Listing and Adding: -에다가, -(이)며

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 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 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

Vowel or ㄹ · -며 · 가다 → 가며 (goes and...) / 살다 → 살며 (lives and...)

Consonant (except ㄹ) · -으며 · 먹다 → 먹으며 (eats and...)

Examples

이것은 사과 이며 저것은 배입니다.

This is an apple, and that is a pear.

그는 노래를 잘 부르 며 춤도 잘 춥니다.

He sings well and also dances well.

Key Differences

The main distinction between these two particles lies in their core function and level of formality.

Feature · -에다가 · -(이)며

Meaning · Adding B to A · Listing A and B as equals

Connects · Nouns only · Nouns, Verbs, Adjectives

Nuance · Often a physical combination · Lists two parallel facts or states

Formality · More conversational · More formal / written

Example Contrast

Notice how the particle changes the meaning completely:

빵에다가 잼을 발랐어요.

I spread jam on the bread. (Focus on addition)

이것은 빵 이며 저것은 잼입니다.

This is bread, and that is jam. (Focus on listing two separate items)

Quick review

-에다가: Adding to

-(이)며: Listing equals