🧭

The Way of Doing: -는 법

Keywords
-는 법
Lesson #
S
Done
Section
Basic Grammar
🎯
TL;DR 🦄
  • 🧭 Use -는 법 [-neun beop] to say “the way to do…” or “how to do…”
  • 🧩 Attach -는 법 to an action verb stem: 만들다 [man-deul-da] “to make” → 만드는 법 [man-deu-neun beop] “how to make.”
  • 🗣️ Common frames: -는 법을 알아요 [-neun beo-beul a-ra-yo] “I know how to…,” -는 법을 몰라요 [-neun beo-beul mol-la-yo] “I don’t know how to…,” and -는 법을 알려 주세요 [-neun beo-beul al-lyeo ju-se-yo] “Please show me how to…”
🔊
🎧 Iru Helper Note — Use
Korean Helper Widgets
Korean Helper Widgets
to hear linking in 법을 [beo-beul]. The final in links into , so 법을 알아요 sounds like [beo-beul a-ra-yo], not choppy [beop-eul]. 🎧
 

🌈 The Big Picture

When you want to talk about a method, way, or how-to, Korean often uses [beop]. By itself, can mean “law,” “rule,” or “method,” but after a verb with -는, it usually means “the way to do the action.” 🧭
  • 한국어를 공부하는 법 [han-gu-geo-reul gong-bu-ha-neun beop] — how to study Korean 🇰🇷
  • 김밥을 만드는 법 [gim-ba-beul man-deu-neun beop] — how to make gimbap 🍙
  • 버스를 타는 법 [beo-seu-reul ta-neun beop] — how to take the bus 🚌
This is not just “doing.” It is the method for doing. That is why -는 법 feels perfect with verbs like “know,” “learn,” “teach,” “explain,” and “show.” 🎓
 

🎨 The Core -는 법 Family

The core pattern is:
  • 동사 어간 + 는 법 — action verb stem + 는 법 = “how to do / the way of doing”
Examples:
  • 가다 [ga-da] “to go” → 가는 법 [ga-neun beop] — how to go 🚶
  • 먹다 [meok-da] “to eat” → 먹는 법 [meong-neun beop] — how to eat 🍚
  • 읽다 [ik-da] “to read” → 읽는 법 [ing-neun beop] — how to read 📖
  • 쓰다 [sseu-da] “to write/use” → 쓰는 법 [sseu-neun beop] — how to write/use ✍️
  • 만들다 [man-deul-da] “to make” → 만드는 법 [man-deu-neun beop] — how to make 🧱
  • 공부하다 [gong-bu-ha-da] “to study” → 공부하는 법 [gong-bu-ha-neun beop] — how to study 📝
Common sentence frames:
  • -는 법을 알아요 [-neun beo-beul a-ra-yo] — I know how to…
  • -는 법을 몰라요 [-neun beo-beul mol-la-yo] — I don’t know how to…
  • -는 법을 배워요 [-neun beo-beul bae-wo-yo] — I learn how to…
  • -는 법을 가르쳐 주세요 [-neun beo-beul ga-reu-cheo ju-se-yo] — Please teach me how to…
  • -는 법을 알려 주세요 [-neun beo-beul al-lyeo ju-se-yo] — Please show/tell me how to…
 

🛠️ How It Works in Sentences

  1. 저는 김밥을 만드는 법을 알아요. [jeo-neun gim-ba-beul man-deu-neun beo-beul a-ra-yo] — I know how to make gimbap. 🍙
      • = I/me, 김밥 = gimbap, 만들다 = to make, = way/method.
  1. 이 앱을 쓰는 법을 몰라요. [i ae-beul sseu-neun beo-beul mol-la-yo] — I don’t know how to use this app. 📱
      • = this, = app, 쓰다 = to use/write, 모르다 = to not know.
  1. 한국어로 주문하는 법을 알려 주세요. [han-gu-geo-ro ju-mun-ha-neun beo-beul al-lyeo ju-se-yo] — Please show me how to order in Korean. 🍽️
      • 한국어로 = in Korean, 주문하다 = to order, 알려 주세요 = please tell/show me.
 

🧩 General Formation Rule

For action verbs, remove from the dictionary form, then add 는 법.
  • 보다 [bo-da] “to watch/see” → 보는 법 [bo-neun beop] — how to watch/see 🎬
  • 마시다 [ma-shi-da] “to drink” → 마시는 법 [ma-shi-neun beop] — how to drink 🥤
  • 기다리다 [gi-da-ri-da] “to wait” → 기다리는 법 [gi-da-ri-neun beop] — how to wait ⏳
  • 예약하다 [ye-yak-ha-da] “to reserve” → 예약하는 법 [ye-ya-ka-neun beop] — how to reserve 📅
  • 연습하다 [yeon-seu-pa-da] “to practice” → 연습하는 법 [yeon-seu-pa-neun beop] — how to practice 🎯
Stem notes:
  • ㄹ-ending stems drop ㄹ before : 만들다만드는 법, 살다사는 법. 🧱🌱
  • ㄷ-irregular verbs usually keep the written stem before : 듣다듣는 법, 걷다걷는 법. 🎧🚶
  • This pattern is mainly for action verbs, because it means “how to do an action.”
 

📚 Cross-check note

The -는 법 pattern was checked against korean.go.kr and standard Korean grammar references: can function as a noun meaning “method/way,” and it follows a preceding noun-modifying verb form like -는. ✅
 

🪞 Synonym Alert

  • -는 법 [-neun beop] — “how to / the method of doing.” Natural with learning, teaching, knowing, explaining.
    • 한국어를 공부하는 법 [han-gu-geo-reul gong-bu-ha-neun beop] — how to study Korean.
  • -는 방법 [-neun bang-beop] — also “method/way to do.” Slightly more explicit because 방법 means “method.”
    • 한국어를 공부하는 방법 [han-gu-geo-reul gong-bu-ha-neun bang-beop] — a method for studying Korean.
  • -(으)ㄹ 줄 알다 [-eul jul al-da] — “to know how to” as a skill/ability.
    • 수영할 줄 알아요. [su-yeong-hal jul a-ra-yo] — I know how to swim.
    • 수영하는 법을 알아요. [su-yeong-ha-neun beo-beul a-ra-yo] — I know the way/method to swim.
Quick feeling: 줄 알다 = “I have the skill.” 법을 알다 = “I know the method.” 🧠
 

⚠️ Pitfalls to Dodge

  • 먹다 법 → ✅ 먹는 법. Use before . 🍚
  • 만들는 법 → ✅ 만드는 법. ㄹ drops before . 🧱
  • 듣는 법 changed to 들은 법 for “how to listen” → ✅ 듣는 법. Use present action modifier . 🎧
  • ❌ Confusing “law” with “method” → ✅ Context decides. 한국 법 = Korean law; 한국어를 배우는 법 = how to learn Korean. ⚖️📚
  • ❌ Using -는 법 for simple preference when no method is meant → ✅ Use -기 or -는 것 for general “doing.” 🧩
 
🎉 Bottom line: -는 법 is your “how-to” tool. If you can learn it, teach it, show it, or explain it, -는 법 is probably nearby. 🧭✨
 
Try this exercise
Instructions: Complete each sentence with the correct -는 법 form or the right particle after . Read aloud, then open the Answer toggle. 🎧
1. 김밥을 만들____ 알아요.
[gim-ba-beul man-deu-____ a-ra-yo]
I know how to make gimbap. 🍙
Answer
는 법을만들다만드는 법. ㄹ drops before .
2. 이 앱을 쓰____ 몰라요.
[i ae-beul sseu-____ mol-la-yo]
I don’t know how to use this app. 📱
Answer
는 법을쓰는 법을 몰라요.
3. 한국어로 주문하____ 알려 주세요.
[han-gu-geo-ro ju-mun-ha-____ al-lyeo ju-se-yo]
Please show me how to order in Korean. 🍽️
Answer
는 법을주문하는 법을 알려 주세요.
4. 버스를 타____ 배웠어요.
[beo-seu-reul ta-____ bae-wo-sseo-yo]
I learned how to take the bus. 🚌
Answer
는 법을타는 법을 배웠어요.
5. 한글을 읽____ 가르쳐 주세요.
[han-geu-reul ing-____ ga-reu-cheo ju-se-yo]
Please teach me how to read Hangul. 🔤
Answer
는 법을읽는 법을 가르쳐 주세요.
6. 사진을 찍____ 알아요?
[sa-ji-neul jjing-____ a-ra-yo]
Do you know how to take pictures? 📸
Answer
는 법을찍는 법을 알아요?
7. 공항에 가____ 몰라요.
[gong-hang-e ga-____ mol-la-yo]
I don’t know how to get to the airport. ✈️
Answer
는 법을가는 법을 몰라요.
8. 음악을 듣____ 배워요.
[eu-ma-geul deun-____ bae-wo-yo]
I learn how to listen to music. 🎧
Answer
는 법을듣는 법을 배워요.
9. 한국어를 공부하____ 중요해요.
[han-gu-geo-reul gong-bu-ha-____ jung-yo-hae-yo]
How to study Korean is important. 🇰🇷
Answer
는 법이공부하는 법이 중요해요.
10. 문제를 해결하____ 찾았어요.
[mun-je-reul hae-gyeol-ha-____ cha-ja-sseo-yo]
I found a way to solve the problem. 🧩
Answer
는 법을해결하는 법을 찾았어요.
📚
Vocabulary Box
  • 김밥 → gimbap
  • 만들다 → to make
  • → app
  • 쓰다 → to use/write
  • 주문하다 → to order
  • 버스 → bus
  • 타다 → to ride/take
  • 한글 → Hangul
  • 읽다 → to read
  • 사진 → photo
  • 찍다 → to take a picture
  • 공항 → airport
  • 음악 → music
  • 듣다 → to listen
  • 해결하다 → to solve
Memory tips 💡
  • Action verb stem + 는 법.
  • ㄹ stem: 만들다만드는 법.
  • 법을 알다/모르다/배우다/가르치다/알려 주다 are best friends.

🚀
Want more reps? Visit the Practice Hub when you're ready!
 
📦
🎯 Practice Hub — The Way of Doing: -는 법
 
Welcome to the how-to workshop. 🧭 You’ll build -는 법 forms, choose the right particle, practice natural “know/learn/teach/show” frames, and contrast -는 법 with -기, -는 것, and -(으)ㄹ 줄 알다. By the end, you can ask for the method without sounding like a confused raccoon at a vending machine. 🦝✨
 
🔊 Audio reminder: Use
Korean Helper Widgets
Korean Helper Widgets
to hear 법을 [beo-beul], 법이 [beo-bi], and 법은 [beo-beun].
 
📝 Instructions: Fill in each blank, read the Korean aloud, then check the Answer toggle. Watch for ㄹ stems like 만들다 and 살다.
 

Exercise 1 — Build the -는 법 Form 🧱

A. 가다 → ____
[ga-da → ____]
to go → how to go 🚶
Answer
가는 법 [ga-neun beop].
B. 오다 → ____
[o-da → ____]
to come → how to come 🚪
Answer
오는 법 [o-neun beop].
C. 먹다 → ____
[meok-da → ____]
to eat → how to eat 🍚
Answer
먹는 법 [meong-neun beop].
D. 읽다 → ____
[ik-da → ____]
to read → how to read 📖
Answer
읽는 법 [ing-neun beop].
E. 쓰다 → ____
[sseu-da → ____]
to write/use → how to write/use ✍️
Answer
쓰는 법 [sseu-neun beop].
F. 듣다 → ____
[deut-da → ____]
to listen → how to listen 🎧
Answer
듣는 법 [deun-neun beop].
G. 걷다 → ____
[geot-da → ____]
to walk → how to walk 🚶
Answer
걷는 법 [geon-neun beop].
H. 만들다 → ____
[man-deul-da → ____]
to make → how to make 🧱
Answer
만드는 법 [man-deu-neun beop] — ㄹ drops before .
I. 공부하다 → ____
[gong-bu-ha-da → ____]
to study → how to study 📝
Answer
공부하는 법 [gong-bu-ha-neun beop].
J. 예약하다 → ____
[ye-yak-ha-da → ____]
to reserve → how to reserve 📅
Answer
예약하는 법 [ye-ya-ka-neun beop].
📚
Vocabulary Box
  • 가다 → to go
  • 오다 → to come
  • 먹다 → to eat
  • 읽다 → to read
  • 쓰다 → to write/use
  • 듣다 → to listen
  • 걷다 → to walk
  • 만들다 → to make
  • 공부하다 → to study
  • 예약하다 → to reserve
  • → way/method
Tip 💡 Build the method phrase first: action verb stem + 는 법.
 

Exercise 2 — Know / Don’t Know How 🧠

A. 저는 한글을 읽____ 알아요.
[jeo-neun han-geu-reul ing-____ a-ra-yo]
I know how to read Hangul. 🔤
Answer
는 법을읽는 법을 알아요.
B. 저는 이 기계를 쓰____ 몰라요.
[jeo-neun i gi-gye-reul sseu-____ mol-la-yo]
I don’t know how to use this machine. ⚙️
Answer
는 법을쓰는 법을 몰라요.
C. 민수는 김치를 만들____ 알아요.
[min-su-neun gim-chi-reul man-deu-____ a-ra-yo]
Minsu knows how to make kimchi. 🥬
Answer
는 법을만드는 법을 알아요.
D. 지우는 운전하____ 몰라요.
[ji-u-neun un-jeon-ha-____ mol-la-yo]
Jiu doesn’t know how to drive. 🚗
Answer
는 법을운전하는 법을 몰라요.
E. 저는 한국어로 인사하____ 알아요.
[jeo-neun han-gu-geo-ro in-sa-ha-____ a-ra-yo]
I know how to greet in Korean. 🙇
Answer
는 법을인사하는 법을 알아요.
F. 동생은 라면을 끓이____ 알아요.
[dong-saeng-eun ra-myeo-neul kkeu-ri-____ a-ra-yo]
My younger sibling knows how to cook ramyeon. 🍜
Answer
는 법을끓이는 법을 알아요.
G. 저는 이 표를 읽____ 몰라요.
[jeo-neun i pyo-reul ing-____ mol-la-yo]
I don’t know how to read this chart. 📊
Answer
는 법을읽는 법을 몰라요.
H. 친구는 사진을 찍____ 알아요.
[chin-gu-neun sa-ji-neul jjing-____ a-ra-yo]
My friend knows how to take pictures. 📸
Answer
는 법을찍는 법을 알아요.
I. 저는 계정을 만들____ 몰라요.
[jeo-neun gye-jeong-eul man-deu-____ mol-la-yo]
I don’t know how to make an account. 🔐
Answer
는 법을만드는 법을 몰라요.
J. 선생님은 쉽게 설명하____ 알아요.
[seon-saeng-ni-meun swip-ge seol-myeong-ha-____ a-ra-yo]
The teacher knows how to explain easily. 👩‍🏫
Answer
는 법을설명하는 법을 알아요.
📚
Vocabulary Box
  • 한글 → Hangul
  • 기계 → machine
  • 김치 → kimchi
  • 운전하다 → to drive
  • 인사하다 → to greet
  • 동생 → younger sibling
  • 라면 → ramyeon
  • 끓이다 → to boil/cook
  • → chart/table
  • 계정 → account
  • 쉽게 → easily
  • 설명하다 → to explain
  • 알다 → to know
  • 모르다 → to not know
Tip 💡 -는 법을 알아요/몰라요 = know / don’t know the method.
 

Exercise 3 — Learn / Teach / Show the Method 🎓

A. 저는 한국어를 공부하____ 배워요.
[jeo-neun han-gu-geo-reul gong-bu-ha-____ bae-wo-yo]
I learn how to study Korean. 🇰🇷
Answer
는 법을공부하는 법을 배워요.
B. 요리하____ 가르쳐 주세요.
[yo-ri-ha-____ ga-reu-cheo ju-se-yo]
Please teach me how to cook. 🍳
Answer
는 법을요리하는 법을 가르쳐 주세요.
C. 비밀번호를 바꾸____ 알려 주세요.
[bi-mil-beon-ho-reul ba-kku-____ al-lyeo ju-se-yo]
Please show me how to change the password. 🔑
Answer
는 법을바꾸는 법을 알려 주세요.
D. 발음을 연습하____ 배웠어요.
[ba-reu-meul yeon-seu-pa-____ bae-wo-sseo-yo]
I learned how to practice pronunciation. 🗣️
Answer
는 법을연습하는 법을 배웠어요.
E. 지하철을 갈아타____ 알려 주세요.
[ji-ha-cheo-reul ga-ra-ta-____ al-lyeo ju-se-yo]
Please show me how to transfer subway lines. 🚇
Answer
는 법을갈아타는 법을 알려 주세요.
F. 이름을 쓰____ 가르쳐 주세요.
[i-reu-meul sseu-____ ga-reu-cheo ju-se-yo]
Please teach me how to write my name. ✍️
Answer
는 법을쓰는 법을 가르쳐 주세요.
G. 티켓을 예매하____ 배웠어요.
[ti-ke-seul ye-mae-ha-____ bae-wo-sseo-yo]
I learned how to book a ticket. 🎟️
Answer
는 법을예매하는 법을 배웠어요.
H. 은행에서 환전하____ 알려 주세요.
[eun-haeng-e-seo hwan-jeon-ha-____ al-lyeo ju-se-yo]
Please show me how to exchange money at the bank. 🏦
Answer
는 법을환전하는 법을 알려 주세요.
I. 정중하게 거절하____ 배우고 싶어요.
[jeong-jung-ha-ge geo-jeol-ha-____ bae-u-go si-peo-yo]
I want to learn how to refuse politely. 🙏
Answer
는 법을거절하는 법을 배우고 싶어요.
J. 문제를 풀____ 설명해 주세요.
[mun-je-reul pu-____ seol-myeong-hae ju-se-yo]
Please explain how to solve the problem. 🧩
Answer
는 법을풀다푸는 법을. ㄹ drops before .
📚
Vocabulary Box
  • 배우다 → to learn
  • 가르치다 → to teach
  • 알려 주다 → to tell/show
  • 요리하다 → to cook
  • 비밀번호 → password
  • 바꾸다 → to change
  • 발음 → pronunciation
  • 갈아타다 → to transfer
  • 예매하다 → to book in advance
  • 환전하다 → to exchange money
  • 정중하게 → politely
  • 거절하다 → to refuse
  • 풀다 → to solve
Tip 💡 If the sentence says learn, teach, show, or explain, -는 법 is a natural fit.
 

Exercise 4 — , 방법, or ? 🔍

A. 수영할 __ 알아요.
[su-yeong-hal __ a-ra-yo]
I know how to swim. Focus on skill. 🏊
Answer
수영할 줄 알아요 = I can / know how to swim.
B. 수영하____ 알아요.
[su-yeong-ha-____ a-ra-yo]
I know the method of swimming. 🏊
Answer
는 법을수영하는 법을 알아요.
C. 한국어 공부하____ 찾고 있어요.
[han-gu-geo gong-bu-ha-____ chat-go i-sseo-yo]
I’m looking for a method for studying Korean. 🇰🇷
Answer
는 방법을방법 explicitly means method.
D. 한국어 공부하____ 알려 주세요.
[han-gu-geo gong-bu-ha-____ al-lyeo ju-se-yo]
Please show me how to study Korean. 🇰🇷
Answer
는 법을공부하는 법을 알려 주세요.
E. 운전할 __ 몰라요.
[un-jeon-hal __ mol-la-yo]
I don’t know how to drive. Focus on skill. 🚗
Answer
운전할 줄 몰라요.
F. 운전하____ 배워요.
[un-jeon-ha-____ bae-wo-yo]
I learn how to drive. Focus on method/process. 🚗
Answer
는 법을운전하는 법을 배워요.
G. 이 문제를 푸____ 없어요?
[i mun-je-reul pu-____ eop-seo-yo]
Is there no method to solve this problem? 🧩
Answer
는 방법이푸는 방법이 없어요? is natural for “Is there no method?”
H. 이 문제를 푸____ 알려 주세요.
[i mun-je-reul pu-____ al-lyeo ju-se-yo]
Please show me how to solve this problem. 🧩
Answer
는 법을푸는 법을 알려 주세요.
I. 피아노를 칠 __ 알아요.
[pi-a-no-reul chil __ a-ra-yo]
I know how to play piano. Focus on ability. 🎹
Answer
피아노를 칠 줄 알아요.
J. 피아노를 치____ 가르쳐 주세요.
[pi-a-no-reul chi-____ ga-reu-cheo ju-se-yo]
Please teach me how to play piano. 🎹
Answer
는 법을피아노를 치는 법을 가르쳐 주세요.
📚
Vocabulary Box
  • 수영하다 → to swim
  • 줄 알다 → to know how to / can
  • 방법 → method
  • 찾다 → to find/look for
  • 운전하다 → to drive
  • 문제 → problem
  • 풀다 → to solve
  • 피아노 → piano
  • 치다 → to play/hit
Tip 💡 줄 알다 = skill/ability. 법을 알다 = know the way/method.
 

Exercise 5 — Mixed Mastery + Pitfall Patrol 🛡️

A.먹다 법 → ✅ ____
[meok-da beop → ____]
how to eat 🍚
Answer
먹는 법 [meong-neun beop] — use before .
B.만들는 법 → ✅ ____
[man-deul-neun beop → ____]
how to make 🧱
Answer
만드는 법 [man-deu-neun beop] — ㄹ drops before .
C. 듣다 → 듣____
[deut-da → deut-____]
how to listen 🎧
Answer
는 법듣는 법.
D. 살다 → 살____
[sal-da → sal-____]
how to live 🌱
Answer
는 법사는 법. ㄹ drops before .
E. 서울역에 가____ 알려 주세요.
[seo-ul-lyeo-ge ga-____ al-lyeo ju-se-yo]
Please show me how to get to Seoul Station. 🚉
Answer
는 법을가는 법을 알려 주세요.
F. 이 단어를 외우____ 배웠어요.
[i dan-eo-reul oe-u-____ bae-wo-sseo-yo]
I learned how to memorize this word. 🧠
Answer
는 법을외우는 법을 배웠어요.
G. 호텔을 예약하____ 몰라요.
[ho-te-reul ye-ya-ka-____ mol-la-yo]
I don’t know how to reserve a hotel. 🏨
Answer
는 법을예약하는 법을 몰라요.
H. 정중하게 말하____ 중요해요.
[jeong-jung-ha-ge mal-ha-____ jung-yo-hae-yo]
How to speak politely is important. 🙏
Answer
는 법이말하는 법이 중요해요.
I. 한국어로 길을 묻____ 알고 싶어요.
[han-gu-geo-ro gi-reul mut-____ al-go si-peo-yo]
I want to know how to ask for directions in Korean. 🧭
Answer
는 법을묻는 법을 알고 싶어요.
J. 혼자 여행하____ 배워요.
[hon-ja yeo-haeng-ha-____ bae-wo-yo]
I learn how to travel alone. 🧳
Answer
는 법을여행하는 법을 배워요.
📚
Vocabulary Box
  • 먹다 → to eat
  • 만들다 → to make
  • 듣다 → to listen
  • 살다 → to live
  • 서울역 → Seoul Station
  • 단어 → word
  • 외우다 → to memorize
  • 호텔 → hotel
  • 예약하다 → to reserve
  • 정중하게 → politely
  • 말하다 → to speak
  • 길을 묻다 → to ask for directions
  • 혼자 → alone
  • 여행하다 → to travel
Tip 💡 Pitfall patrol: build -는 법 first, then add the particle the sentence needs.
 
🎉 You finished the -는 법 workout. Now you can ask for, explain, learn, and teach the “how-to” of actions in Korean. Method unlocked. 🧭✨