Let's learn how to use Korean grammar "V / A+ 거든요" with conjugation rules and some simple real-life examples.
V / A+ 거든요(“You see… / Actually… / Because…”)
USE:
-거든요 is used to explain a reason, give background information, or add an explanation for something previously said or implied.
It often appears in spoken Korean to make speech sound softer, friendly, or explanatory.
It translates to “You see… / Actually… / Because…” in English.
Usage:
To explain a reason
Often used to justify or explain why something is the case.오늘 못 나가요. 감기 걸렸거든요.
→ I can’t go out today. Because I caught a cold.
To add background or personal reason (soft tone)
이 가게 자주 와요. 음식이 맛있거든요.
→ I come to this restaurant often. The food is delicious, you see.
To give extra context to a previous sentence
왜 그렇게 바빠요?
내일 시험이 있거든요.
→ Why are you so busy?
→ I have an exam tomorrow, you see.
CONJUGATION RULE:
-거든요 grammar is used with verbs, adjectives and nouns.
The first step of ‘V / A / N + 거든요' conjugation is to remove ‘다’ from the basic form of the verb, adjective , Then you add -거든요 to the verb stem or adjective stem.
- 가다 → 가거든요
- 예쁘다 → 예쁘거든요
For nouns you add -(이)거든요 -
- 학생 → 학생이거든요
- 의사 → 의사거든요
EXAMPLE SENTENCES:
- 오늘 일찍 잘 거예요. 내일 중요한 약속이 있거든요.
→ I’m going to sleep early today. I have an important appointment tomorrow. - 한국어를 배우고 있어요. 한국 문화가 정말 흥미롭거든요.
→ I’m learning Korean because Korean culture is really interesting.
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
Usually used at the end of a sentence when giving an explanation or reason.
Not commonly used in formal written language, it’s more spoken and conversational.
It makes your tone sound friendly and natural.
