Updated Feb 9, 2026 | Cultural Grammar Series | Insight by Director Brian

The "Must-Do" Spirit: Mastering -아/어야 해요 in the Land of Diligence

💡 2026 Executive Summary: Why Koreans say "I have to..."

Korean society is built on a foundation of extreme diligence and rapid growth. This spirit is reflected in the high frequency of "-아/어야 해요" (must/have to) in daily speech. Whether it's the "God-saeng" (living to the fullest) trend or business commitments, understanding this obligation structure is key to mastering the Korean mindset.

1. Brian’s Insight: The DNA of Diligence and "God-saeng"

In my 50s, looking back at Korea’s rapid journey since the 1950s, I see a nation that never stops. We have a culture of "God-saeng" (갓생)—a desire to fill every second with self-improvement. While this drive brought us to the global stage, it also ingrained a habit of comparing ourselves to others, leading us to constantly say, "I must do more."

In Korean conversations, you will hear "~해야 해요" or "~하지 않으면 안 돼요" incredibly often. It’s not just grammar; it’s a reflection of our collective responsibility and the pressure to excel. Let's learn how to use this powerful expression accurately.

2. Structural Framework: How to Form -아/어야 해요

This pattern expresses necessity or obligation. The form changes based on the verb stem's last vowel:

🚩 ㅏ, ㅗ vowels → -아야 해요 (e.g., 가다 → 가야 해요)
🚩 Other vowels → -어야 해요 (e.g., 먹다 → 먹어야 해요)
🚩 하다 verbs → -해야 해요 (e.g., 공부하다 → 공부해야 해요)

*Note: "해요" can be replaced by "돼요" in casual conversation (e.g., 해야 돼요).

3. 10 Essential Examples for Daily & Business Life

Here are 10 practical ways to use this structure to sound like a natural:

Category	Korean Example	English Translation
Business	회의를 준비해야 해요.	I have to prepare for the meeting.
Health	약을 먹어야 해요.	I must take the medicine.
Social	약속을 지켜야 해요.	I have to keep my promise.
Self-Growth	매일 공부해야 해요.	I have to study every day.
Urgency	지금 가야 해요.	I must go now.
Submission	보고서를 제출해야 해요.	I have to submit the report.
Morning	내일 일찍 일어나야 해요.	I have to wake up early tomorrow.
Manners	신발을 벗어야 해요.	You must take off your shoes.
Finance	돈을 아껴야 해요.	I have to save money.
Finality	이건 꼭 확인해야 해요.	I must check this for sure.

4. Advanced Nuance: ~하지 않으면 안 돼요

If you want to sound more emphatic or emphasize that there is no other choice, use the double negative form: -지 않으면 안 돼요.

"오늘까지 이 일을 끝내지 않으면 안 돼요."

(It won't do if I don't finish this today → I absolutely must finish this today.)

5. Brian’s Pro Tip: Transitioning from "Must" to "May"

As a language tutor and leader, I often tell my students: Don't let your Korean learning become another "숙제" (homework) you "must" finish to compete with others. While knowing how to say "I have to" is crucial for fluency, remember to also enjoy the process. Others aren't as focused on your mistakes as you think they are. Speak with confidence!