가서 공부해
gaseo gongbuhae
The phrase "please go and study" in Korean is 가서 공부해 (gaseo gongbuhae).
A command telling someone to move to a different location in order to study.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb 가다 (to go) in its connective form 가서 (go and then) and the verb 공부하다 (to study) in its informal imperative form 공부해.
Which one should you use?
The default form 가서 공부해 translates to "go and study."
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the command more polite or respectful toward an older person or a stranger, use the form 가서 공부하세요 instead of the informal 가서 공부해.
How do you pronounce it?
gaseo gongbuhae
Did you know?
- In Korea, the word 공부 for 'study' is a loanword from the Chinese 功夫, which originally referred to the time and effort put into mastering a craft or martial art.
- The pressure behind 가서 공부해 is so ingrained that some Korean parents employ 'study managers' to ensure their children follow this command without distraction.
- While 가서 공부해 is a command, in a household setting it is often used as a way to end a conversation or dismiss a child who is bothering a parent.
Examples in context
- 방에 가서 공부해.bang-e gaseo gongbuhae.Go to your room and study.
- 도서관에 가서 공부해.doseogwane gaseo gongbuhae.Go to the library and study.
- 제발 가서 공부해.jebal gaseo gongbuhae.Please just go and study.
Example conversation
Minjun is telling Jieun to stop playing games and focus on her schoolwork.
- 민준 Min-jun지은아, 이제 그만 게임하고 가서 공부해.jieun-a, ije geuman geim-hago gaseo gongbuhae.Jieun, stop playing games now and go and study.
- 지은 Ji-eun조금만 더 하면 안 돼?jogeumman deo hamyeon an dwae?Can't I play just a little more?
- 민준 Min-jun안 돼. 얼른 가서 공부해.an dwae. eolleun gaseo gongbuhae.No. Hurry up and go study.
- 지은 Ji-eun알았어, 지금 갈게.arasseo, jigeum galge.Okay, I'll go now.
