Introduction to Listing Particles
Connecting Ideas in Korean
In English, we use words like “and,” “also,” or “on top of” to connect ideas or list items. Korean uses special particles attached directly to words to serve a similar function. This lesson focuses on two important particles for listing and adding: -에다가 and -(이)며 .
While both can be translated as “and,” they have different nuances and are used in different situations. Understanding them will help you connect your thoughts more naturally.
Adding to a Noun: -에다가
Adding B to A
The particle -에다가 is used when you add something to a noun. Think of it as meaning “to,” “on,” or “in addition to.” It often implies a physical combination of two things.
How to Use
Attach -에다가 directly to a noun, regardless of whether it ends in a vowel or a consonant. In casual conversation, it's very common to shorten it to -에다 .
밥 + 에다가 → 밥에다가 (to the rice)
커피 + 에다가 → 커피에다가 (to the coffee)
Tip: While -에 also marks a location, -에다가 emphasizes that something new is being placed or added there.
Examples
비빔밥에다가 고추장을 넣었어요.
I put gochujang in the bibimbap.
가방에다가 책을 넣었어요.
I put the book in the bag.
Listing Items or Actions: -(이)며
Listing A and B
The connector -(이)며 is used to list two or more nouns, actions, or states that are of equal importance. It functions like “and” or “as well as” and is typically used in more formal speech or writing compared to -고 or 그리고 .
Usage with Nouns
Noun ends in... · Add... · Example
Vowel · -며 · 의사 → 의사이며 (is a doctor and...)
Consonant · -이며 · 학생 → 학생이며 (is a student and...)
Usage with Verbs & Adjectives
Stem ends in... · Add... · Example