V/A + -아/어야 하다/되다V/A + -a/eoya hada/doeda
Beginner 2 · #13Lesson 4: 여행 – Travel

V/A + -아/어야 하다/되다 – Must / Have to do V

Meaning: Must / have to / should / need to

Conjugation & Pattern

  • Stem vowel ㅏ, ㅗ + -아야 하다/되다 (가야 해요, 와야 해요)
  • Other stem vowels + -어야 하다/되다 (먹어야 해요, 읽어야 해요)
  • 하다 verbs/adjectives -> 해야 하다/되다 (공부해야 해요, 깨끗해야 해요)

Detailed Usage

Expresses obligation, necessity, or duty. '-아/어야 되다' is more colloquial, while '-아/어야 하다' is used in both spoken and written contexts.

Example Sentences

  1. 1

    내일 시험이 있어서 오늘 열심히 공부해야 해요.

    Naeil siheomi isseoseo oneul yeolsimhi gongbuhaeya haeyo.

    Because I have an exam tomorrow, I have to study hard today.

  2. 2

    기숙사에는 밤 열한 시까지 들어가야 됩니다.

    Gisuksaeneun bam yeolhan sikkaji deureogaya doemnida.

    You must return to the dormitory by 11 PM.

  3. 3

    감기에 걸려서 약을 먹어야 해요.

    Gamgie geollyeoseo yageul meogeoya haeyo.

    Because I caught a cold, I need to take medicine.

Important Notes

Past tense is marked on the final auxiliary: '-아/어야 했어요' ('had to do').

Grammar Topics