🤝 Expressing “Let’s” in Korean: -(으)ㅂ시다 and -자

If you want to sound confident and inclusive when inviting someone to do something in Korean, mastering the expressions -(으)ㅂ시다 and -자 is essential. These two forms both mean "let's [do something]", but they’re used in slightly different situations depending on the level of formality. In this guide, we’ll break them down with clear examples and cultural tips.

1. Using -(으)ㅂ시다 – Formal “Let’s”

This form is often used in formal or polite settings, such as meetings, presentations, or polite group conversations. It is attached to the verb stem and varies depending on whether the verb ends in a consonant or vowel.

Ends in a vowel: 하다 → 합시다
Ends in a consonant: 먹다 → 먹읍시다

Examples:

한국어를 공부합시다.
hangug-eoleul gongbuhabshida
Let’s study Korean.
같이 밥을 먹읍시다.
gachi babeul meogeubshida
Let’s eat together.

2. Using -자 – Casual “Let’s”

This form is used in casual or intimate contexts—between friends, family, or people of the same age group. It's short and direct, and is added directly to the verb stem.

Examples:

공부하자!
gongbu haja!
Let’s study!
영화 보자.
yeonghwa boja
Let’s watch a movie.

3. Practical Examples

Here are some everyday phrases that use both forms so you can feel the nuance:

오늘은 일찍 자자.
oneureun iljjik jaja
Let’s sleep early today.
회의를 시작합시다.
hoe-ui-reul sijak-habshida
Let’s begin the meeting.
사진 찍자!
sajin jjikja!
Let’s take a photo!
조용히 합시다.
joyonghi habshida
Let’s be quiet.

4. Usage Tips & Nuances

-자 is often used with an exclamation mark for excitement or enthusiasm.
When talking to a group or in public, prefer -(으)ㅂ시다 to sound respectful.
You’ll also see “같이” (together) used often with both forms: 같이 가자 / 같이 갑시다

5. 🤔 Did you know?

The Korean language is spoken by approximately 80 million people worldwide. While it's the official language of both South and North Korea, it's also widely used in communities across the U.S., China, Japan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan. As Korean pop culture spreads through K-pop and K-dramas, interest in learning Korean has exploded globally, with over 200 universities now offering Korean language programs.

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