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Learn Korean Ep. 15: Past Tense

Lets jump right into the conjugation rules for making the past tense.

verb stem + (//etc) + + ( or conjugate it)

Start with the verb stem (the verb, minus the ), and add or (etc) this part is determined in the same way as when you conjugate the form (see Episode 2). Then attach to the bottom of it. Finally, add a if you just want the plain form of your new past tense verb, or conjugate it to any other form (see Episode 17 to learn about the plain form). If its easier for you, heres how to turn the form into past tense directly: form + + ( or conjugate it) Here are just a couple of common ways to conjugate the past tense: form: (see Episode 2) Add ~ Form: (see Episode 21) Add . Or add ? Lets take the verb , to study. Get the form Remove the Add Conjugate the ending any way youd like / / etc Take the verb , to play, or to hang out. Get the form Remove the Add Conjugate the ending any way youd like / / etc Take the verb , to be hot.

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Page 2 of 3 Get the form Remove the Add Conjugate the ending any way youd like / / etc

Example Sentences
. I went home. . I received a card from a friend. . Yesterday Seoul was very cold. . I prepared some delicious food. ? Who was at home?

Two exceptions: and

, to be, is conjugated differently in the past tense. consonant + () / vowel + () After a consonant, add and then add either (if you want plain form) or conjugate the end. After a vowel, add and then add or conjugate it. . I was also a student a long time ago.

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Page 3 of 3 means a long time ago. This could have also been conjugated to or , for example. . It was a really fun day. means a/one day. This could have also been conjugated to or , for example. , to not be, conjugates as (). . Actually, he was not a celebrity. means actually or in reality, and means a celebrity. This could have also been conjugated to , for example.

Conclusion
Past Tense is simple, but takes practice to become quick at making it. As always, practicing what you learn will be the best way to reinforce these concepts. Good luck in your studies!

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