N + 이다
From Korean Wiki Project
Contents
Description
Noun + 이다 : See the usages below:
- This is a special type of verb (copula) that links the subject of a sentence with a predicate (a subject complement or an adverbial). In English, this pattern would translate to be, am, is, are, being, was, were, been.
- This is also used to connect nouns to certain grammar patterns that normally require a verb or adjective. For example A/V + 면 normally requires an adjective or verb, but we put a noun + 이다 to make it compatible with the pattern.
Notes
- The opposite pattern is 아니다(to not be).
- There are no command or suggestion forms.
- Although mostly attached to nouns, noun like expressions can also be attached.
- There are various grammar patterns that can't be used with 이다, see the incompatible grammar patterns section below.
Conjugation Rule
High Form
| Pattern | Case | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun + 입니다 | Formal style (받침 or no 받침) | 의사입니다, 선생님입니다 |
| Noun + 예요 | If there is no 받침 (informal polite) | 의사예요 |
| Noun + 이에요 | If there is a 받침 (informal polite) | 선생님이에요 |
Low Form
| Pattern | Case | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun + 야 | If there is no 받침 | 의사야 |
| Noun + 이야 | If there is a 받침 | 선생님이야 |
Sentence Examples
| Korean | English | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 저는 미국인입니다. | I'm an American. | Formal form |
| 여기는 한국입니다. | This is Korea. | Formal form |
| 저의 이름은 철수예요. | My name is Chul Su. | Polite informal form |
| 쟤는 제 친구예요. | That person is my friend. | Polite informal form |
| 그것은 제 지갑이에요. | It is my wallet. | Polite informal form |
| 저는 학생이에요. | I'm a student. | Polite informal form |
| 벌써 겨울이야. | It's already winter. | Low form |
| 우리 개는 푸들이야. | My dog is a poodle. | Low form |
| 브래드 피트는 내가 가장 좋아하는 배우야. | Brad Pitt is my favorite actor. | Low form |
| 오늘이 내 생일이야. | Today is my birthday. | Low form |
Incompatible Grammars
Grammar patterns that can't be used with 이다
- This grammar pattern cannot be used with grammar patterns that express suggestion or a command, i.e. V + 아/어 + 라 or V + 자
