Usage
i) Promises
아이스크림을 사주마.
I’ll buy you an ice cream.
Conjugation
| Verb | Marking | |
|---|---|---|
| Vowel | 하다 | 하마 |
| Consonant | 듣다 | 들으마 |
Contents
(으)마 is a sentence-final form used by speakers when promising to do something for the listener. It is functionally similar with -ㄹ게 except that it is used only by superiors when speaking to subordinates. It’s never followed with honorifics for this reason. This ending is considered somewhat archaic.
i) Promises
This form is used when the speaker expresses a promise with the listener. This ranges from a ‘promise’ in the common meaning of the word, to a statement of will.
아이스크림을 사주마.
I’ll buy you an ice cream.
입을 다물고 있으마.
My lips are sealed.
진실을 밝히마.
I’ll tell you the truth.
문 매트 밑에 열쇠를 두고 가마.
I’ll leave a key under the doormat.
가는 걸음마다 함께 있으마.
I will be with you every step of the way.
영원히 우리가 서로 보내던 시간을 잊지 않으마.
I’ll never forget the time we spent together.
Additional details
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Associated grammar
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See also
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Bibliography
Affiliate links help support uK.
— Choo, M., & Kwak, H. (2008). Using Korean: A Guide to Contemporary Usage. New York: Cambridge University Press.
— Yeon, J., & Brown, L. (2008). Korean: A Comprehensive Grammar. New York: Routledge.
User examples
i) Promises
Context: A father comforts his daughter.
항상 곁에 있으마.[Submitted by 주호]
I’ll always be with you.