Lesson 17
In this lesson, let us take a look at the commonly used verb ending -거든(요). It has a very subtle meaning, and when used correctly and appropriately, it can make your Korean sound much more natural and fluent.
Usages of -거든(요)
1. -거든(요) can be used to express a reason or some background explanation for something, except -거든(요) forms a separate sentence from the sentence expressing a result. Other expressions that can express reasons for something are -아/어/여서, -(으)니까, and -기 때문에, but these are used in the same sentence with the result. However, -거든(요) is mostly added separately to your statement about what happened or will happen.
Ex)
저도 모르겠어요. 저 방금 왔거든요.
= I do not know either. I just got here.
You could say, “저 방금 왔어요” but by adding -거든요, you are adding flavor to your sentence and making it sound more natural. It is also showing a reason for your answer.
If you use -아/어/여서, -(으)니까, or -기 때문에 to say “because” or “since”, the clause that explains the reason comes before your answer; with -거든요, the result usually comes first and the sentence that explains the reason comes next.
Ex)
저 방금 와서 저도 모르겠어요.
= I just got here so I do not know.
People sometimes say the -거든요 part of the sentence alone just to explain the reason for something, as long as the result is clear.
Ex)
저 방금 왔거든요. = Because I just got here.
2. -거든(요) can also be used when you are implying that your story is continued. When you mention one thing in a sentence that ends with -거든(요), the other person will expect you to mention another thing that is related to what you just said in the next sentence.
Ex)
제가 지금 돈이 없거든요. 만 원만 빌려주세요.
= I do not have any money now. (So...) Please lend me just 10,000 won.
“제가 지금 돈이 없어요. 만 원만 빌려 주세요” has the same meaning, but by using -거든요, you are implying that you are not finished with your story.
Sample Sentences
제가 지금 좀 바쁘거든요.
= I am a little busy now, so…
아까 효진 씨 만났거든요. 그런데 이상한 말을 했어요.
= I met Hyojin earlier. But she said something strange.
* If someone ends a sentence with -거든요, you do not want to interrupt them as they want to say more.
아직 말할 수 없어요. 비밀이거든요.
= I cannot tell you yet. (Because) It is a secret.
지난주에 제주도에 갔거든요. 그런데 계속 비가 왔어요.
= I went to Jeju Island last week. But it kept raining.
내일은 안 바빠요. 오늘 일을 다 끝냈거든요.
= I am not busy tomorrow. (Because) I finished all the work today.
Generally, -거든요 is used when you want to soften your speech or express a reason for something indirectly, but sometimes when you are upset, you can use -거든요 as the sentence ending to express the reason that supports or explains your anger.
Sample Sentences
필요 없거든요!
= I do not need it!
이미 늦었거든요!
= It is already too late!
됐거든요!
= It is over. / I do not need that.