🗣️ Sentence-final Endings in Korean: -지, -잖아, -거든
Have you ever heard Koreans say “알지?”, “말했잖아”, “바쁘거든” and wondered what they really mean?
These small sentence endings – -지, -잖아, and -거든 – don’t change the basic grammar, but they completely change the tone. In this lesson, we’ll look at how to use them naturally at the intermediate level (TOPIK 3–4), with real examples, mini dialogues, and cultural tips.
📚 Table of Contents
- 1. Overview: What Do -지, -잖아, -거든 Do?
- 2. Using -지 for Soft Confirmation
- 3. Using -잖아 to Remind or Point Out
- 4. Using -거든 to Give Background or Reason
- 5. Quick Comparison Table
- 6. Practice Dialogue
- 7. Quick Check Quiz
- 8. Did You Know? Tone and Culture
- 9. Final Thoughts
🧩 1. Overview: What Do -지, -잖아, -거든 Do?
All three endings are used at the end of a sentence to show the speaker’s feeling or attitude.
- -지 → soft check, “right?”, “you know?”
- -잖아 → reminding someone of what they already know
- -거든 → giving background or reason, often like “because…”
For polite speech, you will also hear: -지요 / -죠, -잖아요, and -거든요.
🗣 2. Using -지 for Soft Confirmation
Meaning: You think something is true and you want the other person to agree.
Form: 문장 + -지? (casual) / -지요 / -죠 (polite)
Examples:
- 재미있지?
It’s fun, right? - 너도 알지?
You know it too, right? - 오늘 시험 있는 거 알지?
You know we have a test today, right? - 이 길이 더 빠르죠.
This way is faster, you know.
Tip: With teachers, co-workers, or older people, -지요 / -죠 sounds softer and more polite than plain -지.
📌 3. Using -잖아 to Remind or Point Out
Meaning: You remind the listener of something they already know or something you said before.
Form: 문장 + -잖아 (casual) / -잖아요 (polite, softer)
Examples:
- 내가 어제 말했잖아.
I told you yesterday, remember? - 우리 이미 봤잖아.
We already saw it, you know. - 시간 없다고 했잖아요.
You know I said I don’t have time.
Be careful: If your voice is too strong, -잖아 can sound like you’re scolding. In many situations, -잖아요 is safer.
💬 4. Using -거든 to Give Background or Reason
Meaning: You give background information or a reason, often with an implied result (like “because…”).
Typical pattern:
A-거든(요), 그래서/그러니까 B
Form: 문장 + -거든 (casual) / -거든요 (polite)
Examples:
- 나 지금 바쁘거든.
I’m busy now (so I can’t). - 그분 오늘 못 와, 아프거든.
He can’t come today—he’s sick. - 내일 시험이 있거든요, 그래서 일찍 가요.
I have an exam tomorrow, so I’m going early.
Tip: If you finish with -거든 only, the listener will guess the result. If you want to be clear, add 그래서 … or 그러니까 ….
📊 5. Quick Comparison Table
| Ending | Main Function | Typical Tone | Polite Form | Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| -지 | Soft check, agreement | Light, friendly | -지요 / -죠 | 맞지? (Right?) |
| -잖아 | Remind, point out | Can sound strong | -잖아요 | 내가 그랬잖아. (I told you.) |
| -거든 | Background / reason | Calm, explanatory | -거든요 | 바쁘거든요. (I’m busy, so…) |
🗣 6. Practice Dialogue
A: 오늘 끝나고 영화 볼래?
Do you want to watch a movie after we finish today?
B: 그 영화 재미있지? 근데 나 내일 시험 있거든, 그래서 오늘은 공부해야 돼.
That movie is fun, right? But I have an exam tomorrow, so I have to study today.
A: 아, 맞다. 네가 어제 말했잖아. 그럼 시험 끝나고 보자!
Ah, right. You told me yesterday. Then let’s watch it after your exam!
Teacher’s Tip: In this short dialogue you can see:
- -지? → asking for soft agreement
- -거든 → giving background information (reason)
- -잖아 → reminding the listener of past information
📝 7. Quick Check Quiz
Fill in the blank with -지, -잖아, or -거든.
- 오늘 좀 춥___? 코트 입는 게 좋겠다.
(It’s a bit cold, right? You should wear a coat.) - 내가 어제도 늦지 말라고 말했___.
(I told you not to be late yesterday, remember.) - 지금 회의 중이___, 그래서 나중에 전화할게요.
(I’m in a meeting now, so I’ll call you later.)
Answers: 1) -지? → 춥지?
2) -잖아 → 말했잖아.
3) -거든요 → 회의 중이거든요, 그래서…
🌏 8. Did You Know? Tone and Korean Culture
In Korean culture, people often try to keep harmony in relationships. That’s why endings like -지요, -잖아요, and -거든요 are used to make speech softer.
- 눈치 (nunchi): Sensing the mood and choosing gentle endings
- 체면 (face): Avoiding strong blame or criticism
- 정 (emotional bond): Keeping a warm feeling between people
When you choose a soft ending instead of a very direct style, you sound more natural and polite in Korean.
📦 9. Final Thoughts
Once you understand -지, -잖아, -거든, Korean conversations start to feel less “textbook” and more like real life. Try listening for these endings in dramas, YouTube videos, or with your Korean friends, and copy the situations where they use them.
As you explore more posts on my blog, I hope you not only learn Korean grammar but also feel closer to Korean people and culture. Please visit again anytime to discover new expressions and stories!
🔗 Related Posts
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Korean Proverbs and Their Everyday Use
Learn common Korean proverbs and how they are used in daily speech. -
Talking About Your Daily Routine in Korean
Practice natural sentence endings while describing your day. -
At the Airport in Korean – Essential Phrases
Useful expressions and endings you’ll hear in real travel situations.
🎓 Want to practice these endings with live feedback?
Book a 1:1 Korean class on italki and we’ll check your tone, politeness level, and real chat messages together.
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