도: How to Say "Also" and "Too" in Korean

One of the most satisfying moments in learning Korean is when a single particle unlocks a dozen new sentences at once.

도 is that kind of particle.

It means "also," "too," or "even" - and it works across a wide range of situations. Once you know how 도 works, you can add nuance and connection to almost any sentence you already know.

What Does 도 Mean?

도 is an additive particle - it adds something to what's already been said or implied. Depending on context, it translates as:

• Also / Too → adding another item to the conversation
• Even → highlighting something surprising or unexpected
• Either → in negative sentences

How 도 Works: It Replaces 은/는 and 이/가

도 replaces the topic particle 은/는 and subject particle 이/가.

⚠️ Never stack 도 on top of 은/는 or 이/가. ❌ 저는도 / 친구가도 ✅ 저도 / 친구도

도 With Object Particle 을/를

도 also replaces 을/를:

도 With Location Particles: 에도 and 에서도

Here's where it gets especially useful - 도 can attach to (not replace) location particles 에 and 에서:

💡 This is the one exception to the "도 replaces particles" rule. With location particles 에 and 에서, 도 attaches after them - it doesn't replace them.

❌ 서울도 갔어요 → ✅ 서울에도 갔어요 ❌ 도서관도 공부해요 → ✅ 도서관에서도 공부해요

에도 vs 에서도 - The Difference

The same 에 vs 에서 rule applies:

More 에도 examples:

제주도에도 갔어요. (I also went to Jeju Island.) 냉장고에도 없어요. (It's not in the fridge either.) 한국에도 친구가 있어요. (I also have friends in Korea.)

More 에서도 examples:

집에서도 공부해요. (I also study at home.) 회사에서도 한국어를 써요. (I also use Korean at work.)

도 for "Even" - Highlighting the Unexpected

도 also carries the meaning of "even" - when something is surprising or beyond expectation.

도 in Negative Sentences: "Either / Neither"

In negative sentences, 도 means "either":

Real Conversations Using 도

📍 Conversation 1: Finding things in common

A: 저는 한국 음식을 정말 좋아해요. (I really like Korean food.)

B: 저도요! 특히 뭘 좋아해요? (Me too! What do you especially like?)

A: 삼겹살을 제일 좋아해요. 김치찌개도 좋아해요. (I like samgyeopsal the most. I also like kimchi jjigae.)

B: 저도 김치찌개 좋아해요! 매운 것도 잘 먹어요? (I like kimchi jjigae too! Can you handle spicy things too?)

A: 네, 매운 것도 잘 먹어요. (Yes, I can handle spicy things too.)

📍 Conversation 2: Talking about study habits

A: 어디에서 한국어를 공부해요? (Where do you study Korean?)

B: 주로 집에서 공부해요. 카페에서도 가끔 공부해요. (I mainly study at home. I also sometimes study at cafés.)

A: 유튜브도 봐요? (Do you also watch YouTube?)

B: 네, 유튜브도 보고 팟캐스트도 들어요. (Yes, I also watch YouTube and also listen to podcasts.)

📍 Conversation 3: Making plans

A: 저 이번 주말에 한강에 가요. 같이 갈래요? (I'm going to the Han River this weekend. Want to come?)

B: 좋아요! 저도 가고 싶었어요. (Sure! I also wanted to go.)

A: 자전거도 탈 수 있어요? (Can you also ride bikes?)

B: 네! 자전거도 타고 치킨도 먹어요! (Yes! Let's also ride bikes and eat fried chicken!)

Quick Reference: 도 With Different Particles

도 vs 또: Don't Mix These Up

또 modifies the verb. 도 attaches to a noun. They're not interchangeable.

Quick Practice

Fill in the blank with 도, 에도, or 에서도:

1. 저___ 한국어를 배워요. (I also learn Korean.)
2. 부산___ 가고 싶어요. (I also want to go to Busan.)
3. 도서관___ 공부할 거예요. (I'm also going to study at the library.)
4. 친구___ 왔어요. (My friend came too.)
5. 냉장고___ 없어요. (It's not in the fridge either.)

Answers:

1. 저도 / 2. 부산에도 / 3. 도서관에서도 / 4. 친구도 / 5. 냉장고에도

Summary

📚 This Is Chapters 6 & 7 of the A1 Masterclass

도 and its combinations with location particles are covered in Chapters 6 and 7 of the Today Korean A1 Masterclass - where you'll practice using them in real shopping, counting, and daily life conversations.

👉 See the full A1 curriculum