Setting the Background
When you want to make a suggestion, a request, or simply state a fact, it is helpful to provide some context first. In Korean, we use the background connector to set the stage for the second half of the sentence.
Think of it as saying, "Given this situation..." or "Here is the context, and..." before you make your main point. The first clause simply introduces the background information so the listener can easily understand what follows.
Choosing the Right Form
The connector changes slightly depending on whether you attach it to an action verb, a descriptive verb (adjective), or a noun.
Word Type · Ending · Example
Action Verbs · -는데 · 가다 → 가는데
먹다 → 먹는데
Adjectives (No batchim) · -ㄴ데 · 바쁘다 → 바쁜데
Adjectives (With batchim) · -은데 · 좋다 → 좋은데
Nouns · -인데 · 학생이다 → 학생인데
Connecting Verbs with -는데
For action verbs, we attach -는데 directly to the verb stem, regardless of whether it ends in a consonant or a vowel.
Short Sentences · Connected Sentence
비가 와요.
우산이 없어요. · 비가 오 는데 우산이 없어요.
백화점에 가요.
살 것이 있어요? · 백화점에 가 는데 살 것이 있어요?
Notice how the first part provides the background situation (it is raining / I am going to the store) for the second part (I do not have an umbrella / do you want to buy anything?).
Connecting Adjectives and Nouns
For adjectives, use -ㄴ데 if the stem ends in a vowel, and -은데 if it ends in a consonant. For nouns attached to the verb 이다 (to be), use -인데 .
Short Sentences · Connected Sentence
날씨가 좋아요.
산책할까요? · 날씨가 좋 은데 산책할까요?
지금 회의 중이에요.
나중에 전화할게요. · 지금 회의 중 인데 나중에 전화할게요.