걸어요
georeoyo
To say "I walk" in Korean, you use the verb forms of 걷다.
The phrase is a statement used to express that you are moving on foot.
What does it mean word for word?
The dictionary form of the verb is 걷다, which specifically refers to the physical act of walking.
Which one should you use?
While all these forms express walking, they differ in their level of politeness and specific nuance. 걸어요 is the polite, informal version, whereas 걷습니다 and 걸어 다닙니다 are more formal. The form 걸어다녀 is used in casual, informal settings.
How does it change in a sentence?
The dictionary form of the verb is 걷다. From this base, the verb conjugates into several forms: 걸어요 is the polite, informal conjugation. 걷습니다 is the formal, polite version. 걸어 is the casual, non-honorific version. And 걸어다녀 is an informal version.
How do you pronounce it?
georeoyo
Did you know?
- The word 걷다 can actually be a homonym. Depending on the context and spelling, it can also mean 'to roll up' one's sleeves, though the conjugation rules for that verb are different.
- Using the form 걷습니다 in a casual setting can sound unnaturally stiff, almost like a soldier reporting for duty, due to its extreme formality.
- In Korean, the subject 'I' is usually omitted in the phrase 걸어요 because the context of the conversation makes it clear who is walking.
Examples in context
- 저는 공원에서 걷습니다.I walk in the park.
- 전통 시장에서 걸어 다닙니다.I walk around in traditional markets.
- 친구들과 함께 걸어다녀.I walk around with friends.
- 매일 집 근처를 걸어요.maeil jip geuncheoreul georeoyo.I walk near my house every day.
- 건강을 위해서 걸어요.geongangeul wihaeseo georeoyo.I walk for my health.
Example conversation
Ji-eun asks Min-jun about his exercise routine.
- 지은 Ji-eun민준 씨, 보통 어떻게 운동해요?Minjun ssi, botong eotteoke undonghaeyo?Min-jun, how do you usually exercise?
- 민준 Min-jun저는 매일 저녁에 걸어요.jeoneun maeil jeonyeoge georeoyo.I walk every evening.
- 지은 Ji-eun정말 부지런하시네요!jeongmal bujireonhasineyo!You are very diligent!
- 민준 Min-jun네, 건강을 위해서 해요.ne, geongangeul wihaeseo haeyo.Yes, I do it for my health.
