Learn Korean for Free | Beginner Korean Grammar #29
It is cold, so close the window. The road is busy, so take the subway. -(으)니까 gives a reason that supports what follows.
What Does A/V-(으)니까 Mean?
Use -(으)니까 after an adjective or verb stem to mean “because” or “so.” It is especially useful when the following clause is advice, a request, a command, or a suggestion.
The Rule
After a consonant, add -으니까: 작다 → 작으니까, 먹다 → 먹으니까. After a vowel or ㄹ, add -니까: 가다 → 가니까, 멀다 → 머니까. 하다 becomes 하니까.
Useful Korean Words
| Korean | English |
|---|---|
| 춥다 | to be cold |
| 덥다 | to be hot |
| 바쁘다 | to be busy |
| 멀다 | to be far |
| 늦다 | to be late |
| 위험하다 | to be dangerous |
| 닫다 | to close |
| 조심하다 | to be careful |
Korean Grammar Examples
날씨가 추우니까 따뜻하게 입으세요.
Because it is cold, dress warmly.
길이 막히니까 지하철을 타세요.
The road is congested, so take the subway.
시간이 없으니까 택시를 탑시다.
We have no time, so let’s take a taxi.
이 음식은 매우니까 조금만 드세요.
This food is spicy, so eat only a little.
내일 시험이 있으니까 오늘 공부할 거예요.
I have a test tomorrow, so I will study today.
A Short Dialogue
A: 창문을 열까요? — Shall I open the window?
B: 밖이 추우니까 열지 마세요. — It is cold outside, so please don’t open it.
A: 그럼 히터를 켤까요? — Then shall I turn on the heater?
B: 네, 추우니까 켜 주세요. — Yes, since it is cold, please turn it on.
A Common Mistake to Avoid
Compare Lesson 25. -아서/어서 also gives a reason, but -(으)니까 works naturally before commands and suggestions: 늦었으니까 택시를 타세요. With ㄹ-ending stems, ㄹ drops: 멀다 → 머니까, 만들다 → 만드니까.
Quick Quiz 🎯
Connect the reason to the response: ① 비가 오다 + 우산을 가져가세요. ② 피곤하다 + 쉬세요. ③ 시간이 없다 + 빨리 갑시다. ④ 길이 위험하다 + 조심하세요.
Answers and Explanation
① 비가 오니까 우산을 가져가세요. ② 피곤하니까 쉬세요. ③ 시간이 없으니까 빨리 갑시다. ④ 길이 위험하니까 조심하세요.
Try It in Your Own Life
Write two original sentences with A/V-(으)니까 about your real schedule, plans, travel, food, or Korean study. Read them aloud, then change one word or time expression and say them again. This turns the pattern into language you can use instead of a sentence you only recognize.
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