Intermediate (JSON) Estimated read: 3 mins

-아/어야지요

Used to express a strong personal resolution or a mild reminder/reprimand directed at someone else.

Summary

Equivalent

I really should... / Of course I must...

Also: -(으)ㄹ게요 (Personal commitment) · -아/어야 해요 (Have to - obligation)

Example

I really should start dieting. I can't keep living like this.

다이어트를 시작해야지요. 계속 이렇게 살 수는 없잖아요.

Grammar rules

  • Directed at oneself = strong resolution.
  • Directed at others = mild disapproval or reminder.

Patterns

1

Verbs (Personal Resolution)

Present/Future · Verb Stem + 아/어야지요

2

Verbs (Mild Reminder to Listener)

Present · Verb Stem + 아/어야지요

Example sentences

Verbs (Personal Resolution) · Present/Future · Verb Stem + 아/어야지요

I really should start dieting. I can't keep living like this.

다이어트를 시작해야지요. 계속 이렇게 살 수는 없잖아요.

Verbs (Mild Reminder to Listener) · Present · Verb Stem + 아/어야지요

You really should call your parents often.

부모님께는 자주 전화를 드려야지요.

Verbs (Personal Resolution) · Present/Future · Verb Stem + 아/어야지요

Starting tomorrow, I really must get up early.

내일부터는 일찍 일어나야지요.

Conversation

A: Are you still eating late-night snacks before bed?

요즘도 야식을 먹고 자요?

B: Ha, I know I shouldn't... I really must quit that starting this week.

하하, 그러면 안 되는데... 이번 주부터는 그만해야지요.

Practice

Fill in the blank

Select the correct personal resolution or mild reminder form.

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