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Questions & Answers about sueobeul sijakhaeyo.
Why is the subject omitted in 수업을 시작해요?
Korean frequently drops the subject when it’s clear from context. In a classroom scenario, who’s starting the class (teacher or host) is obvious, so you don’t need to say 저는 or 선생님이.
What function does the particle 을 have after 수업?
을 is the direct-object marker. It tells you that 수업 (class/lesson) is what’s being acted upon by the verb 시작해요.
How do you get 시작해요 from the dictionary form 시작하다?
- Drop the final -다 from 시작하다 → 시작하-
- Since 하다-verbs form the polite present with -해요, change 하 to 해요 → 시작해요
What’s the role of the polite ending -요 in 시작해요?
Adding -요 makes the sentence polite and suitable for everyday situations with people you’re not extremely close to (e.g., students to a teacher, strangers, colleagues).
What’s the difference between 수업을 시작해요 and 수업이 시작해요?
• 수업을 시작해요: Someone (implied) is actively starting the class – “I/We (the teacher) start class.”
• 수업이 시작해요: The class itself begins or starts on its own – “The class starts.” (passive/intransitive nuance)
Can I make this sentence more formal?
Yes. In a formal/polite context (announcements, official statements), use the declarative ending -합니다: 수업을 시작합니다.
Is it okay to drop the object marker and just say 수업 시작해요?
In casual speech or shorthand notes, Koreans often omit particles: 수업 시작해요 is understood and common among friends or in quick speech.
How do you turn 수업을 시작해요 into a question like “Shall we start class?”
- Add a question mark and raise your intonation: 수업을 시작해요?
- For a stronger “Let’s start class,” you might instead use 수업을 시작합시다 (formal) or 수업 시작하자 (casual).
Why does the 하 in 시작하다 become 해 in 시작해요?
All -하다 verbs follow the same pattern: drop -다 and change 하 to 해요 in the present polite form. It’s not irregular; you’ll see this with 공부하다 → 공부해요, 운동하다 → 운동해요, etc.