Korean Conversation · Level 295
15 words
Korean word
거든
Pronunciation
Romanizationkeodeun
Meaning
- particlewhen
Example
끝나거든 전화해.kkeun na geo deun cheon hwa hae
When you finish, call me.
More examples
시간 있거든 같이 밥 먹자.si gan it kkeo deun ka chi pap meok jja
When you have time, let's eat together.
Core concept
A condition or reason opens a path to the next action or explanation.
Common phrases
끝나거든kkeun na geo deun
when you finish
시간 있거든si gan it kkeo deun
when you have time
다음에 오거든ta eu me o geo deun
when you come next time
Similar words
면myeon: A condition-setting ending that shows what happens when the condition is met.
Definition in Korean
동사나 형용사 어간 뒤에 붙어 '만약 ~하다면'이라는 조건을 나타내거나 앞절을 이유로 뒤절의 행동이나 정보를 제시하는 구어적인 연결 어미.tong sa na hyeong yong sa eo gan twi e pu teo ma nyak ~ ha da myeon i ra neun cho geo neul na ta nae geo na ap jjeo reul i yu ro twi jeo rui haeng dong i na cheong bo reul che si ha neun ku eo jeo gin yeon gyeol eo mi
Word origin
The ending's exact historical source is uncertain, but its modern form is a spoken connective linking a condition or reason to the following clause.
Usage tips
- In conversation, it commonly comes before a request or suggestion, so the listener hears the setup before the main action.
Other meanings
- ifparticle
- becauseparticle