N / Tiểu từ / Liên từ + 요N / Particle + yo
Beginner 2 · #35Lesson 12: 명절 – Holidays

N / Particle / Connective + 요 – Polite Marker for Elliptical Sentences

Meaning: Adds politeness to short answers, nouns, particles, or unfinished clauses

Conjugation & Pattern

  • Noun / Pronoun + 요 (커피요, 저요, 내일이요)
  • Noun + Particle + 요 (학교에요, 도서관에서요, 친구하고요)
  • Connective ending (-아/어서, -(으)니까, -고, -(으)려고) + 요 (바빠서요, 몰라서요)

Detailed Usage

In conversation, when answering briefly with just a noun, particle phrase, or causal clause (omitting the repeated predicate), attach '요' at the end to remain polite.

Example Sentences

  1. 1

    무엇을 드시겠어요? — 커피요.

    Mueoseul deusigesseoyo? — keopiyo.

    What would you like to have? — Coffee, please.

  2. 2

    어디에서 만나요? — 학교 앞에서요.

    Eodieseo mannayo? — hakgyo apeseoyo.

    Where shall we meet? — In front of the school.

  3. 3

    왜 어제 안 왔어요? — 몸이 좀 아파서요.

    Wae eoje an wasseoyo? — momi jom apaseoyo.

    Why didn't you come yesterday? — Because I was feeling a bit sick.

Important Notes

When a standalone noun ends in a consonant, '-이요' is often attached (e.g., 물이요, 밥이요).

Grammar Topics