Question

내가 너한테 몇 번을 말해야 해? The -아/어야 되/하- structure attaches to verb stems and coveys the meaning of 'must' or 'have to'. The pattern combines the -아/어야 ('only if') ending and the verb 되/하- ('become'/'do'). The literal meaning of -아/어야 되/하-, which does not pass into translation in its original form, is 'only if you do ... it will do'.The pattern can occur preceded by the past tense marker changing the meaning to 'should have done' used when talking about failed obligations.

Accepted Answer

How many times do I have to tell you?

Front	내가 너한테 몇 번을 말해야 해?
Back	How many times do I have to tell you?
Notes	The -아/어야 되/하- structure attaches to verb stems and coveys the meaning of 'must' or 'have to'. The pattern combines the -아/어야 ('only if') ending and the verb 되/하- ('become'/'do'). The literal meaning of -아/어야 되/하-, which does not pass into translation in its original form, is 'only if you do ... it will do'. The pattern can occur preceded by the past tense marker changing the meaning to 'should have done' used when talking about failed obligations.

아/어야 Meaning 되/하 Verb Pattern 내가 너한테 몇