📝 Grammar B1

-(으)니까

-(eu)nikka

Because / Since (strong reason)

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What it means

-(으)니까 means "because" or "since" — used to give a strong reason or cause. Stronger than -아/어서 for giving reasons, especially when the result is a command, suggestion, or strong opinion.

Nuance & when to use

-아/어서 and -(으)니까 both mean "because" but: -아/어서 = neutral cause-effect. -(으)니까 = reason (especially for commands/suggestions/strong statements). After -(으)니까, you CAN use commands: 비가 오니까 우산 가져가세요 (Since it's raining, take an umbrella). After -아/어서, you CANNOT: NOT 비가 와서 우산 가져가세요.

⚠ Common mistake

Cannot use -아/어서 before commands or suggestions (a critical rule). Use -(으)니까 instead when giving a reason for a command.

Example sentences

배가 고프니까 밥 먹읍시다. Baega gopeunikka bap meogeupssida. Since we're hungry, let's eat.
비가 오니까 우산 가져가세요. Biga onikka usan gajyeogaseyo. Since it's raining, take an umbrella.
나는 학생이니까 할인이 돼요. Naneun haksaenginiikka harini dwaeyo. Since I'm a student, I get a discount.

See also

-아/어서 -기 때문에 -므로
References Naver Korean Dictionary ↗ 국립국어원 표준국어대사전 ↗
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More B1 lessons

순간 sungan moment / instant 그거 말고 geugeo malgo Not that / Other than that / Instead of that 취향 chwihyang taste / preference / personal style
← -(으)ㄹ 것이다 -겠어요 →

FAQ

When is this used?

-아/어서 and -(으)니까 both mean "because" but: -아/어서 = neutral cause-effect. -(으)니까 = reason (especially for commands/suggestions/strong statements). After -(으)니까, you CAN use commands: 비가 오니까 우산 가져가세요 (Since it's raining, take an umbrella). After -아/어서, you CANNOT: NOT 비가 와서 우산 가져가세요.

What's a common mistake?

Cannot use -아/어서 before commands or suggestions (a critical rule). Use -(으)니까 instead when giving a reason for a command.

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