The 'Action If' Pattern: Once you... then do (거든)
거든 for 'action-oriented' conditions where the second part is a command, suggestion, or future promise.
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use -거든 to introduce a condition that leads to a specific result or to explain a reason for a previous statement.
- Attach -거든 directly to the verb/adjective stem: 먹다 -> 먹거든.
- Use it to set a condition: 'If you go, I will go' (가거든, 나도 갈게).
- Use it to explain a reason: 'Why? Because I'm busy' (바쁘거든).
Overview
The Korean connective ending 거든 (geodeun) serves as a conditional clause marker, signifying an anticipated or expected condition upon which a subsequent action or directive will be based. It functions as an 'action if' or 'once you... then do' pattern, fundamentally linking a future or presently unrealized condition (Clause A) to an imperative, suggestive, or promissory statement (Clause B).
Unlike the more general -(으)면 (-(eu)myeon), which can express a wide range of hypothetical, factual, or habitual conditions, 거든 specifically implies that the speaker expects the condition in Clause A to be met, or at least views it as a plausible precursor to the action in Clause B. This expectation imbues 거든 with a more direct and action-oriented nuance, making it particularly prevalent in spoken Korean and informal communication where immediate coordination or guidance is required. Consider a friend asking, 피곤하거든 자. (Pigonhageodeun ja.
| If you're tired, sleep.). The speaker anticipates the listener might indeed be tired and provides a direct suggestion. It sets the stage for a concrete, future-oriented response, rather than merely stating a general truth.
It is crucial not to confuse this conditional 거든 with the sentence-ending particle -거든요 (geodeunyo). While they share a similar form, -거든요 primarily functions to provide an explanation or context, often with a nuance of 'you see' or 'because' to justify a preceding statement. For instance, 밥을 먹었거든요. (Babeul meogeotgeodeunyo.
| I ate because [you see] I was hungry.). The conditional 거든 always connects two clauses, dictating an action based on a condition, whereas -거든요 concludes a thought, offering an explanation. Understanding this distinction is fundamental for accurate usage at the intermediate B1 level.
How This Grammar Works
거든 establishes a conditional relationship between two clauses, A and B. Clause A outlines the condition, and Clause B expresses the consequent action or directive. The critical characteristic of 거든 lies in the nature of Clause B: it almost exclusively contains an imperative (command), a prohibitive (negative command), a propositive (suggestion), or a promise/expression of the speaker's strong will.거든 is used when the speaker anticipates the fulfillment of condition A and intends to direct or commit to an action in response. The speaker is actively engaging with a potential future scenario rather than merely observing it.거든, they are projecting a future state (condition A) and pre-planning a response (action B). This makes 거든 unsuitable for expressing general truths, scientific facts, or habitual actions because these do not typically require a directed response. For example, 겨울이 오거든 추워요. (Gyeouri ogeodeun chuwoyo.겨울이 오면 추워요. using -(으)면. However, 겨울이 오거든 따뜻한 옷을 입으세요. (Gyeouri ogeodeun ttatteuthan oseul ibeuseyo.- Future/Unrealized Conditions:
거든primarily refers to conditions that are expected to occur in the future or are currently unrealized but plausible. It is not typically used for past events unless emphasizing a completed action as a prerequisite for another future action (e.g.,숙제를 다 했거든 말해줘.Sukjereul da haetgeodeun malhaejwo. | If you've finished your homework, tell me.). - Directive Second Clause: The most defining feature. Clause B almost invariably employs a grammatical form indicating a command (
-아/어요,-ㅂ시다,-(으)세요,-아/어라), a suggestion (-자,-ㅂ시다), or a promise/speaker's intention (-(으)ㄹ게(요)). This structure highlights the speaker's proactive stance in relation to the anticipated condition. Example:비가 오거든 우산을 가져가세요.(Biga ogeodeun usaneul gajyeogaseyo. | If it rains, take an umbrella.). - High Probability/Expectation: There's an underlying assumption that the condition in Clause A is likely to happen or is at least a strong possibility the speaker is preparing for. This distinguishes it from highly hypothetical or counterfactual conditions, where
-(으)면or-다면would be more appropriate. - Informal and Spoken Preference: While grammatically correct in various contexts,
거든carries a colloquial flavor and is significantly more common in casual conversation, daily interactions, and informal writing (e.g., texting, social media) than in formal speeches or academic texts. This contributes to its feeling of directness and immediacy.
거든 reflects a pragmatic function in Korean: to streamline communication when coordinating future actions based on contingent events. It allows speakers to efficiently convey a plan or instruction that depends on a preceding circumstance, making it an indispensable tool for natural, everyday interaction.Formation Pattern
거든 is relatively straightforward, attaching directly to the stem of verbs, adjectives, or the copula 이다 (ida). It generally does not undergo ㅂ or ㄷ irregular conjugations, making it quite consistent. The politeness level is determined by the ending of the second clause, not by 거든 itself.
거든 directly to the verb or adjective stem, regardless of whether the stem ends in a consonant (batchim) or a vowel.
거든 Form | English (If/When you...) |
가다 (to go) | 가- | 가거든 | If/When you go |
먹다 (to eat) | 먹- | 먹거든 | If/When you eat |
예쁘다 (to be pretty) | 예쁘- | 예쁘거든 | If it's pretty |
많다 (to be many) | 많- | 많거든 | If there are many |
ㄹ irregular | 살다 (to live) | 살- | 살거든 | If you live |
ㄷ irregular | 듣다 (to listen) | 들- | 듣거든 | If you listen |
ㅂ irregular | 춥다 (to be cold) | 춥- | 춥거든 | If it's cold |
도착하거든 전화해. (Dochakhageodeun jeonhwahae. | If/When you arrive, call me.)
심심하거든 나한테 와. (Simsimhageodeun nahante wa. | If you're bored, come to me.)
거든 to the past tense stem 았/었/했.
거든 Form | English (If/When you've...) |
하다 (to do) | 했- | 했거든 | If/When you've done it |\
먹다 (to eat) | 먹었- | 먹었거든 | If/When you've eaten |\
오다 (to come) | 왔- | 왔거든 | If/When you've come |\
보고서를 다 썼거든 제출해 주세요. (Bogoseoreul da sseotgeodeun jechulhae juseyo. | If you've finished writing the report, please submit it.)
이다 is employed. You attach 이거든 if the noun ends in a consonant, and 거든 if it ends in a vowel.
거든 Form | English (If it's...) |
학생 (student) | 학생이거든 | If you're a student |\
방학 (vacation) | 방학이거든 | If it's vacation |\
내일 시험이거든 오늘 밤새 공부하자. (Naeil siheomigeodeun oneul bamsae gongbuhaja. | If there's an exam tomorrow, let's study all night.)
거든 attaches directly to the verb/adjective stem before any irregular changes typically occur. So, for 듣다 (to listen), the stem is 듣-, and it becomes 듣거든. For 춥다 (to be cold), the stem is 춥-, and it becomes 춥거든. The irregularity of ㅂ changing to ㅜ or ㅗ before a vowel-starting ending like -(으)면 or -아/어요 does not apply here because 거든 starts with a consonant.
When To Use It
거든 shines in situations where a specific, often immediate, action or response is contingent upon an anticipated event. Its directive nature makes it ideal for coordinating, advising, warning, or making commitments in spoken or informal written communication.거든 to tell someone what to do if a particular situation arises, under the assumption that the situation is likely or expected.배고프거든 뭐라도 먹어.(Baegopeugeodeun mworado meogeo. | If you're hungry, eat something.)도움이 필요하거든 언제든지 말해.(Doumi pillyohageodeun eonjedeunji malhae. | If you need help, tell me anytime.)졸리거든 커피 한 잔 마셔.(Jolligeodeun keopi han jan masyeo. | If you're sleepy, drink a cup of coffee.)
거든 is highly effective. It allows for flexible planning.영화가 끝나거든 저녁 먹으러 가자.(Yeonghwaga kkeunnageodeun jeonyeok meogeureo gaja. | If/When the movie finishes, let's go eat dinner.)시간이 남거든 같이 산책할까요?(Sigani namgeodeun gachi sanchaekalkkayo? | If you have some time left over, shall we take a walk together?)비가 그치거든 축구하자.(Biga geuchigeodeun chukguhaja. | If/When the rain stops, let's play soccer.)
거든 can be used when making a promise or stating a firm intention based on a future event. The -ㄹ게(요) (-(eu)lge(yo)) ending in the second clause is typical here.돈 생기거든 맛있는 거 사줄게.(Don saenggigeodeun masinneun geo sajulge. | If I get money, I'll buy you something delicious.)결과 나오거든 바로 알려드릴게요.(Gyeolgwa naogeodeun baro allyeodeurilgeyo. | If/When the results come out, I'll let you know immediately.)다음에 한국에 오거든 꼭 만날게.(Daeume Hanguge ogeodeun kkok mannalge. | If/When you come to Korea next time, I'll definitely meet you.)
위험하거든 절대 가까이 가지 마.(Wiheomhageodeun jeoldae gakkai gaji ma. | If it's dangerous, never go near it.)그 사람이 또 오거든 나한테 꼭 연락해.(Geu sarami tto ogeodeun nahante kkok yeollakhae. | If that person comes again, make sure to contact me.)문제 생기거든 바로 보고해.(Munje saenggigeodeun baro bogohae. | If a problem arises, report it immediately.)
거든 adds a natural, direct, and slightly anticipatory tone. It feels less formal than -(으)면 and is often preferred for dynamic interactions.- Texting:
도착하거든 벨 눌러줘~(Dochakhageodeun bel nulleojwo~ | If you arrive, ring the bell~) - Social Media:
궁금한 거 있거든 댓글 달아주세요!(Gunggeumhan geo itgeodeun daetgeul darajuseyo! | If you have any questions, please leave a comment!) - Friends:
심심하거든 게임 같이 할까?(Simsimhageodeun geim gachi halkka? | If you're bored, shall we play a game together?)
Common Mistakes
거든 fits within the broader landscape of Korean conditional expressions is crucial to avoiding common pitfalls. Many errors stem from overgeneralizing its usage or confusing its specific pragmatic function with other similar patterns.거든 is inherently forward-looking and directive. It does not suit statements of universal truth, scientific facts, or actions that occur habitually whenever a condition is met. For these, -(으)면 is the correct choice.- Incorrect:
봄이 오거든 꽃이 피어요.(Bomi ogeodeun kkochi pieoyo. | If spring comes, flowers bloom.) - This is a general truth.거든is inappropriate. - Correct:
봄이 오면 꽃이 피어요.(Bomi omyeon kkochi pieoyo. | If spring comes, flowers bloom.) - Correct (with
거든for directive):봄이 오거든 소풍 가자.(Bomi ogeodeun sopung gaja. | If spring comes, let's go on a picnic.) - Why it's a mistake: The first clause (
봄이 오거든) sets up an expectation for an action, but the second clause (꽃이 피어요) merely describes an outcome, not an action or instruction. The directiveness of거든clashes with the descriptive nature of the consequence.
거든 implies a reasonable expectation that the condition might be fulfilled. For conditions that are highly unlikely, purely imaginative, or contrary to fact (e.g.,Conjugation of -거든
| Verb/Adj | Stem | Result |
|---|---|---|
|
가다
|
가
|
가거든
|
|
먹다
|
먹
|
먹거든
|
|
예쁘다
|
예쁘
|
예쁘거든
|
|
듣다
|
듣
|
듣거든
|
|
바쁘다
|
바쁘
|
바쁘거든
|
|
하다
|
하
|
하거든
|
Contractions
| Full Form | Common Spoken |
|---|---|
|
-거든
|
-거든
|
Meanings
A versatile connective used to set a condition for a following action or to provide a justification for a statement.
Conditional
Used to express a condition: 'If/When X happens, then Y'.
“비가 오거든 집에 있으세요.”
“도착하거든 연락해 주세요.”
Explanatory
Used to explain the reason for a previous statement, often adding a sense of 'you know'.
“오늘 못 가요. 일이 많거든.”
“왜 안 먹어? 배가 안 고프거든.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Stem + 거든
|
가거든
|
|
Negative
|
안 + Stem + 거든
|
안 가거든
|
|
Past
|
Past Stem + 거든
|
갔거든
|
|
Adjective
|
Adj Stem + 거든
|
좋거든
|
|
Question
|
Stem + 거든?
|
가거든?
|
|
Reasoning
|
Statement + 거든
|
바쁘거든
|
Formality Spectrum
바쁘거든요. (Explaining why you can't go.)
바빠요. (Explaining why you can't go.)
바쁘거든. (Explaining why you can't go.)
바빠. (Explaining why you can't go.)
The Two Faces of -거든
Condition
- 도착하거든 When you arrive
Reason
- 바쁘거든 Because I'm busy
거든 vs -(으)면
Decision Flow
Is it a condition?
Usage Contexts
Casual
- • Texting
- • Friends
- • Social Media
Formal
- • Avoid in reports
- • Use in speech
Examples by Level
가거든 전화해.
If you go, call me.
먹거든 말해줘.
If you eat, tell me.
좋거든 사세요.
If you like it, buy it.
바쁘거든 나중에 봐.
If you are busy, see you later.
왜 안 먹어? 배가 안 고프거든.
Why aren't you eating? Because I'm not hungry.
도착하거든 메시지 보내.
When you arrive, send a message.
그 영화 재미있거든.
That movie is fun, you know.
오늘 못 가거든.
I can't go today, you see.
시간이 있으면 전화하거든.
If I have time, I call.
그 사람은 성격이 좋거든.
That person has a good personality, you know.
비가 오거든 우산을 가져가세요.
If it rains, take an umbrella.
내일은 바쁘거든.
I'm busy tomorrow, you see.
그게 사실이거든.
That is the truth, you know.
준비가 다 되었거든 시작하세요.
Start when you are fully prepared.
왜냐하면 내가 가고 싶거든.
Because I want to go.
그 친구는 정말 똑똑하거든.
That friend is really smart, you know.
상황이 그렇거든 이해해 주세요.
The situation is like that, so please understand.
이미 결정했거든.
I've already decided, you see.
그렇게 하면 안 되거든.
You shouldn't do it like that, you know.
내가 다 알아서 하거든.
I handle everything myself, you see.
그건 내가 말했거든.
I told you that, remember?
그렇게 말하면 오해하거든.
If you say it like that, people misunderstand.
이미 늦었거든.
It's already too late, you know.
그건 내 방식이거든.
That's my way of doing things.
Easily Confused
Both mean 'if'.
Both explain reasons.
Both explain reasons.
Common Mistakes
가면 전화해 (when instruction)
가거든 전화해
먹다거든
먹거든
바쁘다거든
바쁘거든
가거든가
가거든
그게 사실이다거든
그게 사실이거든
왜냐하면 바쁘거든
바쁘거든
갔었거든
갔거든
보고서에 썼거든
보고서에 썼습니다
비가 오면 전화하거든
비가 오거든 전화하세요
그는 똑똑하거든
그는 똑똑하거든 (context needed)
그건 내 방식이거든 (too aggressive)
그건 제 방식이거든요
이미 늦었거든 (too blunt)
이미 늦었거든요
그렇게 말하면 오해하거든 (unclear)
그렇게 말하면 오해하거든요
Sentence Patterns
___하거든 연락해.
왜 안 먹어? ___거든.
그게 ___거든.
___하거든 나중에 다시 말해줘.
Real World Usage
도착하거든 톡해.
오늘 날씨가 좋거든.
N/A
마음에 들거든 살게요.
도착하거든 문 앞에 놔주세요.
왜 안 와? 바쁘거든.
Use it for instructions
Avoid in formal writing
Softening refusals
The 'You See' nuance
Smart Tips
Use -거든 instead of -면 to sound more like a native speaker.
Add -거든 at the end of your sentence to provide a reason.
Use -거든 to explain why you can't do something.
Use -거든 to set conditions for your plans.
Pronunciation
Liaison
The 'd' sound in -거든 is pronounced clearly.
Rising
바쁘거든? ↑
Asking for confirmation of a reason.
Falling
바쁘거든. ↓
Stating a reason firmly.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'Go-Deun' (거든) as 'Go-Done'. If you 'Go', you are 'Done' with the condition.
Visual Association
Imagine a traffic light. Green light (Go) = 거든. You only move forward when the condition is met.
Rhyme
When you go, say 거든. When you know, say 거든.
Story
Min-su is waiting for a text. He tells his friend, 'If you arrive, text me.' (도착하거든 연락해). His friend replies, 'I can't, because I'm busy.' (바쁘거든). Min-su understands.
Word Web
Challenge
Write 3 sentences using -거든: one for a condition, one for a reason, and one for a question.
Cultural Notes
Used frequently in daily life to soften refusals.
Often used with more emphasis and slightly different intonation.
Used in texting to provide quick justifications.
Derived from the verb '거두다' (to gather/collect), implying 'collecting' information or conditions.
Conversation Starters
오늘 왜 안 왔어요?
이 영화 어때요?
도착하면 뭐 할 거예요?
왜 그렇게 생각해요?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
도착___ 연락해.
왜 안 먹어? 배가 ___.
Find and fix the mistake:
비가 오면 전화하세요 (instruction).
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
If you like it, buy it.
Answer starts with: 좋거든...
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Use '재미있다' and '거든'.
Can I use -거든 in a formal report?
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercises도착___ 연락해.
왜 안 먹어? 배가 ___.
Find and fix the mistake:
비가 오면 전화하세요 (instruction).
바쁘거든 / 오늘 / 못 가요
If you like it, buy it.
Match the sentence to the usage.
Use '재미있다' and '거든'.
Can I use -거든 in a formal report?
Score: /8
Practice Bank
10 exercisesWords: [전화해, 집에, 도착하거든]
Translate the sentence.
Conditions: 1. 비가 오다, 2. 시간이 있다, 3. 배고프다. Results: A. 같이 놀자, B. 이거 먹어, C. 나가지 마.
질문이 __ 물어보세요.
Identify the incorrect usage:
숙제 끝내거든 같이 놀자.
Translate to Korean.
Words: [먹지, 맛없거든, 마]
1. 사다, 2. 멀다, 3. 춥다
Select the best ending for '돈이 생기거든...'
Score: /10
FAQ (8)
Yes, you can use it with past tense stems like `갔거든`.
No, it is informal and conversational.
Use -면 for general conditions and -거든 for specific instructions.
Yes, it is very common to end a sentence with -거든 to explain a reason.
No, it is consistent for all verbs.
It makes speech sound natural and explanatory.
No, avoid it in formal writing.
No, the conjugation is very simple.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
si
Korean has specific endings for instructions vs facts.
si
The dual function of -거든 is unique.
wenn
Register and context are more important in Korean.
tara
Japanese 'tara' doesn't function as a reason-giver in the same way.
idha
Korean grammar is more context-dependent.
ruguo
Korean is agglutinative.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Learn These First
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Overview This guide introduces the Korean connective ending `도록` (pronounced `dorok`), a versatile grammatical tool cr...
Observing Changes & Results (-더니)
Overview `-더니` is an upper-intermediate (CEFR B2) Korean connective ending that expresses a direct observation made by...
