Processing keyword: ~하여야 [hayeoya] (Must)

Korean Grammar Point: ~하여야 [hayeoya] (Must)

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we'll explore the Korean grammar point ~하여야 (hayeoya), which is used to express necessity or obligation, similar to "must" or "have to" in English. Mastering this grammar will allow you to articulate actions that are necessary or required in various contexts.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning and Usage

• ~하여야 is attached to verb stems to indicate that something must be done.
• It expresses a strong sense of duty or necessity.

Structure

• Verb Stem + 하여야

Formation Diagram

Let's break down how to form ~하여야:

Verb Type	Verb Stem	+ 하여야	Meaning
하다 Verbs	하 (하다)	하여야	Must do
Action Verbs	먹 (먹다)	먹어야	Must eat
Verbs ending with vowels	가 (가다)	가야	Must go
Note:

• For verbs ending with 하다, 하여야 can be contracted to 해야.
• When attaching ~어야/아야 to verbs, use -아야 after bright vowels (ㅏ, ㅗ) and -어야 after other vowels.

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3. Comparative Analysis

~하여야 vs. ~해야

• ~하여야 is the formal version and is often used in written language or formal speech.
• ~해야 is the contracted, more colloquial form used in everyday conversation.

Similar Grammar Points

Grammar Point	Usage	Example
~해야 하다	Must/Have to (more emphasis)	가야 한다 (Must go)
~야 한다	Must/Have to	먹어야 한다 (Must eat)
~지 않아야 하다	Must not (Negative obligation)	늦지 않아야 한다 (Must not be late)

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4. Examples in Context

Formal Context

1. 모든 신청자는 서류를 제출하여야 합니다.
   • Modeun sincheongjaneun seoryureul jejulhayeoya hamnida.
   • All applicants must submit documents.
2. 학생들은 규칙을 준수하여야 합니다.
   • Haksaengdeureun gyuchigeul junsuhayeoya hamnida.
   • Students must comply with the rules.

Informal Context

1. 내일까지 이 일을 끝내야 해.
   • Naeilkkaji i ireul kkeutnaeya hae.
   • I must finish this work by tomorrow.
2. 약속 시간을 지켜야 돼.
   • Yaksok siganeul jikyeoya dwae.
   • You have to be on time for the appointment.

Spoken Language

1. 지금 출발해야 해요?
   • Jigeum chulbalhaeya haeyo?
   • Do we have to leave now?
2. 너도 같이 가야 해.
   • Neodo gachi gaya hae.
   • You must go together (with us).

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5. Cultural Notes

Politeness Levels

• Formal Polite (합니다): Used in official settings, speeches, or to show respect.
  • 예: 제출하여야 합니다 (You must submit).
• Informal Polite (해요): Commonly used among adults in everyday conversation.
  • 예: 먹어야 해요 (You must eat).
• Casual (해): Used among close friends or to someone younger.
  • 예: 공부해야 해 (I must study).

Cultural Relevance

In Korean culture, expressing obligations politely is important, especially when speaking to elders or superiors. Using the correct politeness level shows respect and maintains harmonious relationships.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Using the Wrong Ending:
   • Incorrect: 가하여야 해요.
   • Correct: 가야 해요. Tip: For verbs like 가다, drop 하 since it's not a 하다 verb.
2. Overusing Formal Forms in Casual Settings:
   • Using 하여야 합니다 with close friends may sound unnatural.

Tips

• Mnemonic for 하다 Verbs: Remember that 하다 verbs can be shortened:
  • 공부하다 → 공부해야
• Vowel Harmony Helps Decide Between 아야 and 어야:
  • Last vowel 아/오 → -아야
    • 보다 → 보아야 → 봐야
  • Other vowels → -어야
    • 쓰다 → 써야

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~하여야 expresses that something must be done.
• It attaches to the verb stem.
• Use the appropriate politeness level depending on the context.
• ~하여야 is more formal; ~해야 is more common in speech.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Fill in the blank with the correct form of ~하여야: 서둘러 ___ 합니다. (To hurry) Answer: 서둘러야 합니다.
2. True or False: ~하여야 is more commonly used in spoken Korean than ~해야. Answer: False.
3. Convert to a polite informal sentence: 우리는 지금 떠나하여야 합니다. Answer: 우리는 지금 떠나야 해요.

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Conjugation Summary

Verb (Infinitive)	Verb Stem	Add 하여야 / 해야	Result	Meaning
공부하다 (to study)	공부하	하여야 / 해야	공부하여야 / 공부해야	Must study
일하다 (to work)	일하	하여야 / 해야	일하여야 / 일해야	Must work
먹다 (to eat)	먹	어야	먹어야	Must eat
가다 (to go)	가	아야	가야	Must go

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Feel free to revisit this lesson to reinforce your understanding of ~하여야. Practice forming sentences using different verbs to become more comfortable with expressing necessity in Korean.

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