-지요(죠)

-지요 (short: -죠) checks that the listener agrees or softly states something both people know: 'right? / you know'.

문장 끝·말투Endings & speech style

Han: When you really don't know the answer, ask an open question; -지요 here sounds like you forgot and are asking yourself.

Examples

오늘 날씨 정말 덥죠?It's really hot today, isn't it?

한국 음식 좋아하시죠?You like Korean food, right?

그럼요, 당연히 가야지요.Of course — naturally I have to go.

-지요(죠)vs-아/어요?-아/어요? is an open question; -지요? assumes the answer and asks for confirmation: 바빠요? vs 바쁘지요?

V/A+지요(죠)

N+(이)지요

덥다 → 덥지요?, 학생 → 학생이지요?

With rising intonation it is a question expecting 'yes'; with falling intonation a confident statement.
In speech -죠 is far more common than -지요.

Wrong: ~~이름이 뭐지요?~~

Right: 이름이 뭐예요?

When you really don't know the answer, ask an open question; -지요 here sounds like you forgot and are asking yourself.

Hannim plans each day up to your exam date: questions on this pattern, reviews, full mock papers and graded writing. 7 days free, no card.