Learn Hardcore Korean: siheom junbireul wihae maeil munjereul pureoyo. - To prepare for the exam, I solve problems every day.

시험 준비를 위해 literally means “for the sake of exam preparation”, or more naturally “in order to prepare for the exam.” The particle 를 marks 준비 as the object of 위해. In Korean, 준비하다 (“to prepare”) takes an object, so you attach 를 to the noun 준비.

Why is 위해 used here instead of 위해서?

Both 를 위해 and 를 위해서 mean “for” or “in order to.” 위해 is simply a shortened form of 위해서. In spoken or concise writing, dropping 서 is common, but the meaning doesn’t change.

What is 매일, and why is it placed before 문제 in this sentence?

매일 is an adverb meaning “every day.” In Korean, adverbs typically come before the verb or the object–verb phrase they modify. Placing 매일 before 문제 makes it clear that every day modifies the action “solve problems.” You could also say 문제를 매일 풀어요, but 매일 문제를 풀어요 is more natural.

What does 문제 mean here, and why do we pair it with 풀다?

In this context, 문제 means “problem,” “question,” or “exercise” (as in textbook problems or practice questions). The verb 풀다 means “to solve” or “to work through,” so 문제를 풀어요 means “(I) solve problems.”

What tense and politeness level is 풀어요?

풀어요 is the present tense in the polite (해요) form. It expresses either a habitual action (“I solve problems every day”) or a simple present statement (“I solve problems”).

Does 풀어요 imply that I’m solving problems right now?

Not necessarily. In Korean, the 해요-form in the present tense can describe a habitual or general action. To emphasize that you’re in the middle of solving problems right now, you would use the progressive: 풀고 있어요 (“I am solving [them] right now”).

Could I say 매일 문제를 풀고 있어요 to mean the same thing?

You can say 매일 문제를 풀고 있어요, but it implies a continuous or ongoing process every day (“I’m in the middle of solving problems every day”), which sounds odd for a routine. For a daily habit, 풀어요 is more natural.

Is there a more casual or more formal way to express this sentence?

Yes.
• Casual/informal: 시험 준비를 위해 매일 문제를 풀어 (drop 요).
• More formal: 시험 준비를 위해 매일 문제를 풉니다 (use the -습니다 style).