"있다", "계시다", and "없다" — Understanding Korean Expressions of Existence

"있다", "계시다", and "없다": How Koreans Talk About Existence and Respect

If you're learning Korean, you've probably encountered the verbs 있다, 없다, and 계시다. At first glance, they may seem like simple vocabulary for “to be” or “to exist,” but there's more than meets the eye—especially when it comes to politeness.

 

 

 

 

 

 

📌 What Do These Verbs Mean?

• 있다: A neutral verb meaning “to exist” or “to have.”
• 없다: Its opposite—meaning “not to exist” or “not to have.”
• 계시다: The honorific version of 있다, used for people you want to show respect to.

📚 Examples in Real Life

Verb	Example	When to Use
있다	고양이가 소파 위에 있어요. The cat is on the sofa.	Used for animals or objects.
계시다	선생님이 교실에 계세요. The teacher is in the classroom.	Used for people to show respect.
없다	지금 집에 아무도 없어요. There’s no one at home right now.	Indicates absence.

 

 

 

 

 

 

❗ Common Mistakes

• ❌ "할머니가 있어요." → ✔️ "할머니가 계세요."
  (Use honorific for elders!)
• ✔️ "강아지가 방에 있어요." (Animals don’t require honorifics)

🇰🇷 Cultural Tip

In Korean culture, showing respect—especially to elders or people in higher positions—is essential. The use of 계시다 instead of 있다 is more than grammar—it's about etiquette and social harmony.

📝 Summary

• 있다: Basic expression for existence
• 계시다: Honorific form used for people
• 없다: Indicates absence

 

2025.05.22 - [분류 전체보기] - ~요 vs ~습니다 Mastering Korean polite endings

~요 vs ~습니다 Mastering Korean polite endings

2025.05.20 - [분류 전체보기] - Learn Korean Grammar: 은/는 vs 이/가 and the difference

Learn Korean Grammar: 은/는 vs 이/가 and the difference