Processing keyword: 아/어야 해요 [a/eoya haeyo] (Have to do)

Korean Grammar Point: 아/어야 해요 [a/eoya haeyo] (Have to do)

1. Introduction

The Korean grammar point 아/어야 해요 expresses obligation or necessity, similar to "have to" or "must" in English. It's used when indicating that someone is required to perform a certain action.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• 아/어야 해요 conveys that an action must be done or needs to be done.
• It implies a sense of duty or necessity.

Structure

The general structure is:

[Verb Stem] + 아/어야 해요

Formation Diagram

To form 아/어야 해요, follow these steps:

1. Identify the verb stem by removing 다 from the dictionary form.
2. Determine whether to use 아 or 어 based on the vowel harmony rules.
   • If the last vowel of the verb stem is 아 or 오, add 아야 해요.
   • For all other vowels, add 어야 해요.
3. Attach 해요 to complete the expression.

Verb Ending Selection Table

Verb Stem Ending Vowel	Add	Example Verb	Verb Stem	Result
아 or 오	아야 해요	가다 (to go)	가	가야 해요
Other Vowels	어야 해요	먹다 (to eat)	먹	먹어야 해요
하	여야 해요	하다 (to do)	하	해야 해요

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3. Comparative Analysis

• 아/어야 해요 vs. 아/어도 돼요 (May I...?)
  • 아/어야 해요 implies obligation.
  • 아/어도 돼요 asks for or grants permission.
• 아/어서는 안 돼요 (Must not do)
  • Used to express prohibition.

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4. Examples in Context

Formal Situations

1. 회의에 늦으면 안 됩니다. 시간을 지켜야 해요.
   • You must not be late for the meeting. You have to be on time.
2. 건강을 위해 매일 운동해야 해요.
   • You have to exercise every day for your health.

Informal Situations

1. 지금 가야 해.
   • I have to go now.
2. 숙제를 빨리 끝내야 해.
   • I have to finish my homework quickly.

Spoken Language

1. 내일까지 보고서를 제출해야 해요?
   • Do I have to submit the report by tomorrow?
2. 배가 고프면 먹어야죠.
   • If you're hungry, you have to eat.

Written Language

1. 학생들은 수업 시간에 휴대폰을 사용하지 말아야 합니다. 집중해야 해요.
   • Students should not use cell phones during class time. They have to concentrate.
2. 환경을 보호하기 위해 쓰레기를 줄여야 해요.
   • We have to reduce waste to protect the environment.

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5. Cultural Notes

Politeness Levels

• 아/어야 해요 is polite and suitable for most situations.
• In formal writing or speeches, 아/어야 합니다 may be used for higher formality.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 어려울 때일수록 서로 도와야 해요.
  • We have to help each other, especially in difficult times.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Incorrect Verb Stem Usage
   • Mistake: 하다 → 하아야 해요
   • Correction: 하다 → 해야 해요
2. Using the Wrong Ending
   • Mistake: 먹다 → 먹아야 해요
   • Correction: 먹다 → 먹어야 해요

Tips

• Mnemonic for Vowel Harmony
  • 아/오 verbs take 아야 해요.
  • All other verbs take 어야 해요.
  • 하다 verbs become 해야 해요.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• 아/어야 해요 is used to express obligation or necessity.
• Formation depends on the verb stem's last vowel.
• It's important to choose the correct ending to sound natural.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you say "I have to study" in Korean?
2. Choose the correct form: 읽다 → 읽아야 해요 or 읽어야 해요?
3. What is the polite formal version of 아/어야 해요?

Answers:

1. 공부해야 해요.
2. 읽어야 해요.
3. 아/어야 합니다.

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Feel free to revisit this lesson for practice, and try creating your own sentences using 아/어야 해요!

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