Korean grammar patterns › Level 4
-거든
if, when (followed by a request, suggestion or intention)
Level 4 · TOPIK II · intermediate
How to use it
A conditional used mainly in speech when clause 2 is a command, request, suggestion or the speaker's intention (-(으)세요, -(으)ㄹ게요, -(으)려고 해요, etc.).
Forming it
| 도착하다 | → 도착하거든 |
| 있다 | → 있거든 |
| 바쁘다 | → 바쁘거든 |
Clause 2 can't be a plain statement of fact: ✗ 봄이 오거든 꽃이 핍니다 → 봄이 오면 꽃이 핍니다. Don't confuse it with the sentence ending -거든요 'you see, (because)'.
Examples
집에 도착하거든 꼭 전화해 주세요.
Be sure to call me when you get home.
질문이 있거든 언제든지 물어보세요.
If you have any questions, ask any time.
Compared with similar patterns
-(으)면 (G1-028) works with any kind of clause 2. -거든요 (G2-034) is a sentence ending that gives a reason; the connective -거든 means 'if'.