Example Sentences#

1. 뭐 좋은 계획 있나?¹
   Any good ideas?

   • 있다 means ‘to exist’.
   • -나 is a casual interrogative ending that softens the question and makes it less direct, adding a sense of wonder or curiosity.

2. “여기에는 어떤 사람들이 살고 있나요?”²
   “What kind of people live here?”

   • 있다 means ‘to exist’ or ‘to be’.
   • -고 있다 is a grammar pattern used to indicate a continuous or ongoing action.
   • 나요 is a polite ending used in questions, conveying curiosity or softening the tone to make the inquiry less direct.

3. 그런데 왜 그렇게 생각하시나요?”³
   Why do you think so?”

   • 생각하다 means ‘to think’.
   • -시- is an honorific marker used to show respect toward the subject of the verb, typically when referring to or addressing someone of higher social standing, or when politely addressing the listener in requests, questions, or commands.
   • 나요 is a polite ending used in questions, conveying curiosity or softening the tone to make the inquiry less direct.