이다
ida[ida̠]
The English word "are" translates to the Korean verb 이다 (ida).
The verb 이다 is used to link a subject to a description or identity.
How does it change in a sentence?
Unlike English, the verb 이다 does not change its form based on whether the subject is singular or plural. In polite spoken Korean, the dictionary form 이다 is typically conjugated to 이에요 (after consonants) or 예요 (after vowels). In casual speech with friends or younger people, the verb is conjugated to 이야 (after consonants) or 야 (after vowels).
How do you pronounce it?
ida
Did you know?
- To say someone is 'not' something, the word 이다 changes completely into 아니다, which is a distinct word rather than just adding a negative particle.
- If you use the casual form 이야 or 야 with someone of higher social status, it is not just a grammatical error but a significant social offense.
- The first recorded appearance of 이다 dates back to 1465 in the 원각경언해, a translation of a Buddhist scripture.
Examples in context
- 뭐 해?What are you doing?
- 너 누구야?Who are you?
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 이다, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 이다, CC BY-SA 4.0.
