Learn Korean: Verb + 재

Let’s take a look at the Korean sentence pattern Verb + 재. We use this to relay what someone has said to another person. The message must be a casual proposition such as 가자 (let’s go), 먹자 (let’s eat), and 하자 (let’s do it). For example, I was having coffee with Junsang when I got a text message from our friend Jimin. He said 내일 바다 가자 (Let’s go to the beach tomorrow). I told Junsang about it right away. I said Jimin said let’s go to the beach tomorrow. Basically, we repeat the same statement. We only change 자 to 재. The actual sentence is (지민이가) 내일 바다 가재. If Junsang knew who the message was from, Jimin’s name would be unnecessary. It also applies to negative propositions (지 말재).

아빠한테 말하지 말재.

She said let’s not tell dad.

피자 시키지 말래.

He said let’s not order pizza.

나중에 클럽에서 보재.

He said let’s meet at the club later.