서술체
The written narrative speech style used in books, newspapers, essays, journals, and formal documents. It describes ongoing states and actions in a neutral, third-person tone.
Summary
Equivalent
Narrative / Written Style
Also: 합쇼체 (formal polite form - used in formal speech/writing) · 해요체 (informal polite form - used in everyday conversation)
Example
People do not lose hope even in difficult situations.
사람들은 어려운 상황에서도 희망을 잃지 않는다.
Grammar rules
- Use '는다' after verb stems ending in a vowel or with ㄹ (which drops), and 'ㄴ다' after consonant-ending stems.
- Adjectives and nouns simply use the plain dictionary form ending '다'.
- The narrative style is rarely used in spoken conversation. When writing about personal experiences in a diary, '나는 공부했다.' is appropriate; in diary-like entries about others, '수미는 노래를 잘한다.'
나는 매일 아침 커피를 마신다. (I drink coffee every morning.) — Written narrative
Patterns
Verbs
Present Narrative · Verb Stem + 는다 / ㄴ다
Adjectives
Present Narrative · Adjective Stem + 다
Nouns
Present Narrative · Noun + 이다
Example sentences
People do not lose hope even in difficult situations.
사람들은 어려운 상황에서도 희망을 잃지 않는다.
Nature is always beautiful.
자연은 언제나 아름답다.
This is the most famous food in Korea.
이것은 한국에서 가장 유명한 음식이다.
Conversation
A: Why not try writing your diary in Korean?
일기를 한국어로 써 보는 게 어때요?
B: Good idea. For today's entry I tried writing: 'Today the weather is clear. I played in the park with friends.'
좋아요. 오늘 일기에는 '오늘 날씨가 맑다. 친구들과 공원에서 놀았다.'라고 써 봤어요.
Practice
Fill in the blank
Convert the following formal polite sentences to the narrative written style.
Eating.
Expensive.