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

~거든요 [geondeunyo] (You see; Explaining)

Short explanation:

Used for explaining or giving background information to the listener.

Formation:

Verb + 거든요 / Adjective + 거든요

Examples:

나 학교에 오래전에 다녔거든요, 그래서 현재 교육 시스템이 어떻게 바뀌었는지 잘 모르겠어요.
Na hakgyoe oraejeone daningeondeunyo, geuraeseo hyeonjae gyoyuk siseutemi eotteoke bakkwinji jal moreugesseoyo.
You see, I attended school a long time ago, so I don't really know how the current educational system has changed.
제가 지각한 것은 버스가 늦었거든요, 그래서 시간을 맞추지 못했어요.
Jega jigaghan geoseun beoseuga neujeotgeondeunyo, geuraeseo siganeul matchuji motaesseoyo.
The reason I was late is because the bus was delayed, so I couldn't make it on time.
저는 커피를 마시지 않아요. 커피에 카페인이 많이 들어있거든요, 그래서 잠을 못 잡니다.
Jeoneun keopireul masiji anhayo. Keopie kapeini mani deureoitgeondeunyo, geuraeseo jameul mot japnida.
I don't drink coffee. You see, coffee contains a lot of caffeine, so it keeps me from sleeping.
하루종일 집에 있어서 지루해요. 날씨가 너무나도 춥거든요, 그래서 밖에 나갈 수 없어요.
Harujongil jibe isseoseo jiruhaeyo. Nalssiga neomunado chupgeondeunyo, geuraeseo bagge nagal su eopseoyo.
I'm bored being in the house all day. You see, the weather is so cold, so I can't go outside.

Long explanation:

'~거든요 [geondeunyo]' is a grammar point used in Korean language when the speaker wants to provide additional information or background to the listener, usually as an explanation or justification for a particular situation. It is used when the speaker believes the information might be new or surprising to the listener, or when the speaker wants to disclose personal feelings or thoughts. This expression is often used in casual conversation and is more commonly heard in spoken language than written.

Detailed Grammar notes:

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

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

Introduction

In Korean, the expression "~거든요" (geondeunyo) is often used to provide explanations or reasons for a statement or condition. It is a conversational phrase that adds information to your speech, making it more engaging and informative.

Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

The structure of "~거든요" consists of two parts:

  1. ~거든 (geodeun): This is derived from the verb "거다" (geoda), meaning "to be" or "to exist." In this case, it implies a condition or reason.
  2. ~요 (yo): This is a sentence-ending particle used for politeness. The overall meaning functions as a tool for the speaker to give a reason or explain something that may not be immediately obvious to the listener. It can be best understood in contexts where additional information is beneficial for clarity.

Meaning, Structure, Formation

  • Meaning: "You see" or "because" (used for explanations).
  • Structure:
    • Verb/Adjective stem + 거든요
    • Example: 만들다 (mandleun) -> 만드니까 (mandeunikka) + 거든요 -> 만들거든요 (mandeulgeodeunyo)

Formation Diagram

(V/A stem) + 거든요
                 |
         (polite form) 

Comparative Analysis

Comparison with Similar Grammar Points

  • ~니까 (nikka): While ~니까 is often used to state facts or reasons, ~거든요 adds an explanatory tone and is more conversational.
    • Example:
      • 사실이에요 (sasil-ieyo) "It's a fact." (Factual)
      • 사실이거든요 (sasiligeodeunyo) "You see, it’s a fact." (Explanatory)
  • ~는데 (neunde): ~는데 can also provide background information but does not inherently carry a polite nuance or explanation as ~거든요 does.
    • Example:
      • 저는 학생이에요 (jeoneun haksaeng-ieyo) "I am a student."
      • 저는 학생인데요 (jeoneun haksaeng-indeo) "I am a student, you see." (more neutral)

Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

  1. Formal Context:

    • 이 제품은 품질이 좋아서 추천하는 거든요.
      (I recommend this product because its quality is good, you see.)
  2. Informal Context:

    • 너 오늘 왜 늦었어? 교통 때문에 늦거든요.
      (Why were you late today? I was late because of traffic, you see.)
  3. Written Context:

    • 이 규정은 모두에게 유익하거든요.
      (This regulation is beneficial for everyone, you see.)
  4. Spoken Context:

    • 오늘 날씨가 좋았거든요. 나갔어요.
      (The weather was nice today, you see. I went out.)

Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

Using ~거든요 adds a layer of politeness and friendliness to your speech. In Korean culture, providing rationale in conversations is viewed positively, as it shares context and builds rapport.

Idiomatic Expressions

  • “저도 그랬거든요.” – “I felt the same way, you see.” This can be used to relate to someone's feelings or experiences.

Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

  • Missing context: Students may sometimes use ~거든요 without clear preceding statements, making it confusing to the listener.
  • Vocabulary confusion: Mixing up ~거든요 with ~니까, affecting politeness and meaning.

Learning Strategies

  • Mnemonic Device: Remember that ~거든요 adds "you see," which emphasizes sharing understanding or information with the listener.

Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

  • "~거든요" serves to explain or clarify statements in a polite and conversational manner.
  • Use it to provide reasoning or context in informal and formal discussions.

Quick Recap Quiz

  1. What is the primary function of "~거든요" in a sentence?
  2. How would you explain the difference between "거든요" and "니까"?
  3. Can "~거든요" be used in formal situations, and why is it important in Korean conversation?
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