Why don't you?

This pattern is used to make a suggestion or recommendation to someone. It's a softer, more indirect way of telling someone what you think they should do.

Meaning & Usage

Meaning: It translates closely to "Why don't you...?" or "It would be good if you..."

When to use: Use it when you see someone in a situation and you have a helpful suggestion. For example, if a friend is complaining about being tired, you can suggest, 좀 쉬지 그래? (Why don't you rest a bit?).

Formation

This pattern is very simple to form. Just attach -지 그래(요)? directly to the verb stem, regardless of whether it ends in a vowel or a consonant.

자다 (to sleep): 자 + 지 그래(요)? → 자지 그래(요)?

먹다 (to eat): 먹 + 지 그래(요)? → 먹지 그래(요)?

하다 (to do): 하 + 지 그래(요)? → 하지 그래(요)?

운동 좀 하지 그래요? / 솔직하게 말하지 그래? / 추운데 안으로 들어오지 그래요? / 한번 해 보지 그래?

While -지 그래(요)? translates to "Why don't you...?", it's not a real question asking for a reason. It's a rhetorical question used to make a suggestion.

Suggestion, Not a Question

The speaker isn't asking "Why aren't you doing this?" They are saying, "I think you should do this." The listener isn't expected to provide a reason for not doing the action, but rather to consider the suggestion.

Hint of Mild Frustration

Depending on the context and tone, this pattern can carry a slight nuance of impatience or frustration, especially if the suggested solution seems obvious. For instance, if someone keeps complaining about the same problem, saying 그만하지 그래? (Why don't you just stop?) can sound a bit pointed, as if you're saying, "The solution is simple, why are you still doing that?"

Common Mistake

Avoid using this pattern to make suggestions to superiors or in very formal settings. While -지 그래요? is polite, it can sound slightly presumptuous or even like you're chiding the listener. For elders or bosses, a pattern like -(으)시는 게 어때요? (How about doing...?) is a safer and more respectful choice.

사과하지 그래? / 그만하지 그래요? / 일찍 자지 그래? / 지금 시작하지 그래요?

The politeness level of this pattern is controlled by adding or removing 요 at the end. The script for this lesson provides many examples of both forms.

Casual Form: -지 그래?

Use -지 그래? (반말) when speaking to close friends, family members, or people younger than you. It's informal and friendly.

Example: 네가 사지 그래? (Why don't you buy it?)

Polite Form: -지 그래요?

Use -지 그래요? (해요체) in most other situations, such as with colleagues, acquaintances, or anyone you would normally use polite speech with. It maintains a respectful tone while still being a friendly suggestion.

Example: 호리 씨가 사지 그래요? (Hori, why don't you buy it?)

그냥 자지 그래? / 그냥 자지 그래요? / 같이 가지 그래? / 같이 가지 그래요? / 좀 쉬지 그래? / 좀 쉬지 그래요?