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A1 conjunction 10 min read

고

-go
Examples 고 in 30 Seconds
Explanation 고 in your Level:
At the A1 level, the particle -고 is introduced as the primary way to connect two verbs or adjectives in a single sentence. It is the Korean equivalent of the English word 'and.' At this stage, students learn to use it for two main purposes: listing characteristics and sequencing daily activities. For example, to describe an object, a student might say 'The apple is big and red' (사과가 크고 빨개요). To describe a simple routine, they might say 'I eat breakfast and go to school' (아침을 먹고 학교에 가요). The grammar is very simple at this level: you take the verb stem and add -고. There are no irregular changes to worry about with -고 itself. The most important lesson for A1 learners is that the tense (past, present, or future) and the politeness level (like -어요) only appear at the very end of the sentence on the second verb. This means the first verb always looks like its 'basic' form minus the '다'. For instance, even if you are talking about yesterday, you say '먹고' (eat and) instead of '먹었고'. Beginners also learn that -고 cannot be used to connect two nouns; for that, they must use particles like '하고' or '와/과'. This distinction is crucial for building a solid foundation in Korean sentence structure.
As learners move to the A2 level, they begin to use -고 in more varied contexts, including the description of complex states and the use of auxiliary verb constructions. One of the most significant additions at this level is the progressive form -고 있다, which is used to say 'am/is/are doing.' For example, 'I am studying' (공부하고 있어요). A2 learners also start using -고 to connect longer clauses and different subjects. Instead of just 'I eat and sleep,' they might say 'I am eating and my friend is talking' (나는 먹고 친구는 말해요). This allows for the comparison and contrast of two different people's actions. Another key development is using -고 with the copula '이다' (to be) and its negative form '아니다' (to be not). Students learn to say 'I am a student and a worker' (학생이고 직장인이에요) or 'This is not a bag, it is a box' (이것은 가방이 아니고 상자예요). At A2, the focus also shifts to distinguishing -고 from -아서/어서. While -고 is for simple 'and' or 'and then' sequences where the actions are independent, -아서/어서 is used for actions that are logically or causally linked. Understanding when to use -고 for a simple sequence of events (like 'I went to the library and then the park') versus -아서/어서 for a linked sequence (like 'I went to the library to study') is a major milestone in reaching A2 proficiency.
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At the B1 level, -고 is used with greater fluency and in combination with more complex grammar points. Learners start to use -고 싶다 (want to) and -고 말다 (end up doing) with ease. The use of -고 to indicate a state that continues after an action is completed becomes more prominent. For instance, '안경을 쓰고 있어요' doesn't just mean 'I am putting on glasses,' but 'I am wearing glasses' (the state of having put them on continues). B1 students also learn to use -고 to provide background information or reasons in a more subtle way. They might end a sentence with -고... to imply that there are more thoughts they aren't expressing, which is a common feature of natural, polite Korean conversation. Furthermore, B1 learners start to encounter -고 나서, which is a more emphatic way of saying 'after finishing.' While -고 can mean 'and then,' -고 나서 makes it explicitly clear that the first action was completed before the second began. This level also introduces the use of -고 in reported speech patterns like '-다고 하다' (say that...), where the -고 acts as a quote connector. This is a significant jump in complexity, as it moves the particle from a simple conjunction to a structural component of indirect discourse.
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By the B2 level, students are expected to use -고 with high precision and to understand its role in more formal and literary contexts. They begin to see the distinction between the spoken -고 and the more formal -며 in written texts. B2 learners use -고 to structure multi-layered sentences that describe complex environments or emotional states. For example, '날씨가 흐리고 바람이 불고 기온이 낮아서 외출하기 싫어요' (The weather is cloudy, the wind is blowing, and the temperature is low, so I don't want to go out). Here, -고 lists several conditions that lead to a final result expressed with -아서. B2 students also master the use of -고 in idiomatic expressions and fixed grammatical patterns like -고야 말겠다 (I will definitely do it) or -고 말고(요) (Of course, certainly). They are also more aware of the 'tense' rule: while beginners are taught never to put tense on the first verb, B2 learners understand that in specific contexts—such as when emphasizing that the first action was completed long before the second or when contrasting two past states—the past tense marker can be attached to the first verb (e.g., '그는 이미 갔고, 나는 남았다'). This nuanced understanding allows for more expressive and accurate communication in both professional and social settings.
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At the C1 level, -고 is understood as a tool for rhetorical structure and sophisticated narrative flow. Learners can use -고 to create rhythmic balance in their sentences, a technique often seen in Korean literature and high-level oratory. They understand how -고 can be used to link disparate ideas to create a cohesive argument. For instance, in a debate, a C1 speaker might use -고 to list several points of evidence before reaching a conclusion. They also master the use of -고서 and -고서야, which add nuances of 'only after' or 'as a result of' that are much more specific than the basic -고. For example, '눈으로 직접 보고서야 믿을 수 있었다' (I could only believe it after seeing it with my own eyes). C1 learners also recognize and use -고 in ancient or stylized forms found in classical literature or historical dramas (Sageuk). They are sensitive to how the choice of -고 versus other connectives like -거니와, -는 데다가, or -을 뿐만 아니라 changes the 'flavor' and emphasis of the sentence. At this level, -고 is no longer just a grammar rule; it is a stylistic choice that contributes to the speaker's or writer's voice, allowing for the expression of subtle relationships between events and ideas.
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For C2 learners, -고 is used with the same level of nuance and instinct as a native speaker. They can navigate the most complex uses of -고 in legal, academic, and philosophical texts. In these contexts, -고 often appears in long, winding sentences where it serves as a crucial anchor, maintaining the logical thread through multiple subordinate clauses. C2 speakers understand the subtle differences in meaning when -고 is used in auxiliary structures versus its use as a simple conjunction. They can interpret and produce nuances where -고 suggests a lack of causal connection, which might be used strategically in legal or diplomatic language to avoid implying responsibility. They are also fully proficient in using -고 in highly formal honorific settings, knowing exactly how to balance the 'neutral' connective with the 'highly formal' final verb. C2 learners can also appreciate the use of -고 in poetry, where its repetitive use can create a sense of infinity, persistence, or monotony. They understand the historical evolution of the particle and how its usage has shifted in modern Korean compared to Middle Korean. At this stage, the learner doesn't just use -고 correctly; they use it to manipulate the pace, tone, and logic of their communication at a masterly level.
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Examples

고 in 30 Seconds

  • Korean particle '-고' connects verbs and adjectives to mean 'and' or 'and then'.
  • It is attached directly to the stem of a word, regardless of consonants or vowels.
  • Tense markers are usually only placed on the final verb of the entire sentence.
  • It is used for listing facts, showing a sequence of events, or in progressive forms.

The Korean particle 고 (go) is one of the most fundamental and versatile conjunctions in the Korean language. Primarily, it functions as a connective ending that joins two or more clauses, sentences, or phrases together. Its most direct English translation is 'and' or 'and then,' but its utility extends beyond simple addition. When you use -고, you are essentially creating a bridge between ideas, allowing for a flow of information that can describe multiple attributes of a single subject or a sequence of distinct actions performed by one or more actors. In the world of Korean grammar, it is classified as a connective suffix (연결 어미) that attaches directly to the stem of a verb or an adjective. This simplicity in structure makes it one of the first grammatical points taught to beginners, yet its nuances persist even into advanced academic writing.

Enumeration (Listing)
This is the use of -고 to list facts, qualities, or items that are not necessarily related in time. For example, 'The apple is red and the banana is yellow.' Here, the order doesn't change the logic.
Temporal Sequence
In this context, -고 indicates that one action happens after another. 'I washed my hands and ate dinner.' The washing happens first, followed by the eating.
Auxiliary Connection
It is also used to connect a main verb to an auxiliary verb, most notably in the progressive form '-고 있다' (am/is/are doing).

People use -고 in almost every conversation. Whether you are describing your day, ordering multiple items at a restaurant, or giving a complex presentation, -고 provides the structural glue. It is neutral in formality, meaning it can be used in polite (해요체), formal (하십시오체), or informal (해체) settings, as long as the final verb of the sentence is conjugated correctly. One of the most important things to remember is that -고 is 'tense-neutral' for the first clause; the tense, mood, and politeness level are typically expressed only at the very end of the sentence, which simplifies the mental load for the speaker.

저는 숙제를 하고 친구를 만났어요.

Translation: I did my homework and (then) met a friend.

In daily life, you'll hear this in phrases like '싸고 맛있어요' (It's cheap and delicious) or '가고 싶어요' (I want to go). It allows speakers to be concise. Instead of saying 'The weather is good. The weather is warm,' a speaker says '날씨가 좋고 따뜻해요.' This efficiency is a hallmark of natural Korean speech. Furthermore, -고 can be used to contrast two different subjects performing different actions: '민수는 공부하고 지수는 자요' (Minsu is studying and Jisu is sleeping). This comparative listing is essential for describing scenes or social dynamics.

이 옷은 예쁘고 편해요.

Translation: These clothes are pretty and comfortable.

Using -고 is mechanically straightforward, but requires attention to the verb stem. Unlike many other Korean endings, -고 does not change based on whether the stem ends in a vowel or a consonant. You simply take the dictionary form of the verb or adjective (the '다' form), drop the '다', and attach '고'. This makes it a very 'friendly' grammar point for learners who are often bogged down by complex batchim (final consonant) rules. For example, '먹다' (to eat) becomes '먹고', and '가다' (to go) becomes '가고'.

Rule 1: Stem + 고
Regardless of the final letter of the stem, just add -고. 예쁘다 -> 예쁘고, 작다 -> 작고, 공부하다 -> 공부하고.
Rule 2: Tense is at the end
When describing past actions, you usually don't put the past tense on the first verb. 'I went and ate' is '가고 먹었어요', not '갔고 먹었어요' (though the latter is occasionally used for extreme emphasis on the completion of the first task, it is generally avoided by beginners).

어제 영화를 보고 밥을 먹었어요.

Translation: Yesterday, I watched a movie and (then) ate.

When you are connecting two adjectives to describe a noun, -고 acts as a simple 'and'. If you want to say 'The room is large and bright,' you say '방이 넓고 밝아요.' If you change the sentence to the past tense, only the last adjective changes: '방이 넓고 밝았어요' (The room was large and bright). This rule also applies to the future tense: '내일은 춥고 눈이 올 거예요' (Tomorrow will be cold and it will snow). The first part (춥고) remains in its base form.

Another common use case is with the copula '이다' (to be). When saying 'I am a student and Minsu is a teacher,' you use '학생이고'. Here, the '이' of '이다' is kept. If the noun ends in a vowel, you can sometimes shorten it, but '이고' is the standard safe form. For negative sentences using '아니다' (to be not), it becomes '아니고'. For example, '이것은 연필이 아니고 볼펜이에요' (This is not a pencil, it's a ballpoint pen).

그 사람은 친절하고 똑똑해요.

Translation: That person is kind and smart.

If you walk into a Korean restaurant, you will hear -고 immediately. Customers ordering multiple dishes will say, '비빔밥 하나하고 불고기 하나 주세요' (though this '하고' is the noun connector, the verbal '고' appears when describing the order). A waiter might describe a dish as '맵고 뜨거워요' (It's spicy and hot). In the workplace, -고 is used to list tasks: '이 서류를 확인하고 연락주세요' (Please check these documents and then contact me). It is the backbone of instructional language.

In K-Dramas
Characters often use -고 to explain their feelings or actions in sequence. '너를 믿고 기다렸어' (I trusted you and waited).
In News Reports
Anchors use it to link related facts: '태풍이 오고 비가 많이 내리겠습니다' (A typhoon is coming and it will rain heavily).

손을 씻고 오세요.

Translation: Wash your hands and (then) come.

In casual conversation, -고 is frequently used to end a sentence prematurely, implying 'and...' or 'also...'. For instance, if someone asks why you like a certain singer, you might say '노래도 잘 부르고...' (They sing well, and...). This trailing off with -고 suggests there are more reasons but you're leaving them to the listener's imagination. It's a very common speech habit that adds a layer of softness or indirectness to Korean communication.

You will also hear -고 in the very common construction '-고 싶다' (want to do). This is actually the connective -고 paired with the auxiliary adjective '싶다'. Every time a Korean speaker expresses a desire, they are using this particle. '커피 마시고 싶어요' (I want to drink coffee). Similarly, the progressive '-고 있다' is ubiquitous. If you ask someone what they are doing, they will reply '공부하고 있어요' (I am studying). Understanding -고 is therefore the key to understanding how Koreans express both their desires and their current states of being.

지금 뭐 하고 있어요?

Translation: What are you doing right now?

The most frequent mistake English speakers make when using -고 is applying the 'and' logic to nouns. In English, 'and' connects everything: 'Apples and oranges', 'Run and jump', 'Big and small'. In Korean, -고 only connects verbs and adjectives. Beginners often try to say '사과고 오렌지' which is incorrect; it should be '사과와 오렌지'. Remember: -고 is for actions and descriptions, not for things.

Mistake: Double Tense
Incorrect: '갔고 먹었어요' (Went and ate). Correct: '가고 먹었어요'. While '갔고' is grammatically possible in specific advanced contexts to show a completed state, in 99% of general usage, the first verb should remain in the stem form.
Mistake: Confusing with -아서/어서
-고 is for simple sequence or listing. -아서/어서 is for cause-and-effect or very tightly linked actions (like 'Go to the park AND THEN (at that park) meet a friend'). Using -고 when a causal link is intended can sound disjointed.

[Wrong] 밥을 먹었고 커피를 마셨어요.

Correction: 밥을 먹고 커피를 마셨어요. (Keep the first verb as a stem).

Another subtle mistake involves the 'and then' usage. While -고 can mean 'and then,' it implies that the two actions are independent events that just happen to occur one after the other. If the second action is a direct result of the first, or if the first action is a prerequisite state for the second (like 'buying a ticket and entering'), -아서/어서 or -아/어다가 might be more appropriate. For example, 'I sat down and studied' is usually '앉아서 공부했어요' because you study while in the state of having sat down. Using '앉고 공부했어요' sounds like you sat down, then perhaps stood up and did something else, and then eventually studied.

Finally, learners sometimes forget that -고 is used with the copula '이다' (to be). To say 'I am an American and a teacher,' you must say '미국 사람이고 선생님이에요.' Beginners often drop the '이' and say '미국 사람고', which is a major grammatical error. Always ensure the '이다' stem (이) is present before the '고'.

[Wrong] 저는 학생고 요리사예요.

Correction: 저는 학생이고 요리사예요.

While -고 is the most common way to say 'and', Korean offers several alternatives that carry different nuances of formality, connection, and timing. Understanding these differences is what moves a learner from A1 to B2 and beyond. The most frequent 'competitor' to -고 is -며 (-myeo), which is essentially the formal, written version of -고. You will see -며 in newspapers, academic papers, and official documents. It functions almost identically but sounds much more sophisticated.

-고 vs. -며
-고 is for speech and general writing. -며 is for formal writing and speeches. -며 also implies that two actions are happening simultaneously more strongly than -고 does.
-고 vs. -아서/어서
-고 connects independent facts or sequences. -아서/어서 connects actions with a logical or causal link. 'I went to the store and (then) came home' (-고). 'I went to the store and (therefore) bought milk' (-아서).
-고 vs. -면서
-면서 specifically means 'while' (simultaneous action). -고 can mean simultaneous but usually implies sequence or listing. '밥을 먹으면서 티비를 봐요' means you are eating and watching at the exact same moment.

그는 작가이며 교수이다.

Formal usage of -며: He is both an author and a professor.

Another alternative is -고서 (-goseo). This is an emphasized version of -고 that strictly means 'after having finished the first action.' If -고 is 'and,' then -고서 is 'and then, only after that.' It is used when the completion of the first action is a necessary condition for the second. For example, '숙제를 다 하고서 놀았어요' (I played only after I had finished all my homework). It adds a layer of 'completion' that the simple -고 lacks.

Finally, there is -거니와 (-geoniwa), a much more advanced connective that means 'not only... but also.' It lists facts like -고, but adds a rhetorical weight, suggesting that the first fact is already known or obvious, and the second fact is an addition to it. '그는 돈도 많거니와 마음도 넓다' (Not only is he rich, but he is also generous). While -고 could be used there, -거니와 makes the speaker sound much more eloquent and persuasive.

비가 오고서 날씨가 추워졌어요.

Usage of -고서: After it rained, the weather became cold.
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Examples by Level

1

빵을 먹고 우유를 마셔요.

I eat bread and drink milk.

Simple sequence of two actions using the verb stems 먹- and 마시-.

2

학교에 가고 공부해요.

I go to school and study.

Connects two daily activities. Tense is present.

3

이 사과는 크고 빨개요.

This apple is big and red.

Connects two adjectives (크다 and 빨갛다) to describe a noun.

4

동생은 자고 저는 책을 읽어요.

My younger sibling is sleeping and I am reading a book.

Connects two different subjects performing different actions.

5

어제 영화를 보고 쇼핑했어요.

Yesterday, I watched a movie and went shopping.

Past tense is only on the final verb (쇼핑했어요).

6

날씨가 좋고 따뜻해요.

The weather is good and warm.

Lists two positive attributes of the weather.

7

손을 씻고 밥을 먹어요.

Wash your hands and (then) eat.

Shows a clear temporal sequence of two actions.

8

저는 학생이고 친구는 선생님이에요.

I am a student and my friend is a teacher.

Uses -고 with the copula 이다 (to be).

1

지금 음악을 듣고 있어요.

I am listening to music right now.

The -고 있다 progressive form indicating an ongoing action.

2

이것은 제 책이 아니고 친구 책이에요.

This is not my book, it's my friend's book.

Uses -고 with 아니다 (to be not) for contrast.

3

주말에 산에 가고 싶어요.

I want to go to the mountains on the weekend.

The -고 싶다 construction expressing desire.

4

청소를 하고 나서 쉬었어요.

I rested after I finished cleaning.

-고 나서 emphasizes the completion of the first action.

5

한국어는 재미있고 쉬워요.

Korean is interesting and easy.

Listing two subjective qualities of a language.

6

어제 친구를 만나고 영화도 봤어요.

Yesterday I met a friend and also watched a movie.

Uses '도' (also) in the second clause to add information.

7

옷을 입고 거울을 봤어요.

I put on clothes and looked in the mirror.

Sequential actions in the past tense.

8

비빔밥은 맵고 불고기는 달아요.

Bibimbap is spicy and bulgogi is sweet.

Comparing the flavors of two different dishes.

1

그는 안경을 쓰고 책을 보고 있었다.

He was wearing glasses and reading a book.

Combines state (-고 있다) and action (-고) in past progressive.

2

아침 일찍 일어나고 싶었지만 못 일어났어요.

I wanted to wake up early, but I couldn't.

Combines -고 싶다 with the contrastive -지만.

3

숙제를 다 하고 나서야 게임을 했어요.

Only after finishing my homework did I play games.

-고 나서야 emphasizes that the first action is a prerequisite.

4

그 가수는 노래도 잘 부르고 춤도 잘 춰요.

That singer not only sings well but also dances well.

Listing multiple talents using the -도... -도 construction.

5

비가 오고 바람이 불어서 날씨가 아주 춥네요.

It's raining and the wind is blowing, so the weather is very cold.

Using -고 to list reasons for the final state (춥네요).

6

그녀는 예쁘고 친절해서 인기가 많아요.

She is pretty and kind, so she is very popular.

Listing positive traits that cause a result.

7

커피를 마시고 나서 정신이 좀 들었어요.

After drinking coffee, I felt a bit more awake.

Sequential connection indicating a change in state.

8

이 일은 힘들고 시간도 많이 걸려요.

This work is hard and takes a lot of time.

Listing negative aspects of a situation.

1

그는 약속을 지키지 않고 연락도 없었다.

He didn't keep his promise and didn't even contact me.

Negative form -지 않고 used to list failures.

2

그 영화는 내용도 탄탄하고 연기도 훌륭했다.

The movie's content was solid and the acting was superb.

Advanced vocabulary (탄탄하다, 훌륭하다) connected by -고.

3

그는 결국 포기하지 않고 끝까지 해냈다.

In the end, he didn't give up and made it to the finish.

Connecting a negative state with a positive outcome.

4

물가가 오르고 경기가 안 좋아서 걱정이에요.

I'm worried because prices are rising and the economy is bad.

Connecting socio-economic conditions.

5

그는 부지런하고 정직한 사람이라고 들었어요.

I heard that he is a diligent and honest person.

Using -고 within a reported speech (-고 들었다) structure.

6

그녀는 웃고 있었지만 눈에는 슬픔이 가득했다.

She was smiling, but her eyes were full of sadness.

Contrasting an outward state with an internal reality.

7

이 문제는 복잡하고 해결하기가 쉽지 않아요.

This problem is complex and not easy to solve.

Connecting an adjective with a complex verbal phrase.

8

그는 술을 마시고 운전을 해서 사고를 냈다.

He drank alcohol and drove, causing an accident.

Listing a sequence of actions leading to a negative result.

1

그의 연설은 논리적이고 설득력이 넘쳤다.

His speech was logical and full of persuasiveness.

Formal adjectives connected to describe an intellectual quality.

2

현대 사회는 급변하고 있고 적응하기가 어렵다.

Modern society is changing rapidly and it is difficult to adapt.

Describing a societal trend using the progressive -고 있다.

3

그는 학자이고 정치가로서 큰 발자취를 남겼다.

As both a scholar and a politician, he left a great legacy.

Using -고 to list multiple high-level roles.

4

진실은 때로 가혹하고 받아들이기 힘들 때가 있다.

The truth is sometimes harsh and can be hard to accept.

Abstract nouns and philosophical descriptions.

5

그 작가는 섬세하고 유려한 문체로 유명하다.

That author is famous for a delicate and elegant writing style.

Literary descriptions connected by -고.

6

이 제도는 효율적이고 공정하다는 평가를 받는다.

This system is evaluated as being efficient and fair.

Formal evaluation using -고 within a passive construction.

7

그는 고난을 딛고 일어서서 성공의 길로 나아갔다.

He overcame hardships and rose up to move toward the path of success.

Metaphorical actions connected in a narrative sequence.

8

자연은 아름답고 경이로운 생명력을 지니고 있다.

Nature possesses a beautiful and wondrous vitality.

Descriptive listing of abstract qualities of nature.

1

인간의 욕망은 끝이 없고 늘 새로운 것을 갈구한다.

Human desire is endless and always craves something new.

Philosophical statement on human nature.

2

역사는 반복되고 우리는 그 속에서 교훈을 얻는다.

History repeats itself, and we gain lessons within it.

Connecting a general truth with a human consequence.

3

그 정책은 현실성이 결여되어 있고 비판의 소지가 많다.

The policy lacks realism and has much room for criticism.

Highly formal academic/political critique.

4

예술은 시대를 반영하고 인간의 영혼을 치유한다.

Art reflects the times and heals the human soul.

Elevated language for describing the function of art.

5

그는 침착하고 대담한 태도로 위기를 극복했다.

He overcame the crisis with a calm and bold attitude.

Connecting contrasting yet complementary character traits.

6

기술의 발전은 편리함을 가져다주고 삶의 질을 높인다.

Technological advancement brings convenience and improves the quality of life.

Describing complex cause-and-effect in a formal register.

7

법은 만인에게 평등해야 하고 엄격하게 집행되어야 한다.

The law must be equal for everyone and must be strictly enforced.

Legal imperative using -고 to connect requirements.

8

우리는 서로를 존중하고 평화로운 세상을 만들어야 한다.

We must respect each other and create a peaceful world.

Moral exhortation connecting a value with an action.

Common Collocations

-고 싶다
-고 있다
싸고 맛있다
보고 싶다
씻고 오다
자고 일어나다
잊지 않고
하지 않고
크고 작은
멀고 먼
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Related Content

This Word in Other Languages

〜そして Japanese
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