Learn Korean: Verb + 김에

Let's take a look at the Korean sentence pattern Verb + 김에. We use this to express the phrase since you are doing this anyway. We suggest something which can be done along the way without any problem. It’s like saying let’s take this opportunity to do something else. For example, my wife is leaving for the supermarket to do grocery shopping. Then, I remembered that I needed some batteries for my mouse. I said Since you are going (there), please buy me some batteries. The main verb of the since-clause is to go (가다). We take the verb stem and attach ㄴ 김에 if it ends in a vowel and 은 김에 if it ends in a consonant. Then, we add the other verb which is 배터리를 사다 (to buy batteries). The actual sentence is 간 김에 배터리도 사줘.

들어간 김에 너도 씻고 나와.

Since you got yourself in the bathtub, you take a shower too.

온 김에 그냥 먹고 가.

Since you’re here, have a meal with us (before you go).

감자 산 김에 감자탕 먹자.

Since you bought some potatoes, let’s eat potato soup.