Conjunctive Adverbs (and, so, but)

What are Conjunctive Adverbs?

In Korean, conjunctive adverbs ( 접속 부사 ) are words that create a logical link between two separate, complete sentences. They are typically placed at the very beginning of the second sentence to show how it relates to the first one.

For example:

Sentence 1: 비가 와요. (It's raining.)

Sentence 2: 그래서 우산을 챙겼어요. (So, I brought an umbrella.)

This is different from connecting endings ( 연결 어미 ) like -고 (and) or -지만 (but), which join two parts into a single, longer sentence. We'll cover those in the next lesson!

Using 그리고 (and / and then)

그리고 is one of the most basic connectors. It has two primary functions that are very similar to 'and' and 'and then' in English.

1. Listing Items or Facts

Use 그리고 to add another piece of related information.

저는 학생입니다. 그리고 한국어를 공부합니다.

I am a student. And I study Korean.

책을 읽어요. 그리고 음악을 들어요.

I read books. And I listen to music.

2. Showing Sequence

Use 그리고 to show that one action happened after another.

어제 친구를 만났어요. 그리고 같이 영화를 봤어요.

I met a friend yesterday. And then we watched a movie together.

For a clearer sense of 'after that', you can also use 그리고 나서 or 그 다음에 .

Using 그래서 (so / therefore)

그래서 is used to connect a cause (or reason) with its effect (or result). The first sentence states the 'why', and the second sentence, starting with 그래서 , states the 'what happened'.

The structure is always: [Cause]. 그래서 [Effect].

어제 잠을 못 잤어요. 그래서 오늘 피곤해요.

I couldn't sleep yesterday. So , I'm tired today.

날씨가 추워요. 그래서 두꺼운 옷을 입었어요.

The weather is cold. So , I wore thick clothes.

Think of it as a logical bridge from a reason to its direct outcome.

Using 그러나, 하지만, and 그런데 (but / however)

These three words all express some form of contrast, but they have different levels of formality and nuance.

Adverb · Meaning · Usage Notes

그러나 · But, however · Very formal. Mostly used in writing, news, or formal speeches. Shows a strong, direct contrast.

하지만 · But, however · Standard and common in both speaking and writing. Less formal than 그러나 . A safe, all-purpose choice for 'but'.

그런데 · But / By the way · Very common in conversation. It can show a softer contrast or be used to change the subject entirely.

Examples:

Contrast (Formal): 저는 운동을 좋아해요. 그러나 제 동생은 싫어해요. (I like exercise. However, my sibling hates it.)

Contrast (Standard): 한국어 공부는 어려워요. 하지만 재미있어요. (Studying Korean is difficult. But it's fun.)

Contrast (Conversational): 어제 백화점에 갔어요. 그런데 마음에 드는 옷이 없었어요. (I went to the store yesterday. But there were no clothes I liked.)

Topic Change: 우리 영화 볼까요? 그런데 무슨 영화가 재미있어요? (Shall we watch a movie? By the way, what movies are fun?)

Quick Tip: In everyday conversation, you'll hear 하지만 and 그런데 far more often than 그러나 .

Quick review

그러나: Formal contrast (but)

그런데: Softer contrast, topic change (but, by the way)

하지만 is also common.