TOPIK 2Expressions
-아/어야 하다
Must/Have to -아/어야 하다
Expresses obligation or necessity
Description
-아/어야 하다 expresses that something must be done or is necessary. Similar to 'must' or 'have to' in English.
Usage
Use -아야 하다 after stems with ㅏ or ㅗ, -어야 하다 for others. 하다 can be replaced with 되다 for a softer tone.
Formation Rules
- 1Stems with ㅏ/ㅗ + 아야 하다
- 2Other stems + 어야 하다
- 3하다 verbs → 해야 하다
Tips
- 💡하다 can be replaced with 되다 for less direct obligation
- 💡Past tense: -아/어야 했다 (had to)
- 💡Negative: 안 -아/어도 되다 (don't have to)
Example Sentences
내일까지 숙제를 해야 해요.
Naeilkkaji sukjereul haeya haeyo.
I have to do homework by tomorrow.
지금 가야 돼요.
Jigeum gaya dwaeyo.
I have to go now.
건강을 위해 운동을 해야 합니다.
Geongangeul wihae undongeul haeya hamnida.
You must exercise for your health.
Related Patterns
Practice "-아/어야 하다" in the MyTOPIK App
Get instant AI feedback and detailed explanations.