If you’re learning Korean as an English speaker, understanding the grammar ‘-지요?’ (Isn’t/Aren’t?) is essential for everyday conversations. This guide will explain how to use ‘-지요?’ in various contexts, with easy examples to help you speak Korean more naturally.
Contents
1. Definition
The ending ‘-지요?’ is attached to verbs, adjectives, or nouns to turn a statement into a question seeking confirmation or agreement. It’s equivalent to tag questions in English, such as “isn’t it?” or “aren’t you?” and is often used when expecting a positive response.
The grammar we are studying right now specifically focuses on this usage—the meaning equivalent to “isn’t it?” or “aren’t you?”
Additionally, ‘-지요’ can also be used to make suggestions or polite statements, similar to “Let’s” or “Shall we?” in English. If you’d like to learn more about this second usage, check out our detailed guide below!
👉 Click below 👇👇👇 to explore more about the second usage of ‘-지요’!
2. Form (Structure)
To form sentences using ‘-지요?’, follow these patterns:
For verbs and adjectives:
Verb/Adjective stem + -지요?
For nouns:
Noun + 이다/아니다 (to be/not to be) + -지요?
Here’s a table to help you understand the structure better:
| Type | Structure | Example | Shortened Form |
| Verb | Verb stem + -지요? | 가다 (to go) → 가지요? | 가죠? |
| Adjective | Adjective stem + -지요? | 좋다 (to be good) → 좋지요? | 좋죠? |
| Noun | Noun + 이다/아니다 + -지요? | 학생 (student) → 학생이지요? 의사 (doctor) → 의사가 아니지요? | 학생이죠? 의사가 아니죠? |
It’s important to note that in everyday Korean conversations, native speakers often use a shortened form of ‘-지요?’, which is ‘-죠?’. This contraction is very common in spoken Korean and sounds more natural in casual settings. For example:
- 오늘 날씨가 춥지요? → 오늘 날씨가 춥죠? (It’s cold today, isn’t it?)
- 나나 씨는 한국어를 잘하지요? → 나나 씨는 한국어를 잘하죠? (Nana speaks Korean well, doesn’t she?)
3. Meaning & Usage
The Korean grammar ‘-지요?’ is used to seek confirmation, ask for confirmation politely or indirectly, or make suggestions or proposals with the expectation that the listener agrees. This expression is equivalent to “Isn’t it?” or “Aren’t you?” in English. It is widely used in everyday conversation in both formal and informal settings. When using ‘-지요?’, the speaker typically expects agreement or understanding from the listener.
- To seek confirmation of information you believe to be true
The speaker uses ‘-지요?’ when they are seeking confirmation about something they believe to be accurate, expecting agreement from the listener.
Examples:- 오늘은 월요일이지요? (Today is Monday, isn’t it?)
- 이 음식은 매운 맛이지요? (This food is spicy, right?)
- 이 책이 재밌지요? (This book is interesting, isn’t it?)
- 그 사람은 김 선생님이죠? (That person is Mr. Kim, isn’t it?)
- 이 길로 가면 맞지요? (If I go this way, it’s correct, right?)
- To seek confirmation politely or indirectly
‘-지요?’ can be used to ask a question politely or in a less direct manner, where the speaker gently seeks confirmation.
Examples:- 이 문제를 해결할 수 있지요? (We can solve this problem, can’t we?)
- 내일 회의는 오후 3시이지요? (The meeting is at 3 PM tomorrow, right?)
- 이 자료를 제출해야 하지요? (I need to submit this material, right?)
- 이 방식으로 진행해도 되지요? (It’s okay to proceed this way, right?)
- 당신도 그 영화를 봤지요? (You watched that movie too, right?)
- To make suggestions or proposals expecting agreement
‘-지요?’ is used to suggest something or propose an idea, implying that the speaker expects the listener’s agreement or participation.
Examples:- 이번 주말에 만나지요? (Let’s meet this weekend, okay?)
- 내일 같이 점심을 먹지요? (Shall we have lunch tomorrow?)
- 오늘은 좀 쉬지요? (How about we rest today?)
- 그 사람에게 연락하지요? (Should we contact that person?)
- 이 일은 같이 해야 하지요? (We should do this together, right?)
4. Key Points to Remember
- ‘-지요?’ is more polite than ‘-죠?’, which is its casual counterpart.
- It’s used in both statements and questions.
- The expected answer is usually affirmative.
- It can be used with all types of predicates: verbs, adjectives, and nouns.
- In spoken Korean, it’s often shortened to ‘-죠?’
5. Common Mistakes and Tips
While ‘-지요?’ is a useful expression in Korean, learners often make a few common mistakes when using it. Below are some typical errors along with helpful tips to improve your understanding and use of ‘-지요?’
⚠️ Mistake 1: Using ‘-지요?’ when you’re not expecting agreement or confirmation
‘-지요?’ should be used when the speaker expects agreement or confirmation from the listener. If you do not expect confirmation, it might sound awkward or unnatural.
Correct Usage:
- 그 사람은 오늘 올 거지요? ✅ (That person will come today, right?)
(Here, the speaker is asking for confirmation.)
⚠️ Mistake 2: Using ‘-지요?’ in overly casual situations where it might sound too formal
‘-지요?’ is polite and formal, so using it in casual situations where a more relaxed tone is expected might sound too stiff. In informal settings, it can feel out of place or overly distant.
Correct Usage:
- 오늘 날씨가 좋지요? ✅ (The weather is nice today, isn’t it?)
(This is polite and appropriate for formal situations.)
⚠️ Mistake 3: Using ‘-지요?’ in statements instead of confirmation questions
Some learners mistakenly use ‘-지요?’ when they are making a statement, rather than asking for confirmation. Remember, ‘-지요?’ is used to turn a statement into a question that expects confirmation.
✅ Correct Usage:
- 그는 학생이지요? (He is a student, right?)
(This is a confirmation question, not just a statement.)
Tips
💡 Tip 1: Use ‘-지요?’ to politely seek confirmation, especially in formal settings.
For example:
- 이 방법이 효과적이지요? (This method is effective, isn’t it?)
(This is a polite way to confirm something in a formal context.)
💡 Tip 2: In informal conversations, using ‘-지?’ or ‘-지 않아?’ might sound more natural and less formal than ‘-지요?’. These forms are slightly less polite than ‘-지요?’, so they are better suited for casual contexts.
For example:
- 오늘 뭐 할 거지? (What are you doing today?)
(Informal usage for a casual conversation)
💡 Tip 3: Be mindful of the tone and the relationship with the listener. Use ‘-지요?’ to show respect and politeness in formal settings or with people you don’t know well.
For example:
- 이 일은 제가 할 수 있지요? (I can do this job, right?)
(This is polite and shows respect.)
💡 Tip 4: Don’t forget about the informal contraction ‘-죠?’
In everyday spoken Korean, ‘-지요?’ is often contracted to ‘-죠?’. It’s a more casual and commonly used form, making it a great option for informal conversations.
For example:
- 그 사람은 내일 올 거죠? (That person will come tomorrow, right?)
(This is a casual, contracted version of ‘-지요?’)
Mastering the ‘-지요?’ ending is crucial for engaging in natural, polite conversations in Korean. By understanding its structure, usage, and nuances, you can effectively seek confirmation and agreement in various situations. Remember to practice regularly and pay attention to the context in which it’s used. With time and effort, you’ll find yourself using ‘-지요?’ confidently in your Korean conversations.