Learn Korean: 그러니까 + Verb

Let’s take a look at the Korean sentence pattern 그러니까 + Verb. 그러니까 is derived from the verb 그렇다 (to be like that) and the verb connector 니까 which is used to reason out. It is a sentence opener; an addition to what has been said. Unlike 그래서, we don’t use it to explain why something happens (happened) or why someone does (not) do something. The following sentences don’t sound right. (1) 머리가 아파요. 그러니까 한교 안 가요 (I have a headache. That’s why I didn’t go to school), (2) 저 한국에 태어났어요. 그러니까 한국말 할 줄 알아요 (I was born in Korean. That’s why I know Korean). 그래서 fits better in these sentences. In the case of 그러니까, it is followed by a command, request, or proposition after stating the reason why. In the examples below, 그래서 doesn't sound right.

엄마가 아프잖아. 그러니까 말 잘 들어.

You know mom is sick. So don’t be stubborn (listen to what she says).

건강에 안 좋아. 그러니까 술 그만 마셔요.

It’s not good for the health. So please quit drinking.

 

졸업 후에 우리 못 볼 지도 몰라. 그러니까 같이 가자고.

We might not see each other anymore after graduation. That’s why let’s go together (to the outing).