있어요
isseoyo
there is / I have (polite)
있어
isseo
there is / I have (casual)
있어요 vs 있어: Polite vs Casual "There Is / I Have" in Korean
있어요 is the polite present-tense form of 있다 used in most everyday conversations, while 있어 is the casual form used only with close friends or people younger than you.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| 있어요 (isseoyo) | 있어 (isseo) | |
|---|---|---|
| Politeness Level | Polite (해요체) | Casual (해체) |
| Used With | Strangers, seniors, colleagues, teachers | Close friends, younger people, family informally |
| Base Verb | 있다 + 어요 ending | 있다 + 어 ending (no 요) |
| Usage Context | Safe to use in virtually all situations | Only appropriate in informal, close relationships |
| Meaning Coverage | Existence (there is) and possession (I have) | Same meanings, just at casual register |
Examples in Context
Telling a coworker you have a meeting — using 있어요
오늘 회의가 있어요.
I have a meeting today.
Letting a shop clerk know you have a coupon — using 있어요
쿠폰 있어요.
I have a coupon.
Telling a friend you have plans — using 있어
나 오늘 약속 있어.
I have plans today.
Friend asking if you have snacks — using 있어
과자 있어?
Do you have snacks?
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✗Dropping 요 when speaking to someone older or in a formal context — always keep 요 unless you are certain the casual register is appropriate.
- ✗Confusing 있어요 (polite present) with 있으세요 (honorific, used to refer to elders) — use 있으세요 when asking about or referring to a senior's possessions or existence.
- ✗Using 있어 with a boss or teacher, which can sound disrespectful even if unintentional.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the honorific form of 있어요?
The honorific form is 있으세요 (isseuseyo) or 계세요 (gyeseyo). Use 계세요 specifically when referring to a person being present somewhere.
Can 있어 be used as a question?
Yes — with rising intonation, 있어? becomes "Do you have...?" or "Is there...?" It works naturally in casual conversation.
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