Korean grammar patterns › Level 6
-거늘
since …, (how much more); … and yet (archaic)
Level 6 · TOPIK II · advanced
How to use it
Archaic, found in classical texts, proverbs, historical dramas and solemn speech. (1) A premise followed by a 'how much more' conclusion (with 하물며/어찌). (2) A fact followed by a contrary result, often scolding: 'I told you …, and yet'.
Forming it
| 알다 | → 알거늘 |
| 이르다 | → 일렀거늘 |
| 사람 | → 사람이거늘 |
| 부모 | → 부모이거늘 |
Sounds old-fashioned or authoritative; not used in neutral everyday conversation.
Examples
짐승도 은혜를 알거늘 하물며 사람이 어찌 모르겠는가.
Even animals know gratitude; how could a human not know it?
그렇게 조심하라고 일렀거늘 결국 사고를 내고 말았구나.
I told you so many times to be careful, and yet you ended up causing an accident.
Compared with similar patterns
-(으)ㄹ진대 only gives a premise ('since'); -건만 is 'although' without the scolding or 'how much more' tone.