Korean · Everyday Verbs
"to like" in Korean: 좋아하다
좋아하다joahada
to like in Korean is 좋아하다 (joahada). 좋아하다 is an action verb with an object; 좋다 instead describes something as good.
to like: an everyday statement
저는 음악을 좋아해요.jeoneun eumageul joahaeyo.
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How to pronounce 좋아하다
Say it
joahada
/tɕoahata/
Read 좋아하다 as joahada. The spoken form 좋아해요 is joahaeyo; preserve its final 요 when addressing someone politely.
"to like" in Korean: quick reference
| Korean | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| 좋아하다joahada | to like Dictionary form. | Dictionary form. |
| 좋아해요joahaeyo | to like (polite present) Use 좋아해요 in an everyday polite sentence. | Use 좋아해요 in an everyday polite sentence. |
| 좋아했어요joahaesseoyo | to like (polite past) Use 좋아했어요 for a completed past action or state. | Use 좋아했어요 for a completed past action or state. |
How to use 좋아하다 in real life
- 1to like: an everyday statement
저는 음악을 좋아해요.
jeoneun eumageul joahaeyo.
I like music.
좋아해요 is the present form of 좋아하다.
- 2to like: a different situation
어릴 때 이 책을 좋아했어요.
eoril ttae i chaegeul joahaesseoyo.
I liked this book as a child.
좋아했어요 is the past form of 좋아하다.
- 3to like: a question or request
어떤 음식을 좋아해요?
eotteon eumsigeul joahaeyo?
What food do you like?
좋아해요 is the present form of 좋아하다.
Mistakes English speakers make with 좋아하다
Incorrect: 좋아하다.
Correct: 좋아해요.
When practicing to like, 좋아하다 names the dictionary entry. In polite speech, change the ending to 좋아해요.
Incorrect: 어제 좋아해요.
Correct: 어제 좋아했어요.
When practicing to like, for a completed event yesterday, use 좋아했어요; the present form 좋아해요 does not express that past event.
Good to know
좋아하다 is an action verb with an object; 좋다 instead describes something as good. 좋아해요 is the polite conversational form of 좋아하다; 좋아했어요 gives a past-tense form.
Read this practice conversation aloud
Tutor-led everyday verbs study exercise: two sentences with 좋아하다
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 음악을 좋아해요.
jeoneun eumageul joahaeyo.
I like music.
Partner
좋아요. 다른 문장으로도 연습해 볼까요?
joayo. dareun munjangeurodo yeonseupae bolkkayo?
Good. Shall we practice with another sentence too?
You
어릴 때 이 책을 좋아했어요.
eoril ttae i chaegeul joahaesseoyo.
I liked this book as a child.
This is a sample dialogue for reading aloud. Try both parts, then replace a detail with one from your own life.
Explore ChatPal"to like" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "to like" in Korean
How do I use 좋아하다 in polite speech?
좋아해요 is the polite conversational form of 좋아하다; 좋아했어요 gives a past-tense form.
How do I use 좋아하다 in a past-tense sentence?
좋아했어요 is the polite past form. 좋아하다 is an action verb with an object; 좋다 instead describes something as good.
What does 좋아해요 mean here?
좋아해요 is used for to like. For example, 저는 음악을 좋아해요. means “I like music.”
What should I remember about 좋아하다?
좋아하다 is an action verb with an object; 좋다 instead describes something as good.
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