Korean · Emotions & Descriptions
"Important" in Korean: 중요하다
중요하다jungyohada
Important in Korean is 중요하다 (jungyohada). 중요하다 describes importance; 중요한 is the form directly before a noun.
Important: an everyday statement
건강이 중요해요.geongangi jungyohaeyo.
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How to pronounce 중요하다
Say it
jungyohada
/tɕuŋjohata/
Read 중요하다 as jungyohada. The spoken form 중요해요 is jungyohaeyo; preserve its final 요 when addressing someone politely.
"Important" in Korean: quick reference
| Korean | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| 중요하다jungyohada | Important Dictionary form. | Dictionary form. |
| 중요해요jungyohaeyo | Important (polite present) Use 중요해요 in an everyday polite sentence. | Use 중요해요 in an everyday polite sentence. |
| 중요했어요jungyohaesseoyo | Important (polite past) Use 중요했어요 for a completed past action or state. | Use 중요했어요 for a completed past action or state. |
How to use 중요하다 in real life
- 1Important: an everyday statement
건강이 중요해요.
geongangi jungyohaeyo.
Health is important.
중요해요 is the present form of 중요하다.
- 2Important: a different situation
그 결정이 중요했어요.
geu gyeoljeongi jungyohaesseoyo.
That decision was important.
중요했어요 is the past form of 중요하다.
- 3Important: a question or request
이 부분이 중요해요?
i bubuni jungyohaeyo?
Is this part important?
중요해요 is the present form of 중요하다.
Mistakes English speakers make with 중요하다
Incorrect: 중요하다.
Correct: 중요해요.
When practicing important, 중요하다 names the dictionary entry. In polite speech, change the ending to 중요해요.
Incorrect: 어제 중요해요.
Correct: 어제 중요했어요.
When practicing important, for a completed event yesterday, use 중요했어요; the present form 중요해요 does not express that past event.
Good to know
중요하다 describes importance; 중요한 is the form directly before a noun. 중요해요 is the polite conversational form of 중요하다; 중요했어요 gives a past-tense form.
Read this practice conversation aloud
Tutor-led emotions and descriptions study exercise: two sentences with 중요하다
Partner
이 표현을 사용해서 한 문장 말해 볼까요?
i pyohyeoneul sayonghaeseo han munjang malhae bolkkayo?
Shall we say a sentence using this expression?
You
건강이 중요해요.
geongangi jungyohaeyo.
Health is important.
Partner
좋아요. 다른 문장으로도 연습해 볼까요?
joayo. dareun munjangeurodo yeonseupae bolkkayo?
Good. Shall we practice with another sentence too?
You
그 결정이 중요했어요.
geu gyeoljeongi jungyohaesseoyo.
That decision was important.
This is a sample dialogue for reading aloud. Try both parts, then replace a detail with one from your own life.
Explore ChatPal"Important" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Important" in Korean
How do I use 중요하다 in polite speech?
중요해요 is the polite conversational form of 중요하다; 중요했어요 gives a past-tense form.
How do I use 중요하다 in a past-tense sentence?
중요했어요 is the polite past form. 중요하다 describes importance; 중요한 is the form directly before a noun.
What does 중요해요 mean here?
중요해요 is used for important. For example, 건강이 중요해요. means “Health is important.”
What should I remember about 중요하다?
중요하다 describes importance; 중요한 is the form directly before a noun.
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