- 아/어/해야지요

1. Title

: Expressing Resolution and Intent with -아/어/해야지요

2. Grammar Explanation

: The Korean ending -아/어/해야지요 is used to express the speaker's strong resolution, intention, or promise to do something. This form is also employed to express a sense of obligation or necessity, often with a nuance of determination. It can also be used to scold or reprimand someone for not doing something that should have been done. When used informally, the ending is -아/어/해야지.

Tip* 지요 can be 죠 to speak it in an abbreviation way and it sounds more natural!

• Formation:

  • If the verb stem ends in a vowel (ㅏ or ㅗ), -아야지요 is used.

    • ex. 살다(to live) + 아야지요 = 살아야지요

  • If the verb stem ends in a vowel (other than ㅏ or ㅗ), -어야지요 is used.

    • ex. 먹다(to eat) + 어야지요 = 먹어야지요

  • For 하다 verbs, -해야지요 is used.

    • ex. 하다(to do) + 해야지요 = 해야지요

3. Example Sentences:

• 집에 가기 전에 설거지를 해야지요. (I must do the dishes before going home.)

• 이렇게 하면 안 되죠. 더 열심히 해야죠. (You shouldn't do it this way. You need to work harder.)

• 방을 청소했어야지요. 지금 너무 지저분해요. (You should have cleaned the room. It's too messy now.)

• 그 책을 읽어야죠. 아주 유익해요. (I must read that book. It's very informative.)

• 내일은 일찍 일어나야지요. (I need to wake up early tomorrow.)

4. Sample Dialogues:

Dialogue 1:

• A: 이번 주말에 뭐 할 거예요? (What are you doing this weekend?)

  B: 밀린 일을 끝내야죠. 너무 많이 남았어요. (I need to finish my backlog of work. There's so much left.)

Dialogue 2:

• A: 요즘 운동해요? (Do you exercise these days?)

  B: 아니요, 하지만 이제부터 해야지요. (No, but I should start now.)

5. Make Korean Sentences from English!:

• I need to finish my project by tomorrow.

• I should call my mom tonight.

• We must leave the house by 7 AM.

• I have to study for the test.

• You should prepare for the presentation.

• We need to clean the house this weekend.

• I must write the report by tonight.

• You should have told me earlier.

• I have to buy groceries today.

• We need to fix the car.