Learn Hardcore Korean: sueop biyongi bissayo.

All three words relate to cost, but they have subtle differences. 값 is a more direct, everyday word for “price” (often for items). 가격 is a general term for “price” or “rate,” often used in commerce. 비용 literally means “cost” or “expense,” emphasizing the amount you have to spend (often for services, projects, or fees). Since 수업 비용 focuses on the expense of taking a class, 비용 is most natural.

What is the function of the particle 이 after 비용?

The particle 이 is the subject marker in Korean. It attaches to nouns ending in a consonant (if the noun ends in a vowel, you use 가). Here, 수업 비용이 marks “class cost” as the subject of the descriptive verb 비싸요.

Could I use the topic particle 은 and say 수업 비용은 비싸요? What’s the difference?

Yes, you can. 수업 비용은 비싸요 sets 수업 비용 as the topic and often suggests a contrast or comparison (e.g., “As for the class fee, it’s expensive [compared to something else]”). 수업 비용이 비싸요 simply states a new fact about the cost without implying contrast.

Why not just say 수업이 비싸요 to mean “The class is expensive”?

You can say 수업이 비싸요, and native speakers will understand you. However, it’s slightly less precise: 수업 is “class” and using 비용(費用) or 료/료(料) (e.g., 수업료) directly focuses on the fee. Saying 수업이 비싸요 is idiomatic, but mentioning 비용 or 료 clarifies you’re talking about price, not difficulty or time.

Can I use 수강료 or 수업료 instead of 수업 비용?

Yes. 수강료 and 수업료 both mean “tuition fee” or “class fee.” They are more concise. So 수업료가 비싸요, 수강료가 비싸요, and 수업 비용이 비싸요 are all acceptable with virtually the same meaning.

How do you pronounce 수업 비용이 비싸요, and what’s the romanization?

The pronunciation follows standard phonetic rules: su-eop bi-yong-i bi-ssa-yo
In Revised Romanization: su-eop biyong-i bissa-yo.
Note that 수업 is pronounced [수업] (no liaison here), and 비용이 links bi…ong-i smoothly.

Why is 요 added at the end of 비싸요, and can I change the politeness level?

The 요 ending makes the sentence polite but not overly formal (it’s the standard “-yo” style). If you want to sound more formal, use -습니다:
수업 비용이 비쌉니다.
For casual speech among close friends or younger people, you can drop 요:
수업 비용이 비싸.

Is 비싸요 an adjective or a verb in Korean grammar?

In Korean grammar, words like 비싸다 are called descriptive verbs (형용사) rather than true adjectives. They function like verbs (conjugate for tense and politeness). So 비싸요 is simply the polite present tense form of the descriptive verb 비싸다.