Introduction Korean Grammar ‘-고 & -‘
Learning Korean grammar can be challenging, but breaking it down into manageable lessons can make it easier. Today, we will explore the grammar pattern ‘-고,’ which is used to connect actions or states, and compare it with ‘-도,’ which means “also” or “too” in Korean. This lesson will help you understand and use these forms effectively.
📝Learn Korean with JAEM : Improve your Korean with our app through free lessons and courses. And also, Join our JAEM challenge program to progress from upper-beginner to master level with Native Korean Coaches. Strat to study Korean more!
✨Our Book: Don’t miss out on our comprehensive book that covers essential Korean language skills and strategies. See our books and study with us! 🙂
🚀Looking for practical Korean study tips and TOPIK strategies? Check out JAEM Blog, where we share expert insights, vocabulary guides, and writing tips to help you succeed. Stay updated with useful content and take your Korean to the next level!
Jump to:
Grammar Explanation
-고: The grammar pattern ‘고’ is used to connect actions or states. It is similar to saying “and” in English.
Formation:
- Attach ‘고’ directly to the verb or adjective stem.
| Speech Form | Form | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Verb (to go) | 가고 | 학교에 가고 (Go to school and) |
| Verb (to eat) | 먹고 | 밥을 먹고 (Eat a meal and) |
| Verb (to read) | 읽고 | 책을 읽고 (Read a book and) |
| Verb (to study) | 공부하고 | 공부하고 (Study and) |
-도: The grammar pattern ‘도’ is used to indicate that something is also the case or to include an additional item. It is similar to saying “also” or “too” in English.
Formation:
- Attach ‘도’ directly to the noun, verb, or adjective stem.
| Speech Form | Form | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Noun (book) | 책도 | 책도 (Also a book) |
| Verb (to go) | 가도 | 학교에 가도 (Even if you go to school) |
| Adjective (good) | 좋기도 | 좋기도 (Also good) |
| Verb (to study) | 공부하기도 | 공부하기도 (Also study) |
Examples
Using ‘-고’ to Connect Actions or States:
- 가다 (to go)
- 가고 = Go and
- 학교에 가고 친구를 만나요 = I go to school and meet my friends.
- 먹다 (to eat)
- 먹고 = Eat and
- 밥을 먹고 숙제를 해요 = I eat a meal and do my homework.
- 읽다 (to read)
- 읽고 = Read and
- 책을 읽고 잠을 자요 = I read a book and sleep.
- 공부하다 (to study)
- 공부하고 = Study and
- 공부하고 나서 쉬어요 = I study and then rest.
Using ‘-도’ to Indicate “Also” or “Too”:
- 책 (book)
- 책도 = Also a book
- 저는 책도 읽어요 = I also read books.
- 가다 (to go)
- 가도 = Even if you go
- 학교에 가도 재미없어요 = Even if you go to school, it is not fun.
- 좋다 (good)
- 좋기도 = Also good
- 날씨가 좋기도 해요 = The weather is also good.
- 공부하다 (to study)
- 공부하기도 = Also study
- 저는 공부하기도 해요 = I also study.
Comparison of ‘-고’ and ‘-도’
-고:
- Used to connect actions or states.
- Indicates that one action or state follows another.
- Example: 밥을 먹고 숙제를 해요 = I eat a meal and do my homework.
-도:
- Used to indicate that something is also the case or to include an additional item.
- Adds emphasis on inclusion or similarity.
- Example: 저는 책도 읽어요 = I also read books.
While ‘-고’ connects two or more actions or states, ‘-도’ emphasizes that something is additionally included or is the same as something else.
Common Mistakes
Common Mistakes with ‘-고’:
- Incorrect: 학교에 가 숙제를 해요 (missing the connecting particle)
- Correct: 학교에 가고 숙제를 해요 = I go to school and do my homework.
Common Mistakes with ‘-도’:
- Incorrect: 책 읽어요 (missing the emphasis on inclusion)
- Correct: 책도 읽어요 = I also read books.
Mistake Explanation: Ensure that ‘-고’ is used to connect actions or states, while ‘-도’ is used to add emphasis on inclusion or similarity.
Related Grammar Points
Explore these related grammar points to deepen your understanding:
- -거나: To indicate choices or alternatives.
- -면서: To indicate simultaneous actions.
- -뿐만 아니라: To express “not only but also.”
- -하고: To indicate “and” with nouns.
Practice Exercises
Practice Makes Perfect!
- Exercise 1: Conjugate the following verbs using ‘-고.’
- 가다 (to go)
- 먹다 (to eat)
- 읽다 (to read)
- 공부하다 (to study)
Answer Key:
- 가고
- 먹고
- 읽고
- 공부하고
- Exercise 2: Conjugate the following nouns/verbs/adjectives using ‘-도.’
- 책 (book)
- 가다 (to go)
- 좋다 (good)
- 공부하다 (to study)
Answer Key:
- 책도
- 가도
- 좋기도
- 공부하기도
- Exercise 3: Create sentences using ‘-고’ for the following situations:
- Go to school and meet friends.
- Eat a meal and do homework.
- Read a book and sleep.
- Study and then rest.
Answer Key:
- 학교에 가고 친구를 만나요.
- 밥을 먹고 숙제를 해요.
- 책을 읽고 잠을 자요.
- 공부하고 나서 쉬어요.
- Exercise 4: Create sentences using ‘-도’ for the following situations:
- I also read books.
- Even if you go to school.
- The weather is also good.
- I also study.
Answer Key:
- 저는 책도 읽어요.
- 학교에 가도 재미없어요.
- 날씨가 좋기도 해요.
- 저는 공부하기도 해요.
Learn Real Korean with JAEM!
Learn Korean with JAEM Korean App & JAEM Challenge: Discover the best way to learn real Korean with our comprehensive app. Enjoy a wide variety of free lessons and courses designed to help you master the language. Also, our unique JAEM challenge program guides you from an upper-beginner level to a master course, all under the guidance of Native Korean Coaches. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills, this program offers an effective path to fluency.
Our Book: Additionally, explore our comprehensive book that covers essential Korean language skills and strategies. This valuable resource complements our app and AI program, providing a holistic approach to mastering Korean.
Master Korean with JAEM Blog! : Looking for the best tips to improve your Korean? JAEM Blog has everything you need! From TOPIK strategies to vocabulary and writing tips, we provide expert insights to help you study smarter. Stay updated with practical content and take your Korean learning to the next level! 🚀
If you want 1:1 Korean teacher, There is another service name “Chapter Korean“
Responses