-어야 되다Korean expression · TOPIK 1

-eoya doeda

TOPIK 1 1급 Expressions 표현

An expression used to indicate that one needs or is obligated to do a certain thing.

형태Forms

-어야 되다-아야 되다-여야 되다

Which one you use is decided by what comes in front of it — see the usage rule under each meaning below.

An expression used to indicate that one needs or is obligated to do a certain thing.

반드시 그럴 필요나 의무가 있음을 나타내는 표현.

쓰임Usage

Attaches after the copula 이다, 아니다, verbs and adjectives whose final vowel is not ㅏ or ㅗ or the honorific -으시-.

‘이다’, ‘아니다’, 끝음절의 모음이 ‘ㅏ, ㅗ’가 아닌 동사와 형용사 또는 '-으시-' 뒤에 붙여 쓴다.

예문Examples

건강을 유지하시려면 담배를 끊어야 됩니다.

To maintain your health, you need to quit smoking.

우리 학교는 모든 학생이 정해진 교복을 입어야 된다.

At our school, all students have to wear the designated uniform.

엄마가 정성껏 만든 거니까 남기지 말고 다 먹어야 돼.

Since Mom made it with care, you have to eat it all without leaving any.

대화In conversation

승규야, 잊지 말고 밥 먹고 약 꼭 먹어야 된다.

Seunggyu, don't forget—you must take your medicine after eating.

네. 잘 챙겨 먹을 테니 너무 걱정 마세요.

Okay, I'll make sure to take it, so don't worry too much.

관련 문법Related grammar

Other expressions you will meet alongside this one, starting with the ones the dictionary names as equivalents.

-고 싶다 -go sipda An expression used to state that the speaker wants to do the act mentioned in the preceding statement. TOPIK 1 -고 있다 -go itda An expression used to state that the act mentioned in the preceding statement is continued. TOPIK 1 -기 전에 -gi jeone -기 전 An expression used to state that a certain act occurs earlier than the act in the preceding statement. TOPIK 1 -은 후에 -eun hu-e -은 후 · -ㄴ 후 An expression used to indicate that one does a certain act mentioned in the preceding statement and a while later, does another thing. TOPIK 1 -을 수 있다 -eul su itda -ㄹ 수 있다 An expression used to indicate that one has an ability to do something. TOPIK 1 -지 못하다 -ji motada An expression used to indicate that the speaker cannot do the act mentioned in the preceding statement, or that things did not work out as the… TOPIK 1

자주 묻는 질문Common questions

What does -어야 되다 mean in Korean?

-어야 되다 is a expression introduced at 1급 (TOPIK 1). An expression used to indicate that one needs or is obligated to do a certain thing.

When do you use -어야 되다?

Attaches after the copula 이다, 아니다, verbs and adjectives whose final vowel is not ㅏ or ㅗ or the honorific -으시-. The other shape is -아야 되다, -여야 되다 — same point, different environment.

What is the difference between -어야 되다 and -아야 되다?

None in meaning — they are two shapes of the same expression, and which one appears is decided by the sound in front of it, not by what you want to say.

What TOPIK level is -어야 되다?

1급 — TOPIK 1, beginner. It is one of 45 grammar points at that level.

Definition, usage note, examples and dialogue from the 국립국어원 한국어기초사전, used under CC BY-SA 2.0 KR.