Processing keyword: 아/어/여서 [a/eo/yeoseo] (Because, since)

Korean Grammar Point: 아/어/여서 [a/eo/yeoseo] (Because, since)

1. Introduction

Understanding how to express reasons and causes is essential for effective communication in any language. In Korean, one common way to indicate "because" or "since" is by using 아/어/여서 (a/eo/yeoseo).

---

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

아/어/여서 is a connective ending added to a verb stem to link two clauses, where the first clause provides the reason or cause for the second clause.

• Function: Indicates that the action or state in the first clause is the reason for the action or state in the second clause.
• Translation: "Because...", "Since...", "So..."

Structure

Formation Diagram

[Verb Stem] + 아/어/여서 + [Result Clause]

How to Attach 아/어/여서

1. Verb stems with last vowel 'ㅏ' or 'ㅗ': Add -아서
   • 가다 (to go) → 가 + -아서 → 가서
2. Verb stems with other vowels: Add -어서
   • 먹다 (to eat) → 먹 + -어서 → 먹어서
3. Verb stems ending with '하': Add -여서 (commonly contracted to -해서)
   • 공부하다 (to study) → 공부하 + -여서 → 공부해서

Visual Aid: Conjugation Table

Verb Infinitive	Verb Stem	Ending	Result
가다 (to go)	가	-아서	가서
오다 (to come)	오	-아서	와서
먹다 (to eat)	먹	-어서	먹어서
읽다 (to read)	읽	-어서	읽어서
하다 (to do)	하	-여서	해서

---

3. Comparative Analysis

아/어/여서 vs. -(으)니까

Both 아/어/여서 and -(으)니까 are used to express reasons, but they have subtle differences:

• 아/어/여서
  • Cannot be used in imperative (commands) or propositive (suggestions) sentences.
  • Focuses on a sequential or logical connection between clauses.
  • More commonly used for cause-and-effect relationships that are factual.
• -(으)니까
  • Can be used in imperative and propositive sentences.
  • Often used when the speaker is making a subjective judgment or when the reason is more subjective.
  • Can be used to provide excuses or justifications.

Example Comparison

• 시간이 없어서 못 갔어요.
  • "I couldn't go because I didn't have time." (Stating a fact)
• 시간이 없으니까 빨리 갑시다.
  • "Since we don't have time, let's go quickly." (Suggestion)

---

4. Examples in Context

1. Casual Conversation (Informal)

• 배가 고파서 밥을 먹었어요.
  • "I was hungry, so I ate."

2. Formal Writing

• 비가 와서 행사가 취소되었습니다.
  • "Because it rained, the event was canceled."

3. Expressing Emotions

• 친구를 만나서 기뻤어요.
  • "I was happy because I met my friend."

4. Explaining Reasons

• 길이 막혀서 늦었어요.
  • "I was late because there was traffic."

5. Cause and Effect in Plans

• 날씨가 좋아서 공원에 갔어요.
  • "The weather was nice, so I went to the park."

---

5. Cultural Notes

Politeness and Formality

• 아/어/여서 is neutral in terms of politeness; the level of formality is determined by the verb endings in the second clause.

  • Informal Polite Ending: -아요/어요

    • 늦어서 미안해요.
    • "I'm sorry I'm late."

  • Formal Polite Ending: -습니다/ㅂ니다

    • 준비가 늦어서 죄송합니다.
    • "I'm sorry the preparation is late."

Usage Restrictions

• Cannot be used with Imperatives or Propositives
  • Incorrect: 바쁘어서 도와주세요. ("Because I'm busy, please help me.") ✖
  • Correct: 바쁘니까 도와주세요. ("Since I'm busy, please help me.") ✔

---

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Using 아/어/여서 in Imperatives or Propositives
   • Incorrect: 시간이 없어서 빨리 가세요. ✖
   • Correct: 시간이 없으니까 빨리 가세요. ✔
2. Confusing with Sequential Actions
   • While 아/어/여서 can also indicate sequential actions ("and then"), context is key.
     • 백화점에 가서 옷을 샀어요.
     • "I went to the department store and bought clothes."

Tips for Learners

• Mnemonic Device
  • Remember '해서 can't command': If you are trying to make a request or suggestion, avoid using 아/어/여서.
• Practice with Common Verbs
  • Create sentences using everyday verbs to become comfortable with the conjugation.

---

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• 아/어/여서 is used to express reason or cause.
• Attach -아서, -어서, or -여서 to the verb stem based on the vowel harmony rules.
• Do not use 아/어/여서 in imperative or propositive sentences.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you say "Because I was sick, I couldn't go to school" in Korean? a) 아파서 학교에 못 갔어요. b) 아프니까 학교에 못 갔어요.
2. Is it correct to use 아/어/여서 in the following sentence?
   • 시간이 없어서 도와주세요. Yes / No
3. Choose the correct form of 아/어/여서 for the verb 만나다 (to meet). a) 만나서 b) 만나요

---

Answers:

1. a) 아파서 학교에 못 갔어요.
2. No (It should be 시간이 없으니까 도와주세요.)
3. a) 만나서

---

© Hanabira.org