How to Say “And Then” in Korean: A Comprehensive Guide

Mastering conjunctions like “and then” is crucial for fluency in any language, and Korean is no exception. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and using various Korean expressions that convey the meaning of “and then,” enabling you to connect clauses and express sequences of events smoothly and naturally.

Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and practice needed to confidently use these essential grammatical tools. By the end of this article, you will be able to choose the most appropriate expression for different contexts and construct more complex and nuanced sentences in Korean.

This article is designed for anyone learning Korean, from beginners who are just starting to form simple sentences to more advanced learners who wish to refine their conversational skills and write more complex and coherent narratives. It will be particularly useful for students preparing for Korean language proficiency tests, travelers who want to communicate more effectively, and anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of Korean grammar.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Definition of “And Then” in Korean
3. Structural Breakdown
4. Types of “And Then” in Korean
   • 그리고 (Geureogo)
   • 그래서 (Geuraeseo)
   • 그런데 (Geureonde)
   • 하지만 (Hajiman)
   • ~어서/아서 (~Eoseo/Aseo)
   • ~니까/으니까 (~Nikka/Eunikka)
   • ~고 (~Go)
   • ~(으)면 (~(Eu)myeon)
5. Examples
   • 그리고 (Geureogo) Examples
   • 그래서 (Geuraeseo) Examples
   • 그런데 (Geureonde) Examples
   • 하지만 (Hajiman) Examples
   • ~어서/아서 (~Eoseo/Aseo) Examples
   • ~니까/으니까 (~Nikka/Eunikka) Examples
   • ~고 (~Go) Examples
   • ~(으)면 (~(Eu)myeon) Examples
6. Usage Rules
7. Common Mistakes
8. Practice Exercises
9. Advanced Topics
10. FAQ
11. Conclusion

Definition of “And Then” in Korean

The English phrase “and then” indicates a sequence of events or actions, suggesting that one event follows another. In Korean, there isn’t a single, direct equivalent, but rather a variety of expressions that convey similar meanings, each with subtle nuances and specific grammatical contexts.

These expressions act as conjunctions, linking clauses together to form more complex sentences. The choice of which expression to use depends on the relationship between the clauses being connected, the desired emphasis, and the formality of the context.

These expressions can be broadly classified as conjunctive adverbs or grammatical endings. Conjunctive adverbs like 그리고 (geureogo) and 그래서 (geuraeseo) function as independent words, connecting two separate sentences or clauses. Grammatical endings, such as ~어서/아서 (~eoseo/aseo) and ~고 (~go), are attached to the verb stem of the first clause, creating a dependent clause that is linked to the following independent clause.

Understanding the subtle differences between these expressions is crucial for effective communication in Korean. Using the wrong expression can lead to confusion or sound unnatural.

Therefore, this article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the most common ways to say “and then” in Korean, along with detailed explanations and examples to help you master their usage.

Structural Breakdown

The structure of sentences using “and then” equivalents in Korean generally follows a pattern of two clauses connected by a conjunction. However, the specific structure depends on whether the conjunction is an adverb or a grammatical ending.

1. Conjunctive Adverbs (e.g., 그리고, 그래서):

Sentence 1. 그리고 Sentence 2.

Clause 1. 그래서 Clause 2.

In this structure, the conjunctive adverb acts as a bridge between two independent sentences or clauses. Each sentence or clause can stand alone and has its own subject and verb.

The adverb indicates the relationship between the two, such as a sequence of events (그리고) or a cause-and-effect relationship (그래서).

2. Grammatical Endings (e.g., ~어서/아서, ~고):

Verb Stem + ~어서/아서 + Clause 2.

Verb Stem + ~고 + Clause 2.

In this structure, the grammatical ending is attached to the verb stem of the first clause, transforming it into a dependent clause. This dependent clause cannot stand alone and relies on the second clause for its meaning.

The ending indicates the relationship between the two clauses, such as a sequence of actions (~어서/아서) or simultaneous actions (~고).

Understanding these structural differences is essential for constructing grammatically correct sentences in Korean. It’s important to pay attention to the verb endings and the word order to ensure that the meaning is clear and accurate.

Types of “And Then” in Korean

There are several ways to express “and then” in Korean, each with its own nuances and appropriate usage. Here are some of the most common expressions:

그리고 (Geureogo)

그리고 (Geureogo) is the most basic and versatile way to say “and” or “and then” in Korean. It simply adds information or lists items in a sequence. It is similar to the English word “and” and is used to connect two independent clauses or sentences.

그래서 (Geuraeseo)

그래서 (Geuraeseo) means “therefore,” “so,” or “and so.” It indicates a cause-and-effect relationship between two clauses. The first clause explains the reason or cause, and the second clause describes the result or consequence.

그런데 (Geureonde)

그런데 (Geureonde) means “but,” “however,” or “by the way.” It introduces a contrasting or unexpected element. While it doesn’t directly translate to “and then,” it can be used to shift the topic or introduce a new piece of information that relates to the previous statement in an indirect way.

하지만 (Hajiman)

하지만 (Hajiman) also means “but” or “however.” It is similar to 그런데 (Geureonde) but is often used to express a stronger contrast or contradiction. It doesn’t mean “and then,” but it helps transition between sentences with contrasting ideas.

~어서/아서 (~Eoseo/Aseo)

~어서/아서 (~Eoseo/Aseo) is a grammatical ending that indicates a sequence of actions or events. It is attached to the verb stem of the first clause. The choice between ~어서 and ~아서 depends on the vowel of the verb stem. If the last vowel is ㅏ or ㅗ, use ~아서; otherwise, use ~어서. It can also indicate reason or cause, similar to “because” or “since.”

~니까/으니까 (~Nikka/Eunikka)

~니까/으니까 (~Nikka/Eunikka) is a grammatical ending that indicates a reason or cause, similar to “because” or “since.” It can also be used to express a discovery or realization. The choice between ~니까 and ~으니까 depends on whether the verb stem ends in a consonant or a vowel. If the verb stem ends in a consonant, use ~으니까; otherwise, use ~니까.

~고 (~Go)

~고 (~Go) is a grammatical ending that has several functions, including indicating a sequence of actions, simultaneous actions, or a state that continues over time. It is attached directly to the verb stem without any vowel adjustments. When used to indicate a sequence of actions, it is similar to “and then” but often implies that the actions are closely related or habitual.

~(으)면 (~(Eu)myeon)

~(으)면 (~(Eu)myeon) means “if” or “when.” While not directly translating to “and then,” it can be used to express a conditional sequence, where one event happens after a certain condition is met. The choice between ~으면 and ~면 depends on whether the verb stem ends in a consonant or a vowel. If the verb stem ends in a consonant, use ~으면; otherwise, use ~면.

Examples

The following tables provide examples of how to use each of the expressions discussed above in sentences. Each table includes English translations and explanations to help you understand the nuances of each expression.

그리고 (Geureogo) Examples

그리고 (Geureogo) is used to add information or list items in a sequence.

Korean	English Translation	Explanation
저는 밥을 먹었어요. 그리고 커피를 마셨어요.	I ate rice. And then I drank coffee.	Simple sequence of two actions.
책을 읽었어요. 그리고 영화를 봤어요.	I read a book. And then I watched a movie.	Two independent actions in sequence.
저는 한국어를 공부해요. 그리고 영어를 공부해요.	I study Korean. And then I study English.	Listing two subjects of study.
어제 시장에 갔어요. 그리고 과일을 샀어요.	Yesterday I went to the market. And then I bought fruit.	Sequence of events at the market.
친구가 왔어요. 그리고 우리는 이야기했어요.	A friend came. And then we talked.	A friend’s arrival followed by a conversation.
숙제를 했어요. 그리고 게임을 했어요.	I did my homework. And then I played a game.	Homework followed by leisure time.
아침에 일어났어요. 그리고 세수를 했어요.	I woke up in the morning. And then I washed my face.	Morning routine sequence.
음악을 들었어요. 그리고 잠이 들었어요.	I listened to music. And then I fell asleep.	Listening to music leading to sleep.
빵을 샀어요. 그리고 우유를 샀어요.	I bought bread. And then I bought milk.	Buying two grocery items.
공원에 갔어요. 그리고 산책을 했어요.	I went to the park. And then I took a walk.	Visiting the park and then walking.
편지를 썼어요. 그리고 보냈어요.	I wrote a letter. And then I sent it.	Writing and sending a letter.
요리를 했어요. 그리고 먹었어요.	I cooked. And then I ate.	Cooking followed by eating.
청소를 했어요. 그리고 빨래를 했어요.	I cleaned. And then I did laundry.	Two household chores.
영화를 봤어요. 그리고 팝콘을 먹었어요.	I watched a movie. And then I ate popcorn.	Watching a movie and eating popcorn.
커피를 만들었어요. 그리고 마셨어요.	I made coffee. And then I drank it.	Making and drinking coffee.
책을 빌렸어요. 그리고 읽었어요.	I borrowed a book. And then I read it.	Borrowing and reading a book.
강아지를 씻겼어요. 그리고 밥을 줬어요.	I washed the puppy. And then I fed it.	Washing and feeding the puppy.
친구를 만났어요. 그리고 영화를 보러 갔어요.	I met a friend. And then we went to see a movie.	Meeting a friend followed by a movie.
숙제를 끝냈어요. 그리고 휴식을 취했어요.	I finished my homework. And then I took a break.	Completing homework and taking a break.
선물을 샀어요. 그리고 포장했어요.	I bought a gift. And then I wrapped it.	Buying and wrapping a gift.

그래서 (Geuraeseo) Examples

그래서 (Geuraeseo) indicates a cause-and-effect relationship.

Korean	English Translation	Explanation
비가 왔어요. 그래서 집에 있었어요.	It rained. Therefore, I stayed home.	Rain caused the person to stay home.
피곤했어요. 그래서 일찍 잤어요.	I was tired. So, I went to bed early.	Tiredness led to early bedtime.
배가 고팠어요. 그래서 밥을 먹었어요.	I was hungry. Therefore, I ate rice.	Hunger led to eating.
날씨가 좋았어요. 그래서 공원에 갔어요.	The weather was nice. So, I went to the park.	Good weather led to visiting the park.
시험을 잘 봤어요. 그래서 기분이 좋았어요.	I did well on the exam. Therefore, I felt good.	Good exam performance resulted in good mood.
차가 막혔어요. 그래서 늦었어요.	The traffic was bad. So, I was late.	Traffic caused the person to be late.
돈이 없었어요. 그래서 안 샀어요.	I didn’t have money. Therefore, I didn’t buy it.	Lack of money prevented the purchase.
너무 더웠어요. 그래서 에어컨을 켰어요.	It was too hot. So, I turned on the air conditioner.	Heat led to turning on the AC.
감기에 걸렸어요. 그래서 병원에 갔어요.	I caught a cold. Therefore, I went to the hospital.	Cold led to visiting the hospital.
시간이 없었어요. 그래서 택시를 탔어요.	I didn’t have time. So, I took a taxi.	Lack of time led to taking a taxi.
커피를 많이 마셨어요. 그래서 잠이 안 와요.	I drank a lot of coffee. So, I can’t sleep.	Coffee consumption resulted in sleeplessness.
운동을 열심히 했어요. 그래서 몸이 건강해졌어요.	I exercised hard. Therefore, my body became healthier.	Hard exercise led to improved health.
한국어를 열심히 공부했어요. 그래서 한국어를 잘해요.	I studied Korean hard. Therefore, I am good at Korean.	Studying hard led to proficiency in Korean.
영화를 너무 많이 봤어요. 그래서 눈이 아파요.	I watched too many movies. So, my eyes hurt.	Watching too many movies resulted in eye pain.
케이크를 많이 먹었어요. 그래서 배가 아파요.	I ate a lot of cake. So, my stomach hurts.	Eating too much cake resulted in stomach pain.
늦게까지 공부했어요. 그래서 아침에 늦잠을 잤어요.	I studied until late. So, I overslept in the morning.	Late-night studying led to oversleeping.
친절하게 대해줬어요. 그래서 감동받았어요.	They treated me kindly. Therefore, I was touched.	Kind treatment resulted in being touched.
옷이 예뻤어요. 그래서 샀어요.	The clothes were pretty. So, I bought them.	The clothes’ attractiveness led to the purchase.
음식이 맛있었어요. 그래서 많이 먹었어요.	The food was delicious. So, I ate a lot.	Delicious food led to overeating.
선생님이 친절했어요. 그래서 수업이 재미있었어요.	The teacher was nice. Therefore, the class was fun.	A nice teacher resulted in a fun class.

그런데 (Geureonde) Examples

그런데 (Geureonde) introduces a contrasting or unexpected element or shifts the topic.

Korean	English Translation	Explanation
저는 밥을 먹었어요. 그런데 배가 안 불러요.	I ate rice. But I’m not full.	Contrasting expectation of feeling full after eating.
영화를 보려고 했어요. 그런데 시간이 없었어요.	I was going to watch a movie. But I didn’t have time.	Contrasting intention with lack of time.
숙제를 다 했어요. 그런데 제출할 시간이 없어요.	I finished all my homework. But I don’t have time to submit it.	Contrasting completion with inability to submit.
날씨가 좋다고 들었어요. 그런데 지금 비가 와요.	I heard the weather was good. But it’s raining now.	Contrasting expectation with current reality.
커피를 마셨어요. 그런데 졸려요.	I drank coffee. But I’m sleepy.	Contrasting expectation with feeling sleepy.
선물을 받았어요. 그런데 마음에 안 들어요.	I received a gift. But I don’t like it.	Contrasting receiving with not liking.
열심히 공부했어요. 그런데 시험을 못 봤어요.	I studied hard. But I didn’t do well on the exam.	Contrasting effort with poor performance.
여행을 가고 싶어요. 그런데 돈이 없어요.	I want to go on a trip. But I don’t have money.	Contrasting desire with lack of financial means.
음식이 맛있어 보였어요. 그런데 맛이 없었어요.	The food looked delicious. But it wasn’t tasty.	Contrasting appearance with actual taste.
친구를 만나기로 했어요. 그런데 갑자기 일이 생겼어요.	I was supposed to meet a friend. But something suddenly came up.	Contrasting scheduled meeting with sudden obstacle.
책을 읽기 시작했어요. 그런데 너무 어려워요.	I started reading the book. But it’s too difficult.	Contrasting starting with difficulty.
영화를 예매했어요. 그런데 자리가 별로 없어요.	I reserved a movie ticket. But there aren’t many seats left.	Contrasting reservation with limited seat availability.
숙제를 거의 다 했어요. 그런데 마지막 문제가 어려워요.	I’ve almost finished my homework. But the last problem is difficult.	Contrasting near completion with a difficult problem.
다이어트를 시작했어요. 그런데 너무 힘들어요.	I started a diet. But it’s too hard.	Contrasting starting with difficulty.
선물을 준비했어요. 그런데 뭘 줘야 할지 모르겠어요.	I prepared a gift. But I don’t know what to give.	Contrasting preparation with uncertainty.
노래를 부르려고 했어요. 그런데 목이 아파요.	I was going to sing a song. But my throat hurts.	Contrasting intention with physical discomfort.
청소를 다 했어요. 그런데 금방 더러워졌어요.	I finished cleaning. But it quickly became dirty again.	Contrasting completion with quick reversal.
운동을 열심히 했어요. 그런데 살이 안 빠져요.	I exercised hard. But I’m not losing weight.	Contrasting effort with lack of results.
가구를 새로 샀어요. 그런데 방에 안 어울려요.	I bought new furniture. But it doesn’t match the room.	Contrasting purchasing with aesthetic incompatibility.
여행 계획을 세웠어요. 그런데 갑자기 취소됐어요.	I made a travel plan. But it was suddenly canceled.	Contrasting planning with unexpected cancellation.

하지만 (Hajiman) Examples

하지만 (Hajiman) also means “but” or “however,” expressing a stronger contrast than 그런데 (Geureonde).

Korean	English Translation	Explanation
돈이 많아요. 하지만 행복하지 않아요.	I have a lot of money. But I’m not happy.	Strong contrast between wealth and happiness.
그는 똑똑해요. 하지만 게을러요.	He is smart. But he is lazy.	Strong contrast between intelligence and laziness.
날씨가 좋아요. 하지만 너무 더워요.	The weather is nice. But it’s too hot.	Acknowledges the good weather but highlights the excessive heat.
그녀는 예뻐요. 하지만 성격이 안 좋아요.	She is pretty. But her personality is not good.	Highlights the contrast between physical appearance and personality.
저는 운전을 잘해요. 하지만 주차는 못 해요.	I drive well. But I can’t park.	Highlights the contrast in driving skills versus parking.
이 옷은 비싸요. 하지만 품질이 좋아요.	This clothing is expensive. But the quality is good.	Highlights the contrast between price and quality.
저는 영어를 잘해요. 하지만 한국어는 못 해요.	I am good at English. But I can’t speak Korean.	Highlights the contrast in language skills.
그는 키가 커요. 하지만 농구를 못 해요.	He is tall. But he can’t play basketball.	Highlights the contrast between height and basketball skills.
이 음식은 맛있어요. 하지만 너무 매워요.	This food is delicious. But it’s too spicy.	Highlights the contrast between taste and spiciness.
저는 시간이 많아요. 하지만 할 일이 없어요.	I have a lot of time. But I have nothing to do.	Highlights the contrast between free time and lack of activities.
그녀는 노래를 잘해요. 하지만 춤은 못 춰요.	She sings well. But she can’t dance.	Highlights the contrast between singing and dancing skills.
이 책은 재미있어요. 하지만 너무 두꺼워요.	This book is interesting. But it’s too thick.	Highlights the contrast between interest and physical size.
저는 요리를 좋아해요. 하지만 설거지는 싫어해요.	I like cooking. But I hate doing dishes.	Highlights the contrast in cooking versus cleaning.
그는 부지런해요. 하지만 융통성이 없어요.	He is diligent. But he lacks flexibility.	Highlights the contrast between diligence and flexibility.
이 차는 빨라요. 하지만 연비가 안 좋아요.	This car is fast. But the fuel efficiency is not good.	Highlights the contrast between speed and fuel efficiency.
저는 외향적이에요. 하지만 처음 보는 사람과 말하는 건 어려워요.	I am outgoing. But it’s difficult for me to talk to strangers.	Highlights the contrast between being outgoing and difficulty with strangers.
그녀는 솔직해요. 하지만 가끔 너무 직설적이에요.	She is honest. But sometimes she is too blunt.	Highlights the contrast between honesty and bluntness.
저는 커피를 좋아해요. 하지만 밤에는 안 마셔요.	I like coffee. But I don’t drink it at night.	Highlights the contrast in liking coffee but avoiding it at night.
그는 운동을 잘해요. 하지만 팀워크는 부족해요.	He is good at sports. But his teamwork is lacking.	Highlights the contrast between athletic skill and teamwork.
저는 영화를 좋아해요. 하지만 공포 영화는 안 봐요.	I like movies. But I don’t watch horror movies.	Highlights the contrast in liking movies but avoiding horror films.

~어서/아서 (~Eoseo/Aseo) Examples

~어서/아서 (~Eoseo/Aseo) indicates a sequence of actions or events, or reason/cause.

Korean	English Translation	Explanation
집에 와서 숙제를 했어요.	I came home and then did my homework.	Sequence of arriving home and then doing homework.
밥을 먹어서 배불러요.	I ate rice, so I’m full.	Eating rice caused the feeling of fullness.
학교에 가서 친구를 만났어요.	I went to school and then met a friend.	Sequence of going to school and then meeting a friend.
영화를 봐서 재미있었어요.	I watched a movie, so it was fun.	Watching the movie caused it to be fun.
책을 읽어서 알게 됐어요.	I read the book, so I found out.	Reading the book caused the discovery.
커피를 마셔서 잠이 안 와요.	I drank coffee, so I can’t sleep.	Drinking coffee caused sleeplessness.
운동을 해서 건강해졌어요.	I exercised, so I became healthier.	Exercising caused improved health.
아파서 병원에 갔어요.	I was sick, so I went to the hospital.	Being sick caused the visit to the hospital.
늦어서 택시를 탔어요.	I was late, so I took a taxi.	Being late caused taking a taxi.
피곤해서 일찍 잤어요.	I was tired, so I went to bed early.	Being tired caused going to bed early.
기분이 좋아서 노래를 불렀어요.	I felt good, so I sang a song.	Feeling good caused singing a song.
심심해서 TV를 봤어요.	I was bored, so I watched TV.	Being bored caused watching TV.
배고파서 밥을 먹었어요.	I was hungry, so I ate rice.	Being hungry caused eating rice.
더워서 에어컨을 켰어요.	It was hot, so I turned on the air conditioner.	Being hot caused turning on the AC.
추워서 옷을 많이 입었어요.	It was cold, so I wore a lot of clothes.	Being cold caused wearing many clothes.
졸려서 커피를 마셨어요.	I was sleepy, so I drank coffee.	Being sleepy caused drinking coffee.
바빠서 전화를 못 받았어요.	I was busy, so I couldn’t answer the phone.	Being busy caused not answering the phone.
재미있어서 계속 봤어요.	It was interesting, so I kept watching.	Being interesting caused continuing to watch.
비싸서 안 샀어요.	It was expensive, so I didn’t buy it.	Being expensive caused not buying it.
예뻐서 샀어요.	It was pretty, so I bought it.	Being pretty caused buying it.

~니까/으니까 (~Nikka/Eunikka) Examples

~니까/으니까 (~Nikka/Eunikka) indicates a reason or cause, or a discovery/realization.

Korean	English Translation	Explanation
시간이 없으니까 빨리 가요.	Since we don’t have time, let’s go quickly.	Lack of time justifies going quickly.
비가 오니까 우산을 가져가세요.	Since it’s raining, take an umbrella.	Rain justifies taking an umbrella.
배가 고프니까 밥을 먹자.	Since I’m hungry, let’s eat.	Hunger justifies eating.
날씨가 좋으니까 공원에 갑시다.	Since the weather is nice, let’s go to the park.	Good weather justifies going to the park.
피곤하니까 일찍 자야겠어요.	Since I’m tired, I should go to bed early.	Tiredness justifies going to bed early.
차가 막히니까 지하철을 타자.	Since the traffic is bad, let’s take the subway.	Bad traffic justifies taking the subway.
돈이 없으니까 아껴 써야 해요.	Since I don’t have money, I need to save.	Lack of money justifies saving.
너무 더우니까 에어컨을 켤까요?	Since it’s too hot, shall we turn on the air conditioner?	Heat justifies considering turning on the AC.
감기에 걸렸으니까 병원에 가 보세요.	Since you caught a cold, go see a doctor.	Having a cold justifies visiting a doctor.
시간이 늦었으니까 택시를 타는 게 좋겠어요.	Since it’s late, it would be good to take a taxi.	Being late justifies taking a taxi.
커피를 많이 마셨으니까 잠이 안 올 거예요.	Since you drank a lot of coffee, you won’t be able to sleep.	Coffee consumption justifies expecting sleeplessness.
운동을 열심히 했으니까 몸이 건강해질 거예요.	Since you exercised hard, your body will become healthier.	Hard exercise justifies expecting improved health.
한국어를 열심히 공부했으니까 한국어를 잘 할 수 있을 거예요.	Since you studied Korean hard, you will be able to speak Korean well.	Studying hard justifies expecting proficiency in Korean.
영화를 너무 많이 봤으니까 눈이 아플 거예요.	Since you watched too many movies, your eyes will hurt.	Watching too many movies justifies expecting eye pain.
케이크를 많이 먹었으니까 배가 아플 거예요.	Since you ate a lot of cake, your stomach will hurt.	Eating too much cake justifies expecting stomach pain.
늦게까지 공부했으니까 아침에 늦잠을 잘 거예요.	Since you studied until late, you will oversleep in the morning.	Late-night studying justifies expecting to oversleep.
친절하게 대해 주니까 감동받았어요.	Since you treated me kindly, I was touched.	Kind treatment justifies feeling touched.
옷이 예쁘니까 샀어요.	Since the clothes were pretty, I bought them.	The clothes’ attractiveness justifies the purchase.
음식이 맛있으니까 많이 먹었어요.	Since the food was delicious, I ate a lot.	Delicious food justifies overeating.
선생님이 친절하니까 수업이 재미있어요.	Since the teacher is nice, the class is fun.	A nice teacher justifies a fun class.

~고 (~Go) Examples

~고 (~Go) indicates a sequence of actions, simultaneous actions, or a continuing state.

Korean	English Translation	Explanation
밥을 먹고 학교에 갔어요.	I ate rice and then went to school.	Sequence of eating and then going to school.
책을 읽고 잤어요.	I read a book and then slept.	Sequence of reading and then sleeping.
음악을 듣고 공부했어요.	I listened to music and studied.	Simultaneous actions of listening to music and studying.
텔레비전을 보고 있었어요.	I was watching television.	Continuous state of watching television.
커피를 마시고 이야기했어요.	We drank coffee and talked.	Sequence of actions involving coffee and conversation.
숙제를 하고 게임을 했어요.	I did my homework and then played a game.	Sequence of homework and leisure time.
아침에 일어나고 세수를 했어요.	I woke up in the morning and washed my face.	Morning routine sequence.
친구를 만나고 영화를 봤어요.	I met a friend and watched a movie.	Sequence of meeting a friend and watching a movie.
빵을 사고 우유를 샀어요.	I bought bread and bought milk.	Sequence of buying bread and then milk.
공원에 가고 산책을 했어요.	I went to the park and took a walk.	Sequence of visiting the park and then walking.
편지를 쓰고 보냈어요.	I wrote a letter and sent it.	Sequence of writing and sending.
요리를 하고 먹었어요.	I cooked and ate.	Sequence of cooking and eating.
청소를 하고 빨래를 했어요.	I cleaned and did laundry.	Sequence of cleaning and laundry.
영화를 보고 팝콘을 먹었어요.	I watched a movie and ate popcorn.	Sequence of watching a movie and eating popcorn.
커피를 만들고 마셨어요.	I made coffee and drank it.	Sequence of making and drinking coffee.
책을 빌리고 읽었어요.	I borrowed a book and read it.	Sequence of borrowing and reading a book.
강아지를 씻기고 밥을 줬어요.	I washed the puppy and fed it.	Sequence of washing and feeding the puppy.
숙제를 끝내고 휴식을 취했어요.	I finished my homework and took a break.	Sequence of completing homework and taking a break.
선물을 사고 포장했어요.	I bought a gift and wrapped it.	Sequence of buying and wrapping a gift.
음악을 듣고 춤을 췄어요.	I listened to music and danced.	Simultaneous actions of listening to music and dancing.

~(으)면 (~(Eu)myeon) Examples

~(으)면 (~(Eu)myeon) expresses a conditional sequence, meaning “if” or “when.”

Korean	English Translation	Explanation
비가 오면 집에 있을 거예요.	If it rains, I will stay home.	Staying home is conditional upon rain.
피곤하면 일찍 잘 거예요.	If I’m tired, I will go to bed early.	Going to bed early is conditional upon tiredness.
배가 고프면 밥을 먹을 거예요.	If I’m hungry, I will eat rice.	Eating is conditional upon hunger.
날씨가 좋으면 공원에 갈 거예요.	If the weather is nice, I will go to the park.	Going to the park is conditional upon good weather.
시험을 잘 보면 기분이 좋을 거예요.	If I do well on the exam, I will feel good.	Feeling good is conditional upon good exam performance.
차가 막히면 늦을 거예요.	If the traffic is bad, I will be late.	Being late is conditional upon bad traffic.
돈이 있으면 살 거예요.	If I have money, I will buy it.	Buying is conditional upon having money.
너무 더우면 에어컨을 켤 거예요.	If it’s too hot, I will turn on the air conditioner.	Turning on the AC is conditional upon excessive heat.
감기에 걸리면 병원에 갈 거예요.	If I catch a cold, I will go to the hospital.	Visiting the hospital is conditional upon catching a cold.
시간이 없으면 택시를 탈 거예요.	If I don’t have time, I will take a taxi.	Taking a taxi is conditional upon lack of time.
커피를 많이 마시면 잠이 안 올 거예요.	If you drink a lot of coffee, you won’t be able to sleep.	Sleeplessness is conditional upon drinking a lot of coffee.
운동을 열심히 하면 몸이 건강해질 거예요.	If you exercise hard, your body will become healthier.	Improved health is conditional upon hard exercise.
한국어를 열심히 공부하면 한국어를 잘 할 수 있을 거예요.	If you study Korean hard, you will be able to speak Korean well.	Proficiency in Korean is conditional upon studying hard.
영화를 너무 많이 보면 눈이 아플 거예요.	If you watch too many movies, your eyes will hurt.	Eye pain is conditional upon watching too many movies.
케이크를 많이 먹으면 배가 아플 거예요.	If you eat a lot of cake, your stomach will hurt.	Stomach pain is conditional upon eating too much cake.
늦게까지 공부하면 아침에 늦잠을 잘 거예요.	If you study until late, you will oversleep in the morning.	Oversleeping is conditional upon late-night studying.
친절하게 대해 주면 감동받을 거예요.	If you treat me kindly, I will be touched.	Feeling touched is conditional upon kind treatment.
옷이 예쁘면 살 거예요.	If the clothes are pretty, I will buy them.	Buying the clothes is conditional upon their attractiveness.
음식이 맛있으면 많이 먹을 거예요.	If the food is delicious, I will eat a lot.	Overeating is conditional upon delicious food.
선생님이 친절하면 수업이 재미있을 거예요.	If the teacher is nice, the class will be fun.	A fun class is conditional upon a nice teacher.

Usage Rules

To effectively use “and then” equivalents in Korean, it’s important to understand the specific usage rules for each expression. Here are some guidelines to keep in mind:

• 그리고 (Geureogo): Use it to connect two independent clauses or sentences when you want to add information or list items in a sequence. It is a general-purpose conjunction and can be used in most situations.
• 그래서 (Geuraeseo): Use it to indicate a cause-and-effect relationship between two clauses. The first clause explains the reason or cause, and the second clause describes the result or consequence.
• 그런데 (Geureonde): Use it to introduce a contrasting or unexpected element or to shift the topic. Be mindful that it doesn’t directly mean “and then” but can serve as a transition.
• 하지만 (Hajiman): Similar to 그런데, but use it to express a stronger contrast or contradiction.
• ~어서/아서 (~Eoseo/Aseo): Use it to indicate a sequence of actions or events, or to express reason/cause. Ensure that the verb ending is correctly conjugated based on the vowel of the verb stem.
• ~니까/으니까 (~Nikka/Eunikka): Use it to indicate a reason or cause, or a discovery/realization. Ensure that the verb ending is correctly conjugated based on whether the verb stem ends in a consonant or a vowel.
• ~고 (~Go): Use it to indicate a sequence of actions, simultaneous actions, or a continuing state. Attach it directly to the verb stem without any vowel adjustments.
• ~(으)면 (~(Eu)myeon): Use it to express a conditional sequence, meaning “if” or “when.” Ensure that the verb ending is correctly conjugated based on whether the verb stem ends in a consonant or a vowel.

In addition to these specific rules, it’s important to consider the formality of the context. Some expressions, like 그리고, are appropriate for both formal and informal situations, while others, like certain grammatical endings, may be more common in informal speech. Pay attention to the level of politeness required in the situation and choose your expressions accordingly.

Common Mistakes

Even with a good understanding of the rules, it’s easy to make mistakes when using “and then” equivalents in Korean. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

• Incorrect Conjugation: One of the most common mistakes is using the wrong verb ending for grammatical conjunctions like ~어서/아서, ~니까/으니까, and ~(으)면. Always double-check the verb stem and apply the correct conjugation rules.
• Misusing 그리고 and 그래서: Many learners confuse 그리고 and 그래서. Remember that 그리고 simply adds information, while 그래서 indicates a cause-and-effect relationship.
• Overusing 그런데 and 하지만: While 그런데 and 하지만 are useful for introducing contrast, they should not be used indiscriminately. Make sure that there is a genuine contrast or shift in topic before using these expressions.
• Ignoring Formality: Some expressions may be too formal or informal for certain situations. Be mindful of the context and choose expressions that are appropriate for the level of politeness required.
• Literal Translation: Avoid directly translating “and then” from English into Korean. Instead, focus on conveying the intended meaning and choose the most appropriate Korean expression for the specific context.

By being aware of these common mistakes, you can improve your accuracy and fluency in Korean and avoid misunderstandings.

Practice Exercises

To solidify your understanding of “and then” equivalents in Korean, try the following exercises:

Advanced Topics

For advanced learners, here are some additional topics to explore:

• More nuanced conjunctions: Investigate other Korean conjunctions that express subtle differences in meaning, such as 게다가 (gedaga), 더군다나 (deogundana), and 그렇지만 (geureochiman).
• Combining multiple conjunctions: Learn how to combine multiple conjunctions in a single sentence to create more complex and nuanced expressions.
• Contextual variations: Explore how the choice of conjunction can vary depending on the specific context, such as formal writing, informal speech, or specific genres of literature.
• Regional dialects: Investigate how the usage of conjunctions may differ in various Korean dialects.

By delving into these advanced topics, you can further refine your understanding of Korean conjunctions and achieve a higher level of fluency and accuracy.

FAQ

Conclusion

Mastering the various ways to say “and then” in Korean is essential for achieving fluency and expressing complex ideas with precision. By understanding the nuances of expressions like 그리고 (Geureogo), 그래서 (Geuraeseo), 그런데 (Geureonde), 하지만 (Hajiman), ~어서/아서 (~Eoseo/Aseo), ~니까/으니까 (~Nikka/Eunikka), ~고 (~Go), and ~(으)면 (~(Eu)myeon), you can significantly enhance your ability to connect clauses, convey sequences of events, and express cause-and-effect relationships in Korean.

Remember to practice these expressions regularly, pay attention to the context, and be mindful of common mistakes. With consistent effort and attention to detail, you’ll be able to confidently use these essential grammatical tools and communicate more effectively in Korean.

Keep exploring advanced topics and seeking opportunities to use these expressions in real-life conversations to further refine your skills. Happy learning!