-아서 / -어서 – Korean because / so
- Meaning
- because, so, and then
- Level
- Beginner
- Topic
- Connecting sentences
Gives a reason (“because”) or links two actions in sequence. It never takes past tense itself and cannot be followed by a command or “let’s”.
Key rules
- Reason connector
- Vowel harmony rule
- Also for sequence
- Sequence connector
- First action → result
- Time order
- Reason for action
- Motivation
Examples with -아서 / -어서
The highlighted part is the grammar form.
- 피곤해서 안 갈 거예요 Pigonhaeseo an gal geoyeyo I'm tired, so I won't go Vowel harmony: 하다→해서, 아→아서, others→어서. · Base form: 아서/어서
- 비가 와서 우산을 가져가요 Biga waseo usaneul gajyeogayo It's raining, so I'm taking an umbrella 오다 → 와서 (vowel ㅗ → 아서). · Base form: 아서
- 늦게 일어나서 지각했어요 Neutge ireonaseo jigakhaesseoyo I woke up late, so I was late 일어나다 → 일어나서 (vowel ㅏ → 아서). · Base form: 아서
- 한국 드라마가 좋아서 한국어를 배워요 Hanguk deuramaga joaseo hangugeoreul baeweoyo I like Korean dramas, so I'm learning Korean 좋다 → 좋아서. · Base form: 아서
- 식당에 가서 밥을 먹었어요 Sikdange gaseo babeul meogeosseoyo I went to the restaurant and ate Also used for sequence: do A then B. · Base form: 아서
- 몰라서 질문할 거예요 Mollaseo jilmunhal geoyeyo I don't know, so I'll ask 모르다 → 몰라서. · Base form: 아서
- 시험에 합격해서 기뻐요 Siheome hapgyeokhaeseo gippeoyo I passed the exam, so I'm happy 하다 verbs → 해서. · Base form: 해서
- 만나서 얘기해요 Mannaseo yaegihaeyo Let's meet and talk 만나다 → 만나서. Meet then talk. · Base form: 아서
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