V/A + -거든(요)V/A + -geodeun(yo)
Intermediate 3 · #43Lesson 14: 여행 – Travel

V/A + -거든(요) – Because / You See... (Conversational Reason)

Meaning: Because, you see (sentence-final); if (mid-sentence conditional)

Conjugation & Pattern

  • Sentence-final (Giving reason): V/A + -거든요 | Past: -았/었거든요 | Noun: N + (이)거든요
  • Mid-sentence (Conditional): V/A + -거든 + Imperative/Propositive/Promise (If..., then...)

Detailed Usage

(1) Sentence-finally ('-거든요'): Used in conversation to provide a reason or background explanation that the listener does not yet know. (2) Mid-sentence ('-거든'): Expresses a realistic condition ('If X happens, then please do Y').

Example Sentences

  1. 1

    요즘 선풍기가 아주 잘 팔려요. 날씨가 무척 덥거든요.

    Yojeum seonpunggiga aju jal pallyeoyo. nalssiga mucheok deopgeodeunyo.

    Electric fans are selling very well lately. Because the weather is extremely hot, you see.

  2. 2

    어제 그 일을 다 못 했어요. 시간이 부족했거든요.

    Eoje geu ireul da mot haesseoyo. sigani bujokhaetgeodeunyo.

    I couldn't finish that work yesterday. Because I ran out of time.

  3. 3

    내일 시간이 있거든 오후에 같이 만납시다.

    Naeil sigani itgeodeun ohue gati mannapsida.

    If you have time tomorrow, let's meet in the afternoon.

Important Notes

'-거든요' is conversational and informal in tone, so avoid using it in formal presentations or official writing.

Grammar Topics