읽어요
ilgeoyo
The English phrase "I read" is translated into Korean as 읽어요 (ilgeoyo).
This phrase is a statement used to say that you are performing the action of reading.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form 읽어요 is the polite informal way to say "I read" or "I am reading". The form 읽어 is the casual/informal way to say "I read" or "I am reading" when speaking to someone of equal or lower status. For professional or highly formal settings, use the honorific form 읽습니다. To express the past tense (I have read it) in casual speech, use the form 읽었다.
How do you pronounce it?
ilgeoyo
Did you know?
- In digital slang, Koreans often use the term 'read-receipt' or 'unread' using the root of 읽다 to describe being 'ghosted' or ignored in a chat app.
- The phrase 읽어요 can function as both a statement 'I read' and a question 'Do you read?' depending solely on the rising intonation at the end.
- When you say you are reading, you might be using a 'subject honorific' form if you are talking about someone of higher status reading, which changes the verb structure entirely.
Examples in context
- 저는 최근에 책을 읽었어요I read a book recently.
- 난 어제 웹툰을 읽었어I read a webtoon yesterday.
- 저는 매일 책을 읽어요.jeoneun maeil chaekeul ilgeoyo.I read a book every day.
- 집에서 신문을 읽어요.jibeseo sinmuneul ilgeoyo.I read the newspaper at home.
- 지금 잡지를 읽어요.jigeum japjireul ilgeoyo.I am reading a magazine now.
Example conversation
Minjun and Seoyeon are talking about their hobbies.
- 민준 Min-jun민준 씨는 취미가 뭐예요?Minjun ssi-neun chwimi-ga mwoyeyo?Minjun, what is your hobby?
- 서연 Seo-yeon저는 소설을 읽어요.jeoneun sosol-eul ilgeoyo.I read novels.
- 민준 Min-jun정말요? 어떤 책을 좋아하세요?jeongmallyo? eotteon chaeg-eul joahaseyo?Really? What kind of books do you like?
- 서연 Seo-yeon로맨스 소설을 자주 읽어요.romanseu sosol-eul jaju ilgeoyo.I often read romance novels.
