Grammar reference

KIIP Grammar Guide

The most important grammar patterns for KIIP Levels 1, 2, and 3. Each one includes an example and links to the Levly lesson where you can practice it in context.

How to use this page

The grammar that matters most at each level

This page highlights 5 essential grammar patterns per KIIP level. These are the patterns that show up most often in class, on tests, and in everyday Korean conversation.

Each level in Levly covers many more patterns (36 in Level 1, 36 in Level 2, 33 in Level 3). This page gives you a preview. To study all of them with flashcards, grammar breakdowns, and quizzes, open the lessons in the app.

If you're preparing for the KIIP level test (사전평가), start from Level 1 and work your way up to the level you're targeting.

Level 1 · 초급 1

5 Essential Level 1 Grammar Patterns

Level 1 covers basic sentence structure, particles, and everyday verb forms. These are the patterns you'll use in almost every Korean sentence.

GrammarWhat it doesExample
-아요 / 어요Polite present tense매일 한국어를 공부해요.
I study Korean every day.
은/는 · 이/가Topic and subject particles저는 필리핀 사람이에요.
I am Filipino.
-았/었어요Past tense어제 영화를 봤어요.
I watched a movie yesterday.
-아서/어서"because" / "so"배가 아파서 병원에 갔어요.
My stomach hurt, so I went to the hospital.
-(으)ㄹ 거예요Future tense내일 여행 갈 거예요.
I'm going to travel tomorrow.

These 5 are just the start. Level 1 in Levly covers 36 grammar patterns across 18 lessons, including honorifics, negation, requests, comparisons, and more. Level 1 is free.

Level 2 · 초급 2

5 Essential Level 2 Grammar Patterns

Level 2 adds connectors, modifiers, and sentence endings that let you express conditions, opinions, and experiences. This is where your Korean starts to sound more natural.

GrammarWhat it doesExample
-(으)면"if" / "when"시간이 있으면 같이 가요.
If you have time, let's go together.
-(으)ㄹ 수 있다/없다"can" / "cannot"한국어로 말할 수 있어요.
I can speak in Korean.
-(으)니까"because"늦었으니까 빨리 가세요.
It's late, so please go quickly.
-아/어야 되다"must" / "have to"비자를 연장해야 돼요.
I have to extend my visa.
-(으)ㄹ 것 같다"it seems like"비가 올 것 같아요.
It seems like it will rain.

Level 2 goes deeper. The full level covers 36 grammar patterns across 18 lessons: modifiers, casual speech (반말), progressive tense, and more. Explore Level 2 lessons.

Level 3 · 중급 1

5 Essential Level 3 Grammar Patterns

Level 3 introduces reported speech, passive and causative forms, and nuanced connectors. This is the level where your Korean starts to sound like how people actually talk.

GrammarWhat it doesExample
-는다고 하다Reported speech내일 비가 온다고 해요.
They say it will rain tomorrow.
-게 되다"end up doing"한국에 오게 됐어요.
I ended up coming to Korea.
-는지 알다/모르다"know/don't know whether"어디에서 상담을 받는지 알아요?
Do you know where to get counseling?
피동 (passive)Passive voice문이 열렸어요.
The door was opened.
-기 위해서"in order to"취업하기 위해서 한국어를 배워요.
I'm learning Korean in order to get a job.

Level 3 has 33 patterns total. The full level covers all four reported speech forms, causative verbs, soft question endings, and advanced connectors. Explore Level 3 lessons.

The complete picture

How much grammar is in each level?

LevelShown hereTotal in LevlyLessons
Level 1 (Beginner)53618
Level 2 (Elementary)53618
Level 3 (Intermediate)53316
Total1510552

This page covers the essentials. The app covers everything: each grammar pattern comes with a full explanation, multiple example sentences, and a quiz so you can test yourself.

FAQ

Common questions about KIIP grammar

How many grammar patterns are in KIIP Levels 1 through 3?
Levly's curriculum covers 105 grammar patterns across 52 lessons. Level 1 has 36, Level 2 has 36, and Level 3 has 33.
What grammar should I study for the KIIP level test?
Focus on the level you're aiming for and everything below it. The placement test starts with basic patterns from Levels 1 and 2 and gets progressively harder. Being solid on present tense, past tense, particles, conditionals, and connectors will cover most of the lower-level questions.
What's the hardest grammar in KIIP Level 3?
Most students find reported speech (indirect quotation) the most challenging. It has four forms: -다고 하다 (statements), -냐고 하다 (questions), -(으)라고 하다 (commands), and -자고 하다 (suggestions). Passive and causative forms are also commonly difficult.

Practice this grammar in context.

Every grammar pattern in Levly comes with a full explanation, example sentences, and a quiz. 105 patterns across 52 lessons. Level 1 is free.

Try a free lesson