고나서 (go-na-seo, gonaseo) · 고나니 (go-na-ni, gonani)
고나서 emphasizes chronological sequence, while 고나니 highlights cause-and-effect relationship.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
Used when one action or event finishes and another action or event follows in sequence.
When to use
temporal sequence, action followed by another, casual conversation, sequential events explanation
The nuance
Attached to verb or adjective stems to indicate temporal sequence; used to clearly show that the preceding action finishes before the following action begins.
A connector indicating that the following event happened as a result or consequence of the preceding event.
When to use
cause and effect, result emphasis, formal documents or explanations, logical connection
The nuance
Attached to verb or adjective stems to emphasize cause-and-effect relationship; used when the preceding event causes the following event to happen.
밥을 먹고나서 이를 닦았다.
bap-eul meok-go-na-seo i-reul dakk-ass-da., bap eul meok go na seo i reul dakk ass da.
Naturally expresses the temporal sequence of brushing teeth after eating.
밥을 먹고나니 배가 부르다.
bap-eul meok-go-na-ni bae-ga bu-reu-da., bap eul meok go na ni bae ga bu reu da.
Expresses cause and effect: feeling full as a result of eating.
시험을 보고나니 기분이 좋았다.
si-heom-eul bo-go-na-ni gi-bun-i joh-ass-da., si heom eul bo go na ni gi bun i joh ass da.
Accurately shows cause and effect: feeling good as a result of taking the exam.
운동을 하고나니 피곤하다.
un-dong-eul ha-go-na-ni pi-gon-ha-da., un dong eul ha go na ni pi gon ha da.
Clearly indicates cause and effect: feeling tired after exercising.
책을 읽고나니 잠이 왔다.
chaek-eul ik-go-na-ni jam-i wass-da., chaek eul ik go na ni jam i wass da.
Expresses cause and effect: feeling sleepy as a result of reading.
영화를 보고나서 기분이 좋아졌다.
yeong-hwa-reul bo-go-na-seo gi-bun-i joh-a-jyeoss-da., yeong hwa reul bo go na seo gi bun i joh a jyeoss da.
Correctly shows the temporal sequence of feeling good after watching a movie.
밥을 먹고나니 이를 닦았다.
bap-eul meok-go-na-ni i-reul dakk-ass-da., bap eul meok go na ni i reul dakk ass da.
Cause and effect doesn't fit; brushing teeth is not a result of eating. 고나서 is appropriate.
시험을 보고나서 기분이 좋았다.
si-heom-eul bo-go-na-seo gi-bun-i joh-ass-da., si heom eul bo go na seo gi bun i joh ass da.
Feeling good is a result of taking the exam, so 고나니 is appropriate, not 고나서.
Which connector indicates temporal sequence?
What is the role of 고나니 in "운동을 하고나니 피곤하다."?
Why is "밥을 먹고나니 이를 닦았다." incorrect?
