In Korean Expressing Possession and Being with –있다/없다

Hello everyone!

Today I would like to talk about the phrase ‘–있다/없다’. This is frequently used to express whether a subject possess an object in question or to indicate there is (are). First, ‘–있다’ means 1) a subject has something 2) there is (are), and goes properly in written format. In spoken language, using ‘-있어요’ sounds more natural. See examples below.

1. 돈이 있어요 – I have money

2. 남자친구가 있어요 – I have a boyfriend

3. 책상 위에 벌레가 있어요 – There is a bug on the desk

‘–없다’ means 1) a subject does not possess an object in question 2) there is not (are not) and is added to the end of the sentence. In spoken language, ‘-없어요’ sounds more natural. See examples below.

1. 돈이 없어요 – I do not have money

2. 남자친구가 없어요 – I do not have a boyfriend

3. 책상 위에 벌레가 없어요 – There is not a bug on the desk

Creating questions with the above sample sentences is easily achievable by simply putting a question mark (?) at the end of each sentence when writing and raising your tone at the last letter when speaking. One thing to note about making a question format is that different particles used in sentences (e.g. 이/가) can be omitted if the author or speaker prefers to do so. See examples below.

1. 돈(이) 있어요? – Do you have money?

2. 남자친구(가) 있어요? – Do you have a boyfriend?

3. 책상 위에 벌레(가) 있어요? – Is there a bug on the desk?

4. 돈(이) 없어요? – Don’t you have money?

5. 남자친구(가) 없어요? – Don’t you have a boyfriend?

6. 책상 위에 벌레(가) 없어요? –Isn't there a bug on the desk?

I hope this article helps your study. Please feel free to leave a comment if you have any further questions. Also, check out our Twitter for the latest news on Korea. Flashcards and Pronunciation of this Article: