Korean · Everyday Verbs
"to read" in Korean: 읽다
읽다ikda
to read in Korean is 읽다 (ikda). 읽다 has ㄺ: 읽어요 links as ilgeoyo, while the dictionary form is pronounced ikda.
to read: an everyday statement
책을 읽어요.chaegeul ilgeoyo.
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How to pronounce 읽다
Say it
ikda
/ik̚t͈a/
Read 읽다 as ikda. The spoken form 읽어요 is ilgeoyo; preserve its final 요 when addressing someone politely.
"to read" in Korean: quick reference
| Korean | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| 읽다ikda | to read Dictionary form. | Dictionary form. |
| 읽어요ilgeoyo | to read (polite present) Use 읽어요 in an everyday polite sentence. | Use 읽어요 in an everyday polite sentence. |
| 읽었어요ilgeosseoyo | to read (polite past) Use 읽었어요 for a completed past action or state. | Use 읽었어요 for a completed past action or state. |
How to use 읽다 in real life
- 1to read: an everyday statement
책을 읽어요.
chaegeul ilgeoyo.
I read a book.
읽어요 is the present form of 읽다.
- 2to read: a different situation
어제 편지를 읽었어요.
eoje pyeonjireul ilgeosseoyo.
I read the letter yesterday.
읽었어요 is the past form of 읽다.
- 3to read: a question or request
한국어 신문을 읽어요?
hangugeo sinmuneul ilgeoyo?
Do you read Korean newspapers?
읽어요 is the present form of 읽다.
Mistakes English speakers make with 읽다
Incorrect: 읽다.
Correct: 읽어요.
When practicing to read, 읽다 names the dictionary entry. In polite speech, change the ending to 읽어요.
Incorrect: 어제 읽어요.
Correct: 어제 읽었어요.
When practicing to read, for a completed event yesterday, use 읽었어요; the present form 읽어요 does not express that past event.
Good to know
읽다 has ㄺ: 읽어요 links as ilgeoyo, while the dictionary form is pronounced ikda. 읽어요 is the polite conversational form of 읽다; 읽었어요 gives a past-tense form.
Read this practice conversation aloud
Tutor-led everyday verbs study exercise: two sentences with 읽다
Partner
이 표현을 사용해서 한 문장 말해 볼까요?
i pyohyeoneul sayonghaeseo han munjang malhae bolkkayo?
Shall we say a sentence using this expression?
You
책을 읽어요.
chaegeul ilgeoyo.
I read a book.
Partner
좋아요. 다른 문장으로도 연습해 볼까요?
joayo. dareun munjangeurodo yeonseupae bolkkayo?
Good. Shall we practice with another sentence too?
You
어제 편지를 읽었어요.
eoje pyeonjireul ilgeosseoyo.
I read the letter yesterday.
This is a sample dialogue for reading aloud. Try both parts, then replace a detail with one from your own life.
Explore ChatPal"to read" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "to read" in Korean
How do I use 읽다 in polite speech?
읽어요 is the polite conversational form of 읽다; 읽었어요 gives a past-tense form.
How do I use 읽다 in a past-tense sentence?
읽었어요 is the polite past form. 읽다 has ㄺ: 읽어요 links as ilgeoyo, while the dictionary form is pronounced ikda.
What does 읽어요 mean here?
읽어요 is used for to read. For example, 책을 읽어요. means “I read a book.”
What should I remember about 읽다?
읽다 has ㄺ: 읽어요 links as ilgeoyo, while the dictionary form is pronounced ikda.
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