Learning how to ask yes/no questions in Korean might seem simple at first glance, but it's actually one of the most powerful tools in everyday conversation. Whether you're ordering food, confirming plans, or checking information, knowing how to form the right question makes a huge difference.
.jpg)
In Korean, the particle ~까? plays a major role in forming these questions, especially in formal or polite speech. But it's not the only method — intonation and context also matter a lot. In this guide, we’ll break down the usage of ~까?, how it compares to casual forms, and when to use it in real life.
I’ve always thought that question forms show how confident you are with a language. And in Korean, asking questions correctly opens up so many doors — socially, culturally, and even professionally.
❓ Why Yes/No Questions Matter in Korean
In any language, yes/no questions are foundational — they let you seek confirmation, start a conversation, or give direction. In Korean, these questions often revolve around whether an action will happen, can happen, or should happen. And that subtle difference changes depending on tone and formality.
The most polite and structured way to form a yes/no question is using ~까?, which comes at the end of the sentence. It's commonly used in formal or respectful conversations. For example, if you ask “Shall we go?” in Korean, it becomes 같이 갈까요?
Outside of textbooks, you’ll hear variations depending on who’s speaking, where you are, and how well people know each other. Friends might skip the particle altogether and simply raise their intonation. But with strangers, teachers, or in business, ~까? is your safest and most polite bet.
Understanding this structure not only helps you form questions correctly but also shows your respect for Korean culture, which places great emphasis on speech levels and honorifics.
💬 Example Questions Using ~까?
| English Meaning | Korean Question | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Shall we eat? | 우리 먹을까요? | With friends or at a restaurant |
| Shall I help you? | 도와줄까요? | Offering help politely |
| Should we start? | 시작할까요? | Beginning a meeting or class |
These examples show how ~까? works across different situations. It adds politeness and invites a yes/no response naturally. Try using these in your next Korean conversation!
🔍 Breaking Down ~까?: Structure and Usage
The structure of ~까? questions is both elegant and efficient. You take the verb stem, attach the appropriate tense or honorific, and finish with ~까? This ending marks the sentence as a polite yes/no question — and sometimes even a suggestion.
Let’s say the verb is “하다” (to do). To ask, “Shall we do it?”, you drop 다 and say 할까요? The structure is simple, but conjugation matters depending on politeness level and verb type.
Here are the steps:
- Identify the verb stem
- Conjugate if needed (e.g., honorifics)
- Add ~ㄹ까요? (if the stem ends in a vowel) or ~을까요? (if it ends in a consonant)
This pattern works with most action verbs and is especially useful when suggesting something or confirming intentions. Think of it as the Korean version of “Shall we…?” or “Do you want to…?”
📘 Conjugation Cheat Sheet
| Verb | Stem | Question Form | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 가다 (to go) | 가 | 갈까요? | Shall we go? |
| 먹다 (to eat) | 먹 | 먹을까요? | Shall we eat? |
| 보다 (to see) | 보 | 볼까요? | Shall we watch? |
By mastering this simple construction, you gain access to countless conversational opportunities in Korean — whether you're making plans, offering help, or simply being polite.
🎵 Using Intonation for Yes/No Questions
Not all Korean yes/no questions need to end with ~까?. In fact, in casual conversation, many Koreans use intonation alone to turn a statement into a question. This is very similar to English, where you might say “You're coming?” with a rising tone to indicate a question.
In Korean, intonation-based yes/no questions typically rise at the end of the sentence. For example, if you say 가요? (Are you going?), the tone you use at the end makes it clear that it's a question. If said with a flat tone, it could sound like a simple statement.
This technique is very common among friends, in texting, or when the context is already clear. However, it’s not appropriate in formal settings where proper question forms like ~까? are expected. Still, recognizing intonation is important for listening comprehension.
Beginner learners should focus first on mastering structured question endings like ~까?, and then gradually practice identifying question intonation in natural conversation. Watching Korean dramas or YouTube videos is a great way to get a feel for this.
🎙️ Tone Comparison Table
| Sentence | Statement | Question (Rising Tone) | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 가요 | I go. | Are you going? | Everyday casual speech |
| 왔어요 | I came. | Did you come? | Checking arrival |
| 봤어요 | I saw it. | Did you see it? | Reacting to events |
Mastering intonation helps you sound more natural and understand fast-paced Korean speech. But remember, formal situations still require structured forms like ~까? for clarity and politeness.
🎓 Formal vs Informal Forms of ~까?
One of the most important parts of learning Korean is understanding speech levels. The particle ~까? is used in polite and formal situations. But when speaking with friends, classmates, or younger people, you'll often switch to informal styles of asking yes/no questions.
For example, instead of saying 갈까요?, a close friend might just ask 가? with a rising tone. That’s the informal version. It’s shorter, direct, and very common among young people or in casual settings.
Here’s the breakdown: use ~까? in workplaces, with strangers, elders, teachers, and any professional or respectful environment. Use informal tone or endings with friends, family, or those younger than you.
Getting this wrong can cause awkwardness, or worse, come off as rude. That's why it’s important to not only know how to form the question but when to use the correct form for the situation.
📊 Politeness Level Comparison
| Situation | Formal Question | Informal Question | Who to Use With |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asking to go | 갈까요? | 가? | Formal: teacher / Informal: friend |
| Asking to eat | 먹을까요? | 먹어? | Formal: elder / Informal: sibling |
| Asking to watch | 볼까요? | 봐? | Formal: colleague / Informal: best friend |
Being able to switch between formal and informal forms smoothly is what makes your Korean truly fluent. Practice with both styles and you’ll sound respectful, friendly, and culturally aware.
🚫 Common Mistakes with Korean Questions
When learning to use ~까?, many Korean learners fall into the same traps. One of the most frequent mistakes is applying ~까? to every question, regardless of tone or context. While it's polite, it's not always natural, especially in casual conversations.
Another mistake is mixing up ~까? with other question endings like ~니? or ~냐?, which carry very different tones. For example, asking a stranger 먹었냐? could come off as rude or confrontational. Always match the level of formality to the situation.
Pronunciation is another issue. Some learners say ~까요? with incorrect intonation, making it sound like a statement. Focus on raising your tone at the end of the sentence when you ask the question, especially in speech practice.
Then there’s the tendency to overuse 같이 (together) before every ~까요? sentence. While it’s common to say 같이 갈까요? ("Shall we go together?"), it’s not necessary in every sentence. Learn when to include it naturally based on what you're asking.
⚠️ Mistake vs Correct Form Table
| Mistake | Correct Form | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 먹었냐? | 먹었어요? | Politeness level mismatch |
| 같이 먹을까요? (every time) | 먹을까요? | Avoid redundancy |
| 갈까요! (with flat tone) | 갈까요? (rising tone) | Improper questioning tone |
By being mindful of these common errors, your Korean questions will sound more natural, respectful, and native-like. It’s not just about grammar — it’s about cultural nuance, too.
💬 Real-Life Examples and Dialogues
Let’s see how ~까? questions work in real-world conversations. These examples reflect typical scenarios in Korea — from daily life to travel and work. Understanding these interactions gives you more confidence when speaking with native Koreans.
Picture yourself in a café in Seoul. You want to politely suggest ordering coffee together. You might say: 커피 마실까요? This is a soft, respectful way to invite someone to drink coffee. It’s friendly and polite without being forceful.
Or imagine you’re in a meeting and want to confirm the schedule. A natural question would be: 지금 시작할까요? ("Shall we begin now?"). It shows initiative and politeness, perfect for professional settings.
In casual settings with friends, a more informal approach like 갈래? ("Do you want to go?") might be used. But if you're unsure, it's safer to default to ~까요? until you’re more familiar with your conversation partner’s comfort level.
🗣️ Sample Dialogues Using ~까?
| Situation | Korean | English |
|---|---|---|
| At a café | 커피 마실까요? | Shall we drink coffee? |
| Before a meeting | 지금 시작할까요? | Shall we begin now? |
| Helping someone | 도와줄까요? | Shall I help you? |
These everyday examples help reinforce how flexible and useful ~까? really is. Use them in practice, role-play, or even journaling to build fluency. Once it becomes natural, you’ll notice smoother conversations and better responses from native speakers.
🙋♂️ FAQ
Q1. What does ~까? mean in Korean?
It is a polite sentence ending used to form yes/no questions or suggestions in Korean, similar to "Shall we?" or "Should I?".
Q2. When should I use ~까? instead of just intonation?
Use ~까? in formal situations, when speaking with elders, teachers, or anyone you’re not close with. Intonation is more casual.
Q3. Can I use ~까? with any verb?
Yes, but you must conjugate correctly. Use -ㄹ까요? after vowels and -을까요? after consonants.
Q4. What is the difference between ~까? and ~니?
~까? is polite/formal; ~니 is casual/informal. Using the wrong one may sound disrespectful depending on who you’re talking to.
Q5. Is ~까? used in both questions and suggestions?
Yes! It works for both. For example, “Shall we go?” (갈까요?) is a suggestion. “Is it okay?” (괜찮을까요?) is a question.
Q6. Can I use ~까? when texting in Korean?
Absolutely. It adds politeness and works well in formal or neutral situations. Younger people often still use it when unsure.
Q7. How do I answer a ~까? question?
You can say 네 (yes) or 아니요 (no), or use full answers like “네, 좋아요” (“Yes, I’d like that”).
Q8. Is it okay to just say 가요? as a question?
Yes, if the tone rises at the end. This is common in casual speech or when context is obvious.
Q9. What if I use ~까? with someone younger?
It’s not wrong, but it might feel overly formal. You can switch to informal tone depending on your relationship.
Q10. Can I ask permission using ~까?
Yes, for example: 해도 될까요? means “May I do it?” in a very polite way.
Q11. Is ~까? gendered or neutral?
It is completely gender-neutral and used by everyone.
Q12. Do children use ~까? too?
Yes, especially when being polite or talking to adults.
Q13. How can I practice ~까? forms?
Use role-play, watch K-dramas, repeat after native speakers, and write sample questions in a journal.
Q14. What are some advanced ~까? examples?
Examples include: “예약할까요?” (Shall we book?), “같이 준비할까요?” (Shall we prepare together?).
Q15. Is there a difference between ~까요 and ~을까요?
Yes. Use ~ㄹ까요 after a vowel and ~을까요 after a consonant.
Q16. Can I use ~까? in questions about the future?
Yes. For example: “내일 만날까요?” means “Shall we meet tomorrow?”
Q17. Is ~까? only for group suggestions?
No. You can also use it for offering or asking individually: “제가 도와줄까요?” (Shall I help you?).
Q18. Does tone really matter with ~까?
Yes, tone indicates it's a question. Flat tone may sound like a statement.
Q19. Can I drop the subject in ~까? questions?
Yes! Korean often omits the subject if it's clear from context. For example, “갈까요?” assumes “Shall we go?” even without saying "we."
Q20. Is ~까? used in K-dramas often?
Yes! You’ll frequently hear it in polite conversations, especially between coworkers, students and teachers, or romantic scenes.
Q21. Can ~까? be used in written Korean too?
Absolutely. It appears in texts, emails, signs, and even in professional documents when phrasing a polite inquiry or offer.
Q22. How do I say “Should I call?” in Korean?
You would say: 전화할까요? which is a polite and gentle way to ask if you should make a phone call.
Q23. Is it okay to say ~까? to a group?
Yes! It's often used for group suggestions like “Shall we begin?” (시작할까요?) in meetings or classrooms.
Q24. How is ~까? different from ~죠?
~죠 seeks agreement (“right?”), while ~까? forms a true question or suggestion. They are not interchangeable.
Q25. Should I use ~까? when talking to my professor?
Definitely. It’s the most appropriate way to ask questions or make suggestions respectfully in academic settings.
Q26. What does "같이 갈까요?" literally mean?
It means “Shall we go together?” — 같이 means “together,” 갈 is “go,” and 까요 makes it a polite suggestion.
Q27. What if I say ~까요! with a confident tone?
Then it can sound like you're confirming or expecting agreement, depending on the context. The rising tone is still key for a question.
Q28. Can I use ~까? in job interviews?
Yes, when asking questions politely. For example: 제가 설명할까요? (“Shall I explain?”) sounds respectful and proactive.
Q29. Can I ask yes/no questions with "있어요?" instead?
Yes. “있어요?” means “Is there?” or “Do you have?” and works as a yes/no question using tone.
Q30. What's the easiest way to get used to ~까?
Listen and repeat. Exposure through media, and practicing short questions aloud builds confidence quickly.
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes and based on standard Korean language use. Cultural nuance may vary depending on region or speaker.
.jpg)