Korean Grammar Point
~하고 나서 [hago naseo] (After doing)

~하고 나서 [hago naseo] (After doing)

Short explanation:

Used to express sequence of actions; 'after doing'.

Formation:

Verb stem + 하고 나서 + Verb

Examples:

공부하고 나서 놀러 갈 거예요, 그래서 시간을 잘 관리해야 해요.
Gongbuhago naseo nolreo gal geoyeyo, geuraeseo siganeul jal gwanrihaeya haeyo.
I will go out and play after studying, so I have to manage my time well.
아침 식사를 하고 나서 운동을 합니다, 그렇게 하면 하루를 활기차게 시작할 수 있어요.
Achim sikshareul hago naseo undongeul hamnida, geureohge hamyeon harureul hwalgichage sijakhal su isseoyo.
I exercise after having breakfast, by doing so, I can start the day energetically.
숙제를 다 하고 나서 친구들과 영화를 봤어요, 그래서 즐거운 시간을 보냈습니다.
Sukjereul da hago naseo chingudeulgwa yeonghwaleul bwasseoyo, geuraeseo jeulgeoun siganeul bonaessseubnida.
I watched a movie with friends after finishing all my homework, so we had a good time.
회의를 마치고 나서 점심을 먹었어요, 그런데 배가 너무 고파서 힘들었어요.
Hoeireul machigo naseo jeomsimeul meogeosseoyo, geureonde baega neomu gopaseo himdeureosseoyo.
I had lunch after finishing the meeting, but it was hard because I was so hungry.

Long explanation:

'~하고 나서 [hago naseo]' is a sentence pattern in Korean that means 'after doing something'. It is used to express that one action is done first before the another action is taken. The sequence of actions is crucial in the sentence with this grammar point and the latter action only happens after the completion of the first action.

Detailed Grammar notes:

Processing keyword: ~하고 나서 [hago naseo] (After doing)

Korean Grammar Point: ~하고 나서 [hago naseo] (After doing)

~하고 나서 [hago naseo] (After doing)

1. Introduction

Understanding how to express sequential actions is essential in Korean. The grammar point ~하고 나서 allows speakers to indicate that one action is completed before another begins. This structure is equivalent to saying "after doing" in English and is widely used in everyday conversations.


2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

~하고 나서 is used to express that the action in the first clause is completed entirely before the action in the second clause occurs.

  • Translation: "After doing..."

Structure

Formation

  1. Identify the Verb Stem: Remove from the dictionary form of the verb.
    • Ex: 먹다 (to eat) →
  2. Add ~하고 나서 to the Verb Stem:
    • + 하고 나서먹고 나서
  3. Complete the Sentence by Adding the Second Action:
    • 먹고 나서 쉬어요. (I rest after eating.)

Formation Diagram

[Verb Stem] + 고 나서 + [Second Action]

Components Breakdown

  • Verb Stem: Base form of the first action verb.
  • 고 나서: Connective ending indicating completion of the first action.
  • Second Action: The action that occurs after the first action is completed.

Visual Aid: Structure Table

Part Function Example
Verb Stem Base form of the verb without 먹 (from 먹다)
고 나서 Indicates "after doing..." 고 나서
Second Action Action that occurs after the first action 쉬어요 (rest)
Complete Sentence 먹고 나서 쉬어요.

3. Comparative Analysis

~하고 나서 vs. ~(으)ㄴ 후에

Both expressions mean "after doing," but there's a subtle difference.

  • ~하고 나서:
    • Emphasizes that the first action is completely finished before the second starts.
    • Used primarily with action verbs.
  • ~(으)ㄴ 후에:
    • Means "after," can be used with verbs and nouns.
    • Slightly more formal/written. Examples:
  1. 수업을 듣고 나서 도서관에 갔어요.
    • After finishing the class, I went to the library.
  2. 수업을 들은 후에 도서관에 갔어요.
    • After the class, I went to the library.

4. Examples in Context

Formal Speech

  1. 회의를 끝내고 나서 보고서를 작성하겠습니다.
    • After finishing the meeting, I will write the report.
  2. 저녁을 먹고 나서 산책을 합시다.
    • Let's take a walk after having dinner.

Informal Speech

  1. 영화를 보고 나서 뭐 할 거야?
    • What will you do after watching the movie?
  2. 일하고 나서 같이 밥 먹을래?
    • Do you want to eat together after work?

Written Context

  1. 행사가 끝나고 나서 다음 일정이 시작됩니다.
    • After the event concludes, the next schedule will begin.
  2. 등록 절차를 완료하고 나서 이메일을 받게 됩니다.
    • You will receive an email after completing the registration process.

Spoken Context

  1. 수업 끝나고 나서 커피 마실래요?
    • Would you like to grab a coffee after class?
  2. 책 읽고 나서 이야기해 줄게.
    • I'll tell you about it after I read the book.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Korean culture, the sequence and completion of actions are often emphasized to show respect for processes and traditions. Using ~하고 나서 properly reflects an understanding of the importance of order in social interactions.

Levels of Politeness

The grammar structure itself remains unchanged across levels of politeness; however, verb endings should match the appropriate speech level.

  • Formal Polite: -습니다/습니다
    • 청소하고 나서 출발합니다.
  • Informal Polite: -아요/어요
    • 청소하고 나서 출발해요.
  • Casual: -아/어
    • 청소하고 나서 출발해.

Idiomatic Expressions

While not idiomatic in itself, ~하고 나서 is commonly used in daily expressions:

  • 밥 먹고 나서 같이 갈까요?
    • Shall we go together after eating?

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

  1. Attaching to the Dictionary Form:
    • Incorrect: 하다하고 나서
    • Correct: 하고 나서 (Remove )
  2. Misusing with Adjectives:
    • Incorrect: 예쁘고 나서
    • Tip: ~하고 나서 is used with action verbs, not descriptive verbs (adjectives).
  3. Forgetting to Conjugate Second Verb Appropriately:
    • Incorrect: 공부하고 나서 집에 가. (to a teacher)
    • Correct: 공부하고 나서 집에 갑니다.

Learning Strategies

  • Practice Sequencing Events: Write sentences about your daily routine using ~하고 나서 to become comfortable with the structure.
  • Mnemonic Device: Remember "하고" (doing) "나서" (after) to recall that it expresses "after doing."

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

  • ~하고 나서 is used to indicate that one action is completed before another begins.
  • Formed by adding ~고 나서 to the verb stem.
  • Emphasizes the completion of the first action.
  • Common mistakes include attaching to the dictionary form and using with adjectives.

Quick Recap Quiz

  1. How do you form ~하고 나서 with the verb 마시다 (to drink)?
    • Answer: 마시 + 고 나서 → 마시고 나서
  2. Is ~하고 나서 used with action verbs or descriptive verbs?
    • Answer: Action verbs.
  3. Correct the sentence: 집에 가다하고 나서 숙제해요.
    • Answer: 집에 가고 나서 숙제해요.

By mastering ~하고 나서, you add clarity to your sentences about sequential actions, enhancing both your spoken and written Korean.

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