Processing keyword: ~으니/니까 [euni/nikka] (So, since, because)

Korean Grammar Point: ~으니/니까 [euni/nikka] (So, since, because)

1. Introduction

The Korean grammar patterns ~으니 and ~니까 are commonly used to express reasons or causes, similar to "so", "since", or "because" in English. They are essential for constructing complex sentences and expressing causation, which is crucial for effective communication in Korean.

---

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

Both ~으니 and ~니까 are used to indicate a reason or cause for the subsequent action or state. They can be translated as "because", "since", or "so".

Structure and Formation

Formation Diagram

The basic structure for attaching ~으니 or ~니까 to verbs and adjectives is as follows:

Verb/Adjective Stem Ending	Add	Example Verb	Conjugated Form
Ending with a consonant	으니까 or 으니	먹다 (to eat)	먹으니까 / 먹으니
Ending with a vowel	니까 or 니	가다 (to go)	가니까 / 가니

Detailed Steps

1. Identify the verb or adjective stem: Remove 다 from the dictionary form.
   • 먹다 → 먹
   • 가다 → 가
2. Determine the ending:
   • If the stem ends with a consonant, add 으니까 or 으니.
   • If the stem ends with a vowel, add 니까 or 니.
3. Attach the appropriate ending:
   • 먹 + 으니까 → 먹으니까
   • 가 + 니까 → 가니까

Usage Notes

• ~으니까 is more commonly used in spoken Korean, whereas ~으니 is often found in written Korean or formal contexts.
• Both endings can be used interchangeably in many cases, but subtle differences exist, which will be discussed in the comparative analysis.

---

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with ~아서/어서

~아서/어서 is another grammar point used to indicate reason or cause.

• Difference in Usage:
  • 으니까/으니: Can be used in imperative and propositive sentences.
    • Ex: 빨리 오니까 같이 갑시다. (Since you're coming early, let's go together.)
  • ~아서/어서: Cannot be used in imperative or propositive sentences.
    • Ex: 몸이 아파서 쉬세요. (Incorrect)
    • Corrected: 몸이 아프니까 쉬세요. (Since you're sick, please rest.)
• Nuance:
  • 으니까/으니 often implies a subjective reason, potentially known only to the speaker.
  • ~아서/어서 tends to express an objective reason or a natural sequence.

---

4. Examples in Context

Formal Context

1. 회의가 늦게 끝났으니 집에 바로 가겠습니다.
   • Since the meeting ended late, I will go home directly.
2. 시간이 없으니까 요점을 말해 주세요.
   • Since there's no time, please state the main points.

Informal Context

1. 배고프니까 밥 먹으러 가자.
   • I'm hungry, so let's go eat.
2. 날씨가 좋으니 산책하자.
   • Since the weather is nice, let's take a walk.

Written Context

1. 연구 결과가 없으니 논문을 제출할 수 없다.
   • Since there are no research results, I cannot submit the thesis.
2. 비가 오니까 우산을 가져가세요.
   • Since it's raining, please take an umbrella.

Spoken Context

1. 제가 도와줄 테니까 걱정하지 마세요.
   • I'll help you, so don't worry.
2. 오늘은 피곤하니까 일찍 자자.
   • I'm tired today, so let's sleep early.

---

5. Cultural Notes

Levels of Politeness

• ~으니까 and ~으니 can be used in both polite and casual speech, depending on the verb endings that follow.
  • Polite: 가니까요, 하니까요
  • Casual: 가니까, 하니까

Idiomatic Expressions

1. 웃는 얼굴에 침 못 뱉으니 항상 미소 지어라.
   • You can't spit on a smiling face, so always keep a smile.
2. 시작이 반이니 포기하지 마세요.
   • Since starting is half the battle, don't give up.

---

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Using 아서/어서 instead of ~으니까/으니 in imperative sentences.
   • Incorrect: 늦었어서 빨리 가세요.
   • Correct: 늦었으니까 빨리 가세요.
2. Misapplying the consonant/vowel rule.
   • Incorrect: 먹니까 (from 먹다)
   • Correct: 먹으니까

Tips

• Mnemonic for Vowel/Consonant Ending:
  • If the stem sounds complete (ends with a vowel), you don't need 으.
  • If it sounds incomplete (ends with a consonant), add 으 before 니까/니.
• Remembering Usage in Imperative Sentences:
  • Use ~으니까 when giving commands or suggestions based on a reason.

---

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• 으니/으니까 are used to express reason or cause, meaning "so", "since", or "because".
• Attach 으니/으니까 to verb or adjective stems by considering whether the stem ends with a vowel or consonant.
• They are versatile and can be used in imperative and propositive sentences, unlike ~아서/어서.
• ~으니까 is more common in spoken Korean, while ~으니 is often used in written or formal contexts.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you attach ~으니까 to the verb 읽다 (to read)?
   • Answer: 읽다 → 읽 (stem ends with a consonant) + 으니까 → 읽으니까
2. Can you use ~으니까 in imperative sentences?
   • Answer: Yes, ~으니까 can be used in imperative sentences.
3. What's the difference between ~어서 and ~으니까?
   • Answer: ~아서/어서 cannot be used in imperative or propositive sentences, whereas ~으니까 can be used. Also, ~아서/어서 expresses an objective reason or natural sequence, while ~으니까 may convey a subjective reason.

---

© Hanabira.org