이에요
ieyo
The English phrase "is" can be expressed in Korean using the verb 이에요 (ieyo).
A verb used to link a subject to a description or identity.
Which one should you use?
The form of the verb depends on the final sound of the noun it follows: use 이에요 if the preceding noun ends in a consonant and 예요 if the preceding noun ends in a vowel.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
There are different levels of politeness for this verb. 입니다 is a formal and polite version used in professional or highly polite settings. 이야 is the casual version used with close friends or people younger than you.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form changes to 예요 when the preceding noun ends in a vowel and stays 이에요 when the preceding noun ends in a consonant.
How do you pronounce it?
ieyo
Did you know?
- While 이에요 translates to 'is', Korean has a completely different verb 있다 to express that something 'is' in a specific location. Using 이에요 to describe location is a common mistake for beginners.
- If you use the highly formal 입니다 in a casual setting like a cafe with friends, you might sound like a news reporter or a soldier.
- In casual Korean conversation, speakers often omit the verb 이다 entirely. If the context is clear, a person might simply say the noun and a pause to mean 'it is this'.
Examples in context
- 이것은 좋은 카메라 이에요.This is a nice camera.The example shows how to use 이에요 to identify an object.Tatoeba #1225911 by Brian255, translation #55821 by CK
- 그 집은 아주 큽니다.That house is very big.
- 오늘 날씨가 좋아요.Today's weather is good.
- 이번 주말에 우리 집으로 와.Come to my house this weekend.
- 그 사람은 정말 재미있다.That person is really fun.
- 이 책이 이래.This book is like this.
- 이거 맛있다.This is delicious.
Example conversation
Minjun and Subin are introducing their belongings.
- 민준 Min-jun수빈 씨, 이게 뭐 이에요?Subin ssi, ige mwo ieyo?Subin, what is this?
- 수빈 Su-bin이건 제 새 책 이에요.igeon je sae chaek ieyo.This is my new book.
- 민준 Min-jun정말 예쁜 책 이에요.jeongmal yeppeun chaek ieyo.It is a really pretty book.
- 수빈 Su-bin고마워요, 민준 씨.gomawoyo, Minjun ssi.Thank you, Minjun.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
