-거든(요)

-거든(요)

Usages of -거든(요)

1. 거든(요) can be used to express a reason or some background explanation for something, except, -거든요 forms a separate sentence from the sentence expressing result. Other expressions that can express reasons for something are -아/어/여서, -(으)니까 and -기 때문에 but these are used in the same sentence with the result. However, -거든 is mostly added separately to your statement about what happened or will happen.

ex)

저도 모르겠어요. 저 방금 왔거든요.

I don't know either. I just got here.

내일은 안 바빠요. 오늘 일을 다 끝냈거든요.

I'm not busy tomorrow. I finished all the work today.

2. -거든(요) can also be used when you are implying that your story is continued. When you mention one thing in a sentence with -거든, the other person will expect you to mention another thing that's related to waht you just said in the next sentence.

ex)

제 지금 돈이 없거든요. 만원만 빌려 주세요.

I don't have any money now. (So...) Please lend me just 10,000 won.

지난 주에 제주도에 갔거든요. 그런데 계속 비가 왔어요.

I went to Jeju Island last week. But it kept raining.

Sample Sentences

1. 제가 지금 좀 바쁘가든요..

I'm a little busy now, so...

2. 아까 효진 씨 만났거든요. 그런데 이상한 말을 했어요.

I met Hyojin earlier. But she said something strange.

3. 아직 말할 수 없어요. 비밀이거든요.

I can't tell you yet. It's a secret.

Generally, -거든요 is used when you want to soften your speech or express a reason for something indirectly, but sometimes when you are upset you can use -거든요 as the sentence ending to express the reason that supports or explains your anger.

Ex)

필요 없거든요!

I don't need it!

이미 늦었거든요!

It's already too late!