What does 거든요 mean? How to use it?

"거든요" is a sentence-ending grammar point used in spoken Korean to provide a reason, explanation, or background information. It often answers implicit or explicit questions and adds nuance like "because," "you see," or "actually." It is attached to verb/adjective stems and adjusts for tense (past: -았/었거든요, future: -ㄹ/을 거거든요).

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10 Practical Examples

1. 아팠거든요.
   "Because I was sick."
   Context: Explaining why you missed a meeting.
   A: "왜 회의에 안 왔어?" (Why didn’t you come?)
   B: "아팠거든요."

2. 할인이 있거든요.
   "Because there was a discount."
   Context: Justifying a purchase.
   A: "이 옷 왜 샀어?" (Why buy this?)
   B: "할인이 있거든요."

3. 친구를 만날 거거든요.
   "Because I’m meeting a friend."
   Context: Explaining weekend plans.
   A: "주말에 뭐 할 거야?" (What’s your plan?)
   B: "친구를 만날 거거든요."

4. 추우거든요.
   "Because it’s cold."
   Context: Requesting to close a window.
   A: "창문 닫을까?" (Close the window?)
   B: "추우거든요."

5. 시간이 없었거든요.
   "Because I didn’t have time."
   Context: Apologizing for canceling plans.
   A: "약속 왜 취소했어?" (Why cancel?)
   B: "시간이 없었거든요."

6. 이미 봤거든요.
   "Because I already saw it."
   Context: Declining a movie invitation.
   A: "이 영화 보러 갈래?" (Want to watch this?)
   B: "이미 봤거든요."

7. 커피를 좋아하거든요.
   "Actually, I like coffee."
   Context: Correcting a misunderstanding.
   A: "커피 안 마시는 거 아니야?" (Don’t you drink coffee?)
   B: "아니요, 좋아하거든요."

8. 마감이 내일이거든요.
   "Because the deadline is tomorrow."
   Context: Explaining late work hours.
   A: "왜 늦게까지 일해?" (Why work late?)
   B: "마감이 내일이거든요."

9. 출근 시간이거든요.
   "Because it’s rush hour."
   Context: Explaining traffic.
   A: "차가 왜 막혀?" (Why the traffic?)
   B: "출근 시간이거든요."

10. 건강이 중요하거든요.
    "Because health is important."
    Context: Justifying exercise habits.
    A: "왜 열심히 운동해?" (Why exercise so much?)
    B: "건강이 중요하거든요."

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Key Notes:

• Use "거든요" in casual conversations to clarify reasons.

• Avoid formal settings (use "때문에" or "-아/어서" instead).

• Tone can vary: neutral/explanatory or slightly defensive depending on context.

View our YouTube video on 거든요: