🧱 Basic Sentence Structure in Korean: SOV (Subject–Object–Verb)
Did you know that Korean sentences follow a completely different word order from English? If you’re used to saying “I eat rice,” get ready to flip the script! In Korean, it becomes: I rice eat. Let’s learn how this works step by step!
📌 What is SOV?
SOV stands for Subject–Object–Verb. It’s the basic sentence structure of the Korean language. Let’s break it down:
| Element | Korean | Romanization | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | 저는 | jeoneun | I (formal) |
| Object | 밥을 | babeul | rice |
| Verb | 먹어요 | meogeoyo | eat |
So the full sentence is:
저는 밥을 먹어요.
Jeoneun babeul meogeoyo.
I eat rice.
📝 More Examples
그는 책을 읽어요.
Geuneun chaekeul ilgeoyo.
He reads a book.
우리는 영화를 봐요.
Urineun yeonghwareul bwayo.
We watch a movie.
민지는 커피를 마셔요.
Minji-neun keopireul masyeoyo.
Minji drinks coffee.
💬 Practice Dialogue
👩 A: 뭐 해요?
Mwo haeyo?
What are you doing?
👨 B: 저는 한국어를 공부해요.
Jeoneun hangugeoreul gongbuhaeyo.
I study Korean.
👩 A: 친구를 자주 만나요?
Chingureul jaju mannayo?
Do you often meet your friend?
👨 B: 네, 주말에 만나요.
Ne, jumare mannayo.
Yes, I meet (them) on weekends.
💡 Did You Know?
South Korea has one of the most efficient public transportation systems in the world! 🚇 From high-speed KTX trains to Seoul’s ultra-connected subways, getting around is fast and affordable. Even taxis are high-tech and often accept credit cards and mobile payments. 🚖💳
💬 Practice Korean with Me on italki!
Want to master Korean sentence patterns in real conversation? Let’s practice together on italki! My lessons include grammar, pronunciation, cultural tips, and more! ✨
Don’t be afraid of the different sentence order! With a little practice, SOV will feel completely natural. Keep building your Korean one sentence at a time! 😊
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