Conjunctions are essential for creating natural, flowing Korean sentences. This guide covers the most important Korean connectors and explains the subtle differences between similar expressions.

~고 (And, Then)

The particle ~고 connects verbs and sentences, indicating sequence or addition.

Usage 1: Sequential Actions (then)

일하고 운동하고 자다 (work, then exercise, then sleep)

  • Pattern: Verb stem + ~고 + Verb stem + ~고 + Final verb
  • Creates a chain of actions in order

Usage 2: Part of Expressions (to)

하고 싶다 (want to do)

  • ~고 here functions as “to” in English
  • Other examples: 먹고 싶다 (want to eat), 가고 싶다 (want to go)

그래서 vs 그러니까: Cause and Effect

Both 그래서 and 그러니까 express cause and effect (“so,” “therefore”), but they have important differences.

그래서: Normal Cause and Effect

Use 그래서 for straightforward logical connections between cause and result.

나는 돈을 벌었다. 그래서 돈이 많다. (I earned money. So, I have a lot of money.)

  • Simple logical result

나는 돈을 벌었다. 그래서 돈을 쓰고 싶다. (I earned money. So, I want to spend money.)

  • Natural consequence of the cause

그러니까: Reason → Action/Decision

Use 그러니까 when the effect involves:

  • Permission/allowance
  • Obligation/necessity
  • Verification/confirmation

1. Allow (Permission)

나는 돈을 벌었다. 그러니까, 돈을 써도 된다. (I earned money. So, I’m allowed to spend money.)

  • The reason justifies granting permission

2. Have To (Obligation)

나는 돈을 벌었다. 그러니까, 돈을 써야 한다. (I earned money. So, I have to spend money.)

  • The reason creates an obligation

3. Check (Verification)

그러니까, 당신 말은 그것이 사실이라는 겁니까? (So, are you saying that it’s true?)

  • Used to confirm understanding
  • Often at the beginning of a question

Comparison Table

Situation Use Example
Simple result 그래서 피곤해서 잤다. 그래서 기분이 좋다. (I was tired so I slept. So I feel good.)
Permission 그러니까 숙제 다 했다. 그러니까 놀아도 돼. (I finished homework. So you can play.)
Obligation 그러니까 약속했다. 그러니까 가야 해. (I promised. So I have to go.)
Confirmation 그러니까 그러니까, 내일 만나자는 거지? (So, you mean let’s meet tomorrow?)

Other Useful Conjunctions

그리고 (And)

나는 밥을 먹었다. 그리고 잤다. (I ate rice. And I slept.)

  • Simply adds another fact or action

그런데 (But, However)

나는 공부했다. 그런데 시험에 떨어졌다. (I studied. But I failed the exam.)

  • Introduces contrast or unexpected result

그래도 (Still, Nevertheless)

비가 온다. 그래도 나갈 거야. (It’s raining. Still, I’ll go out.)

  • Acknowledges situation but continues anyway

왜냐하면 (Because)

나는 안 갔다. 왜냐하면 아팠기 때문이다. (I didn’t go. Because I was sick.)

  • Explains the reason for something

Sentence-Connecting ~고 Patterns

The ~고 connector is used in many common expressions:

Pattern Meaning Example
~고 있다 be doing 먹고 있다 (be eating)
~고 싶다 want to 가고 싶다 (want to go)
~고 나서 after doing 먹고 나서 (after eating)
~고 보니 upon doing 해보고 보니 (upon trying)

Summary

Conjunction Use Case Key Point
~고 Sequence, addition Connects verbs/actions
그래서 Simple cause-effect Logical, natural result
그러니까 Reason → action Permission, obligation, confirmation
그리고 Addition Simple “and”
그런데 Contrast “But,” unexpected
그래도 Concession “Still,” despite

Remember: 그래서 = natural consequence, 그러니까 = justified action/decision.