English–Korean

“be” in Korean

Korean

Also계시다 (kyesida) · 이다 (ida) · 이야 (iya) · 입니다 (imnida)

Pronunciation

Romanizationittta

Example

강아지가 집에 있어요.kang a ji ga chi be i sseo yo

The puppy is at home.

Illustration for 있다 (be)

How to say “be” in Korean

“Be” in Korean is 있다 (ittta).

Someone or something is present in a particular place and remains there.

Full entry for 있다: usage tips, similar words and word origin

Example sentences with 있다

저는 시간이 있어요.cheo neun si ga ni i sseo yo

I have time.

Tips for using 있다

  • English uses different verbs for location and possession, while Korean connects both ideas through this one common verb.

Other Korean words for “be”

선생님께서 교실에 계세요.seon saeng nim kke seo kyo si re kye se yo

The teacher is in the classroom.

그는 학생이다.keu neun hak ssaeng i da

He is a student.

나는 학생이야.na neun hak ssaeng i ya

I am a student.

저는 학생입니다.cheo neun hak ssaeng im ni da

I am a student.

“be” in other languages