~으니까
~으니까 30秒で
- ~(으)니까 is a Korean conjunction meaning 'because' or 'since', primarily used for subjective reasoning and justifications in daily conversation.
- It is the only causal connector that can be followed by commands (-(으)세요) or suggestions (-(으)ㄹ까요, -자).
- It can also mean 'when' or 'now that', indicating a discovery made after performing a certain action or witnessing a state.
- Unlike -아서/어서, it allows past tense markers (-았/었-) to be attached to the verb stem in the reason clause.
The Korean grammar point ~(으)니까 is a versatile conjunction used to express a reason or cause for a subsequent action, suggestion, or command. Unlike its counterpart -아서/어서, which is used for more objective, sequential, or general reasons, ~(으)니까 carries a strong sense of subjectivity. It is the primary tool for a speaker to say, "Because I think this is the case, let's do that," or "Since I see this is happening, you should do that." It is the foundation of logical persuasion in Korean conversation, allowing the speaker to ground their requests or opinions in a specific context or observation.
- Subjective Reason
- The reason provided is often based on the speaker's personal experience, discovery, or judgment rather than a universal fact.
날씨가 좋으니까 산책하러 가요. (Since the weather is good, let's go for a walk.)
People use this word most frequently when they are giving advice or making plans. For example, if you see that a store is closed, you might say, "The store is closed, so let's go somewhere else." Here, the discovery of the store being closed is the 'discovery' aspect of ~(으)니까. It bridges the gap between what you have just realized and what you want to do next. It is also essential for making excuses that sound logical to the listener, as it provides a clear premise for the speaker's following behavior.
- Discovery Function
- It is used when a speaker realizes something after performing an action, often translated as 'when I did [X], I found that [Y]'.
집에 가니까 아무도 없었어요. (When I went home, [I found that] nobody was there.)
In social settings, using ~(으)니까 helps soften the impact of a direct command. Instead of just saying "Eat this," saying "This is delicious, so eat this" using ~(으)니까 provides the rationale that makes the command feel more like a friendly recommendation. This is why it is ubiquitous in daily Korean speech, from parents talking to children to colleagues discussing lunch plans. It creates a flow of logic that is natural and expected in Korean interpersonal communication.
- Command Compatibility
- Unlike -아서/어서, this form can be followed by imperative sentences like "Do this!" or "Please do that!"
위험하니까 조심하세요. (Because it is dangerous, please be careful.)
To use ~(으)니까 correctly, you must first identify the verb or adjective stem and check for the presence of a final consonant (batchim). The rule is straightforward: if the stem ends in a vowel, you attach -니까. If the stem ends in a consonant, you attach -으니까. There is a special rule for stems ending in 'ㄹ'—the 'ㄹ' is dropped and -니까 is added directly. This simple mechanical process allows you to link almost any state or action to a resulting suggestion or observation.
- Vowel Ending
- Stem + 니까. Example: 가다 (to go) becomes 가니까.
시간이 없으니까 빨리 갑시다. (Because there is no time, let's go quickly.)
When dealing with irregular verbs, the rules change slightly. For 'ㅂ' irregulars like 춥다 (to be cold), the 'ㅂ' changes to '우', resulting in 추우니까. For 'ㄷ' irregulars like 듣다 (to listen), the 'ㄷ' changes to 'ㄹ', resulting in 들으니까. Understanding these irregular transformations is crucial for moving from basic to intermediate Korean. Furthermore, ~(으)니까 can be attached to the past tense form, which is essential for explaining reasons based on completed actions.
- Consonant Ending
- Stem + 으니까. Example: 먹다 (to eat) becomes 먹으니까.
많이 먹었으니까 배가 불러요. (Because I ate a lot, I am full.)
One of the most powerful aspects of ~(으)니까 is its ability to stand at the end of a sentence as ~(으)니까요. This is used when responding to a 'Why?' question or when adding an afterthought to explain one's previous statement. It allows for a more conversational and dynamic flow, where the reason doesn't always have to precede the result. This flexibility is why it's a favorite in spoken Korean.
- ㄹ Irregular
- Drop the 'ㄹ' and add '니까'. Example: 만들다 (to make) becomes 만드니까.
제가 만드니까 기다려 주세요. (Since I am making it, please wait.)
In South Korea, ~(으)니까 is everywhere—from bustling subway stations to quiet coffee shops. You will hear it most often in situations involving coordination and planning. When friends are deciding where to eat, one might say, "It's raining, so let's just eat here" (비가 오니까 여기서 먹자). The use of ~(으)니까 here signals that the reason (rain) is a shared observation that justifies the suggestion. It's the language of teamwork and social negotiation.
- In the Workplace
- Supervisors use it to give instructions based on current circumstances. "The deadline is tomorrow, so finish it today."
회의가 있으니까 준비하세요. (There is a meeting, so please prepare.)
You will also hear it frequently in customer service and public announcements. If a bus is delayed, the announcement might say, "The bus is delayed due to traffic, so please be patient." In this context, ~(으)니까 provides the necessary explanation that makes the request for patience acceptable. It's also very common in K-Dramas during emotional confrontations, where characters explain their feelings: "Because I love you, I did it!" (사랑하니까 그랬어!). This highlights the subjective, emotional weight the word can carry.
- Public Announcements
- Used to provide reasons for delays or safety instructions. "The floor is slippery, so watch your step."
미끄러우니까 조심하십시오. (Since it is slippery, please be careful.)
Another common place to hear this is when people are justifying their own behavior or choices. If someone asks why you aren't eating, you might reply, "I already ate, so I'm full" (먹었으니까 배불러요). It serves as a logical bridge that makes your state of being understandable to others. Whether in a formal lecture or a casual chat at a pojangmacha (street food stall), ~(으)니까 is the glue that holds Korean logic together in real-time interaction.
- Justifying Choices
- Explaining why you are doing something or why you feel a certain way to avoid misunderstanding.
피곤하니까 먼저 잘게요. (Because I'm tired, I'll go to sleep first.)
The most frequent mistake learners make is confusing ~(으)니까 with -어서/어서. While both can mean "because," they are not interchangeable. A critical error is using -아서/어서 with a command or suggestion. For example, saying "비가 와서 우산을 가져가세요" is grammatically awkward. In this case, you MUST use ~(으)니까 because you are giving a command. If the second clause is an imperative or a propositive, ~(으)니까 is the only correct choice.
- Command Error
- Mistake: Using -아서/어서 with a command like '하세요'. Correct: Use ~(으)니까.
Wrong: 더워서 창문을 여세요.
Right: 더우니까 창문을 여세요.
Another common pitfall involves the use of past tense. You can use past tense markers (-았/었-) before ~(으)니까, but you cannot use them before -어서/어서. Learners often forget this and try to use past tense with both, or omit it when it's needed with ~(으)니까. If the reason happened in the past, you should reflect that in the conjugation. For instance, "Because I already did my homework, I'm playing games" should be 숙제를 했으니까..., not 숙제를 하니까... (which would mean "When I do my homework...").
- Tense Misuse
- Mistake: Forgetting that ~(으)니까 allows past tense markers, unlike -아서/어서.
밥을 먹었으니까 배가 안 고파요. (Since I ate, I'm not hungry.)
Finally, learners sometimes use ~(으)니까 for objective, scientific facts where it sounds too personal or argumentative. For example, if you are stating a universal truth like "Because the sun rises, it gets bright," -아서/어서 or -기 때문에 is more appropriate. Using ~(으)니까 makes it sound like you've just discovered the sun rising or you're using it to justify a specific personal action. Stick to ~(으)니까 for interactive, subjective communication to sound more natural.
- Social Greeting Error
- Mistake: '늦으니까 미안해요' (Wrong). Correct: '늦어서 미안해요' (I'm sorry for being late).
Wrong: 만나니까 반갑습니다.
Right: 만나서 반갑습니다.
Korean has several ways to express "because," and choosing the right one is key to sounding like a native speaker. The main alternative is -아서/어서. While ~(으)니까 is subjective and works with commands, -아서/어서 is objective and sequential. If you are describing a simple cause-and-effect chain (e.g., "I was sick, so I went to the hospital"), -아서/어서 is usually better. It feels more factual and less like you are trying to persuade someone.
- -아서/어서
- Used for objective reasons, general facts, and sequential actions. Cannot be used with commands or past tense in the first clause.
배가 아파서 병원에 갔어요. (My stomach hurt, so I went to the hospital.)
Another alternative is -기 때문에. This form is more formal and provides a very clear, strong reason. It is often used in writing, news reports, or formal presentations. It is less conversational than ~(으)니까 but more emphatic. If you want to state a reason definitively without the conversational nuance of discovery or suggestion, -기 때문에 is a great choice. It can also be used with past tense markers.
- -기 때문에
- A formal way to state a reason. Often used in written Korean or formal speech to provide a clear cause.
공사를 하기 때문에 길이 막힙니다. (The road is blocked because of construction.)
For more specific contexts, there are forms like -느라고 (used when a person is busy doing something which causes a negative result) or -덕분에 (used when a reason leads to a positive result, meaning "thanks to"). While ~(으)니까 is a general-purpose reason marker, these alternatives allow for more precise expression of tone and outcome. Choosing between them depends on whether you want to sound casual, formal, grateful, or apologetic.
- -느라고
- Used when an action prevents you from doing something else or causes a bad result. 'Because I was busy [doing X]...'
공부 하느라고 못 잤어요. (I couldn't sleep because I was studying.)
How Formal Is It?
豆知識
The '까' at the end of ~(으)니까 is actually the same '까' found in the question ending '-(으)니까?'. In the past, providing a reason was often phrased as a rhetorical question, asking 'Since it is so, wouldn't you agree?' which eventually solidified into a causal statement. This is why it feels much more interactive and 'speaker-listener' focused than other reason markers.
発音ガイド
- Pronouncing 'ㅡ' like 'oo' (u) as in 'food'. It should be a flat sound made in the back of the throat.
- Pronouncing 'ㄲ' like a soft English 'k'. It must be tensed and released sharply.
- Forgetting the 'u' (으) after a consonant ending stem.
- Not dropping the 'ㄹ' in 'ㄹ' irregular verbs before adding '니까'.
- Confusing the pitch with '니까?' (the question form).
難易度
Easy to recognize in text as a connective suffix.
Requires knowledge of batchim and irregular verb rules.
Requires real-time decision making between this and -아서/어서.
Clear pronunciation makes it easy to hear in speech.
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-(으)ㄹ 테니까
내가 살 테니까 넌 먹기만 해. (I'll buy it, so you just eat.)
-(으)ㄴ/는/ㄹ 것 같으니까
비가 올 것 같으니까 우산을 챙기세요. (It looks like it will rain, so take an umbrella.)
-(이)니까
주말이니까 늦잠 자도 돼요. (Since it's the weekend, you can sleep in.)
-(으)니까요 (Ending)
왜 안 먹어요? - 배부르니까요. (Why aren't you eating? - Because I'm full.)
-(ㄴ/는)다니까
정말 간다니까! (I said I'm going!)
レベル別の例文
비가 오니까 우산을 가져가세요.
Since it is raining, please take an umbrella.
오다 (to come) + 니까. Used with a command (-세요).
배가 고프니까 밥을 먹읍시다.
Since I am hungry, let's eat.
고프다 (to be hungry) + 니까. Used with a suggestion (-읍시다).
더우니까 창문을 여세요.
Because it's hot, open the window.
덥다 (to be hot) -> 더우니까 (ㅂ irregular).
길이 막히니까 지하철을 타요.
Because the roads are blocked, let's take the subway.
막히다 (to be blocked) + 니까.
맛있으니까 많이 드세요.
It's delicious, so please eat a lot.
맛있다 (to be delicious) + 으니까.
바쁘니까 나중에 전화할게요.
I'm busy, so I'll call you later.
바쁘다 (to be busy) + 니까.
추우니까 문을 닫아 주세요.
Since it's cold, please close the door.
춥다 (to be cold) -> 추우니까 (ㅂ irregular).
시간이 없으니까 빨리 가요.
We don't have time, so let's go quickly.
없다 (to not have) + 으니까.
어제 공부했으니까 오늘은 놀아요.
Since I studied yesterday, let's play today.
공부했다 (studied) + 니까. Past tense is allowed.
집에 가니까 동생이 있었어요.
When I went home, my younger sibling was there.
가다 (to go) + 니까. Here it means 'when/discovery'.
약속이 있으니까 먼저 갈게요.
I have an appointment, so I'll leave first.
있다 (to have) + 으니까.
한국 음식을 좋아하니까 자주 먹어요.
Since I like Korean food, I eat it often.
좋아하다 (to like) + 니까.
창문을 여니까 시원한 바람이 들어와요.
When I opened the window, a cool breeze came in.
열다 (to open) -> 여니까 (ㄹ irregular + discovery).
시험이 끝났으니까 같이 영화 봐요.
Since exams are over, let's watch a movie together.
끝났다 (ended) + 니까.
피곤하니까 집에서 쉽시다.
Because we are tired, let's rest at home.
피곤하다 (to be tired) + 니까.
가까우니까 걸어갑시다.
It's close, so let's walk.
가깝다 (to be close) -> 가까우니까 (ㅂ irregular).
제가 다 할 테니까 걱정하지 마세요.
I'll do it all, so don't worry.
Combination of -(으)ㄹ 테니까 (intention/reason).
질문이 있으면 손을 드니까 선생님이 오셨어요.
When I raised my hand because I had a question, the teacher came.
Discovery usage in a classroom setting.
그 영화는 이미 봤으니까 다른 걸 봐요.
Since I've already seen that movie, let's watch something else.
봤다 (saw) + 니까. Explaining a choice.
날씨가 좋으니까 밖에서 먹는 게 어때요?
The weather is nice, so how about eating outside?
Suggestion using '게 어때요?'.
어제 술을 많이 마셨으니까 오늘은 쉬어야 해요.
Since I drank a lot yesterday, I have to rest today.
마셨다 (drank) + 니까.
아이들이 자고 있으니까 조용히 하세요.
Because the children are sleeping, please be quiet.
Continuous action (고 있다) + 니까.
지갑을 확인하니까 돈이 하나도 없었어요.
When I checked my wallet, there was no money at all.
Discovery usage with a negative outcome.
외국인이니까 한국말이 서툴러도 이해해 주세요.
Since I'm a foreigner, please understand even if my Korean is poor.
Noun + 이니까.
다들 동의하니까 이 계획대로 진행합시다.
Since everyone agrees, let's proceed with this plan.
Subjective consensus as a reason for action.
그 사람은 거짓말을 자주 하니까 믿지 마세요.
That person lies often, so don't believe them.
Giving advice based on personal judgment.
노력은 배신하지 않으니까 끝까지 힘내세요.
Effort doesn't betray you, so stay strong until the end.
Abstract reasoning for encouragement.
이미 늦었으니까 서둘러도 소용없을 거예요.
It's already late, so it probably won't matter even if you hurry.
Combining subjective reason with a future prediction.
직접 해 보니까 생각보다 어렵지 않더라고요.
When I tried it myself, I found it wasn't as hard as I thought.
Discovery usage with '더라고요' (recollection).
부모님께 연락을 드리니까 아주 기뻐하셨어요.
When I contacted my parents, they were very happy.
Discovery of someone else's reaction.
위험한 지역이니까 혼자 가지 않는 게 좋겠어요.
Since it's a dangerous area, it would be better not to go alone.
Polite advice using '좋겠어요'.
한번 결정했으니까 마음을 바꾸지 않을 거예요.
Since I've made up my mind once, I won't change it.
Personal resolve based on a past decision.
인간은 망각의 동물이니까 슬픔도 잊히기 마련이죠.
Since humans are creatures of forgetfulness, sadness is bound to be forgotten.
Philosophical reasoning using '-(이)니까'.
어차피 일어난 일이니까 너무 자책하지 마세요.
It's something that's already happened anyway, so don't blame yourself too much.
Using '어차피' (anyway) to strengthen the premise.
막상 만나 보니까 소문과는 전혀 다른 사람이더군요.
When I actually met them, I found they were a completely different person from the rumors.
Discovery usage with '막상' (actually/in reality).
공들여 만든 작품이니까 소중히 다뤄 주십시오.
Since it's a work made with great effort, please handle it with care.
Formal request based on the value of an object.
사랑하니까 헤어진다는 말은 비겁한 변명일 뿐이에요.
Saying you're breaking up because you love them is just a cowardly excuse.
Quoting a reason to criticize it.
역사는 반복되니까 과거를 통해 교훈을 얻어야 합니다.
History repeats itself, so we must learn lessons through the past.
General truth used as a subjective premise for a 'must' statement.
먼저 말을 꺼내니까 상대방도 마음을 열기 시작했어요.
When I brought it up first, the other person also started to open up.
Discovery of a psychological shift in another person.
충분히 설명했으니까 이제는 당신이 선택할 차례입니다.
I've explained enough, so now it's your turn to choose.
Transferring responsibility based on a completed action.
진리는 스스로 빛을 발하니까 굳이 설명할 필요가 없다.
Since truth shines by itself, there is no need to explain it specifically.
Literary/Aphoristic usage.
오랜 세월을 견뎌 왔으니까 그 가치는 말로 다 할 수 없죠.
Having endured for a long time, its value is beyond words.
High-level descriptive reasoning.
눈을 뜨니까 온 세상이 하얗게 변해 있었습니다.
When I opened my eyes, the whole world had turned white (with snow).
Poetic discovery usage.
군자는 의를 숭상하니까 이익 앞에 흔들리지 않는 법이다.
Since a virtuous person prizes righteousness, they are not swayed by profit.
Archaic/Confucian reasoning style.
한 번 뱉은 말은 주워 담을 수 없으니까 항상 신중해야지.
Since you can't take back words once spoken, you must always be cautious.
Proverbial reasoning for self-admonition.
고난을 겪어 보니까 비로소 진정한 친구가 누구인지 알겠더군.
Having gone through hardships, I finally realized who my true friends are.
Deep personal realization (discovery).
법은 만인에게 평등해야 하니까 예외가 있어서는 안 됩니다.
Since the law must be equal for everyone, there should be no exceptions.
Formal logical premise in a legal context.
이미 주사위는 던져졌으니까 결과가 나올 때까지 기다립시다.
The die is already cast, so let's wait until the result comes out.
Using an idiom as the causal premise.
よく使う組み合わせ
よく使うフレーズ
— Because it can't be helped or it's the only way. Used to justify an unavoidable situation.
상황이 그럴 수밖에 없으니까 이해해 주세요.
— Because it's all finished or ready. Often used to call someone for food or a meeting.
준비 다 됐으니까 이제 나갑시다.
— Because it's dangerous. A very common warning.
위험하니까 거기 들어가지 마세요.
— Because it's late. Used to suggest going home or sleeping.
밤이 늦었으니까 이제 잡시다.
— Because it's cold. Used to suggest wearing more clothes or closing windows.
밖이 추우니까 코트를 입고 나가세요.
— Because it's delicious. Used when recommending food to someone.
진짜 맛있으니까 한번 먹어 봐요.
— Because it's important. Used to emphasize a point or instruction.
이건 아주 중요하니까 꼭 기억하세요.
— Because I'm (or you're) busy. Used to explain lack of time.
지금은 바쁘니까 나중에 이야기해요.
— Because I'm tired. Used to decline an invitation or suggest rest.
너무 피곤하니까 오늘은 그냥 쉴게요.
— Because it's okay. Used to reassure someone.
정말 괜찮으니까 걱정하지 마세요.
よく混同される語
Learners often use -아서/어서 with commands, which is wrong. Use ~(으)니까 for commands and suggestions.
Learners might use ~(으)니까 in formal essays where -기 때문에 would be more appropriate for objective reasoning.
Learners might use ~(으)니까 for excuses involving being busy, whereas -느라고 specifically highlights the effort/action that caused the delay.
慣用句と表現
— Because words become seeds (be careful what you say, as it might come true).
나쁜 말은 하지 마세요. 말이 씨가 되니까요.
Casual/Proverbial— Because the more you hurry, the more you should take the long way (haste makes waste).
급할수록 돌아가야 하니까 천천히 하세요.
Wise/Advice— Because you have to say nice things to hear nice things (what goes around comes around).
먼저 친절하게 말하세요. 가는 말이 고와야 오는 말이 고우니까요.
Social/Moral— Because seeing one thing tells you ten (judging someone's overall character by a single action).
그 사람의 행동을 보세요. 하나를 보면 열을 아니까요.
Observational— Because starting is half the battle.
일단 시작해 보세요. 시작이 반이니까요.
Encouraging— Because they can't live without each other (extremely close/in love).
두 사람은 정말 죽고 못 사니까요.
Casual/Expressive— Because it's as easy as eating rice cakes while lying down (it's a piece of cake).
이 일은 저에게 누워서 떡 먹기니까 걱정 마세요.
Confident/Slangy— Because a journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step.
조금씩 하세요. 천 리 길도 한 걸음부터니까요.
Philosophical— Because even Geumgang Mountain is best seen after eating (eating is the priority).
일단 밥부터 먹읍시다. 금강산도 식후경이니까요.
Humorous/Daily— Because luck comes when you smile.
항상 웃고 지내세요. 웃으면 복이 오니까요.
Positive/Advice間違えやすい
Both mean 'because'.
-(으)니까 is for subjective reasons, commands, suggestions, and past tense. -아서/어서 is for objective causes, sequential actions, and greetings/apologies.
비가 오니까 우산을 쓰세요 (Right) vs 비가 와서 우산을 쓰세요 (Wrong).
Both mean 'because'.
-기 때문에 is much more formal and objective. It is rarely used with commands in casual speech.
사고 때문에 길이 막힙니다 (Official) vs 사고 났으니까 돌아가세요 (Casual/Direct).
Both can show discovery.
-더니 is used when you observe someone else's action leading to a result. ~(으)니까 is for your own actions or general observations.
비가 오더니 시원해졌어요 (I saw it rain) vs 창문을 여니까 시원해요 (I opened it).
Both can provide background info.
-(으)ㄴ/는데 is more like 'but' or 'and/background', while ~(으)니까 is a much stronger 'because'.
비가 오는데 어디 가요? (It's raining, where are you going?) vs 비가 오니까 가지 마세요 (Don't go because it's raining).
Both are conversational 'because'.
-길래 is usually used to explain why *I* did something based on something I saw. ~(으)니까 is more versatile.
맛있어 보이길래 샀어 (I bought it because it looked good) vs 맛있으니까 먹어 봐 (Eat it because it's good).
文型パターン
Adj-니까 -(으)세요
바쁘니까 나중에 오세요.
V-았/었으니까 V-자
숙제 다 했으니까 놀자.
V-니까 (Discovery) V-았/었다
전화를 하니까 안 받더라고요.
N-(이)니까 V-(으)ㄹ 수밖에 없다
사람이니까 실수할 수밖에 없어요.
V-(으)ㄹ 테니까 걱정 마라
제가 도와줄 테니까 걱정 마세요.
V-니까 (Reason) Adj-아/어 보여요
웃으니까 예뻐 보여요.
V-(으)ㄴ/는 것 같으니까 V-자
늦은 것 같으니까 빨리 가자.
V-(으)니까 -기 마련이다
겨울이 오니까 추워지기 마련이다.
語族
関連
使い方
Extremely high in spoken Korean; moderate in written Korean.
-
Using -아서/어서 with a command.
→
더우니까 창문을 여세요.
You cannot use -아서/어서 with imperative endings like -(으)세요. You must use ~(으)니까.
-
Saying '열으니까' for the verb '열다'.
→
여니까
Verbs ending in 'ㄹ' drop the 'ㄹ' before adding '니까'.
-
Using ~(으)니까 for greetings/apologies.
→
와 주셔서 감사합니다.
For fixed social expressions like 'Thank you for...' or 'I'm sorry for...', always use -아서/어서.
-
Omitting past tense when it's needed.
→
숙제를 다 했으니까 이제 놀아요.
If the reason is a completed action, you must use the past tense marker -았/었- before 니까.
-
Confusing '니까' (because) with '니까?' (question).
→
Context determines meaning.
While they look similar, the intonation and sentence structure will tell you if it's a reason or a formal question.
ヒント
Command Rule
Always use ~(으)니까 if the second half of your sentence is a command (-(으)세요) or a suggestion (-(으)ㄹ까요). This is the most important rule for this grammar point.
Tense 'KK'
Make sure the 'ㄲ' in '니까' is tense and sharp. It shouldn't sound like a soft English 'k'. Think of it as a double 'k' sound with no air escaping.
Social Cushioning
Use ~(으)니까 to explain why you are asking for a favor. It makes your request sound more reasonable and less demanding to a Korean speaker.
ㄹ Irregular Alert
Remember that 'ㄹ' stems like '열다' (to open) become '여니까'. Don't say '열으니까'—it's a common mistake that native speakers will immediately notice.
Subjective vs Objective
Use ~(으)니까 for your opinions and discoveries. Use -기 때문에 for scientific facts or formal reports where you want to sound objective.
The 'Why' Answer
When someone asks 'Why?' (왜요?), you can answer with '~(으)니까요'. For example, '왜 안 가요?' -> '피곤하니까요' (Because I'm tired).
Identify the Break
The '니까' usually marks the end of the first clause. Listen for it to understand the logic of what the speaker is about to say or ask you to do.
Past Tense Usage
Don't be afraid to use past tense markers like -았- or -었- before 니까. It's perfectly correct and often necessary to explain your reasoning.
Polite Excuses
When declining an invitation, use ~(으)니까 to provide a valid reason. It's much more polite than just saying 'no'.
The 'When' Meaning
Try using ~(으)니까 when telling a story about something surprising you found out. It adds a nice narrative flow to your Korean.
暗記しよう
記憶術
Think of 'KKA' at the end as a 'KICK'. ~(으)니까 gives your sentence a 'KICK' to make the other person do something (a command) or to show you just discovered something 'KICKing' (a discovery)!
視覚的連想
Imagine a bridge with a 'Checkmark' on the first half. You check a reason (weather is good), and then you cross the bridge to an action (let's walk). The checkmark represents your subjective discovery or judgment.
Word Web
チャレンジ
Try to use ~(으)니까 three times today: once to suggest a meal, once to give a simple command like 'be careful', and once to describe something you just found out (like 'I went to the fridge and it was empty').
語源
The term is a combination of the connective suffix '-(으)니', which historically indicated a reason or background, and the emphatic particle '까'. Over centuries, these two merged into a single grammatical unit used to strongly link a premise to a subsequent speech act. The '-(으)니' part is found in Middle Korean documents, where it already served a causal function.
元の意味: Originally meant 'since [X] is so, then [Y]'.
Koreanic (Altaic influence)文化的な背景
Be careful not to sound too argumentative. Ending every sentence with '~(으)니까요' can sometimes sound like you are talking back or being overly defensive.
English speakers often use 'Because' or 'Since' interchangeably for both facts and suggestions. In Korean, they must learn to switch from -아서/어서 to ~(으)니까 when moving from a description to a suggestion.
実生活で練習する
実際の使用場面
Giving Directions
- 길이 막히니까 지하철 타세요.
- 머니까 택시 타요.
- 가까우니까 걸어가세요.
- 복잡하니까 조심하세요.
Ordering Food
- 매우니까 맵지 않게 해 주세요.
- 맛있으니까 이거 시킵시다.
- 양이 많으니까 하나만 시켜요.
- 뜨거우니까 천천히 드세요.
Making Plans
- 시간 있으니까 영화 봐요.
- 내일 쉬니까 오늘 만나요.
- 피곤하니까 내일 해요.
- 준비됐으니까 출발합시다.
At Work
- 회의 중이니까 나중에 오세요.
- 서류 다 됐으니까 확인해 보세요.
- 부장님 계시니까 조용히 하세요.
- 급하니까 빨리 처리해 주세요.
Health and Safety
- 아프니까 약 먹으세요.
- 위험하니까 가지 마세요.
- 추우니까 옷 입으세요.
- 졸리니까 좀 잘게요.
会話のきっかけ
"배고픈데 뭐 먹을까요? 제가 맛집 아니까 같이 가요."
"날씨가 정말 좋은데, 오늘 공원에 가니까 사람이 많을까요?"
"한국어 공부가 어려우니까 우리 같이 스터디 할까요?"
"요즘 너무 바쁘니까 주말에 좀 쉬는 게 어때요?"
"이 영화 재미있다고 들었으니까 우리 같이 봐요."
日記のテーマ
오늘 학교나 회사에 가니까 어떤 일이 있었나요? (What happened when you went to school/work today?)
내가 한국어를 배우는 이유는 무엇인가요? ~(으)니까를 사용해서 써 보세요. (Why are you learning Korean? Use ~(으)니까.)
친구에게 추천하고 싶은 음식이 있나요? 왜 추천하나요? (Is there a food you want to recommend? Why?)
오늘 날씨가 어땠나요? 그래서 무엇을 했나요? (How was the weather today? What did you do because of it?)
최근에 깨달은 사실이 있나요? '알고 보니까'를 사용해 보세요. (Is there something you realized recently? Use 'As it turns out'.)
よくある質問
10 問Generally, no. For apologies like 'I'm sorry for being late,' you should use -아서/어서 (늦어서 미안해요). Using ~(으)니까 (늦으니까 미안해요) sounds like you are making a logical excuse rather than expressing sincere regret. It can even sound slightly rude as if you are saying 'Since I'm late, deal with it.'
-기 때문에 is formal and objective, often used in writing or news to state a clear cause. ~(으)니까 is subjective and conversational, used to justify suggestions or describe personal discoveries. You wouldn't usually use -기 때문에 with a command like 'Let's eat!'
In Korean grammar, -아서/어서 is reserved for describing factual states or sequences. Commands and suggestions require a different kind of logical connection that ~(으)니까 provides. It's just a fundamental rule of Korean sentence structure.
For 'ㄹ' irregulars, you drop the 'ㄹ' and then add '니까'. So, '만들다' becomes '만드니까', '살다' becomes '사니까', and '알다' becomes '아니까'. This is a very common mistake for learners.
Yes, in its 'discovery' sense. For example, '학교에 가니까 친구들이 없었어요' means 'When I went to school, my friends weren't there.' It implies that the second part of the sentence was realized *after* the first part happened.
In very casual speech among close friends, people sometimes end with just -니까 or -니까요 to emphasize their point, but it can sound a bit insistent or defensive. It's usually better to complete the sentence.
Yes! This is a major advantage over -아서/어서. You can say '먹었으니까' (because I ate) or '갔으니까' (because I went). This is necessary when the reason for your current suggestion happened in the past.
It is a very common set phrase meaning 'As it turns out' or 'Now that I know the facts'. It uses the discovery sense of ~(으)니까. For example: '알고 보니까 그 사람은 사장이었어요' (As it turns out, that person was the CEO).
For nouns, you use -(이)니까. If the noun ends in a vowel, use -니까 (e.g., 친구니까). If it ends in a consonant, use -이니까 (e.g., 선생님이니까).
It can be both. By itself, it's a connector. To make it a polite sentence ending, add '요' (니까요). In very formal speeches, you might hear the shortened form -(으)니, but ~(으)니까 is the standard for most spoken interactions.
自分をテスト 200 問
Write a sentence: 'Since it's cold, please wear a coat.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence: 'Since I finished my homework, let's play games.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence: 'When I went to the store, there was no milk.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence: 'Since I'm a student, I don't have much money.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence: 'Since it's delicious, try some.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence: 'Since we have time, shall we watch a movie?'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence: 'Because it's dangerous, don't go there.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence: 'Since I already saw that movie, let's watch another one.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence using '알고 보니까' (As it turns out).
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence using '생각해 보니까' (Now that I think about it).
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence: 'Because I'm busy, call me later.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence: 'Since it's raining, let's just stay home.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence: 'Since it's your birthday, I'll buy dinner.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence: 'Since I'm tired, I'll sleep first.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence: 'Since it's important, please listen carefully.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence: 'Because the road is blocked, take the subway.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence: 'Since I'm a foreigner, I'm not good at Korean.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence: 'When I checked my email, there was a message.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence: 'Because it's spicy, don't eat too much.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence: 'Since you are kind, everyone likes you.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Explain why you are late using ~(으)니까.
Read this aloud:
あなたの回答:
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Suggest a movie to a friend using ~(으)니까.
Read this aloud:
あなたの回答:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Tell a child not to touch something hot.
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あなたの回答:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Explain why you are not hungry.
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あなたの回答:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Suggest taking a taxi because it's raining.
Read this aloud:
あなたの回答:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Ask someone to wait because you are busy.
Read this aloud:
あなたの回答:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Recommend a restaurant you just visited.
Read this aloud:
あなたの回答:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Tell someone to be careful because it's slippery.
Read this aloud:
あなたの回答:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Explain that you'll do something because it's important.
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あなたの回答:
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Suggest going home because it's late.
Read this aloud:
あなたの回答:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Explain why you are happy today.
Read this aloud:
あなたの回答:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Tell someone why they should learn Korean.
Read this aloud:
あなたの回答:
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Explain a discovery you made today.
Read this aloud:
あなたの回答:
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Ask someone to close the window because it's cold.
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あなたの回答:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Explain why you are wearing a coat.
Read this aloud:
あなたの回答:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Suggest eating something specific for lunch.
Read this aloud:
あなたの回答:
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Explain why you can't go to the party.
Read this aloud:
あなたの回答:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Tell a friend to cheer up.
Read this aloud:
あなたの回答:
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Explain why you are reading a book.
Read this aloud:
あなたの回答:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Give a reason for your favorite season.
Read this aloud:
あなたの回答:
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Listen to the sentence: '배가 고프니까 빨리 먹읍시다.' What is the reason?
Listen: '비가 오니까 우산을 가져가세요.' What should the listener do?
Listen: '시간이 없으니까 빨리 가요.' Is there a lot of time?
Listen: '어제 공부했으니까 오늘은 놀아요.' When did the speaker study?
Listen: '맛있으니까 많이 드세요.' Does the speaker like the food?
Listen: '추우니까 문 좀 닫아 주세요.' What is the request?
Listen: '길이 막히니까 지하철을 탑시다.' Why take the subway?
Listen: '위험하니까 조심하세요.' What is the warning?
Listen: '제가 할 테니까 걱정 마세요.' Who will do the work?
Listen: '알고 보니까 제 동창이었어요.' Who was the person?
Listen: '피곤하니까 먼저 잘게요.' What will the speaker do first?
Listen: '시험이 끝났으니까 같이 놀아요.' Why can they play now?
Listen: '매우니까 물을 마시세요.' Why drink water?
Listen: '가까우니까 걸어갑시다.' How will they go?
Listen: '바쁘니까 나중에 전화할게요.' When will the speaker call?
/ 200 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The essential thing to remember about ~(으)니까 is that it is the 'interactive' because. Use it when your reason is meant to prompt someone else to act or when you are sharing a personal realization. Example: '배고프니까 빨리 먹읍시다' (I'm hungry, so let's eat quickly).
- ~(으)니까 is a Korean conjunction meaning 'because' or 'since', primarily used for subjective reasoning and justifications in daily conversation.
- It is the only causal connector that can be followed by commands (-(으)세요) or suggestions (-(으)ㄹ까요, -자).
- It can also mean 'when' or 'now that', indicating a discovery made after performing a certain action or witnessing a state.
- Unlike -아서/어서, it allows past tense markers (-았/었-) to be attached to the verb stem in the reason clause.
Command Rule
Always use ~(으)니까 if the second half of your sentence is a command (-(으)세요) or a suggestion (-(으)ㄹ까요). This is the most important rule for this grammar point.
Tense 'KK'
Make sure the 'ㄲ' in '니까' is tense and sharp. It shouldn't sound like a soft English 'k'. Think of it as a double 'k' sound with no air escaping.
Social Cushioning
Use ~(으)니까 to explain why you are asking for a favor. It makes your request sound more reasonable and less demanding to a Korean speaker.
ㄹ Irregular Alert
Remember that 'ㄹ' stems like '열다' (to open) become '여니까'. Don't say '열으니까'—it's a common mistake that native speakers will immediately notice.
例文
비가 오니까 우산을 가져가세요.
関連コンテンツ
emotionsの関連語
받아들이다
A2受け入れる、受容する、承諾する。
아파하다
A2(他人が)痛がる、苦しむ、悲しむ。
감탄스럽다
A2彼の絶え間ない努力は本当に感嘆に値します。
감탄
A2Admiration or marvel; a feeling of wonder.
감탄하다
A2感嘆する、感心する。優れたものや美しいものを見て、深く心を動かされること。
기특하다
B1感心だ。殊勝だ。幼い者が立派なことをした時に使う言葉。
충고
B1将来の慎重な行動に関して提供される指導や勧告。忠告、アドバイス。
애정
B1愛情;慈しみ、かわいがる心。
애틋하다
B2二人の切なくも愛おしい愛は皆を感動させた。
살갑다
B22