Grammar · Joining sentences

-(으)니까, because (before a request)

Pattern

[stem] + 니까 / 으니까

-(으)니까 gives a reason like -아서/-어서, but it presents the reason as something the listener should take into account. That is why it is the one to use before a request or a suggestion: 추우니까 문 좀 닫아 주세요. After a vowel it is 니까, and a stem ending in ㄹ drops the ㄹ (살다 → 사니까). After other consonants it is 으니까.

The mistake to avoid

Do not use it to apologise. 늦었으니까 죄송해요 sounds like an excuse; the apology form is 늦어서 죄송해요.

Examples

Romanisation help

추우니까 문 좀 닫아 주세요.

chuunikka mun jom dada juseyo.

It is cold, so please shut the door.

시간이 없으니까 택시를 타요.

sigani eopseunikka taeksireul tayo.

We have no time, so let's take a taxi.

비싸니까 다른 거 사세요.

bissanikka dareun geo saseyo.

It is expensive, so buy a different one.

늦었으니까 빨리 가요.

neujeosseunikka ppalli gayo.

We are late, so let's go quickly.