Easy Korean Level 4 - Unit 4: Verb ending -지요 / -죠

In this lesson, we will look at the verb ending -지요 (often shortened to -죠 in spoken Korean).

This ending is used when you are confirming something you already know, or when you believe the listener also knows the answer. It's similar to saying "..., right?" or "isn't it?" in English.

Usage

• Asking a question: To confirm a fact. ("It's cold today, right?")
• Making a statement: To state a fact that both you and the listener are aware of. ("Well, it's because I was busy, you know.")
• Suggesting/Commanding: Softly suggesting something. ("Let's go, shall we?")

Conjugation Rules

The rule is very simple! You just drop '다' from the dictionary form (or past/future stems) and add -지요 or -죠.

• Present Tense:
• 하다 -> 하지요 / 하죠 (You do, right?)
• 맛있다 -> 맛있지요 / 맛있죠 (It's delicious, right?)
• Past Tense:
• 하다 -> 했지요 / 했죠 (You did, right?)
• 가다 -> 갔지요 / 갔죠 (You went, right?)
• Future Tense:
• 하다 -> 할 거지요 / 할 거죠 (You will do it, right?)

With Nouns

For nouns, you use -이지요 / 이죠 (if ending in a consonant) or -지요 / 죠 (if ending in a vowel). - 학생 (student) -> 학생이지요 / 학생이죠 (You are a student, right?) - 의사 (doctor) -> 의사지요 / 의사죠 (You are a doctor, right?)

Examples

1. 날씨가 춥죠?

2. The weather is cold, right? / It's cold, isn't it?

3. 어제 파티 재미있었죠?

4. The party yesterday was fun, right?

5. 이거 제 가방이죠.

6. This is my bag, you know. / This is my bag, right?

7. 빨리 오시죠!

8. Please come quickly, won't you? (Soft command)