Korean Verb Conjugation Chart: A Simple Guide

Key takeaways

• Korean verb conjugation is used to build sentences and express tense, mood, and politeness. But unlike English, Korean verbs don’t change with the subject.
• This guide features a clear and easy-to-follow Korean verb conjugation chart that covers past, present, and future tenses, as well as common Korean verb endings.
• Irregular verbs like 하다, 듣다, and 돕다 also follow patterns. Once you learn them, the rest is easy.

You can use tools like a Korean verb conjugator or conjugation calculator to speed up your learning and learn patterns. 
In Korean, verbs are the foundation of every sentence. But unlike English, they don’t conjugate based on the subject. So, there’s no need to worry about "I go" versus "she goes" when you're trying to master Korean verb conjugation. 

Instead, Korean focuses on other elements: tense (when something happens), politeness (how formal or casual you want to be), and sometimes honorifics (who you’re speaking about).

How Does Korean Verb Conjugation Work?

In their base form, most Korean verbs end in -다, which is what you’ll usually find in a dictionary. So, to conjugate a verb, you simply remove the -다 and add the appropriate ending.

Need an explainer? Here’s how it looks with two common verbs:

• 하다 (to do) → 하 + verb ending
• 가다 (to go) → 가 + verb ending

Once you've mastered this, you just need to choose the right ending for the situation. To help our lovely learners, in addition to our online Korean lessons, Promova has created a handy conjugation chart that you can rely on. 

Korean Verb Conjugation Chart: Tenses and Forms

Sure, learning about Korean verb conjugation is one thing, but using them in real-life conversation? Goals. This chart includes present, past, and future tense conjugations of 하다 (to do) and 가다 (to go), showing you just how simple it can be with basic Korean words. 

But what if I encounter a verb that doesn't follow the basic pattern, you ask? It’s probably one of these irregular types. Don’t worry, we’ve got your back.

What Are Some Common Irregular Korean Verbs and Conjugation Patterns?

Not all verbs follow the standard rules, so we like to refer to these rebels as "irregular verbs." But even though they’re troublemakers who behave differently when conjugated, irregular verbs in Korean still follow recognizable patterns. So, all you have to do is learn the exceptions. 

To start, here are some of the most common irregular Korean verbs:

• 하다 (to do)
• 듣다 (to listen)
• 걷다 (to walk)
• 모르다 (to not know)
• 돕다 (to help)
• 짓다 (to build)
• 낫다 (to heal)

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And when they’re irregular verbs, here’s how they change: 

• ㅅ irregular verbs drop the ㅅ before a vowel:
  • 짓다 → 지어요 (to build → I build)
  • Example: 짓다 = to build → 지어요 = I build / I am building
• ㄷ irregular verbs change ㄷ to ㄹ before a vowel:
  • 듣다 → 들어요 (to listen → I listen)
  • Example: 듣다 = to listen → 들어요 = I listen / I am listening
• ㅂ irregular verbs often change ㅂ to 오 or 우:
  • 돕다 → 도와요 (to help → I help)
  • Example: 돕다 = to help → 도와요 = I help / I am helping
• 르 irregular verbs double the ㄹ and add 어요:
  • 빠르다 → 빨라요 (to be fast → it’s fast)
  • Example: 빠르다 = to be fast → 빨라요 = it’s fast / it goes fast]
• ㅎ irregular verbs drop the ㅎ in certain conjugations:
  • 그렇다 → 그래요 (to be so / to be like that → it is so)
  • Example: 그렇다 = to be so → 그래요 = it is so / that's right

We get it, they might seem a little intimidating at first. But you'll find these patterns repeat consistently across many verbs. As you start to master Korean (with Promova's help, of course), learning to identify these root endings will help you conjugate like a boss.

Having your very own Korean verb conjugation chart like this makes it so much easier to remember common endings and practice them. And in addition to this handy tool, there are stacks of other digital tools and apps, like a conjugation calculator and Promova’s quizzes, to speed up your progress.

What Tools Can Help You Practice Korean Verb Conjugation?

You need some genuinely helpful ways to put your learnings into practice. As the language learning platform for today’s minds (that’s you), Promova knows some tools that’ll make it easy to master Korean verb conjugation. They include:

• Korean verb conjugator: Just type in a base form like 먹다 or 하다, and it'll show you all the common conjugated forms. Search for verb conjugators on Google and take your pick.
• Conjugation calculator: Break down verb forms based on tense and formality, and learn why we do it. Again, a quick online search will reveal a handful to choose from.
• Promova’s quizzes: The most fun way to master grammar, vocab, speaking, and listening. Self-study Korean with Promova and you’ll master verb conjugation in no time. 

You can find these tools online or as mobile apps, and some are even free. They're super helpful for reviewing your homework, checking unfamiliar verbs, and giving you a confidence boost when you speak. 

To make the most of them, you can:

• Make a daily habit of conjugating 3–5 new verbs.
• Test yourself before checking answers with a Korean verb conjugator.
• Keep a notebook or digital flashcards with common verbs in Korean and their endings.
• Use a conjugation calculator when you're unsure how to modify irregular verbs.
• Practice speaking in different settings, like learning Korean for travel.

How to Master Your Korean Conjugation Skills Using Promova

Promova’s online classes are bite-sized, dynamic, and downright enjoyable to learn, making it easy to master Korean verb conjugation. Our language learning solution takes the guesswork out of learning grammar, giving you structured and simple Korean courses that focus on practical skills, including verb conjugation.

But don’t just take our word for it. Here’s how Promova helps you master Korean verb endings:

• Guided lessons that walk you through present, past, and future tenses step by step.
• Fun, interactive quizzes to test your understanding and give you areas for improvement. 
• Our mobile-friendly design on the Promova learning app means you can learn on the go, any time.
• Real-life examples so you know how to use verbs in context, instead of just memorizing them.

Learning a new language skill doesn't have to be overwhelming. Like a loyal bestie, Promova is by your side to boost your confidence and hype you up. 

Congratulations on Conjugations

Korean verb conjugation can seem tricky at first glance, but once you understand the core rules and get familiar with common patterns, you’ll be a pro. A good Korean conjugation chart, plus daily practice with Promova, and it won’t be long until you’re conjugating verbs all over the place.

Whatever your approach, the most important thing is to keep going. Promova is here to help our learners unlock this piece of the puzzle and start speaking confidently and clearly in Korean. Access our Korean language learning courses today to master this wonderful language.