Learn Korean: Verb + 보니/구나

Let’s take a look at the Korean sentence pattern Verb + 보니/구나. 구나 is an expression of surprise such as when you found out something to be really true. 보니 is the short form of 보니까 which means seeing that subject + verb. The main verb is conjugated into –는 것 which refers to present condition. Altogether, it means looking at the situation now, what I thought must be really true. For example, my sister didn’t go home last night because she was upset about something, so I came to your house to look for her since you are her best friend. She told you to lie and not admit she’s with you, but I knew you’re lying because you are stuttering. So you say since you are stuttering, she must really be with you then. I was right all along.

말 더듬는 거 보니 같이 있구나.

Stuttering like that, she must be with you.

걔 가방 거기에 있는 거 보니 진짜 왔구나.

Seeing his bag over there, he must have come.

팔이 다친 거 보니 진짜 싸웠구나.

Seeing your arm blisters, you must really have picked into a fight.