Conjunctions, or 접속사 (jeobsogsa), in the Korean language follow a certain set of rules. There are multiple conjunctions that technically mean the same thing but are used in different situations and written in different formats.
그리고 (geurigo) – and
Use to connect nouns. Can be used at the start of a sentence.
우리는 축구, 테니스, 그리고 농구를 해요.
(urineun chooggoo, teniseu, geurigo nonggureul haeyo.)
We play soccer, tennis and basketball.
아빠는 회사에 가요. 그리고 우리는 학교에 가요.
(appaneun hoesa-e gayo. geurigo woorineun haggyo-e gayo.)
Dad goes to work. And we go to school.
하지만 (hajiman) – but, however
Can be used independently at the start of a sentence.
이 책은 재미있어요. 하지만 어려워요.
(i chaegeun jaemiisseoyo. hajiman eoryeowoyo.)
This book is fun. But it’s difficult.
그렇지만 (geureotjiman) – but, however, though
Use to connect sentences, where the second sentence is meant to oppose the first.
우리는 집에 가고 싶어요. 그렇지만 우리는 공원에 갈 거예요.
(woorinuen jibe gago shipeoyo. greotjiman woorinuen gongwone gal geoyeo.)
We want to go home. But we are going to the park.
그런데 (geureonde) – yet, by the way, though
Can be used to introduce an opposing statement, but can also be used to connect both statements as a way to continue a trail of thought.
케이크는 달아요. 그런데 커피는 써요.
(keikeuneun darayo. geureonde keopineun sseoyo.)
Cake is sweet. Yet coffee is bitter.
그래서 (geuraeseo) – therefore, so
Use to directly correlate a statement with its cause.
날씨가 좋아요. 그래서 반바지를 입을 거예요.
(nalssiga jo-ayo. geuraeseo banbajireul ib-eul geoyeyo.)
The weather is good. So I will wear shorts.
그러니까 (geureonigga) – therefore, and so
Use similarly to the above, but gives more emphasis to the effect or result.
나는 일하고 있어요. 그러니까 메시지를 보낼 수가 없어요.
(naneun ilhago isseoyo. geureonigga meshijireul bonael sooga eobseoyo.)
I am working. Therefore, I can’t send messages.
그러면 (geureomyeon) – then, in that case
Can be used independently at the start of a sentence.
야채를 먹기 시작하세요. 그러면 기분이 좋아질 거예요.
(yachaereul meoggi shijaghaseyo. geureomyeon gibooni jo-ajil geoyeyo.)
Start eating vegetables. Then you will feel better.
