In this beginner’s guide to Korean grammar, we will explore how to use the verb endings ‘읍시다’ and ‘ㅂ시다’ to make polite suggestions and invitations. These endings are essential for everyday conversations, allowing you to sound more natural and respectful in Korean. Let’s dive into the rules, examples, and tips on using ‘읍시다’ and ‘ㅂ시다’ correctly.
Contents
1. Definition
The endings “읍시다” and “ㅂ시다” are used to make polite suggestions or invitations in Korean. They are equivalent to the English phrases “Let’s [verb]” or “Shall we [verb]?” For example, “Let’s go” or “Shall we eat?”
However, unlike in English, the use of “읍시다/ㅂ시다” can be influenced by social hierarchy and age. Typically, it is not used by someone younger or of lower social status to suggest actions to someone older or of higher status. Instead, more formal language or honorifics are used to show respect.
2. Form (Structure)
The structure for using “읍시다” and “ㅂ시다” depends on the ending of the verb stem:
- 읍시다: Used when the verb stem ends with a consonant, such as:
- 먹다 (to eat): 먹 + 읍시다 = 먹읍시다 (Let’s eat)
- 읽다 (to read): 읽 + 읍시다 = 읽읍시다 (Let’s read)
- 찾다 (to find): 찾 + 읍시다 = 찾읍시다 (Let’s find)
- ㅂ시다: Used when the verb stem ends with a vowel or certain consonants that don’t fit the “읍시다” rule, such as:
- 만나다 (to meet): 만나 + ㅂ시다 = 만나ㅂ시다 (Let’s meet)
- 가다 (to go): 가 + ㅂ시다 = 가ㅂ시다 (Let’s go)
- 마시다 (to drink): 마시 + ㅂ시다 = 마시ㅂ시다 (Let’s drink)
- Special Case: When the verb stem ends with ‘ㄹ’, the ‘ㄹ’ is dropped and “ㅂ시다” is used. For example:
- 만들다 (to make): 만들 + ㅂ시다 = 만듭시다 (Let’s make)
- 놀다 (to play): 놀 + ㅂ시다 = 놉시다 (Let’s play)
- 살다 (to live): 살 + ㅂ시다 = 삽시다 (Let’s live)
- 놀다 (to play): 놀 + ㅂ시다 = 놉시다 (Let’s play)
- Negative form: To express a negative suggestion, use the structure “verb stem + 지 맙시다”:
- 가다 (to go): 가 + 지 맙시다 = 가지 맙시다 (Let’s not go)
- 먹다 (to eat): 먹 + 지 맙시다 = 먹지 맙시다 (Let’s not eat)
- This negative form allows you to suggest not doing an action in a polite manner.
3. Meaning & Usage
The main function of “읍시다/ㅂ시다” is to make polite suggestions or invitations. This is typically used in formal situations. Below are various examples:
- Present Tense:
- 오늘 영화를 봅시다. (Let’s watch a movie today.)
- 점심을 먹읍시다. (Let’s eat lunch.)
- 같이 가자고 말합시다. (Let’s say we’re going together.)
- 일을 시작합시다. (Let’s start the work.)
- 도와줍시다. (Let’s help.)
- 나가서 걷읍시다. (Let’s go out for a walk.)
- Future Context:
- 다음 주에 가서 봅시다. (Let’s go and watch next week.)
- 내일 함께 일합시다. (Let’s work together tomorrow.)
- 나중에 만나서 얘기합시다. (Let’s meet and talk later.)
- Suggestions for Social Gatherings:
- 오늘 저녁을 먹을 때 같이 합시다. (Let’s eat dinner together tonight.)
- 빨리 해결합시다. (Let’s resolve it quickly.)
- 이번 주말에 함께 피크닉을 가자고 합시다. (Let’s go on a picnic together this weekend.)
- 오늘은 함께 노래방에 갑시다. (Let’s go to a karaoke bar today.)
- 내일은 함께 등산하러 갑시다. (Let’s go hiking together tomorrow.)
- Invitations:
- 같이 여행합시다. (Let’s travel together.)
- 이 문제를 같이 풀읍시다. (Let’s solve this problem together.)
- 우리 산책합시다. (Let’s take a walk.)
- 오늘은 도서관에서 공부합시다. (Let’s study at the library today.)
- 우리 회의에서 얘기합시다. (Let’s talk in the meeting.)
- 내일은 같이 운동하러 가읍시다. (Let’s go exercise together tomorrow.)
- 이번 주말에 같이 쇼핑하러 가ㅂ시다. (Let’s go shopping this weekend.)
- Conditional:
- 만약 시간이 되면 같이 영화 보러 갑시다. (If we have time, let’s go see a movie together.)
- 만약 돈이 있으면 같이 해외여행을 계획합시다. (If we have money, let’s plan a trip abroad.)
- 만약 시간이 허락된다면 같이 콘서트에 참석합시다. (If time permits, let’s attend a concert.)
- 만약 기분이 좋으면 같이 카페에서 차를 마십시다. (If we’re in a good mood, let’s drink tea at a café.)
- 만약 준비가 다 되면 같이 발표를 준비합시다. (If everything is ready, let’s prepare the presentation.)
4. Key Points to Remember
- “읍시다” is used after verb stems ending with consonants.
- “ㅂ시다” is used after verb stems ending with vowels or certain consonants.
- This expression is polite and formal, so it is commonly used in public settings, formal meetings, or when addressing elders.
5. Practice Exercises
- 커피 마시다 (to drink coffee) → _______ (Let’s drink coffee.)
- 공부하다 (to study) → _______ (Let’s study.)
- 학교 가다 (to go to school) → _______ (Let’s go to school.)
- 친구 만나다 (to meet a friend) → _______ (Let’s meet a friend.)
- 영화 보다 (to watch a movie) → _______ (Let’s watch a movie.)
- 책 읽다 (to read a book) → _______ (Let’s read a book.)
- 산책하다 (to take a walk) → _______ (Let’s take a walk.)
- 여행가다 (to travel) → _______ (Let’s travel.)
- 집 청소하다 (to clean the house) → _______ (Let’s clean the house.)
- 이야기하다 (to talk) → _______ (Let’s talk.)
6. Answers
- 마십시다
- 공부합시다
- 갑시다
- 만납시다
- 봅시다
- 읽읍시다
- 산책합시다
- 여행 갑시다
- 쳥소합시다
- 이야기합시다
7. Common Mistakes and Tips
⚠️ Mistake 1: Using ‘읍시다’ after a vowel-ending verb incorrectly
- Incorrect: ‘가읍시다’ ❌ (for the verb 가다, meaning “to go”)
- Correct: ‘갑시다’ ✅
💡 Tip: After vowel-ending verbs, use ‘ㅂ시다’. For consonant-ending verbs (except ㄹ), use ‘읍시다’. For example, 먹다 (to eat) becomes ‘먹읍시다’, not ‘먹ㅂ시다’.
⚠️ Mistake 2: Mixing ‘읍시다’ and ‘ㅂ시다’ with informal speech
- Incorrect: ‘갑시다!’ ❌ (when speaking informally to close friends)
- Correct: ‘가자!’ ✅ (informal speech)
💡 Tip: ‘읍시다’ and ‘ㅂ시다’ are formal and should be used in polite contexts. In casual settings, use the informal form ‘자’ instead.
⚠️ Mistake 3: Using ‘읍시다’ or ‘ㅂ시다’ with action verbs where a suggestion is not appropriate
- Incorrect: ‘그 일을 합시다.’ ❌ (Let’s do that work.) – This is grammatically correct but may sound awkward in certain contexts.
- Correct: ‘그 일을 해 주세요.’ ✅ (Please do that work.) or ‘그 일을 하시겠어요?’ ✅ (Would you do that work?)
💡 Tip: For formal tasks or requests, use more respectful forms like ‘해 주세요’ or ‘하시겠어요?’. ‘읍시다’ and ‘ㅂ시다’ are typically used for lighter suggestions.
⚠️ Mistake 4: Forgetting to drop ㄹ before adding ‘ㅂ시다’
- Incorrect: ‘놀ㅂ시다’ ❌ (Let’s play)
- Correct: ‘놉시다’ ✅ (Let’s play)
💡 Tip: When the verb stem ends in ㄹ, drop the ㄹ before adding ‘ㅂ시다’. For example, 놀다 (to play) becomes ‘놉시다’, not ‘놀ㅂ시다’.
⚠️ Mistake 5: Using ‘읍시다’ or ‘ㅂ시다’ for negative suggestions
- Incorrect: ‘가지 읍시다’ or ‘가지 ㅂ시다’ ❌ (Let’s not go)
- Correct: ‘가지 맙시다’ ✅ (Let’s not go)
💡 Tip: To express a negative suggestion, use ‘지 맙시다’ (Let’s not do [something]). This is a separate construction from ‘읍시다’ or ‘ㅂ시다’.
In conclusion, ‘읍시다’ and ‘ㅂ시다’ are polite and formal ways to make suggestions in Korean, but it’s important to use them correctly. Remember to consider the verb ending, context, and whether the situation calls for a formal or informal tone. By following these tips and avoiding common mistakes, you’ll be able to use these expressions more naturally and effectively.