What it means
Express obligation or necessity with -아/어야 하다. This is the "must" or "have to" of Korean — when something is required or necessary.
Nuance & when to use
가야 해요 = I have to go. 먹어야 해요 = I have to eat. For stronger obligation: -아/어야만 하다 (absolutely must). For weaker suggestion: -(으)면 좋겠어요 (it would be nice if...). The -야 is the key indicator of necessity.
⚠ Common mistake
Don't add -요 to the middle: NOT 가야요 해요. The -요 goes at the very end: 가야 해요 (o) or 가야 합니다 (formal).
Example sentences
See also
FAQ
When is this used?
가야 해요 = I have to go. 먹어야 해요 = I have to eat. For stronger obligation: -아/어야만 하다 (absolutely must). For weaker suggestion: -(으)면 좋겠어요 (it would be nice if...). The -야 is the key indicator of necessity.
What's a common mistake?
Don't add -요 to the middle: NOT 가야요 해요. The -요 goes at the very end: 가야 해요 (o) or 가야 합니다 (formal).
Ready to learn more Korean?
Get one free Korean lesson every day — straight to your inbox.
Get Daily Korean Free →Free forever · No spam · Unsubscribe anytime