Korean -어야, -어야지(요), 대로: Opening a Bank Account
Korean -어야 means only if/you must (신분증이 있어야 계좌를 만들어요), -어야지요 is one really ought to, and 대로 means just as / according to (설명서대로) — admin Korean for the bank.
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Written by Alvin Lim Certified Korean Language Teacher (Level 2)
Korean -어야 marks a necessary condition — 신분증이 있어야 계좌를 만들 수 있어요 (you can only open an account if you have ID) — while -어야지(요) says one really ought to (약속은 지켜야지요) and 대로 means “just as / according to” (설명서대로 하세요, do it as the manual says). Few errands lean on these patterns more than opening a bank account, where everything hinges on requirements and following instructions.
You can already find a place to live. Next comes the admin Korean of paperwork — forms, IDs, and “you must do X before Y.” Let’s open an account.
Ten words for the bank
These cover almost any counter conversation at a Korean bank.
You can only do it if… — -어야 vs -어야지(요)
Two look-alike endings split the workload here. -어야 (-어야만) sets a requirement that the next clause depends on. -어야지(요) is a standalone “one really ought to” — a should-statement or a resolve. Keep them apart.
신분증이 있어야 계좌를 만들 수 있어요 = only if you have ID can you open an account 비밀번호가 있어야 출금할 수 있어요 = you can withdraw only if you have a PIN 약속은 지켜야지요 = you really ought to keep your word (assertion) 오늘은 일찍 자야지 = I’d better sleep early today (self-resolve)
So 신분증이 있어야… leads somewhere (“…then you can”), while 지켜야지요 stands alone as a “should!” Pair it with 만 for emphasis: 신분증이 있어야만 돼요 (you absolutely need ID).
According to the form — 대로
To say “just as / according to,” add 대로 straight onto a noun: 안내대로, 설명서대로, 생각대로. With a verb it follows tense: 말하는 대로 (as you speak), 말한 대로 (as you said).
안내대로 작성하세요 = fill it out as the guidance (says) 설명서대로 하세요 = do it just as the manual says 생각대로 됐어요 = it went exactly as I’d thought 제가 말한 대로 누르세요 = press it just as I said
At a bank counter you’ll mostly meet the noun form: 안내대로 작성하세요 (fill it in as instructed) is exactly what the teller will tell you.
Why does the order matter?
Stack the patterns the way a real account-opening goes: a requirement first (신분증이 있어야), then the instruction to follow (안내대로), then a friendly resolve (잘 적어야지). Notice how -어야 always points forward to a result, while 대로 always points back to a model you’re copying. Get those two directions straight and bank Korean stops feeling intimidating.
Opening the account
Watch the three patterns at the counter:
See them combine: -어야 gates the whole thing (신분증이 있어야 만들 수 있어요), 대로 tells you how to follow along (안내대로, 설명서대로), and -어야지요 caps it with a gentle “you should” (기억해야지요). That’s bank Korean in three moves.
FAQ
What’s the difference between -어야 and -어야지(요)? -어야 states a NECESSARY CONDITION and leads into a result: 신분증이 있어야 계좌를 만들 수 있어요 = only if you have ID can you open an account. -어야지(요) stands more on its own as an assertion or a resolve — “one really ought to / I’d better”: 약속은 지켜야지요 = you really should keep your word; 일찍 자야지 = I’d better sleep early. So -어야 = the condition for something else; -어야지요 = a should-statement, sometimes a bit reproachful or self-directed.
Does 대로 attach to nouns and verbs the same way? With a NOUN, just add 대로 directly: 안내대로, 설명서대로, 생각대로 = according to the guidance / the manual / my thoughts. With a VERB, the form depends on tense: 말하는 대로 (as you speak, present) and 말한 대로 (as you said, past). The meaning is always “just as / in accordance with.” For bank forms you’ll mostly use the noun pattern: 설명서대로 하세요, 안내대로 작성하세요.
What basic words do I need to open an account in Korea? You’ll hear 계좌 (account) and 통장 (bankbook/passbook), 신분증 (ID), and 비밀번호 (PIN/password). The staff will ask you to 작성하다 (fill out) 서류 (documents) and 신청하다 (apply). Once it’s open you 입금하다 (deposit) and 출금하다 (withdraw). Bring your 신분증 — 신분증이 있어야 계좌를 만들 수 있어요 (you can only open an account if you have ID).
Next: getting electronics repaired — 껐다 켰더니 잘돼요. Previous: house-hunting — -으려면 / -는 대신에. Full path: curriculum hub.