Greetings language enthusiasts! Today, we’ll embark on an exciting journey to discover how to say “to go” in Korean. Whether you want to communicate formally or casually, this guide will equip you with various ways to express this commonly used verb. So, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “To Go”
When speaking formally in Korean, it’s important to pay attention to honorifics and polite language. Here are a few ways to express “to go” formally:
1. 가다 (ga-da)
The verb “가다” (ga-da) is the most common way to say “to go” in formal situations. It is neutral and can be used in different contexts. For instance:
- 오늘 박물관에 가야 해요. (o-neul bak-mul-gwan-e ga-ya hae-yo)
Today, I have to go to the museum. - 저는 학교에 가고 있습니다. (jeo-neun hak-gyo-e ga-go it-seum-ni-da)
I am going to school.
2. 다니다 (da-ni-da)
“다니다” (da-ni-da) expresses the concept of going and coming back repeatedly. It emphasizes the action of regularly going to a place and returning. For example:
- 저는 운동장에 다닙니다. (jeo-neun un-dong-jang-e da-nip-ni-da)
I go to the playground regularly. - 근처 약국에 다닙니다. (geun-cheo yak-guk-e da-nip-ni-da)
I go to the nearby pharmacy often.
Informal Ways to Say “To Go”
Now, let’s explore how to say “to go” in informal Korean situations. Informal language is commonly used between friends, family members, or people of similar age groups.
1. 가다 (ga-da)
Similar to formal speech, “가다” (ga-da) is the most common verb used for “to go” in informal contexts as well. Here are a couple of examples:
- 친구 집에 가자! (chin-gu jib-e ga-ja)
Let’s go to a friend’s house! - 니가 언제 약국에 가? (ni-ga eon-je yak-guk-e ga)
When are you going to the pharmacy?
2. 가버리다 (ga-beo-ri-da)
“가버리다” (ga-beo-ri-da) adds a sense of finality and indicates going somewhere with determination or without the intention of returning soon. It’s commonly used when something or someone is leaving permanently. For example:
- 그는 외국으로 가버렸어요. (geu-neun wae-guk-eu-ro ga-beo-ryeo-sseo-yo)
He went abroad (without plans to return). - 차에 가버려서 돌아올거야. (cha-e ga-beo-ryeo-seo dora-ol-geo-ya)
I will go by car and come back later.
Conclusion
Congratulations, language learners! You’ve now acquired multiple ways to say “to go” in Korean, both formally and informally. Remember to adjust your speech based on the level of formality required in different situations. Keep practicing these phrases, and you’ll soon become confident in expressing yourself in Korean.
Now, go forth and embark on your Korean language adventure! Remember, practice makes perfect. Happy learning!
