거든 (geo-deun, geodeun) · 니까 (ni-kka, nikka) · 어서 (eo-seo, eoseo)
거든 (geodeun) softly presents conditions or reasons, 니까 (nikka) emphasizes clear reasons, and 어서 (eoseo) naturally connects cause and effect.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
A connective ending used to gently present a condition or reason
When to use
Gentle condition, Basis for suggestion/request, Casual reason presentation
The nuance
Used mainly to provide information gently or make suggestions; the following clause often contains commands, proposals, or requests.
A connective ending used to indicate a clear and direct reason or cause
When to use
Clear reason explanation, Formal reason presentation, Assertive statement
The nuance
Emphasizes facts or reasons; fits formal and assertive tones; mainly used to explain or assert something to others.
A connective ending that naturally connects cause and effect
When to use
Cause-effect connection, Everyday causality, Friendly explanation
The nuance
Expresses cause-effect relationships smoothly and naturally; suitable for everyday and friendly speech.
비가 많이 오거든 우산을 챙겨.
bi-ga man-i o-geo-deun u-san-eul chaeng-gyeo., bi ga man i o geo deun u san eul chaeng gyeo.
거든 is suitable for gently presenting a condition and making a suggestion.
비가 많이 오니까 우산을 챙겨.
bi-ga man-i o-ni-kka u-san-eul chaeng-gyeo., bi ga man i o ni kka u san eul chaeng gyeo.
니까 fits clear reason explanation but lacks the nuance of suggestion.
비가 많이 와서 우산을 챙겼다.
bi-ga man-i wa-seo u-san-eul chaeng-gyeoss-da., bi ga man i wa seo u san eul chaeng gyeoss da.
어서 is appropriate for naturally connecting cause and effect.
늦었거든 빨리 와.
neuj-eoss-geo-deun ppal-ri wa., neuj eoss geo deun ppal ri wa.
거든 gently presents a reason and pairs well with commands.
늦었으니까 빨리 와.
neuj-eoss-eu-ni-kka ppal-ri wa., neuj eoss eu ni kka ppal ri wa.
니까 emphasizes clear reason and can be used with commands but sounds stiff.
늦었어서 빨리 와.
neuj-eoss-eo-seo ppal-ri wa., neuj eoss eo seo ppal ri wa.
어서 connects cause and effect naturally but sounds awkward with commands.
피곤하거든 일찍 자.
pi-gon-ha-geo-deun il-jjik ja., pi gon ha geo deun il jjik ja.
거든 softly connects condition and suggestion.
피곤하니까 일찍 자.
pi-gon-ha-ni-kka il-jjik ja., pi gon ha ni kka il jjik ja.
니까 fits reason explanation but is inappropriate for suggestions.
Which connective ending suits gentle condition and suggestion?
Which connective ending emphasizes clear reasons and suits formal contexts?
Which connective ending naturally connects cause and effect?
