Introduction Korean Grammar ‘-(으)ㅂ시다, 읍시다’

Learning Korean grammar can be challenging, but breaking it down into manageable lessons can make it easier. Today, we will explore the grammar pattern ‘-(으)ㅂ시다,’ which is used to make polite suggestions or proposals in Korean. This lesson will help you understand and use this form effectively.


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Korean Grammar 34 '-(으)ㅂ시다, 읍시다'

Grammar Explanation

The grammar pattern ‘-(으)ㅂ시다’ is used to make polite suggestions or proposals. It is similar to saying “Let’s…” in English.

Formation:

  • For verb stems ending in a consonant, add ‘-읍시다.’
  • For verb stems ending in a vowel, add ‘-ㅂ시다.’
Speech FormFormExample Sentence
Verb (to go)갑시다학교에 갑시다 (Let’s go to school)
Verb (to eat)먹읍시다밥을 먹읍시다 (Let’s eat a meal)
Verb (to read)읽읍시다책을 읽읍시다 (Let’s read a book)
Verb (to study)공부합시다공부합시다 (Let’s study)

Examples

Making Polite Suggestions with ‘-(으)ㅂ시다’:

  • 가다 (to go)
    • 갑시다 = Let’s go
    • 내일 학교에 갑시다 = Let’s go to school tomorrow.
  • 먹다 (to eat)
    • 먹읍시다 = Let’s eat
    • 이 식당에서 먹읍시다 = Let’s eat at this restaurant.
  • 읽다 (to read)
    • 읽읍시다 = Let’s read
    • 이 책을 읽읍시다 = Let’s read this book.
  • 공부하다 (to study)
    • 공부합시다 = Let’s study
    • 도서관에서 공부합시다 = Let’s study at the library.

Giving Proposals with ‘-(으)ㅂ시다’:

  • 보다 (to see)
    • 봅시다 = Let’s see
    • 영화를 봅시다 = Let’s watch a movie.
  • 만나다 (to meet)
    • 만납시다 = Let’s meet
    • 주말에 만납시다 = Let’s meet on the weekend.
  • 운동하다 (to exercise)
    • 운동합시다 = Let’s exercise
    • 매일 운동합시다 = Let’s exercise every day.
  • 일하다 (to work)
    • 일합시다 = Let’s work
    • 이 프로젝트를 함께 일합시다 = Let’s work on this project together.

Usage in Context

When using ‘-(으)ㅂ시다’ in different contexts, it emphasizes making polite suggestions or proposals in a respectful and inclusive manner.

Making Polite Suggestions:

  • 이번 주말에 여행 갑시다 = Let’s go on a trip this weekend.
  • 저녁으로 피자를 먹읍시다 = Let’s have pizza for dinner.
  • 다 같이 노래방에 갑시다 = Let’s go to the karaoke together.
  • 오늘 밤에 영화 봅시다 = Let’s watch a movie tonight.

Giving Proposals:

  • 이 옷을 삽시다 = Let’s buy these clothes.
  • 그와 얘기합시다 = Let’s talk to him.
  • 운동을 매일 합시다 = Let’s exercise every day.
  • 아침 일찍 일어납시다 = Let’s get up early in the morning.

Cultural Insight: In Korean culture, using ‘-(으)ㅂ시다’ is a polite and inclusive way to make suggestions or proposals. It shows respect for the other person’s preferences and encourages cooperation and participation.


Common Mistakes

Common Mistakes:

  • Incorrect: 가자 (informal, less polite)
    • Correct: 갑시다 = Let’s go
  • Incorrect: 먹자 (informal, less polite)
    • Correct: 먹읍시다 = Let’s eat

Mistake Explanation: Ensure that the correct form ‘-(으)ㅂ시다’ is used to make polite suggestions or proposals, rather than using informal forms like ‘-자.’


Explore these related grammar points to deepen your understanding:

  • -자: To make informal suggestions or proposals.
  • -ㄹ/을까요?: To ask for opinions or make suggestions.
  • -아/어 봅시다: To suggest trying something.
  • -고 싶어요: To express desires or wants politely.

Practice Exercises

Practice Makes Perfect!

  • Exercise 1: Conjugate the following verbs using ‘-(으)ㅂ시다.’
    • 가다 (to go)
    • 먹다 (to eat)
    • 읽다 (to read)
    • 공부하다 (to study)

Answer Key:

  1. 갑시다
  2. 먹읍시다
  3. 읽읍시다
  4. 공부합시다
  • Exercise 2: Create sentences using ‘-(으)ㅂ시다’ for the following situations:
    • Let’s go to the mountain.
    • Let’s eat at this restaurant.
    • Let’s read this book.
    • Let’s study at the library.

Answer Key:

  1. 산에 갑시다.
  2. 이 식당에서 먹읍시다.
  3. 이 책을 읽읍시다.
  4. 도서관에서 공부합시다.

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