Learn Korean: Verb + 고 왔다

Let’s take a look at the Korean sentence pattern Verb + 고 왔다. We use this to inform someone that we came straight from doing something. Its emphasis is on what we did exactly before coming just so they know, in case they are wondering. We say it the moment we arrived (e.g. home). For example, I had a job interview today and I got home around dinner time. I told my family I had an interview (I am here and I just got back from an interview). The main verb is 면접을 보다 (to have an interview). We take the verb stem and attach 고 왔다. The actual sentence is 면접 보고 왔어요.

운동하고 왔어요.

I’m back from working out.

삼촌 만나고 왔어요.

I met uncle (and he gave this stuff for us).

장 보고 왔어요.

I came straight from the supermarket. I bought some groceries.