Learn Korean: Verb + 도 되다

Let’s take a look at the Korean sentence pattern Verb + 도 되다. We use this to tell someone that it okay to do something or he can do whatever it is he wants to do (no restriction). It also has the nuance we don’t mind if they do it. For example, I invited my friends for a sleepover and as I welcomed them at the door, they hurriedly took off their shoes which I found unnecessary. My family doesn’t practice the culture of leaving footwear outside the door. Besides, I feel more accommodating letting them in with their shoes on. I said You can/may wear your shoes inside. The main verb is *to wear shoes. In Korean, it is 신발을 신다. We take the verb stem (신) and conjugate it into its 아/아/여 form (신어). Then, we attach 도 되다. The actual sentence is 신발 신어도 돼(요).

늦게 와도 돼.

It doesn’t matter if you’re late.

 

내 샴푸 써도 돼요.

You may use my shampoo.

울어도 돼.

It’s okay to cry. Don’t hold back your tears.