‘거든요’ is a commonly used Korean sentence-ending expression that adds explanation or background information. It is often used in conversations to justify a statement, explain a reason, or give additional context. Understanding how to use ‘거든요’ correctly can help learners sound more natural in Korean. In this guide, we will explore its meaning, structure, and practical examples.
Contents
1. Definition
The Korean grammar pattern ‘거든요’ is used to provide background information, give a reason, or explain a situation. In English, it’s similar to phrases like “because,” “you see,” or “it’s because…” depending on the context.
2. Form (Structure)
The structure of “거든요” is as follows:
- Verb / Adjective + 거든요
- Noun + (이) 거든요
For nouns, the usage depends on whether the noun ends with a consonant or a vowel:
- If the noun ends with a consonant, add ‘이거든요’
- If the noun ends with a vowel, simply add ‘거든요’
Here’s a table to help you understand the structure better:
| Type | Rule | Example |
| Verb | Verb stem + 거든요 | 먹다 → 먹거든요 (I eat, you see) |
| Adjective | Adjective stem + 거든요 | 크다 → 크거든요 (It’s big, you see) |
| Noun (consonant ending) | Noun + 이거든요 | 학생 → 학생이거든요 (I’m a student, you see) |
| Noun (vowel ending) | Noun + 거든요 | 의사 → 의사거든요 (I’m a doctor, you see) |
3. Meaning & Usage
“거든요” is mainly used in three ways:
1. To explain a reason or background information
“거든요” is often used to give an explanation for something that was just said. It provides additional background information to clarify a statement.
✅ Example sentences:
- 저는 오늘 커피를 안 마셨어요. 어제 잠을 못 잤거든요.
(I didn’t drink coffee today. You see, I couldn’t sleep yesterday.) - 길이 미끄러워요. 비가 왔거든요.
(The road is slippery. You see, it rained.) - 왜 요즘 운동을 열심히 해요? 건강이 안 좋아졌거든요.
(Why are you working out so hard these days? You see, my health got worse.) - 친구랑 싸웠어요. 오해가 있었거든요.
(I had a fight with my friend. You see, there was a misunderstanding.) - 저녁을 많이 먹었어요. 점심을 못 먹었거든요.
(I ate a lot for dinner. You see, I skipped lunch.)
2. To softly correct or add information
When someone misunderstands or lacks information, “거든요” is used to gently correct them or add more details.
✅ Example sentences:
- A: 너 김치 안 좋아하지?
B: 아니, 좋아하거든!
(A: You don’t like kimchi, right?
B: No, I actually like it! ) - A: 주말에 한가해요?
B: 아니, 바빠요. 시험이 있거든요.
(A: Are you free this weekend?
B: No, I’m busy. You see, I have a test.) - A: 이 영화 재미없지 않아요?
B: 아니요, 엄청 감동적이거든요!
(A: Isn’t this movie boring?
B: No, it’s actually really touching!) - A: 왜 이 식당이 좋아요?
B: 네, 여기 음식이 진짜 맛있거든요.
(A: Why do you like this restaurant?
B: You see, the food here is really delicious.) - A: 저 사람은 운동 안 할 것 같은데?
B: 아니예요, 매일 운동하거든요.
(A: That person doesn’t look like they work out.
B: No, they actually work out every day!)
3. To create a friendly, conversational tone
“거든요” makes speech sound more natural and friendly. It’s often used in casual conversations to share opinions or emphasize a point.
✅ Example sentences:
- 이 드라마 꼭 봐야 해요. 진짜 재미있거든요!
(You have to watch this drama. It’s really fun, you see!) - 서울 가는 거 기대돼요. 아직 한 번도 안 가봤거든요.
(I’m excited to go to Seoul. You see, I’ve never been there before.) - 이 노래 계속 듣고 있어요. 가사가 너무 예쁘거든요.
(I keep listening to this song. You see, the lyrics are so beautiful.) - 저는 겨울이 좋아요. 눈이 내리거든요.
(I like winter. You see, it snows!) - 이 책 읽어 봐요! 작가가 유명하거든요.
(Read this book! You see, the author is really famous.)
4. Key Points to Remember
- ‘거든요’ is commonly used in spoken Korean.
- It’s used to explain reasons or provide background information.
- It creates a softer, more conversational tone.
- It cannot be used in formal writing or speeches.
5. Practice Exercises
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of ‘거든요’.
- 저는 요즘 바빠요. __________ (일이 많다)
(I’m busy these days. You see, I have a lot of work.) - 오늘 기분이 좋아요. __________ (오늘 제 생일이다)
(I’m in a good mood today. You see, it’s my birthday.) - 그 영화 추천할게요. __________ (정말 재미있다)
(I recommend that movie. You see, it’s really funny.) - 늦게 왔어요. __________ (버스가 늦게 오다)
(I came late. You see, the bus was delayed.) - 매운 음식 좋아하세요? __________ (저는 매운 음식을 잘 못 먹다)
(Do you like spicy food? You see, I can’t eat spicy food well.) - 한국어 공부가 재미있어요. __________ (한국 문화에 관심이 많다)
(Korean study is fun. You see, I’m very interested in Korean culture.) - 이 음식 맛있어 보여요. __________ (유명한 요리사가 만들다)
(This food looks delicious. You see, a famous chef made it.) - 오늘 일찍 일어났어요. __________ (중요한 회의가 있다)
(I woke up early today. You see, I have an important meeting.) - 이 가방을 샀어요. __________ (가격이 저렴하다)
(I bought this bag. You see, the price was cheap.) - 그 영화를 못 봤어요. __________ (표가 매진되다)
(I couldn’t watch that movie. You see, the tickets were sold out.)
6. Answers
- 일이 많거든요
- 오늘 제 생일이거든요
- 정말 재미있거든요
- 버스가 늦게 왔거든요
- 저는 매운 음식을 잘 못 먹거든요
- 한국 문화에 관심이 많거든요
- 유명한 요리사가 만들었거든요
- 중요한 회의가 있거든요
- 가격이 저렴하거든요
- 표가 매진됐거든요
7. Common Mistakes and Tips
Using ‘거든요’ in Korean can be tricky, and misusing it can make your speech sound unnatural. Here are some common mistakes and tips to help you use ‘거든요’ correctly.
⚠️ Mistake 1: Using ‘거든요’ in Formal Writing
Incorrect: 이 연구는 매우 중요합니다. 환경 보호와 관련이 깊거든요. ❌
(This research is very important. You see, it’s deeply related to environmental protection.)
Correct: 이 연구는 매우 중요합니다. 왜냐하면 환경 보호와 깊은 관련이 있기 때문입니다. ✅
(This research is very important. Because it has a deep connection to environmental protection. )
💡 Tip: ‘거든요’ is a spoken form and should not be used in academic papers or formal documents. Instead, use more formal expressions to maintain a professional tone.
Example:
- Formal: This policy will help economic growth. Because it creates new jobs.
- Informal: This policy will help economic growth. You see, it can create new jobs.
⚠️ Mistake 2: Using ‘거든요’ Without Prior Context
Incorrect:
- A: 안녕하세요. (Hello.)
- B: 네, 안녕하세요. 저는 오늘 부산에 갈 거거든요. ❌
(Yes, hello. I’m going to Busan today, you see.)
Correct:
- A: 오늘 뭐 할 거예요? (What are you doing today?)
- B: 아, 저는 부산에 갈 거예요. 친구 결혼식이 있거든요. ✅
(Ah, I’m going to Busan. You see, I have a friend’s wedding.)
💡 Tip: ‘거든요’ always requires prior context and cannot be the first sentence in a conversation. It must explain a previous statement or provide a reason for something already mentioned.
⚠️ Mistake 3: Using ‘거든요’ to Ask Questions
Incorrect: 왜 안 왔거든요? ❌ (Why didn’t you come, you see?)
Correct: 왜 안 왔어요? ✅ (Why didn’t you come?)
💡 Tip: ‘거든요’ is not used in questions. Simply use ‘왜 ~요?’ to ask why.
Example:
Correct: 어디에 가요? ✅ (Where are you going?)
Incorrect: 어디에 가거든요? ❌ (Where are you going, you see?)
⚠️ Mistake 4: Using ‘거든요’ with Commands or Suggestions
Incorrect: 내일 일찍 오거든요! ❌ (Come early tomorrow, you see!)
Correct: 내일 일찍 오세요! ✅ (Come early tomorrow!)
💡 Tip: ‘거든요’ is used to explain something, not to give orders or suggestions. Use polite imperative forms instead.
Example:
- Incorrect: 이 약을 매일 복용하거든요! ❌ (Take this medicine every day, you see!)
- Correct: 이 약을 매일 복용하세요! ✅ (Take this medicine every day!)
⚠️ Mistake 5: Using ‘거든요’ with Plain Statements
Incorrect:
- A: 직업이 뭐예요? (What’s your job?)
- B: 저는 학생이거든요. ❌ (I’m a student, you see.)
Correct:
- A: 왜 늦었어요? (Why are you late?)
- B: 죄송해요. 저는 학생이거든요. 오늘 시험이 있어서 늦었어요. ✅
(Sorry. I’m a student, you see. I was late because I had an exam today.)
💡 Tip: ‘거든요’ should add extra information or a reason. If your statement doesn’t need an explanation, just use ‘이에요/예요’ instead. However, ‘거든요’ can be used to provide additional context or to explain why you’re mentioning something.
Example:
- A: 왜 한국어를 배워요? (Why are you learning Korean?)
- B: 저는 한국 회사에서 일하고 싶거든요. 그래서 열심히 공부하고 있어요. (I want to work at a Korean company, you see. That’s why I’m studying hard.)
By using ‘거든요’ correctly, you can provide reasons for your actions or statements, making your Korean expressions more natural and fluent.
‘거든요’ is a useful grammar pattern that adds background information, reasons, or explanations in conversations. It helps make speech sound more natural and engaging. However, remember that it is only used in spoken Korean and must always provide additional context. By practicing with real-life examples, you can use ‘거든요’ naturally and confidently!