat) |
*Note: 먹다 uses the honorific stem 드시다 in polite speech.
Informal Polite Imperative (-아요/-어요)
This softer command form uses the standard polite ending and sounds more like a gentle request or suggestion than a direct command.
| Vowel in Stem | Conjugation Rule | Example |
|---|---|---|
| ㅏ or ㅗ | Stem + 아요 | 앉다 → 앉아요 (Sit down) |
| Other vowels | Stem + 어요 | 기다리다 → 기다려요 (Wait) |
| 하다 verbs | Stem + 해요 | 공부하다 → 공부해요 (Study) |
Informal Imperative (-아/-어 or -아라/-어라)
Used with close friends, younger people, or children. The plain form (-아/-어) is softer, while the emphatic form (-아라/-어라) is a stronger command.
| Form | Example | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Plain | 와 (Come), 먹어 (Eat) | Casual, between friends |
| Emphatic | 와라 (Come!), 먹어라 (Eat!) | Stronger command, to children |
Usage and Context
Choosing the correct Korean imperative conjugation depends entirely on your relationship with the listener and the social situation.
When to Use Each Form
- -십시오/-으십시오: Public announcements, written instructions, addressing customers formally, military commands
- -세요/-으세요: Speaking to strangers, service workers, elders, teachers, in-laws, or anyone deserving respect
- -아요/-어요: Softer requests to people you're on polite terms with, when you want to sound less commanding
- -아/-어 or -아라/-어라: Close friends of similar age, younger siblings, children, or in very casual situations
Softening Commands
Korean speakers often soften imperatives by adding particles or expressions:
- 좀 (a little): 좀 도와주세요 (Please help me a bit)
- -아/어 주세요 (please do for me): 문을 열어 주세요 (Please open the door)
- -면 안 돼요? (wouldn't it be okay if...?): 여기 앉으면 안 돼요? (Would it be okay if I sit here?)
Examples
Here are practical examples showing Korean imperative conjugation across different formality levels:
- 여기에 앉으십시오. — Please be seated here. (Formal, announcements)
- 천천히 말씀해 주세요. — Please speak slowly. (Polite, to strangers)
- 이거 좀 봐요. — Take a look at this. (Soft request, polite casual)
- 빨리 와! — Come quickly! (Informal, to friends)
- 숙제 다 해라. — Finish all your homework. (Emphatic, parent to child)
- 조심하세요. — Be careful. / Take care. (Polite, common farewell)
- 걱정하지 마세요. — Don't worry. (Polite negative imperative)
- 거기 서! — Stop right there! (Informal, urgent command)
Common Mistakes
Learners often make these errors when practicing Korean imperative conjugation:
- Using informal forms with strangers or elders: Saying 와 instead of 오세요 to someone older is considered very rude. When in doubt, use -세요.
- Forgetting honorific verb stems: Some verbs have special honorific forms (먹다 → 드시다, 자다 → 주무시다). Using 먹으세요 instead of 드세요 sounds less respectful.
- Overusing the formal -십시오 form: This sounds stiff in casual conversation. It's mainly for announcements, signs, and very formal contexts—not everyday speech.
- Confusing -세요 with -시어요: While both are technically correct, -세요 is the standard contracted form used in modern Korean. 가시어요 sounds archaic.
- Adding 요 to informal forms incorrectly: The informal imperative 와 becomes polite as 와요 or 오세요, not 와요 (which is informal polite declarative). Context matters for interpretation.
- Neglecting the 주세요 construction: Simply using -세요 for requests can sound demanding. Adding -아/어 주세요 (please do it for me) makes requests more polite and natural.