-고 해서

One of multiple reasons

Let's study about the Korean grammar "-고 해서" today! This structure is used to indicate that the preceding clause is one of multiple reasons for the following action. While it does provide a reason, it implies that there may be other contributing factors as well.

---

Definition of "-고 해서"

The connective "-고 해서" is used to state that the action or situation in the first clause is one of several reasons for the action in the second clause. It is often used when the speaker does not want to specify just one reason or wants to be vague about the exact cause.

---

Usage of "-고 해서"

1. It connects a reason (one of many) in the first clause with an action in the second clause.

2. The reason stated before "-고 해서" is not the only factor influencing the action.

3. This structure is commonly used in spoken Korean when explaining a decision without emphasizing a single cause.

---

Example Sentences

1. Basic Examples

• 요즘 피곤하고 해서 주말에 집에서 쉬었어요.
  (I was tired and all, so I rested at home on the weekend.)
  → Being tired was one of the reasons for staying home, but there might be other reasons as well.

• 비도 오고 해서 오늘은 그냥 집에 있을 거예요.
  (Since it's raining and all, I'll just stay home today.)
  → The rain is one reason, but there might be other factors, such as feeling lazy or not having plans.

2. Giving Indirect Reasons

• 배도 고프고 해서 라면을 끓였어요.
  (I was hungry and all, so I made ramen.)
  → Hunger was one reason, but there might be other reasons, such as craving ramen.

• 사람도 많고 해서 좀 일찍 나왔어요.
  (There were a lot of people and all, so I left a bit early.)
  → The crowd was one reason, but other factors might have contributed.

---

---

Things to Keep in Mind

✅ "-고 해서" is typically used in casual spoken Korean rather than in formal writing.
✅ It gives a vague, indirect explanation rather than a single, clear-cut reason.
✅ Often used when the speaker does not want to sound too direct about their reason for an action.

---

Practice Questions

[Beginner Level]

Use the '-고 해서' grammar to translate the following sentences into Korean.

1. A: What did you do on the weekend?
   B: I was busy and all, so I just rested at home.

2. A: Why are you so late?
   B: I was hungry and all, so I ate with my friend.

3. A: Why don’t you exercise?
   B: I’m too busy, so I can’t.

4. A: Why did you buy it from that store?
   B: The price was cheap and all, so I bought it there.

The Answers are below. ↓

[Answers]

1. A: 주말에 뭐 했어요?
   B: 요즘 바쁘고 해서 그냥 집에서 쉬었어요.

2. A: 왜 이렇게 늦었어요?
   B: 배가 고프고 해서 친구랑 밥을 먹었어요.

3. A: 왜 운동을 안 해요?
   B: 바쁘고 해서 운동을 못 해요.

4. A: 왜 그 가게에서 샀어요?
   B: 가격이 싸고 해서 그 가게에서 샀어요.