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Questions & Answers about hoesa-eseo ilhaeyo.
What does the particle 에서 indicate in 회사에서 and why can’t we use 에 here?
The particle 에서 marks the location where an action takes place. In 회사에서 일해요, it means “(I) work at the company.” The particle 에 alone is used for static locations or destination (“to” or “at” in the sense of existence), but it doesn’t convey the idea of performing an action there. That’s why you need 회사에서 for “working at the company.”
Why is there no subject in 회사에서 일해요? Do I need to add 제가 or 나는?
Korean frequently omits the subject if it’s clear from context. In everyday speech, if you’re talking about yourself, you don’t need to say 저(가) or 나(는)—it’s understood that “I” am the one doing the action.
What formality level is 일해요, and how does it compare to 일합니다?
일해요 is the polite informal style (하요체), suitable for most conversations with strangers, colleagues, or acquaintances. 일합니다 is the formal polite style (하십시오체) used in official announcements, presentations, or when speaking to someone requiring higher respect (e.g., customers, superiors).
How do you form 일해요 from the dictionary form 일하다?
- Start with 일하다 (dictionary form).
- Drop -다 from the end to get the stem 일하-.
- Add -해요 (the polite present ending).
Result: 일해요.
How can I change 회사에서 일해요 into the past or future tense?
- Past tense: use -했어요 → 회사에서 일했어요 (“I worked at the company”).
- Future tense: use -할 거예요 → 회사에서 일할 거예요 (“I will work at the company”).
Can I ask someone “Where do you work?” using the same structure?
Yes. You would say 어디에서 일해요? (“Where do you work?”). You can also ask 직장이 어디예요? (“Where is your workplace?”) for a slightly different nuance.
Why is 회사에서 placed before 일해요 instead of after?
Korean follows a Subject–Object–Verb (SOV) order, and adverbial modifiers (like location phrases) come before the verb. Therefore, 회사에서 (location) precedes 일해요 (verb).
Could I say 회사에 일해요 instead of 회사에서 일해요?
No. Saying 회사에 일해요 would be ungrammatical because 에 does not mark the location of an action. Always use 에서 with action verbs to indicate “at” or “in” a place where the action happens.
What’s the difference between 일해요 and 일을 해요?
- 일해요 is the conjugated verb 일하다 (“to work”), so it’s one word.
- 일을 해요 breaks into 일 (noun: “work/task”) + 을 (object marker) + 해요 (do). It literally means “do work,” and is also correct, but when talking about one’s job or workplace activity, 일해요 is more natural and concise.