A/V-아/어서 ②

because of, therefore

Explanation

-/어서 is used to express that the information in the first clause is the reason for or the cause of the succeeding clause.

It corresponds to 'because (of)', 'on account of', and 'so... that...' in English.

If the stem ends in the vowel ㅏ or ㅗ, then -아서 is used.

Otherwise, -어서 is used.

As for verbs ending in 하다, the form changes to 해서, and in the case of 이다, 이어서 is used, except in conversation, when 이라서 is used.

Details

-아/어서 cannot be used in imperative or propositive sentences.

이 신발은 커서 다른 신발을 보여 주세요.
오늘 약속이 있어서 내일 만날까요?
이게 좋아서 이걸로 삽시다.

(See also "A/V-(으)니까 ① Reasons and Causes": click here)

Tense markers such as -았/었- and -겠- cannot come before -아/어서.

밥을 많이 먹었어서 배가아파요.
이 옷이 예쁘겠어서 입고 싶어요.

(Compare with "V-아/어서: Time Expressions": click here)

Kimchi Reader

The first clause is the reason for or the cause of the second clause.

Examples
그 옷은 <span class='focus'>작아서</span> 못 입어요.
I can't wear these clothes because they're too small.
요즘에 <span class='focus'>바빠서</span> 친구들을 못 만나요.
I can't meet my friends because I'm busy these days.
<span class='focus'>만나서</span> 반갑습니다.
Nice to meet you.

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