📘 Grammar 2: Korean Sentence Structure – Build Natural Korean Sentences Step by Step

📘 Korean Sentence Structure – Build Natural Korean Sentences Step by Step

Do you want to speak Korean naturally and correctly? Then understanding Korean sentence structure is the first big step! Korean sentences follow a pattern different from English, but it’s simple once you learn the rules.

In this post, we’ll explain how to build Korean sentences from basic to complex. You’ll see how word order works, how to use subject-object-verb, and how to create your own natural Korean sentences with confidence!

🧱 Basic Korean Sentence Order: S + O + V

In Korean, the **default sentence structure** is:

Subject + Object + Verb

This is different from English (which uses Subject + Verb + Object).

English Sentence	Korean Sentence	Romanization
I eat an apple.	저는 사과를 먹어요.	jeo-neun sa-gwa-reul meok-eo-yo
He reads a book.	그는 책을 읽어요.	geu-neun chaek-eul ilg-eo-yo

🟡 The **verb always comes last** in Korean sentences!

🏗️ Building Sentences Step-by-Step

Let’s build a Korean sentence from just a verb:

1. Start with a verb: 먹어요 (meok-eo-yo) – to eat
2. Add an object: 사과를 먹어요 – (Eat an apple)
3. Add a subject: 저는 사과를 먹어요 – I eat an apple

Now you have a full sentence with Subject + Object + Verb!

🔀 Subject and Topic Markers: 은/는 vs 이/가

Korean uses markers to show which word is the subject or topic.

Marker	Usage	Example	Romanization
은 / 는	Topic marker	저는 학생이에요.	jeo-neun hak-saeng-i-e-yo
이 / 가	Subject marker	고양이가 귀여워요.	go-yang-i-ga gwi-yeo-wo-yo

📝 These particles help the listener understand what the sentence is really about.

🎯 Object Marker: 을/를

Use 을/를 to mark the object – the thing that is receiving the action.

• 저는 영화를 봐요 – I watch a movie
• 그는 빵을 먹어요 – He eats bread

🟡 을 is used after a consonant, 를 after a vowel.

📚 Add Time and Place to Sentences

Korean allows flexibility in word order as long as the verb comes last. You can add **time** and **location** like this:

• 저는 어제 영화를 봤어요 – I watched a movie yesterday
• 우리는 집에서 밥을 먹었어요 – We ate at home

Time and location often come before the object and verb.

📘 Sentence Structure Practice

Type	Korean	Romanization
Basic	저는 물을 마셔요.	jeo-neun mul-eul ma-syeo-yo
With Time	오늘 저녁을 먹어요.	o-neul jeo-nyeok-eul meok-eo-yo
With Place	학교에서 공부해요.	hak-gyo-e-seo gong-bu-hae-yo

📝 Mini Quiz – Try It Yourself!

1. What is the correct word order for a Korean sentence?
   a) Subject – Verb – Object
   b) Subject – Object – Verb
   c) Verb – Object – Subject
   
   Click to Show Answer

   ✅ b) Subject – Object – Verb

2. Translate: “I read a book.”
   a) 저는 책을 읽어요
   b) 저는 읽어요 책을
   c) 책을 저는 읽어요
   
   Click to Show Answer

   ✅ a) 저는 책을 읽어요

3. Which sentence includes a location?
   a) 저는 친구를 만나요
   b) 도서관에서 공부해요
   c) 사과를 먹어요
   
   Click to Show Answer

   ✅ b) 도서관에서 공부해요

✅ Conclusion

Now you know how to build Korean sentences step by step!

• Always place the verb at the end
• Use markers like 은/는, 이/가, 을/를 to define roles
• Add time and place for more natural sentences

Practice by writing 3–5 sentences every day about what you do, what you eat, and where you go. The more you practice Korean sentence structure, the more confident you’ll become!

📘 Coming Next

In our next grammar guide, we’ll explore Korean Verb Conjugation Basics – how to use polite endings, tenses, and build even better sentences!

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