Easy to do: -기 쉽다

This pattern is actually two parts working together. First, we have the -기 part. This turns any verb into a noun. It is like adding "-ing" or "to" in English. Next, we have the word 쉽다, which means easy. Put them together and you get "to be easy to do." It is like a grammar bridge. One side is the action you are doing. The other side is how you feel about it. It is simple, logic-based, and very common. You do not need complex math for this one.

1. 1Building this expression is easier than making instant noodles. Just follow these three simple steps:
2. 2Find your favorite verb, like 먹다 (to eat).
3. 3Drop the 다 to get the stem, 먹.
4. 4Attach -기 쉽다 to the stem.
5. 5That is it! You now have 먹기 쉽다 (easy to eat).
6. 6For 하다 verbs: 하다 becomes 하기 쉽다.
7. 7For verbs with a patchim: 읽다 becomes 읽기 쉽다.
8. 8For verbs without a patchim: 가다 becomes 가기 쉽다.
9. 9You do not need to worry about irregulars here. The stem stays exactly as it is. It is one of the most stable rules in Korean.

Use this when describing a task that requires little effort. Imagine you are at a new job interview. You might say, "This software is 사용하기 쉽다 (easy to use)." It shows you are confident and capable. You can also use it for real-world directions. "The subway station is 찾기 쉽다 (easy to find)." It is also great for talking about habits or tendencies. Sometimes it means something is likely to happen. For example, "It is 잊어버리기 쉽다 (easy to forget)." This is like a warning to your future self. Use it when you want to sound natural and helpful.

Do not use this for general descriptions of things. If a book is easy, just say 쉬운 책이에요. You only use -기 쉽다 when there is a specific action. Do not use it for people, either. Saying a person is 쉽다 can sound quite rude in Korean! It implies they have no backbone or are too simple. Keep this pattern strictly for activities and actions. Also, avoid using it for things that are "convenient." There is a different word for that. Stick to the effort level of the task. If it takes zero brainpower, you are in the right place.

One big mistake is mixing it up with -기 편하다. 편하다 means something is comfortable or convenient. For example, wearing sneakers is 편하다. But solving a math problem is 쉽다. It is like a grammar traffic light; do not cross them! Another mistake is forgetting the -기 nominalizer. You cannot say 먹 쉽다. That sounds like broken robot speech. Always keep that -기 glued to the verb stem. Lastly, watch your politeness levels at the end. Make sure to conjugate 쉽다 to 쉬워요 or 쉽습니다. Native speakers might giggle if you leave it in the dictionary form.

You might wonder about -기 쉽다 versus -(으)ㄹ 수 있다. The second one means you "can" do something. But -기 쉽다 means the doing part is effortless. I can swim, but swimming in the ocean is not easy! Also, look at the opposite: -기 어렵다. This means something is difficult to do. These two are like siblings that never agree. Another one is -기 편하다 which we mentioned earlier. Think of 쉽다 as mental or physical effort. Think of 편하다 as your physical comfort or life efficiency. Knowing the difference makes you sound like a pro.