What mistake do English speakers make with -(으)니까?

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

📝 Grammar B1 ✓ Native Reviewed

-(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.

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.

References Naver Korean Dictionary ↗ 국립국어원 표준국어대사전 ↗

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-(으)니까

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