Korean: Description of the reason | (으)니까 vs 아/어서
In Korean, you can use either (으)니까 or 아/어서 when expressing reasons or causes. However, there are some differences in meaning, so you should be careful when using them. In this article, we will discuss the differences and examples between them.
Table of Contents
In Korean, you can use either (으)니까 or 아/어서 when expressing reasons or causes. However, there are some differences in meaning, so you should be careful when using them. In this article, we will discuss the differences and examples between them.
(으)니까
The basic sentence pattern is
reason or cause~+(으)니까,so ~
The preceding sentence indicates the speaker's personal subjective perception of "reason, cause".
It is usually expressed as "because... I think that...".
if it is consonant ending, the use 으니까.
If it is vowel ending, then use 니까.
Sentences
숙제는 없으니까 같이놀자.
We don't have homework, so let's play together.
일이 바쁘니까 지금은 갈 수 없습니다.
I can't go right now because I'm busy with work.
아/어서
The basic sentence pattern is
reason or cause + 아/어서,so~
Usually indicates that there is order, reason, and cause between sentences. There is relationship, cause-and-effect relationship between the preceding and following text.
Used to indicate fact-based objective description.
If the vowel is ㅏ, then 아서 is used for ㅗ.
If the vowel is not ㅏ, then 어서 is used for ㅗ.
Sentence
날씨가 나빠서 경기가 중단했다.
The game was suspended due to bad weather.
(으)니까 vs 아/어서
Subjective - objective description
Description of the subjective position: (으)니까
Description of the objective position: 아/어서
When ordered or persuaded
If the sentence that follows has a commanding or persuasive meaning, 아/어서 cannot be used because it is a non-subjective description.
Sentences
우승했으니까, 파티를하자.
Since we won, let's party.
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Summary
- (으)니까 and 아/어서 can be used to express reasons or causes.
- (으)니까 is used to describe a subjective position, and 아/어서 is used to describe an objective position.
- If the sentence that follows has a commanding or persuasive meaning, 아/어서 cannot be used because it is a non-subjective description.