Korean grammar patterns › Level 1
-아/어서
because, so (reason); and then (sequence)
Level 1 · TOPIK I · beginner
How to use it
Links two clauses. Clause 1 is the reason for clause 2, or happens first and leads into it (same subject, closely connected actions). The tense goes on the last verb.
Forming it
| 가다 | → 가서 |
| 먹다 | → 먹어서 |
| 공부하다 | → 공부해서 |
| 학생 | → 학생이라서 |
Not used before commands or suggestions: ✗ 비가 와서 우산을 가져가세요 → 비가 오니까 … . Never put -았/었- before -아/어서: ✗ 늦었어서.
Examples
비가 와서 집에 있었어요.
It rained, so I stayed home.
친구를 만나서 같이 영화를 봤어요.
I met my friend and we watched a movie together.
Compared with similar patterns
-(으)니까 can be followed by commands and suggestions, but sounds odd with thanks and apologies (✗ 늦으니까 죄송합니다). -기 때문에 sounds more formal and stresses the cause. -고 just lists or orders actions without the tight link.