📝 Grammar B2

-고서야

-goseonya

Only after doing / Not until

What it means

Expresses that the action in the second clause became possible or happened only after completing the action in the first clause. Emphasises that the first action was a necessary prerequisite.

Nuance & when to use

Stronger than -고 나서 (after doing). -고서야 specifically highlights that something could not happen until the condition was fulfilled. Often implies difficulty or a long process.

⚠ Common mistake

Confusing with -고 나서 (simple sequence). -고서야 specifically emphasises the necessity of completing the first action before the second was possible.

Example sentences

많이 아프고서야 건강의 소중함을 알았어요. Mani apeugosonya geongangui sojunghaameul arasseoyo. Only after getting very ill did I understand the value of health.

설명을 듣고서야 이해했어요. Seolmyeongeul deutgosonya ihaehesseoyo. I understood only after hearing the explanation.

직접 해 보고서야 얼마나 어려운지 알았어요. Jikjeop hae bogosonya eolmana eoryeoumji arasseoyo. I only realised how hard it was after trying it myself.

FAQ

When is this used?

Stronger than -고 나서 (after doing). -고서야 specifically highlights that something could not happen until the condition was fulfilled. Often implies difficulty or a long process.

What's a common mistake?

Confusing with -고 나서 (simple sequence). -고서야 specifically emphasises the necessity of completing the first action before the second was possible.

Ready to learn more Korean?

Get one free Korean lesson every day — straight to your inbox.

Get Daily Korean Free →

Free forever · No spam · Unsubscribe anytime