bangeul kkaekkeusi cheongsohaeyo.

Elon.io is an online learning platform
We have an entire course teaching Korean grammar and vocabulary.

Start learning Korean now

Questions & Answers about bangeul kkaekkeusi cheongsohaeyo.

Why is 방을 followed by -을 instead of -이?

In Korean, -을/를 is the particle that marks the direct object of a transitive verb (the thing receiving the action). Here, 방을 means “the room” is what you are cleaning.

  • -이/가 marks the subject;
  • -을/를 marks the object.

What is 깨끗이, and how is it formed from 깨끗하다?

깨끗이 is the adverbial form of the adjective 깨끗하다 (“to be clean”). Some adjectives in Korean form adverbs with the suffix -이 instead of the regular -게. So for “clean”:

  • adjective: 깨끗하다
  • adverb: 깨끗이

Can I use 깨끗하게 instead of 깨끗이? Is there a difference?

Yes, 깨끗하게 is also grammatically correct and comes from adding the general adverbial suffix -게. The nuance is very similar, though:

  • 깨끗이 청소해요 is the more common, set phrase;
  • 깨끗하게 청소해요 sounds slightly more formal or emphatic about “thoroughly” cleaning.

What formality level is 청소해요? How does it compare to 청소합니다 and 청소해?

청소해요 is the present tense polite style (also called “해요체”), used in everyday polite conversation.

  • 청소합니다 is more formal/polite (합니다체), used in announcements or very polite speech.
  • 청소해 is informal (banmal), used with close friends or younger people.

What is the dictionary (base) form of 청소해요?

The base form is 청소하다.

  • 청소하다 → drop , add -해요청소해요 (present tense polite).

Why is there no subject like “I” (저) in the sentence?

Korean often omits pronouns when they are clear from context. If you want to include it for emphasis, you could say:

  • 저는 방을 깨끗이 청소해요. (“I clean the room thoroughly.”)

Can the object particle -을 be dropped in casual speech? E.g. 방 깨끗이 청소했어.

Yes. In very casual or spoken Korean, particles like -을/를 are often dropped if the meaning is clear. But in standard or written Korean, you generally include them.


What’s the difference between 청소하다 and 치우다, since both can mean “to clean up”?
  • 청소하다 focuses on the act of cleaning (dusting, sweeping, vacuuming).
  • 치우다 means “to put away” or “to clear/organize,” often removing clutter or putting things back in place.
    You could say:
  • 책상을 청소해요. (“I clean my desk.” — dust, wipe surface)
  • 책상을 치워요. (“I tidy up my desk.” — put pens away, organize papers)