🧩 Transition Words in Korean: 그래서, 그런데, 그러면...
🧩 Transition Words in Korean: The Glue of Natural Speech
How a single word can transform your entire message. Master 그래서, 그런데, and 그러면.
💡 The "Switch" Magic: How One Word Changes Everything
Watch how the same starting sentence leads to 3 completely different outcomes based on the connector:
Base Sentence: "배가 고파요." (I am hungry.)
- ✅ 그래서 밥을 먹어요. → (Cause & Result) So, I eat rice.
- ✅ 그런데 먹을 게 없어요. → (Contrast) But, there is nothing to eat.
- ✅ 그러면 식당에 갈까요? → (Condition/Suggestion) In that case, shall we go to a restaurant?
1. High-Frequency Transition Words
① 그래서 (So / Therefore)
Connects a cause to a result.
Ex: 비가 와요. 그래서 우산을 써요. (It's raining, so I use an umbrella.)
② 그런데 (But / By the way)
Used for contrast or shifting the topic.
Ex: 어제는 추웠어요. 그런데 오늘은 따뜻해요. (Yesterday was cold, but today is warm.)
③ 그러면 (Then / In that case)
Introduces a conclusion based on a premise.
Ex: 아파요? 그러면 병원에 가세요. (Are you sick? Then please go to the hospital.)
④ 하지만 (However)
Stronger contrast than '그런데,' often used in writing.
Ex: 비싸요. 하지만 품질이 좋아요. (It's expensive. However, the quality is good.)
2. Connector Comparison Chart
| Word | English | Logical Link |
|---|---|---|
| 그래서 | So / Therefore | Cause → Result |
| 그런데 | But / By the way | Change of Direction |
| 그러면 | Then / In that case | Conditional Outcome |
| 그리고 | And / Also | Simple Addition |
👩🏫 Teacher Hoon's Expert Tip
Beginners often overuse '그리고' (And). To sound like a TOPIK 4-level learner, practice using '그런데' to add nuance or '그러면' to make suggestions. In spoken Korean, '그러면' is almost always shortened to '그럼'—using this small contraction will make you sound 10x more natural!
🌟 Master the Lifestyle Behind the Language
Natural flow is key to social integration. For a complete guide on navigating housing, social norms, and banking in Korea, visit our hub:
Ultimate Guide to Living in Korea 2026🚀 Want to Sound Like a Native Speaker?
Let’s practice these connectors in real conversation scenarios! Whether you're preparing for TOPIK or a business meeting, I'll help you master the flow. Book a "Fluent Communication" session with Hoon on italki today.
Practice Natural Flow with HoonUpdated: December 24, 2025 | Part of the "Mastering Korean Grammar" Expert Series.
