LEARN + KOREAN / Note 42 TOPIK I
Since (-니까)
a
-(으)니까 attaches to a reason the same way -아서/어서 does, vowel or ㄹ-ending stems take -니까, consonant-ending stems take -으니까, but it can do something -아서/어서 can’t: lead directly into a command or a suggestion.
In Real Life
This is the reason-connector -아서/어서 promised you. -아서/어서 can’t sit in front of a command like -세요 or a suggestion; -(으)니까 is built for exactly that job. 추우니까 창문을 닫아 주세요 wouldn’t work with -아서/어서 dropped into the same slot.
i sikdangi masisseunikka yeogiro gayo.
Since this restaurant is delicious, let's go here.
In Real Life
-아서/어서 tends to state a plain, fact-based cause. -(으)니까 carries a more subjective, persuasive edge, closer to “given that…” than a flat “because.” It’s the reason you offer right before asking for something or proposing a plan, which is exactly why it pairs so naturally with commands and suggestions.
Vocabulary
| Korean | English |
|---|---|
changmun | window |
datda | to close |
bappeuda | to be busy |
hangahada | to be free, not busy |
iyu | reason |
geureonikka | so, therefore |
ildan | for now, first of all |
hoksina | just in case |
teukhi | especially |
daesine | instead of |
eojjaetdeun | anyway, regardless |
geunajeona | anyway, by the way (changing topic) |
machangajiro | likewise, similarly |
gedaga | moreover, on top of that |
mullon | of course |
dangyeonhi | naturally, of course |
gyeolgwajeogeuro | as a result |
geureomeuro | therefore |
jeuk | that is, in other words |
hajiman | but, however |