This expression is used to respond to a question or to add to a statement the speaker has already made to provide the reason or thinking behind the answer or statement.

The listener has no knowledge of the reason or facts being stated by the speaker.

Note that the form -거든요 is used only in conversation, not in written Korean.

Moreover, it is only used among close friends or those on familiar terms with each other.

It is not used in formal situations, such as when giving a presentation.

Details

1. When 거든요 is used to indicate a reason, it cannot appear in the first clause of a new conversation. It must come either after an initial statement made by the speaker or in response to a question asked by the listener.

가: 좋아하는가수있어요?

Is there a singer that you like?

나: 네, 노래를 잘 하거든요. 가수 '비'를 좋아해요. ✕

가: 그가수를 왜 좋아해요?

Why do you like that singer?

나: 정말 노래를 잘하거든요. ✓

(Because) he really sings well.

2. This expression can also be used to preface, or introduce, something the speaker wants to tell the listener, Thus, it provides a hint to the listener that the speaker has more to say.

가: 죄송한데요, 이 근처에 은행이 어디에 있어요?

Excuse me, but do you know if there's a bank nearby?

나: 이 길로쭉 가시면 편의점이 나오거든요. 편의점 건너편에

은행이 있어요.

If you go straight ahead on this road, you'll see a convenience store. There's a bank across from the convenience store.

가: 윤호 씨, 제가 오늘 주영 씨를 만나기로 했거든요.

윤호 씨도 같이 가실래요?

Yunho, I've arranged to meet with Juyeong today. Do you want to
go, too?

나: 저도 주영 씨가 보고 싶었는데 잘 됐네요. 같이 가요.

That's great because I also wanted to meet with Juyeong. Let's go together.

Kimchi Reader

Referring to the reason, cause, or basis for the preceding statement that the speaker thought of. Usually expected that the listener has no prior knowledge of the reason. Used only in conversation.

Details

Usage

거든(요) (Conditional) usually appear in the middle of the sentence while 거든(요) (Reasoning) can have 요 at the end of the sentence and is used at the end of the sentence.

-거든요

Kimchi Reader

Usage