This new particle I learned simulates the way English statements stress the need to do something from just doing it. I will clean the room tomorrow is a bit lax compared to saying I must clean the room tomorrow. The latter sends out something like a higher level of urgency or an obligation. This ‘must’ or ‘need to’ message I learned is expressed by using the particle -야 (-ya) then ending the statement with verb 해요 (haeyo). The particle is attached to a verb’s infinitive form both for plain and honorific verbs.
- 학교에 가야 해요 (Hakyoe kaya haeyo) – I need to go to school.
- 내일 공부해야 해요 (Naeil gongbuhaeya haeyo) – I must study tomorrow.
- 언니 이 책을 읽어야 해요 (Eonnie i chaekeul ilkoya haeyo) – My (older) sister needs to read this book.
야 attached to the verb gives it the ‘only if you <verb>” meaning and the 해요 as verb ending means ‘will do it’. As such the combination of this particle and verb ending therefore results to meaning you have to <verb>.
나는 한국어 책을 읽어야 해요 =)
It Started with Hangul 