The Endings 아/어/여요: Polite Informal Speech

In Korean, 아/어/여요 is a common verb ending used in polite informal speech to make sentences polite but not overly formal. It's often used in daily conversations.
How to Use 아/어/여요The ending changes based on the vowel of the verb stem:

1. -아요: For verbs with a stem that ends in 아 or 오.
   Example:
   
   • 가다 (to go) → 가요 (I go.)
   • 보다 (to see) → 봐요 (I see.)
2. -어요: For verbs with a stem that ends in any vowel except 아 or 오.
   Example:
   
   • 먹다 (to eat) → 먹어요 (I eat.)
   • 읽다 (to read) → 읽어요 (I read.)
3. -여요: For verbs with a stem that ends in 하.
   Example:
   
   • 하다 (to do) → 해요 (I do.)
   • 공부하다 (to study) → 공부해요 (I study.)

Examples in Sentences

1. 아요
   
   • 저는 학교에 가요.
     (I go to school.)
   • 동생이 놀아요.
     (My younger sibling plays.)
2. 어요
   
   • 밥을 먹어요.
     (I eat rice.)
   • 책을 읽어요.
     (I read a book.)
3. 여요
   
   • 운동해요.
     (I exercise.)
   • 일해요.
     (I work.)

Why Use 아/어/여요?This ending is perfect for casual, polite conversations. It is respectful but not as stiff as formal endings like -습니다.

Quick SummaryVerb Stem EndingEnding UsedExample VerbConjugationEnds in 아/오-아요가다 (to go)가요
Other vowels-어요먹다 (to eat)먹어요
Ends in 하-여요하다 (to do)해요By mastering 아/어/여요, you'll sound polite and natural in everyday conversations!