Since / Now That (-ㄴ/은/는 이상)
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use -ㄴ/은/는 이상 when a situation is established and you are committing to a logical consequence or duty.
- Attach to verb stems: -ㄴ/은 이상 (past/adj) or -는 이상 (present).
- The first clause is the 'given' fact; the second is the 'result' or 'obligation'.
- It implies 'since X is true, Y must happen' (often used for resolutions).
Overview
At the upper-intermediate level of Korean, expressing simple cause and effect with -아/어서 or -(으)니까 is second nature. The grammar pattern -ㄴ/은/는 이상 (romanized as -n/eun/neun isang) introduces a more sophisticated layer of logic, translating to "since," "now that," or "given that." However, its core function is not merely to state a reason. It establishes a fixed, unchangeable reality—a point of no return—that creates a powerful and logical necessity for a subsequent action or conclusion.
Think of it as the grammar of inevitable consequences. When you use -ㄴ/은/는 이상, you are asserting that the first clause is an established fact, a premise that is beyond dispute. Because this premise is locked in, the second clause presents the only logical, dutiful, or unavoidable outcome.
It’s the difference between "I'm staying home because it's raining" (a simple choice) and "Given that a typhoon warning has been issued, all flights must be grounded" (an unavoidable consequence based on an established fact).
This pattern is frequently used in situations involving contracts, promises, commitments, and responsibilities. It carries a formal weight and a sense of gravity, implying that the speaker or subject is bound by the initial condition. While common in professional and academic settings, its logic is also applied in everyday situations where a commitment has been made.
How This Grammar Works
-ㄴ/은/는 이상 lies in understanding the noun 이상 (isang). It originates from the Hanja characters {以上}, which literally mean "above," "more than," or "beyond." In this grammatical context, 이상 takes on the metaphorical meaning of a condition that is "beyond" debate or change—it is a given, an established reality. Therefore, the structure creates a strong logical syllogism: If Premise A is an established fact, then Conclusion B is the necessary result.-(으)니까 presents a reason that influences a decision, -ㄴ/은/는 이상 presents a fact that dictates an outcome. The first clause is the immovable foundation, and the second clause is the structure that must be built upon it.- Obligation:
-아/어야 하다/되다(must; have to) - No Other Choice:
-(으)ㄹ 수밖에 없다(to have no choice but to) - Strong Intention:
-(으)ㄹ 것이다or-(으)ㄹ 생각이다(will do; intend to do) - Commands/Proposals:
-(으)십시오or-(으)ㅂ시다(please do; let's do)
프로젝트의 리더인 이상, 책임감을 가지고 팀을 이끌어야 합니다. (romanization: Peurojekteu-ui lideo-in isang, chaegimgam-eul gajigo tim-eul ikkeureoya hamnida.) This translates to, "Since you are the leader of the project, you must lead the team with a sense of responsibility." The fact of being the leader (리더인 이상) is the established premise. The logical and dutiful consequence is the obligation to lead responsibly (책임감을 가지고... 이끌어야 합니다).리더라서 (because you're the leader) would lack the same weight of formal duty.Formation Pattern
-는, -(으)ㄴ), which you already use to modify nouns. The conjugation depends on the word type (action verb, descriptive verb, or noun) and the tense. All forms are followed directly by 이상.
-는 이상 | 하다 (to do) | 하는 이상 | Since one is doing... |
-는 이상 | 믿다 (to believe) | 믿는 이상 | As long as one believes... |
ㄹ | Verb Stem + -ㄴ 이상 | 시작하다 (to start) | 시작한 이상 | Now that (we) have started... |
-은 이상 | 선택했다 (to choose) | 선택한 이상 | Now that (I) have chosen... |
-았던/었던 이상) is grammatically possible but less common, as the pattern usually refers to a current, established state.
ㄹ | Verb Stem + -ㄴ 이상 | 다르다 (to be different) | 다른 이상 | Since it is different... |
-은 이상 | 좋다 (to be good) | 좋은 이상 | Given that it is good... |
이다
이다 (to be), becoming 인 이상 for the present tense.
인 이상 | 학생 (student) | 학생인 이상 | Since you are a student... |
인 이상 | 법 (law) | 법인 이상 | Given that it's the law... |
이었던/였던 이상 | 친구 (friend) | 친구였던 이상 | Since we were friends... |
-지 않는 이상 (Unless)
특별한 일이 생기지 않는 이상, 회의는 예정대로 진행됩니다. (Teukbyeolhan ir-i saenggiji anneun isang, hoeui-neun yejeongdaero jinhaengdoemnida.)
When To Use It
-ㄴ/은/는 이상. It links a role or status to its inherent obligations. You are stating that occupying a certain position or having a certain identity logically requires you to act in a specific way.한국 회사에서 일하는 이상, 한국의 조직 문화를 이해하려는 노력이 필요해요.(Since you work at a Korean company, you need to make an effort to understand Korean corporate culture.)부모인 이상 아이에게 최선을 다해야 하는 것은 당연하다.(Given that you are a parent, it's natural that you must do your best for your child.)
이미 돈을 지불한 이상, 환불은 불가능하니 그냥 사용해야겠어요.(Now that I've already paid, a refund is impossible, so I'll just have to use it.)모두의 앞에서 약속한 이상, 그 약속을 어길 수는 없다.(Now that I've promised in front of everyone, I cannot break that promise.)
이렇게 명백한 증거가 나온 이상, 그는 더 이상 자신의 무죄를 주장하기 어려울 것이다.(Now that such clear evidence has emerged, it will be difficult for him to argue his innocence any longer.)최고의 재료를 사용한 이상, 음식 맛이 없을 리가 없다.(Given that we used the best ingredients, there's no way the food can taste bad.)
-지 않는 이상 (Unless)이상 clause is met.네가 먼저 사과하지 않는 이상, 이 문제는 해결되지 않을 거야.(Unless you apologize first, this problem will not be resolved.)치명적인 결함이 발견되지 않는 이상, 우리는 이 계획을 계속 추진할 겁니다.(As long as no critical flaws are discovered, we will continue to move forward with this plan.)
Common Mistakes
-ㄴ/은/는 이상 by treating it as a universal substitute for "because." Understanding its specific nuance is critical to using it correctly.- Wrong:
배가 고픈 이상 빵을 먹었어요.(Since I was hungry, I ate bread.) - Why it's wrong: Being hungry is a simple, personal cause. The action of eating is a direct result, not a logically enforced duty or an unavoidable consequence of a major commitment. The sentence lacks the necessary gravitas.
- Correct:
배가 고파서 빵을 먹었어요. - How to fix with
이상: To use이상, you must raise the stakes.마라톤 완주라는 목표가 있는 이상, 배가 고파도 참고 달려야 한다.(Given that I have the goal of completing a marathon, even if I'm hungry, I must endure and run.)
- Wrong:
약속 시간이 지난 이상, 친구는 이미 집에 갔다.(Since the appointment time passed, my friend already went home.) - Why it's wrong: The second clause is a simple statement of a past event. While logical, it lacks the sense of obligation or inevitability required by
이상. - Correct:
약속 시간이 지난 이상, 친구는 이미 집에 갔을 것이다.(Now that the appointment time has passed, my friend must have gone home already.) - Alternatively:
약속 시간이 지난 이상, 이제 기다리는 것은 의미가 없으니 우리도 돌아가자.(Now that the appointment time has passed, waiting is pointless, so let's go back too.)
-ㄴ/은 이상 with Present -는 이상.-ㄴ/은 이상 refers to a completed action that established the situation. -는 이상 refers to an ongoing state or action.계약을 한 이상...(Now that we have signed the contract...): The signing is a finished event. The consequences start now.계약을 유지하는 이상...(As long as we are maintaining the contract...): The contract is currently active. The obligations are ongoing.
Real Conversations
Here is how -ㄴ/은/는 이상 appears in natural contexts, from formal to casual.
Scenario 1
- 팀장 (Team Lead): 1분기 실적이 목표에 미달한 이상, 2분기에는 새로운 전략이 필요합니다. 모두 책임감을 느끼고 아이디어를 내주십시오.
(Since our first-quarter performance fell short of the goal, we need a new strategy for the second quarter. Everyone, please feel a sense of responsibility and contribute your ideas.)
- 직원 (Employee): 네, 팀장님. 기존 방식을 고수하는 이상, 큰 변화를 기대하기는 어렵다고 생각합니다.
(Yes, team lead. As long as we stick to the existing methods, I believe it is difficult to expect any major change.)
Scenario 2
- 지민: 야, 우리 제주도 비행기표 예매한 이상, 이제 취소 못 해. 알지?
(Hey, now that we've booked the Jeju Island flight tickets, we can't cancel. You know that, right?)
- 수현: ㅋㅋㅋ 당연. 돈 아까워서라도 가야지. 태풍 오지 않는 이상 무조건 고!
(LOL of course. We have to go, if only because it's a waste of money. Unless a typhoon comes, it's a definite go!)
Scenario 3
- 선배 (Senior): 우리가 이 주제를 선택한 이상, 자료 조사가 좀 어려워도 끝까지 해내야 해. 중간에 바꾸는 건 더 힘들어.
(Now that we've chosen this topic, we have to see it through to the end even if the research is a bit difficult. Changing it midway will be even harder.)
- 후배 (Junior): 맞아요, 선배님. 시작한 이상, 어떻게든 좋은 결과를 만들어 봐요.
(That's right. Since we've started, let's try to create a good result one way or another.)
Quick FAQ
-지 않는 이상 is the same as "unless"?Yes, that is its most accurate translation. It sets the one condition that would prevent the main clause from happening. Example: 네가 괜찮다고 말하지 않는 이상, 나는 안심할 수 없어. (Unless you tell me you're okay, I can't be at ease.)
While it has a formal nuance, it is commonly used in 반말 (casual speech) among friends, especially when discussing commitments or firm decisions. The ending of the sentence determines the overall formality. Example: 시작한 이상 끝을 봐야지! (Since we started, we've got to see the end!)
-(으)ㄹ 수밖에 없다?They are a perfect logical match. -ㄴ/은/는 이상 establishes an unchangeable premise, and -(으)ㄹ 수밖에 없다 means "there is no choice but to..." Together, they form a powerful statement of inevitability. 차가 이렇게 막히는 이상, 약속 시간에 늦을 수밖에 없겠네요. (Since the traffic is this bad, it seems we have no choice but to be late for our appointment.)
No. The core function of 이상 is to refer to a fact that is already established in the present or past. The future is uncertain and cannot serve as a fixed premise. For hypothetical future conditions, you must use patterns like -(ㄴ)다면 or -(으)면.
-는 이상 and -는 한?This is an excellent question for advanced learners. Both can mean "as long as." However, -는 한 emphasizes the continuation of a state. 네가 노력하는 한, 기회는 있을 거야. (As long as you continue to make an effort, there will be opportunities.) In contrast, -는 이상 emphasizes a static, established fact. 네가 우리 팀원인 이상, 팀의 규칙을 따라야 한다. (Given the fact that you are a member of our team, you must follow the team's rules.) -는 한 is about duration; -는 이상 is about status.
Formation Table
| Type | Present | Past | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Verb
|
-는 이상
|
-은 이상
|
가는 이상 / 간 이상
|
|
Adjective
|
-
|
-은 이상
|
큰 이상
|
|
Noun + 이다
|
-
|
-인 이상
|
학생인 이상
|
Meanings
Indicates that because a certain situation has occurred or a fact is established, a corresponding action or consequence is logically expected or required.
Logical Consequence
Since X is the case, Y is the natural outcome.
“약속한 이상 지켜야 합니다.”
“본 이상 모른 척할 수 없어요.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Verb + -는/은 이상
|
시작한 이상 끝내자
|
|
Negative
|
Verb + -지 않는 이상
|
가지 않는 이상 모른다
|
|
Past
|
Verb + -은 이상
|
본 이상 말해야 해
|
|
Adjective
|
Adj + -ㄴ/은 이상
|
큰 이상 문제없다
|
|
Noun
|
Noun + -인 이상
|
전문가인 이상 책임져라
|
Formality Spectrum
시작하신 이상 끝까지 완수하십시오. (Task completion)
시작한 이상 끝까지 해야 해요. (Task completion)
시작한 이상 끝까지 해. (Task completion)
시작했으면 끝을 봐. (Task completion)
The Logic of 이상
Usage
- 결심 Decision
- 약속 Promise
Outcome
- 책임 Responsibility
- 행동 Action
Examples by Level
공부한 이상 열심히 해요.
Since you studied, do it hard.
시작한 이상 끝내요.
Since you started, finish it.
온 이상 즐기세요.
Since you came, enjoy it.
산 이상 먹어야 해요.
Since you bought it, you must eat it.
결심한 이상 포기하지 마세요.
Since you decided, don't give up.
본 이상 비밀을 지켜야 해요.
Since you saw it, you must keep the secret.
약속한 이상 꼭 가야 해요.
Since you promised, you must go.
들은 이상 모른 척할 수 없어요.
Since I heard it, I can't pretend I don't know.
이 일을 맡은 이상 최선을 다하겠습니다.
Since I took on this job, I will do my best.
한국에 온 이상 한국어를 배워야죠.
Since you came to Korea, you should learn Korean.
이미 시작한 이상 뒤로 물러설 수 없습니다.
Since we already started, we cannot back down.
한 번 말한 이상 책임져야 합니다.
Since you said it once, you must take responsibility.
참가하기로 한 이상 끝까지 완주할 생각입니다.
Since I decided to participate, I intend to finish to the end.
상황이 이렇게 된 이상 솔직하게 말하는 게 좋겠어요.
Since the situation has become like this, it's better to be honest.
우리가 팀이 된 이상 서로 도와야 합니다.
Since we have become a team, we must help each other.
법을 어긴 이상 처벌을 피할 수 없습니다.
Since you broke the law, you cannot avoid punishment.
이미 주사위는 던져진 이상 전진할 수밖에 없다.
Since the die is cast, there is no choice but to move forward.
이 프로젝트에 예산을 투입한 이상 성과를 내야 한다.
Since we have invested budget into this project, we must produce results.
그가 사실을 알게 된 이상 더 이상 숨길 수 없다.
Since he has come to know the truth, it can no longer be hidden.
이미 약속된 이상 변경은 불가능합니다.
Since it has already been promised, changes are impossible.
역사의 흐름이 바뀐 이상 과거로 회귀할 수는 없다.
Since the flow of history has changed, one cannot return to the past.
신뢰가 깨진 이상 관계를 회복하기는 어렵다.
Since the trust is broken, it is difficult to restore the relationship.
이미 공표된 이상 번복할 여지가 없다.
Since it has been announced, there is no room for retraction.
생명이 위태로운 이상 즉각적인 조치가 필요하다.
Since life is at risk, immediate action is required.
Easily Confused
Both mean 'because/since'.
Both are conditional.
Both imply conditions.
Common Mistakes
비가 오는 이상 우산을 썼어요.
비가 와서 우산을 썼어요.
배고픈 이상 밥을 먹어요.
배고파서 밥을 먹어요.
피곤한 이상 잘 거예요.
피곤해서 잘 거예요.
더운 이상 에어컨을 켰어요.
더워서 에어컨을 켰어요.
공부하는 이상 시험을 봐요.
공부하기로 한 이상 시험을 잘 봐야 해요.
산 이상 먹었다.
산 이상 먹어야 한다.
간 이상 즐거웠다.
간 이상 즐겨야 한다.
그가 말한 이상 사실이다.
그가 말한 이상 사실일 것이다.
돈이 없는 이상 살 수 없다.
돈이 없는 이상 살 수 없다 (This is actually correct, but context matters).
약속한 이상 안 왔다.
약속한 이상 와야 했다.
그가 온 이상 파티를 시작했다.
그가 온 이상 파티를 시작해야 한다.
Sentence Patterns
___한 이상 ___해야 해요.
___인 이상 ___입니다.
___한 이상 ___할 수 없어요.
___한 이상 ___할 생각입니다.
Real World Usage
다이어트 시작한 이상 끝까지 간다!
이 프로젝트를 맡은 이상 성공시켜야 합니다.
약속한 이상 꼭 와야 해.
입사한 이상 회사에 기여하겠습니다.
한국에 온 이상 맛집은 다 가봐야지.
주문한 이상 빨리 먹어야지.
Focus on Duty
Don't over-use
Pair with Resolutions
Formal Contexts
Smart Tips
Use -는 이상 to emphasize your commitment to a goal.
Use -ㄴ/은 이상 to justify why you chose a hard path.
Use -ㄴ/은 이상 to encourage others to finish what they started.
Use -ㄴ/은 이상 to state your professional commitment.
Pronunciation
이상
Pronounced as [이ː상]. The '이' is slightly long.
Rising-Falling
시작한 이상 ↗ 끝내야 해요 ↘
Assertive and determined.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of '이상' as a 'One-Way Street' sign. Once you enter the street, you have to follow the path to the end.
Visual Association
Imagine a person jumping into a pool. Once they are in the air (the '이상' moment), they must land in the water. There is no going back!
Rhyme
Since you started, don't be a quitter, finish the task, don't be a fritter.
Story
Min-su decided to climb a mountain. Once he reached the halfway point (the '이상' moment), he realized he was tired. But he told himself, 'Since I started, I must reach the peak.' He kept climbing and finally succeeded.
Word Web
Challenge
Write 3 sentences about a goal you have using '...이상...'.
Cultural Notes
Used to show professional commitment to a project.
Used by teachers to encourage students.
Used among friends for group activities.
Derived from the Sino-Korean word '以上' (이상), meaning 'above' or 'beyond'.
Conversation Starters
목표를 세운 이상 어떻게 할 거예요?
한국에 온 이상 꼭 하고 싶은 게 뭐예요?
이미 시작한 이상 포기하고 싶을 때 어떻게 해요?
약속한 이상 지키지 못하면 어떻게 될까요?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
시작한 ___ 끝까지 해야 해요.
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
피곤한 이상 잘 것이다.
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
Since you promised, you must go.
Answer starts with: 약속한...
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
A: 우리 이 일 끝낼 수 있을까? B: ___.
Use '본 이상' and '말하다'.
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercises시작한 ___ 끝까지 해야 해요.
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
피곤한 이상 잘 것이다.
끝까지 / 이상 / 시작한 / 해야 / 해요
Since you promised, you must go.
결심한 이상 -> ?
A: 우리 이 일 끝낼 수 있을까? B: ___.
Use '본 이상' and '말하다'.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
11 exercises네가 팀의 (리더) _____ 책임을 져야지.
Match the roots.
말한 / 내가 / 지켜야 / 이상 / 약속을 / 해
Which of these is grammatically natural?
Now that we've come this far, let's keep going.
이 식당이 유명하는 이상 한번 가 봐야 해요.
비가 (오다 - negative) _____ 우리는 출발할 것이다.
한국에 온 이상...
Translate the English sentence.
버린 / 쓰레기를 / 치워야지 / 네가 / 이상
그가 (모르다) _____ 우리가 도와줘야 해.
Score: /11
FAQ (8)
No, use -니까. `이상` is for intentional actions.
Yes, it is often used in formal or serious contexts.
No, it can be an adjective or noun too.
It will sound unnatural or overly dramatic.
No, it's more like 'since' with a sense of duty.
Yes, `한 이상` works for past actions.
It's common when talking about goals or serious topics.
Yes, `가지 않는 이상` (Unless you go).
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
以上 (ijou)
None, very similar.
既然 (jiran)
Chinese uses it more broadly.
Since/Now that
이상 requires a sense of duty.
Ya que
이상 is for commitments.
Puisque
이상 is for future-oriented duty.
Da
이상 is for logical necessity.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Related Grammar Rules
Formal 'By' Agent (-에 의해)
Overview In Korean, expressing agency – the 'by' in 'done by' – isn't a one-size-fits-all matter as it often is in Engli...
Based On: -을/를 바탕으로
Overview In Korean, expressing that an action, creation, or judgment is **based on** a particular source is crucial for...
The 'Double Passive' Vibe (Advanced Causative Passive)
Overview Korean, like many languages, employs grammatical mechanisms to shift focus within a sentence. The **Double Pass...
The Inference Ending: It looks like... (-나/는가 보다)
Overview As you navigate the complexities of B2-level Korean, you encounter grammar that allows for more nuanced express...
Expressing Shock: -다니 (How Could...)
Overview **-다니** (romanized: -dani) is an upper-intermediate (B2) Korean grammar pattern used to express strong surpr...
