Grammar · Joining sentences

-고, and

Pattern

[stem] + 고 [next clause]

-고 joins two actions or two descriptions inside one sentence: 밥을 먹고 커피를 마셔요. There is no vowel rule; the stem takes 고 directly. Tense usually goes on the last verb only, and with actions it often implies 'and then'.

The mistake to avoid

하고 and 와/과 join nouns only. To join verbs it must be -고: 싸고 맛있어요.

Examples

Romanisation help

밥을 먹고 커피를 마셔요.

babeul meokgo keopireul masyeoyo.

I eat and then have a coffee.

이 식당은 싸고 맛있어요.

i sikdangeun ssago masisseoyo.

This restaurant is cheap and good.

저는 영국 사람이고 학생이에요.

jeoneun yeongguk saramigo haksaengieyo.

I am British and a student.

샤워하고 자요.

syawohago jayo.

I have a shower and go to bed.