Learn to use the Korean particle -도 naturally! Covers “also/too,” “not even/none,” real-life examples, common mistakes, exercises, and Japanese も/でも comparison.
1. Introduction — Why the Particle -도 Matters
The Korean particle -도 is small but powerful. At first glance it often translates to English “also” or “too”, yet in real use it can express inclusion, emphasis, surprise, or even intensify a negative. Because its meaning shifts with context, many learners either underuse it or pick translations that miss the nuance.
This short guide focuses on practical, example-driven explanations: basic uses, how -도 can mean “even” or “at all” in certain contexts, common mistakes to avoid, and quick practice items so you can start using -도 naturally in conversation.
Keep two goals in mind as you read:
- Spot the context: Is the sentence adding information, stressing inclusion, or giving surprise/emphasis?
- Think translation lightly: Don’t force a single English equivalent — let the situation determine whether -도 is “also,” “even,” or part of a negative emphasis.
2. Basic Usage — “Also” / “Too”
The most common function of -도 is to add something — the idea of also or too. It attaches directly to the noun (or noun phrase) you want to include, and the sentence structure otherwise stays the same.
Simple examples
- 나도 학생이에요. → I am a student too (I, also, am a student).
- 저도 갈게요. → I will go too / I’ll go as well.
- 사과도 맛있어요. → Apples are also delicious.
Placement notes
Attach -도 to the specific word you want to include. That word becomes the focus of “also.” Examples:
- 나도 친구가 있어요. → As for me, I also have friends.
- 친구가 나도 있어요. → (Less natural — changes emphasis; place -도 on what you mean to include.)
Quick tip
If you want to say “me too” naturally in conversation, 나도 or 저도 is the usual choice depending on politeness.
3. Using -도 in Negative Sentences
The particle -도 can also appear in negative sentences, giving the meaning of “not even” or “none.” In these cases, -도 emphasizes that something is completely missing or excluded. This usage is common in everyday conversation and can make your expressions sound more natural and emphatic.
Examples:
- 물도 없어요. → There isn’t even water. (Emphasizes total absence)
- 하나도 몰라요. → I don’t know anything / I know not even one thing. (Highlights complete lack of knowledge)
- 시간도 없어요. → I don’t have any time. (Literally: not even time)
- 돈도 없고 카드도 없어요. → I don’t have money, not even a card. (Emphasizes multiple lacks)
- 친구도 없고 가족도 없어요. → I have neither friends nor family. (Stronger sense of isolation)
- 오늘은 우산도 안 가져왔어요. → I didn’t even bring an umbrella today. (Stresses forgetfulness or unexpected lack)
Key Points:
In positive sentences, -도 generally means “also” or “too.”
In negative sentences, -도 shifts to “not even” or “none,” strengthening the denial and emphasizing the complete absence of something.
When practicing, try replacing nouns or items in your daily life with -도 in negative sentences to get used to this nuanced usage.
4. Expressing Inclusion and Nuance with -도
The particle -도 primarily means “also / too”, indicating inclusion.
In some contexts, it may convey a subtle nuance of surprise or unexpectedness, but its core function remains inclusion.
Basic Inclusion — “Also / Too”
When you want to indicate that someone or something is included in an action or state, attach -도 to the noun or noun phrase.
- 아이도 이 문제를 풀었어요. → Even though adults solved it, a child also solved this problem.
- 저도 갈게요. → I will go too.
- 사과도 맛있어요. → Apples are also delicious.
Subtle Emphasis or Unexpectedness
In some cases, especially when the included subject is surprising or unexpected, -도 can convey a mild emphasis or surprise.
This is not a separate meaning; it emerges from context.
- 아이도 이 문제를 풀었어요. → “I didn’t expect a child to solve it, but the child also did.” (Emphasis comes from context)
- 저도 몰랐어요. → “Even I didn’t know.” (Implies unexpectedness depending on context)
Key Points
- -도 is always about inclusion first. Think “also” or “too.”
- Nuance like surprise, contrast, or concession depends on context, not on the particle itself.
- Observe native speech to see how emphasis arises naturally from context rather than relying on -도 alone.
5. Common Pitfalls with -도
While -도 is generally straightforward, learners sometimes feel confused
about how many times to use it in a single sentence. Both patterns below are used by native
speakers, but the nuance is slightly different.
Case 1: Repetition of -도
- 저는 책도 음악도 좋아해요. → Shortened form, often used in spoken Korean.
- 저는 책도 좋아하고 음악도 좋아해요. → More explicit and natural in careful speech.
Both are correct. The first sounds slightly more casual or colloquial, while the second
feels a bit smoother in written or formal contexts. It’s not a matter of “right vs. wrong,”
but of frequency and style.
Case 2: Confusing -도 with -만
Sometimes learners confuse -도 (“also/even”) with -만 (“only”).
- 저도 먹었어요. → “I also ate.”
- 저만 먹었어요. → “Only I ate.”
Remember: -도 includes, -만 excludes.
7. Cultural & Linguistic Background
Understanding the Korean particle -도 goes beyond memorizing grammar rules. It reflects how Koreans naturally convey inclusion, emphasis, and subtle nuances in conversation.
Focus on Context
The primary function of -도 is to indicate inclusion — the idea of “also” or “too.” Depending on the context, it can additionally highlight:
- Unexpectedness: Something or someone included may be surprising or notable.
- Negative emphasis: In negative sentences, it emphasizes total absence or lack.
Paying attention to context is crucial. The same particle can convey simple inclusion, mild surprise, or strong emphasis depending on how it is placed and what it attaches to.
Impact on Conversation
Using -도 correctly helps your sentences sound natural and fluent. Misplacement may not prevent understanding but can make your speech sound slightly off to native ears. Observing native patterns — such as repetition for emphasis or attaching -도 to key nouns and adjectives — can improve your accuracy and nuance.
Practical Examples
- 저도요 → “Me too.” (agreement in conversation)
- 물도 없어요 → “There isn’t even water.” (negative emphasis)
- 사과도 맛있어요 → “Apples are also delicious.” (inclusion)
- 비도 오고 바람도 불어요 → “It’s raining and windy too.” (repetition for emphasis)
By consistently observing these patterns and understanding the contexts in which -도 appears, learners can adopt a more Korean-like logic for expressing inclusion and emphasis, rather than relying on direct English translation. This understanding enhances both fluency and comprehension in daily conversation.
8. Practice Exercises
Test your understanding of -도 in real contexts. Focus on its inclusion and emphasis functions.
Exercise 1: “Also / Too” (Inclusion)
Fill in the blanks with -도 where appropriate:
- 나 ___ 학생이에요. → I am a student too.
- 사과 ___ 맛있어요. → Apples are also delicious.
- 저 ___ 갈게요. → I will go too.
Exercise 2: Negative Sentences — “Not even / None” (Emphasis)
Complete the sentences to emphasize total absence or lack:
- 물 ___ 없어요. → There isn’t even water.
- 하나 ___ 몰라요. → I don’t know anything.
- 시간 ___ 없어요. → I don’t have any time.
Exercise 3: Emphasis / Unexpected Inclusion
Use -도 to emphasize inclusion or to show something notable or unexpected:
- 아이 ___ 이 문제를 풀었어요. → A child solved this problem too (notable inclusion).
- 저 ___ 몰랐어요. → I didn’t know either.
- 비싸___ 샀어요. → I bought it even though it was expensive (emphasis on unexpected choice).
Answer Key
- Exercise 1: 나도, 사과도, 저도
- Exercise 2: 물도, 하나도, 시간도
- Exercise 3: 아이도, 저도, 비싸도
Practice these regularly to internalize how -도 conveys inclusion and emphasis depending on the context. Focus on the nuance rather than translating directly as “even.”
9. Real-Life Usage Tips for -도
Textbook sentences are one thing, but using -도 naturally in real conversations requires attention to context, placement, and emphasis.
1. Daily Conversations
- 친구끼리: 나도 갈래 → A casual, natural way to say “I want to go too.”
- 카페/식당: 저도 같은 걸로 주세요 → Polite inclusion when ordering.
- Emphasis in conversation: 돈도 없고, 시간도 없어요 → Repetition highlights multiple absences or stresses.
2. Tips for Natural Usage
- Attach -도 to the word you want to emphasize or include.
- Use repetition to strengthen emphasis.
- Consider context: is the sentence expressing inclusion or emphasis?
Observing how native speakers naturally place -도 and repeat it for emphasis will help you sound more fluent and convey your intended meaning accurately.
10. Cultural & Contextual Insights for -도
The Korean particle -도 is more than just a grammar point; it reflects how Koreans express meaning naturally in daily life. Understanding its cultural and contextual nuances helps learners communicate more fluently and naturally.
1. Inclusion in Conversation
In positive contexts, -도 signals that the speaker includes themselves in agreement or participation.
- Example: 나도 좋아해 → “I like it too.”
- Example: 저도 갈게요 → “I will go too.” (Polite inclusion)
- Usage tip: Attach -도 to the word that marks your inclusion, usually the subject or object of the sentence.
2. Emphasis in Negative Contexts
In negative sentences, -도 emphasizes total absence or lack, reinforcing the speaker’s point naturally.
- Example: 물도 없어요 → “There isn’t even water.”
- Example: 돈도 없고, 시간도 없어요 → “I have neither money nor time.” (Repetition strengthens emphasis)
- Example: 하나도 몰라요 → “I don’t know anything / Not even one thing.”
3. Everyday Situations and Real-Life Usage
Here are some common real-life scenarios where -도 is naturally used:
- Friendship / Casual: 친구끼리: 나도 갈래 → “I want to go too.”
- Café / Restaurant: 저도 같은 걸로 주세요 → “I’ll have the same, please.” (Polite inclusion)
- Shopping / Requests: 이거도 주세요 → “Please give me this too.”
- Highlighting multiple lacks: 책도 없고, 연필도 없어요 → “There’s neither books nor pencils.”
- Expressing agreement: 저도 그렇게 생각해요 → “I think so too.”
4. Practical Tips for Mastery
- Focus on context: Decide if -도 is marking inclusion, emphasis, or highlighting absence.
- Placement matters: Attach -도 to the noun or adjective that carries the intended focus.
- Use repetition for nuance: Multiple -도 can show multiple inclusions or absences naturally.
- Observe native speakers: Pay attention to how placement and repetition shift meaning subtly in conversation.
By practicing these real-life expressions and observing native usage, learners can internalize the subtleties of -도, moving beyond literal translation to convey inclusion, emphasis, and natural conversational tone in Korean.
11. Korean -도 vs Japanese も/でも
For learners familiar with Japanese, Korean -도 may remind you of Japanese も or でも. While not identical, these particles share some common functions, helping learners understand Korean usage.
1. Adding “Also / Too”
- Korean: 나도 학생이에요 → “I am a student too.”
- Japanese: 私も学生です → “I am also a student.”
Both -도 and も mark inclusion, indicating that the subject or object is also part of the statement.
2. Emphasizing “Even” or Unexpected Situations
- Korean: 아이도 이 문제를 풀었어요 → “Even a child solved this problem.”
- Japanese: 子どもでもこの問題を解けました → “Even a child could solve this problem.”
In both languages, these particles can indicate unexpected outcomes. In Japanese, でも is often used with negative or concessive nuance, similar to Korean -도 in context.
3. Key Differences
- Japanese も is mostly restricted to inclusion, while でも can express inclusion or emphasis on unexpected situations.
- Korean -도 covers inclusion, emphasis, and negative contexts in one particle.
- Word order and attachment rules differ: in Korean, -도 attaches directly to nouns or adjectives, while Japanese も/でも follows different syntactic patterns.
Comparing -도 with Japanese も/でも allows learners to leverage prior knowledge while noticing unique Korean nuances. Remember: Korean -도 often serves multiple roles that Japanese separates into two particles.
12. Conclusion & Study Tips
The Korean particle -도 is small but versatile. It can express “also / too”, or add emphasis in certain situations. Understanding these nuances is key to sounding natural and precise in Korean.
Key Takeaways
- Positive sentences: -도 = also / too. Example: 나도 학생이에요 → I am a student too.
- Negative sentences / emphasis: -도 can highlight absence or limitation. Example: 물도 없어요 → There isn’t even water.
- Emphasis in surprising contexts: -도 can stress unexpected involvement or outcomes. Example: 아이도 이 문제를 풀었어요 → Even a child solved this problem.
Study Tips
- Visualize the context: When reading or constructing sentences, picture whether -도 is emphasizing inclusion or absence.
- Apply in conversation: Use everyday nouns and verbs to create sentences. For example, talk about your hobbies, meals, or daily activities using -도.
- Practice repetition: Focus on common patterns: 나도, 저도, 물도, 하나도, 시간도, etc.
- Check for mistakes: Pay attention to whether the sentence is positive or negative to ensure -도 conveys the intended meaning.
With regular practice and attention to context, using -도 will become natural, allowing you to express inclusion and emphasis smoothly in Korean conversation.