And / Sequence

-고 is a versatile connector that attaches to the stem of verbs and adjectives. It has two primary functions: listing related items or describing a sequence of events.

Formation

Attaching -고 is simple: just add it directly to the verb or adjective stem, regardless of whether it ends in a vowel or a consonant.

먹다 (to eat) → 먹고

싸다 (to be cheap) → 싸고

착하다 (to be kind) → 착하고

좋다 (to be good) → 좋고

Usage: Listing vs. Sequence

Listing/Enumeration: Use -고 to connect two or more actions or states, similar to "and" in English. The order is not necessarily important.

그 친구는 착하고 똑똑해요. (He is kind and smart.)

이 식당은 싸고 맛있어요. (This restaurant is cheap and delicious.)

Sequence: Use -고 to connect actions that happen one after the other, meaning "and then." The first action is completed before the second one begins.

친구 만나고 영화 봤어요. (I met a friend and then watched a movie.)

손 씻고 밥 먹어. (Wash your hands and then eat.)

그 친구는 착하고 똑똑해요. / 이 식당은 싸고 맛있어요. / 친구 만나고 영화 봤어요. / 손 씻고 밥 드세요.

Understanding whether -고 means "and" (listing) or "and then" (sequence) depends on the context and the types of words used.

With Adjectives

When connecting two or more adjectives, -고 almost always functions as a simple list of qualities describing the same subject.

이 식당은 싸고 맛있어요. (This restaurant is cheap AND delicious.)

크고 깨끗해요. (It's big AND clean.)

With Action Verbs

When connecting action verbs, context is key.

Clear Sequence: If the actions logically must happen in order, it means "and then."

손 씻고 밥 먹어. (You must wash your hands before you eat.)

밥 먹고 갈게요. (I'll leave after I eat.)