Simply Learn Korean

When learning Korean, one of the very first grammar points you need to master is how to say “to be” (am / is / are).

In English, you say “I am Brandon” or “This is a book.”

In polite, everyday Korean, we use 이에요 (i-e-yo) and 예요 (ye-yo) at the end of a noun to express this.

In this guide, you’ll learn the exact rule to choose between 이에요 and 예요, so you can start introducing yourself and identifying objects with confidence!

💡 The Core Rule: Batchim (Final Consonant)

The rule for choosing between 이에요 and 예요 depends entirely on whether the noun ends in a consonant (받침 / Batchim) or a vowel (no 받침).

Noun Ends With	Grammar Marker	Formula	Example
Consonant (받침 O)	이에요	Noun + 이에요	학생 + 이에요 = 학생이에요 (I am a student)
Vowel (받침 X)	예요	Noun + 예요	의사 + 예요 = 의사예요 (I am a doctor)

1. When the Noun Ends with a Consonant: Use “이에요”

If the last character of the noun has a bottom consonant (받침), attach 이에요.

• 책 (book) ➔ 책이에요. (It is a book.)
• 학생 (student) ➔ 학생이에요. (I am / He is a student.)
• 선생님 (teacher) ➔ 선생님이에요. (I am / She is a teacher.)
• 한국 사람 (Korean person) ➔ 한국 사람이에요. (I am Korean.)

🎧 Pronunciation Tip:

When pronouncing 책이에요, the bottom consonant ‘ㄱ’ slides over to the next sound: pronounced as [채기예요 – chae-gi-yeo-yo].

2. When the Noun Ends with a Vowel: Use “예요”

If the last character of the noun ends in a vowel (no 받침), attach 예요.

• 의사 (doctor) ➔ 의사예요. (I am a doctor.)
• 가수 (singer) ➔ 가수예요. (He is a singer.)
• 모자 (hat) ➔ 모자예요. (It is a hat.)
• 커피 (coffee) ➔ 커피예요. (It is coffee.)

🙋‍♂️ How to Say Your Name in Korean

You can introduce yourself right now using this rule!

1. If your name ends with a consonant: [Name] + 이에요
   • e.g., Daniel ➔ 다니엘이에요. (I am Daniel.)
2. If your name ends with a vowel: [Name] + 예요
   • e.g., Sarah ➔ 세라예요. (I am Sarah.)

🎯 Quick Practice Quiz!

Try inserting 이에요 or 예요 into the blanks:

1. 이것은 사과(apple)____.
2. 저는 물(water)____.
3. 이분은 친구(friend)____.

💬 Practice with Me!

Now it’s your turn! Leave a comment below introducing yourself in Korean using 이에요 or 예요.

Example: 안녕하세요! 저는 [Your Name]이에요/예요. 😊

If you want to practice real spoken Korean with personalized feedback, feel free to book a 1:1 lesson with me! Happy learning!