Core Grammar Rule: ~거든
~거든 is a conversational grammar pattern used to state a condition or reason before making a suggestion, command, or asking a question. It implies "If it's the case that..." or "Since...".
Meaning & Usage
Meaning: It connects two clauses, where the first clause (~거든) provides the context, condition, or reason for the second clause, which is typically a suggestion, command, or question.
When to use: Use it in spoken Korean with friends, family, or close colleagues. It creates a soft, natural flow by first establishing a shared premise. It's often used to present a fact the listener may not be aware of as the basis for the following suggestion. For example, "I know a good place (~거든), so shall we go there?"
Conjugation Rules
Rule: It's very simple. Just attach ~거든 directly to the stem of a verb or adjective, regardless of whether it ends in a vowel or a consonant.
Examples:
가다 (to go) → 가거든
먹다 (to eat) → 먹거든
있다 (to exist) → 있거든
예쁘다 (to be pretty) → 예쁘거든
춥다 (to be cold) → 춥거든
Verb/Adjective Stem + ~거든
Native Nuance & Mistakes
Understanding where not to use ~거든 is as important as knowing how to use it.
Spoken vs. Written Language
Context: ~거든 is almost exclusively used in conversation. Using it in formal writing, like an essay, report, or official email, would sound unnatural and inappropriate. For written conditions, always use the neutral conditional form ~(으)면.
Example: 회의가 끝나거든 연락 주세요. (Spoken, polite) vs. 회의가 끝나면 연락 주시기 바랍니다. (Written, formal)
Specific Situations vs. General Truths
Context: Use ~거든 for specific, hypothetical, or assumed situations between the speakers. Do not use it for general truths, scientific facts, or proverbs. ~(으)면 is used for these universal conditions.
Example: You would say "물이 100도가 되면 끓어요." (Water boils when it reaches 100 degrees), not "물이 100도가 되거든 끓어요."
Do: 그 책 다 읽거든 빌려줘. (O) / Don't: 봄이 오거든 꽃이 핀다. (X)