Korean for Beginners: Suggesting Activities with 'Let's' and 'How about'
Learn to propose outings in Korean using 'V-자' for 'Let's' and 'N은/는 어때?' for 'How about?'. Focus on ideas, not logistics.
By PookieFriends & plans · Yapr Learn
In Korean, suggesting something to do is different from making detailed plans. This lesson teaches you two common patterns: 'Let's' with verb stem + 자, and 'How about?' with noun + 은/는 어때요? These are perfect for casual suggestions like 'Let's watch a movie' or 'How about a walk?' You'll learn to propose ideas without worrying about scheduling or logistics. We'll use the polite informal style (해요체) that's safe for most situations. By the end, you'll be able to invite friends to do activities in natural Korean.
By the end, you can…
- suggest an activity using 'Let's' with the V-자 pattern.
- propose an idea using 'How about?' with the N은/는 어때요? pattern.
- respond to suggestions appropriately in casual conversation.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
영화 보자.
Let's watch a movie.
yeong-hwa bo-ja
Casual suggestion to a close friend. Use 보자 from 보다 (to see/watch).
산책하자.
Let's take a walk.
san-chaek-ha-ja
Casual suggestion for a walk. 산책하다 means 'to take a walk'.
영화 어때요?
How about a movie?
yeong-hwa eo-ttae-yo?
Polite suggestion using noun + 어때요? Literally 'How is a movie?'
커피 마실래요?
Would you like to drink coffee? / How about coffee?
keo-pi ma-sil-lae-yo?
Polite offer/suggestion using V-ㄹ래요? This asks about the listener's desire.
같이 가요.
Let's go together.
ga-chi ga-yo
Polite suggestion using the present tense for 'Let's'. Often used with 같이 (together).
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
Two key patterns for suggestions: 1) Verb stem + 자 (casual 'Let's'): 영화 보자 (Let's watch a movie), 산책하자 (Let's take a walk). 2) Noun + 은/는 어때요? (polite 'How about?'): 영화는 어때요? (How about a movie?), 커피는 어때요? (How about coffee?). For verbs, you can also use V-는 게 어때요? (How about doing...?): 영화 보는 게 어때요? (How about watching a movie?). These patterns focus on the idea itself, not on when or where.
When to use it
Use the casual -자 pattern with close friends or people younger than you. For polite situations, use -아/어요? with a rising intonation or the -ㄹ래요? ending: 영화 볼래요? (Would you like to watch a movie?). The noun + 어때요? pattern is versatile and polite; use it when suggesting a thing or activity: 산책 어때요? (How about a walk?). Avoid -자 with strangers or superiors; it can sound rude. If unsure, use the polite forms.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
주말에 뭐 할까?
What shall we do on the weekend?ju-mal-e mwo hal-kka?영화 보자.
Let's watch a movie.yeong-hwa bo-ja.좋아. 그런데 산책은 어때?
Okay. But how about a walk?jo-a. geu-reon-de san-chaek-eun eo-ttae?산책도 좋아. 같이 하자.
A walk is good too. Let's do it together.san-chaek-do jo-a. ga-chi ha-ja.A little context goes a long way
Korean suggestions often reflect group harmony. Using '우리' (we) instead of '나' (I) is common: 우리 영화 보자 (Let's watch a movie). Also, when someone suggests something, it's polite to respond positively even if you later decline. Directly saying 'no' can seem abrupt; instead, say '좋은데...' (That's good, but...) and offer an alternative.
One thing to watch for
Using -자 with someone you should be polite to, e.g., 영화 보자 to a boss or stranger.
Try this instead: Use polite forms instead: 영화 보실래요? (Would you like to watch a movie?) or 영화 어때요? (How about a movie?). For example, to a colleague you're not close to: 영화 보는 게 어때요?
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How would you casually suggest 'Let's eat lunch' to a close friend?
Show a sample answer
점심 먹자.
점심 (lunch) + 먹다 (to eat) stem 먹- + 자. This is casual and appropriate for friends. For polite, you could say 점심 먹을래요?
2How would you politely suggest 'How about coffee?'
Show a sample answer
커피 어때요?
커피 (coffee) + 어때요? (how about?). This is polite and works in most situations. Alternatively, 커피는 어때요? with the topic particle is also fine.
3What is wrong with saying '영화 보자' to your teacher?
Show a sample answer
It's too casual and can be rude.
The -자 ending is for close friends or inferiors. To a teacher, use 영화 보실래요? or 영화 보는 게 어때요? to show respect.
Use -자 for casual 'Let's' with friends, and 어때요? for polite 'How about?' with anyone. Focus on the activity idea, not the details.
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