Processing keyword: ~거든요 [geondeunyo] (You see; Explaining)

Korean Grammar Point: ~거든요 [geondeunyo] (You see; Explaining)

1. Introduction

In Korean, the grammar construct ~거든요 is used to give explanations, provide reasons, or share new information that the listener may not be aware of. It's a conversational tool that adds nuance to explanations, similar to saying "You see..." or "Because..." in English.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

~거든요 is used to:

• Provide an explanation or reason for something.
• Introduce information that the listener is not aware of.
• Soften statements to sound more polite and less direct.

Structure

The structure of ~거든요 depends on whether it follows a verb, adjective, or noun and whether the stem ends with a vowel or consonant.

Verb/Adjective/Noun Type	Stem Ending	Formation
Verb/Adjective	Any	Verb/Adjective Stem + 거든요
Noun	Consonant	Noun + 이거든요
Noun	Vowel	Noun + 거든요

Formation Diagram

For verbs and adjectives:

[Verb/Adjective Stem] + 거든요

For nouns ending with a consonant:

[Noun] + 이거든요

For nouns ending with a vowel:

[Noun] + 거든요

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3. Comparative Analysis

• ~니까 vs. ~거든요:
  • ~니까 is used for giving reasons or causes, often in imperative or propositional sentences.
  • ~거든요 is used in a similar way but is more about providing new information or explaining something the listener might not know.
• ~잖아요 vs. ~거든요:
  • ~잖아요 assumes the listener already knows the information.
  • ~거든요 introduces new information to the listener.

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4. Examples in Context

Example Sentences

1. Informal Spoken
   • 제가 요즘 바쁘거든요.
     • I have been busy these days, you see.
2. Formal Spoken
   • 내일은 약속이 있거든요.
     • I have an appointment tomorrow, you see.
3. Explanation
   • 그 식당은 가지 마세요. 음식이 별로거든요.
     • Don't go to that restaurant. The food isn't that good, you see.
4. Providing New Information
   • 한국어를 배우고 있어요. 재미있거든요.
     • I'm learning Korean. It's interesting, you see.
5. Noun Ending with Consonant
   • 저 사람은 제 친구이거든요.
     • That person is my friend, you see.
6. Noun Ending with Vowel
   • 이것은 비밀거든요.
     • This is a secret, you see.

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• Politeness Level: ~거든요 adds a polite and soft explanatory tone, making conversations sound more friendly and less abrupt.
• Social Norms: In Korean culture, being indirect and providing explanations gently is valued. ~거든요 helps speakers to share information without sounding forceful.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 알고 보니 그렇거든요.
  • As it turns out, that's how it is, you see.
• 사실은 그게 아니거든요.
  • Actually, that's not the case, you see.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Overusing ~거든요: Using it too frequently can make speech seem repetitive or unnatural.
• Incorrect Attachment: Attaching ~거든요 directly to a noun without the copula 이 when needed.
  • Incorrect: 학생거든요.
  • Correct: 학생이거든요.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Think of ~거든요 as adding "you see" to your sentences to provide explanations.
• Practice: Create your own sentences using ~거든요 to explain reasons or provide new information.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~거든요 is used to explain reasons or provide new information to the listener.
• It adds a polite and explanatory tone to statements.
• Attach it to verb/adjective stems or nouns with correct consonant/vowel considerations.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you attach ~거든요 to a noun ending with a consonant?
2. Translate to Korean using ~거든요: "I can't go because I'm sick, you see."
3. What is the difference between ~거든요 and ~잖아요?

Answers:

1. Attach 이거든요 to the noun. For example, 책 + 이거든요.
2. 아파서 못 가거든요.
3. ~거든요 introduces new information to the listener, while ~잖아요 refers to information the listener already knows.

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Happy studying! Remember, using ~거든요 appropriately will make your Korean sound more natural and polite.

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