Korean · Greetings & Essentials
"I" in Korean: 저 / 나
저 / 나jeo / na
I in Korean is 저 / 나 (jeo / na). 저 is the polite humble I and 나 the familiar form; 저는 and 나는 mark a topic.
I: starting the exchange
저는 한국어를 배워요.jeoneun hangugeoreul baewoyo.
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How to pronounce 저 / 나
Say it
jeo / na
/tɕʌ/
저 / 나 is read jeo / na. In 저는 학생이에요, read the full phrase as jeoneun haksaengieyo.
"I" in Korean: quick reference
| Korean | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| 저 / 나jeo / na | I The inventory form for i. | The inventory form for i. |
| 저는 학생이에요jeoneun haksaengieyo | I am a student 저 is the polite humble I and 나 the familiar form; 저는 and 나는 mark a topic. | 저 is the polite humble I and 나 the familiar form; 저는 and 나는 mark a topic. |
How to use 저 / 나 in real life
- 1I: starting the exchange
저는 한국어를 배워요.
jeoneun hangugeoreul baewoyo.
I learn Korean.
저 is the polite humble I and 나 the familiar form; 저는 and 나는 mark a topic.
- 2I: adding useful context
제가 먼저 할게요.
jega meonjeo halgeyo.
I will do it first.
This sentence places 저 in a complete exchange.
- 3I: a different conversation
나는 집에 있어.
naneun jibe isseo.
I am at home (familiar).
This sentence places 저 in a complete exchange.
Mistakes English speakers make with 저 / 나
Incorrect: 저는 한국어를 배워요이에요.
Correct: 저는 한국어를 배워요.
When practicing i, a conjugated predicate already finishes this sentence; do not append the noun copula 이에요. Keep the complete form 저는 한국어를 배워요.
Incorrect: 저는 한국어를 배워요습니다.
Correct: 저는 한국어를 배워요.
When practicing i, do not append a formal sentence ending to a predicate that already has its polite ending. Keep the complete form 저는 한국어를 배워요.
Good to know
저 is the polite humble I and 나 the familiar form; 저는 and 나는 mark a topic.
Read this practice conversation aloud
Tutor-led greetings and essentials study exercise: two sentences with 저 / 나
Partner
이 표현을 사용해서 한 문장 말해 볼까요?
i pyohyeoneul sayonghaeseo han munjang malhae bolkkayo?
Shall we say a sentence using this expression?
You
저는 한국어를 배워요.
jeoneun hangugeoreul baewoyo.
I learn Korean.
Partner
좋아요. 다른 문장으로도 연습해 볼까요?
joayo. dareun munjangeurodo yeonseupae bolkkayo?
Good. Shall we practice with another sentence too?
You
제가 먼저 할게요.
jega meonjeo halgeyo.
I will do it first.
This is a sample dialogue for reading aloud. Try both parts, then replace a detail with one from your own life.
Explore ChatPal"I" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "I" in Korean
What does 저 mean?
I in Korean is 저 / 나 (jeo / na). 저 is the polite humble I and 나 the familiar form; 저는 and 나는 mark a topic.
When should I say 저는 학생이에요?
저 is the polite humble I and 나 the familiar form; 저는 and 나는 mark a topic.
How does 저는 학생이에요 differ from the basic expression?
저는 학생이에요 means “I am a student”. 저 is the polite humble I and 나 the familiar form; 저는 and 나는 mark a topic.
Can I use 저 in a full sentence?
저는 한국어를 배워요. means “I learn Korean.” 저 is the polite humble I and 나 the familiar form; 저는 and 나는 mark a topic.
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