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Easy Korean - Level 3, Unit 25: The ㄷ (D) Irregular

In this unit, we will learn about verbs whose stems end in the consonant ㄷ (digeut). Some of these verbs are irregular and change their form.

The Rule

When an irregular verb stem ending in ㄷ is followed by a suffix starting with a vowel (like -아/어요, -(으)면, -(으)니까): The ㄷ changes to ㄹ (rieul).

  • 듣다 (to listen) 듣 + 어요 -> 들어요 듣 + 았어요 -> 들었어요 (past tense) 듣 + 을 거예요 -> 들을 거예요 (future tense)

  • 걷다 (to walk) 걷 + 어요 -> 걸어요 걷 + 았어요 -> 걸었어요 걷 + 을까요? -> 걸을까요? (shall we walk?)

  • 묻다 (to ask) 묻 + 어요 -> 물어요 (I ask) / 물어보세요 (Please ask)

What if the suffix starts with a consonant?

If the suffix starts with a consonant (like -고, -는, -지만), the ㄷ does NOT change.

  • 듣다 -> 듣고 (listen and...), 듣는 (listening...)
  • 걷다 -> 걷고 (walk and...), 걷는 (walking...)

Regular ㄷ Verbs (Exceptions)

Some very common verbs ending in ㄷ are completely regular. The ㄷ never changes to ㄹ. You just have to memorize them! * 받다 (to receive): 받아요, 받았어요, 받을 거예요. * 닫다 (to close): 닫아요, 닫았어요, 닫을 거예요. * 믿다 (to believe): 믿어요, 믿었어요, 믿을 거예요.

Example Sentences

  1. 매일 음악을 들어요. (I listen to music every day.)
  2. 공원에서 많이 걸었어요. (I walked a lot in the park.)
  3. 질문이 있으면 선생님한테 물어보세요. (If you have a question, please ask the teacher.)
  4. 문 좀 닫아 주세요. (Please close the door. - 닫다 is regular)
  5. 생일 선물을 받았어요. (I received a birthday gift. - 받다 is regular)