공부해야 해요
gongbuhaeya haeyo
The English phrase 'I have to study' is expressed in Korean as 공부해야 해요 (gongbuhaeya haeyo).
This phrase is used to express that you are required to or need to spend time learning a subject. In Korean, the subject 'I' (나/저) is often omitted from this phrase when the context makes it clear that the speaker is the one who needs to study.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 공부 (study), the verb suffix -하다 (to do) and the grammar pattern -해야 하다 (must/have to).
How does it change in a sentence?
Depending on the level of formality, different versions of the phrase are used. The formal version is 공부해야 합니다. The informal version is 공부해야 해, which is used with close friends or people younger than you. For polite daily conversation, 공부해야 돼요 is a common alternative to 공부해야 해요.
How do you pronounce it?
gongbuhaeya haeyo
Did you know?
- The word 공부 (study) comes from the Chinese characters meaning 'public' and 'effort'. Originally, it referred to the labor required for public works projects rather than academic learning.
- In Korea, students often use the term 카공 (ka-gong), a portmanteau of 'cafe' and 공부 (study), to describe the specific act of studying in a coffee shop.
- When students say 공부해야 해요 as an excuse to leave a social gathering, it is often understood as a polite 'social white lie' even if they do not have an immediate exam.
Examples in context
- 저는 공부해야 해요.I have to study.
Example conversation
Jieun and Jihun are talking about meeting up for coffee.
- 지은 Ji-eun지훈 씨, 커피 마시러 갈래요?Jihun ssi, keopi masireo gallaeyo?Jihun, do you want to go get some coffee?
- 지훈 Ji-hun미안해요, 지금 공부해야 해요.mianhaeyo, jigeum gongbuhaeya haeyo.I'm sorry, I have to study now.
- 지은 Ji-eun아, 정말요? 그럼 나중에 가요.a, jeongmalyo? geureom najunge gayo.Oh, really? Then let's go later.
- 지훈 Ji-hun네, 다음에 같이 가요.ne, daeume gachi gayo.Yes, let's go together next time.
