V/A + -(으)니까V/A + -(eu)nikka
Beginner 2 · #5Lesson 2: 약속 – Appointments

V/A + -(으)니까 – Because / since (Subjective Reason & Suggestion)

Meaning: Because / since (states a reason supporting a command, suggestion, or judgment)

Conjugation & Pattern

  • Stem without patchim or ending in ㄹ (drop ㄹ) + -니까 (가니까, 바쁘니까, 사니까)
  • Stem with patchim + -으니까 (먹으니까, 추우니까, 들으니까)
  • Past: V/A + -았/었으니까 | Noun (N): (이)니까

Detailed Usage

Expresses a reason or basis for the main clause. Unlike '-아/어서', '-(으)니까' CAN be followed by imperatives (-(으)세요) and propositives (-(으)ㅂ시다, -(으)ㄹ까요?), and CAN take past tense (-았/었으니까).

Example Sentences

  1. 1

    밖이 추우니까 옷을 따뜻하게 입으세요.

    Bakki chuunikka oseul ttatteuthage ibeuseyo.

    Since it is cold outside, please dress warmly.

  2. 2

    지금 길이 막히니까 지하철을 탑시다.

    Jigeum giri makhinikka jihacheoreul tapsida.

    Since the road is congested right now, let's take the subway.

  3. 3

    내일 시험이 있으니까 오늘 일찍 자요.

    Naeil siheomi isseunikka oneul iljjik jayo.

    Since we have an exam tomorrow, let's go to bed early today.

Important Notes

Do not use '-(으)니까' in formulaic greetings, thanks, or apologies (such as 반갑습니다, 고맙습니다, 미안합니다 -> use -아/어서 instead).

Grammar Topics