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

Korean Grammar Point: ~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.

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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 다 from the dictionary form of the verb.
   • Ex: 먹다 (to eat) → 먹
2. Add ~하고 나서 to the Verb Stem:
   • 먹 + 하고 나서 → 먹고 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 다	먹 (from 먹다)
고 나서	Indicates "after doing..."	먹고 나서
Second Action	Action that occurs after the first action	쉬어요 (rest)
Complete Sentence		먹고 나서 쉬어요.

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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.

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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.

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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?

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Attaching to the Dictionary Form:
   • Incorrect: 하다하고 나서
   • Correct: 하고 나서 (Remove 다)
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."

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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.

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

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