Beginner (JSON) Estimated read: 3 mins

-고 나서

Focuses on the completion of the first action before moving on to the second action. It emphasizes that the first action is fully finished.

Summary

Equivalent

After doing / Upon finishing

Also: -(으)ㄴ 후에 (After doing)

Example

After finishing all my homework, I played a game.

숙제를 다 하고 나서 게임을 했어요.

Grammar rules

  • Attach directly to the verb stem, regardless of whether it ends in a vowel or consonant.
  • It cannot be used with adjectives.
  • When used with verbs of getting dressed/prepared (입다, 쓰다, 신다, 타다), it implies maintaining the resulting state.

    구두를 신고 나서 나갔어요. (I put on my shoes and went out.)

Patterns

1

All Verbs

N/A · Verb Stem + 고 나서

Example sentences

After finishing all my homework, I played a game.

숙제를 다 하고 나서 게임을 했어요.

After eating breakfast, I drink coffee.

아침을 먹고 나서 커피를 마십니다.

Upon finishing reading the book, I will lend it to my friend.

책을 다 읽고 나서 친구에게 빌려줄게요.

Conversation

A: When should we start this task?

이 일을 언제 시작할까요?

B: Please start it after finishing that task.

그 일을 끝내고 나서 시작하세요.

Practice

Fill in the blank

Complete the sentence implying completion of an action.

Finishing.

Eating.