V/A + -길래, N + -(이)길래 (Because I saw that..., I... / What on earth ... that...?)
Meaning: 1) Since I saw/noticed that..., I did... (colloquial). 2) (With question words) Just what/who/how ... that ...?
Conjugation & Pattern
- Present: V/A + -길래 | Noun (N) + -(이)길래
- Past: V/A + -았/었길래
- Quotative: -(ㄴ/는)다길래, -자길래, -(으)라길래
Detailed Usage
Spoken counterpart of '-기에'. Meaning 1: An external situation (3rd person) prompts the speaker (1st person) to act. Meaning 2: With question words, asks in surprise about the cause of the main clause.
Example Sentences
- 1
시장에 갔더니 과일이 맛있어 보이길래 좀 사 왔다.
Sijange gatdeoni gwairi masisseo boigillae jom sa watda.
When I went to the market, the fruit looked delicious, so I bought some.
- 2
영호 씨가 도대체 뭘 하길래 아직도 안 와요?
Yeongho ssiga dodaeche mwol hagillae ajikdo an wayo?
Just what on earth is Yongho doing that he still hasn't arrived?
- 3
얼마나 부자이길래 돈을 그렇게 펑펑 써요?
Eolmana bujaigillae doneul geureotge peongpeong sseoyo?
Just how rich are they to be spending money so lavishly?
Important Notes
In Meaning 1, the main clause cannot be imperative or propositive.
