-거든

if actually true, then

Explanation

This expression has a meaning of "if the statement (in the preceding clause) is actually true, then…" It is generally only used in casual conversation.

Details

This expression only sounds natural when the following clause contains an imperative, propositive, or a form which expresses the speaker's will or conjecture, such as -겠-, -(으)ㄹ 것이다, or -(으)려고 하다.

고향에 도착하거든 전화합니다.
방학을 하거든 배낭여행을 가겠어요.
민우 씨에게 어려운 일이 생기거든 언제든지 도와줄게요.
웨이밍 씨가 오거든 출발하려고 합니다. 조금만 기다려 주세호.


The meaning of the -거든 form which occurs mid-sentence is very different from the -거든 form which occurs in the sentence-final position.

Kimchi Reader

Express that if the preceding statement turns out to be true, then the following statement can happen.

Details

Usage

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

Examples
바쁘<span class='focus'>거든</span> 먼저 가십시오.
If you're busy, please go first.
비가 그치<span class='focus'>거든</span> 축구를 할까요?
Shall we play soccer when the rain stops?
<span class="speaker-a">가:</span> 엄마, 이렇게 더운데 꼭 같이 가야 돼요?<br><br><span class="speaker-b">나:</span> 가기 싫<span class='focus'>거든</span> 안 가도 돼. 나 혼자 다녀올게.
A: Mom, do I really have to go with you in this heat? B: If you don't want to go, then you don't have to. I'll go by myself.

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