-거든

Korean

Etymology

From Middle Korean -거든〮 (Yale: -ketún).

Suffix

-거든 • (-geodeun)

  1. (somewhat formal) if; provided (that)
    Synonym: -으면 (-eumyeon)
    시간이 있거든 같이 영화 보러 갑시다.
    Sigan-i it-geodeun gachi yeonghwa boreo gapsida.
    If you have time, let's go to the movies together.
  2. (literary) given that; especially used in rhetorical questions
    Synonym: -는데 (-neunde)
    벼도 익으면 고개를 숙이거든 너는 어찌 그리 오만방자하냐?
    byeo-do igeumyeon gogae-reul sugi-geodeun neo-neun eojji geuri omanbangja-hanya?
    Given that even rice plants bend their heads as they ripen, how can you be so conceited and arrogant?
  3. In the intimate style, a declarative ending explaining a reason.
    내일이 일요일이거든요.
    Naeir-i iryoir-i-geodeun-yo.
    It's because tomorrow is Sunday.
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