-거든요 (Explaining Reason and Background)

'-geodeunyo' is used to naturally tack on a reason or background the listener doesn't yet know.

It gently offers the grounds for the previous statement, carrying more of an 'explaining' feel than a flat statement of fact.

오늘은 일찍 가야 해요. 부모님이 오시거든요.

oneureun iljjik gaya haeyo. bumonimi osigeodeunyo.

I have to head out early today. You see, my parents are coming over.

그 식당 자주 가요. 사장님이 정말 친절하시거든요.

geu sikdang jaju gayo. sajangnimi jeongmal chinjeolhasigeodeunyo.

I go to that restaurant a lot. The owner is really kind, you see.

어제 못 잤어요. 밤새 보고서를 썼거든요.

eoje mot jasseoyo. bamsae bogoseoreul sseotgeodeunyo.

I couldn't sleep last night. The thing is, I was up writing a report all night.

Ending on '-geodeunyo' naturally draws out the listener's reaction or a follow-up question.

요즘 한국어 공부에 푹 빠졌어요. 드라마를 자막 없이 보고 싶거든요.

yojeum hangugeo gongbue puk ppajeosseoyo. deuramareul jamak eopsi bogo sipgeodeunyo.

I'm really hooked on studying Korean these days. See, I want to watch dramas without subtitles.

Beyond giving grounds after a remark, '-geodeunyo' can also kick off a new topic, much like 'so, you know what…' in English.

제가 어제 좀 황당한 일을 겪었거든요.

jega eoje jom hwangdanghan ireul gyeokeotgeodeunyo.

So, the most ridiculous thing happened to me yesterday, let me tell you.

A falling tone reads as a calm explanation; a rising tone adds a slightly defensive, protesting edge.

저는 분명히 제시간에 왔거든요.

jeoneun bunmyeonghi jesigane watgeodeunyo.

I definitely got here on time, just so you know.

그 가게는 현금만 받거든요. 카드는 안 돼요.

geu gageneun hyeongeumman batgeodeunyo. kadeuneun an dwaeyo.

That shop only takes cash, you see. Cards won't work.

Form	Info	Tone
-거든요	A new reason the listener doesn't know	Gentle explaining or lead-in
-아서/어서	A direct cause-and-effect link	Objective causation
-때문에	States a strong cause explicitly	Somewhat formal and direct

💡 Tip: '-geodeunyo' is great for light explanations, but leaning on it too often can start to sound like you're making excuses.