Learn Korean: Verb + 돈

Let’s take a look at the Korean sentence pattern Verb + 돈. The word 돈 means money. We use this to express that we can or cannot afford to buy something because we have or don't have the money. For example, we say I have (no) money to buy new clothes. The main verb is 새 옷을 사다 (to buy new clothes). We take the verb stem (사) and attach ㄹ because it ends in a vowel (살). Then, we add 돈. 살 돈 means money to buy something. 새 옷을 살 돈 means money to buy new clothes. To complete the sentence, we need either 있다 (to have) or 없다 (to not have). The actual sentence is 새 옷을 살 돈(이) 있어(요) or 새 옷을 살 돈(이) 없어(요). The subject marker (이) is attached to 돈, but it is often dropped in spoken language.

옷을 살 돈이 없어.

I have no money to buy clothes.

밥 먹을 돈 있어?

Have you got some money for food?

 

월세를 낼 돈이 없어.

I have no money to pay for my rent.