Core Pattern Rule: Stating the Obvious with 당연히 ... -지/죠
This pattern is used to strongly affirm that something is natural, expected, or a matter of course. It combines the adverb 당연히 (naturally, of course) with a verb or adjective ending in -지 (casual) or -죠 (polite).
Meaning & Usage
Meaning: It translates to "Of course...", "Obviously...", or "Naturally..." It's used to express that the speaker considers the statement to be self-evident.
When to use: Use it when responding to a question or statement where the answer seems obvious to you. It carries a nuance of confirming something that should already be known or agreed upon.
Formation
The structure is straightforward:
당연히 + Verb/Adjective Stem + -지/죠
For example:
알다 (to know) → 당연히 알지 / 당연히 알죠
맛있다 (to be delicious) → 당연히 맛있지 / 당연히 맛있죠
하다 (to do) → 당연히 하지 / 당연히 하죠
그럼 당연하지. / 당연히 알지. / 당연히 맛있지. / 당연히 기억하죠.
Common Combinations & Nuance
This pattern frequently pairs with other grammar points to express more specific, obvious truths, like obligations or possibilities.
With Obligation: -아/어야 하다
When combined with grammar for 'must' or 'have to', it strongly emphasizes a necessary action.
Pattern: 당연히 + Verb Stem + -아/어야지/죠
Example: 당연히 해야죠. (Of course you have to do it.)
With Negation: 안 / 못
It's also very common in negative statements to express that something is obviously not true, not allowed, or not possible.
Examples:
당연히 모르지. (Of course I don't know.)
당연히 안 되지. (Of course that's not allowed.)
Nuance: Tone Matters
While this pattern is useful for simple confirmation (당연히 맛있죠!), be aware of the context. Your tone of voice can make it sound friendly and reassuring, or slightly impatient and dismissive, as if to say, "Why would you even ask?"