🤝 Expressing “Let’s” in Korean: -(으)ㅂ시다 and -자
🤝 Expressing “Let’s” in Korean: -(으)ㅂ시다 & -자 (Intermediate · TOPIK 3–4)
Want to invite someone in Korean without sounding too strong or too shy? This guide shows you exactly when to use polite -(으)ㅂ시다 and casual -자, with forms, quick rules, and real dialogues so you can say “let’s” naturally in any situation.
한국어로 “같이 ~하자/합시다”를 자연스럽게 말하고 싶나요? 이 글에서 -(으)ㅂ시다와 -자의 차이, 상황별 쓰임, 실전 예문까지 한 번에 정리해 드립니다.
1) Quick Rules — Learn in 3 Steps
2) -(으)ㅂ시다 — Polite “Let’s” (Meetings, announcements)
Use -(으)ㅂ시다 when you’re talking to a group politely: at work, in class, or in any semi-formal situation.
| Verb | Stem | Form | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 하다 | 하- | 합시다 | Let’s do (polite) |
| 먹다 | 먹- | 먹읍시다 | Let’s eat (polite) |
| 가다 | 가- | 갑시다 | Let’s go (polite) |
Examples
회의를 시작합시다. — Let’s begin the meeting.
점심은 밖에서 먹읍시다. — Let’s eat out for lunch.
3) -자 — Casual “Let’s” (Friends, family)
Use -자 with close friends, siblings, or people the same age. It feels direct, friendly, and relaxed.
| Verb | Stem | Form | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 공부하다 | 공부하- | 공부하자 | Let’s study |
| 보다 | 보- | 보자 | Let’s watch / see |
| 찍다 | 찍- | 찍자 | Let’s take (a photo) |
Examples
오늘은 일찍 자자. — Let’s sleep early today.
사진 찍자! — Let’s take a photo!
4) Compare & Choose
- -(으)ㅂ시다 = respectful, public tone; sounds like a proposal to a group.
- -자 = friendly & direct; best for close people or same-age peers.
- 같이 makes it softer and more inviting: 같이 가자 / 같이 갑시다.
Tip: 처음 만난 사람이나 윗사람에게는 기본적으로 -(으)ㅂ시다가 가장 안전한 선택이에요.
5) Practical Examples (KR · RR · EN)
- 같이 운동합시다. — gachi undong-hapshida — Let’s exercise together. (polite)
- 주말에 영화 보자. — jumare yeonghwa boja — Let’s watch a movie this weekend. (casual)
- 회의를 2시에 시작합시다. — hoewireul dusie sijak-hapshida — Let’s start the meeting at 2.
- 맛집 찾아가자! — matjip chajagaja — Let’s go find a nice restaurant!
6) Dialogue — Planning with Friends
A: 이번 주말에 같이 등산 가자!
ibeon jumare gachi deungsan gaja! — Let’s go hiking together this weekend!
B: 좋아! 몇 시에 만날까?
joa! myeot sie mannalkka? — Sounds good! What time should we meet?
A: 10시에 지하철역 앞에서 만나자.
yeol sie jihacheol-yeok apeseo mannaja. — Let’s meet at 10 in front of the subway station.
B: 오케이. 간단히 김밥도 사서 먹자!
okei. gandanhi gimbapdo saseo meokja! — Okay. Let’s buy gimbap and eat!
7) Usage Tips & Culture
- Don’t overuse -자 with elders. With older people or in formal settings, switch to -(으)ㅂ시다.
- Extra soft & polite: “우리 … 할까요?” (Shall we…?) is even gentler than -(으)ㅂ시다.
- 문화 팁: 회의, 발표, 안내문 등 공적인 자리에서는 “제안 → -(으)ㅂ시다” 흐름이 자연스럽게 들립니다.
8) Quick Check Quiz
- (polite) “Let’s begin now.” → 지금 ________.
- (casual) “Let’s study at the café.” → 카페에서 ________.
- Choose the polite form: 가자 / 갑시다 → ______.
Show answers
- 지금 시작합시다.
- 카페에서 공부하자.
- 갑시다
9) Practice with a Tutor
Want to sound natural when inviting Korean friends to study, eat, or travel together? We can role-play invitations in both polite -(으)ㅂ시다 and casual -자, fix your pronunciation, and fine-tune your tone for real life.
