-고 해서
Used to offer a reason that is one of several contributing factors, often softening the explanation. It implies: 'this was one reason (among others)'.
Summary
Equivalent
Also because... / Among other things... / Since (one reason being)...
Also: -(으)니까 (Direct reason - stronger) · -아/어서 (Simple reason - general)
Example
Since the weather was nice and all, I came out for a walk.
날씨도 좋고 해서 산책을 나왔어요.
Grammar rules
- Often paired with another reason first using '-(으)니까', '-아/어서', or just a context clause.
- It makes the reason sound less like a decisive single cause and more like one factor.
- The preceding clause with '-고 해서' is often a mild, secondary or supporting reason. It is often paired with '-(으)ㄹ 겸' or '-(으)니까' in the same sentence.
마침 시간도 있고 해서 한번 들러 봤어요. (Since I had some time, among other things, I just stopped by.)
Patterns
Verbs
Present · Verb Stem + 고 해서
Adjectives
Present · Adjective Stem + 고 해서
Example sentences
Since the weather was nice and all, I came out for a walk.
날씨도 좋고 해서 산책을 나왔어요.
Since it had been a while and I wanted to eat something nice, I decided to eat here.
오랜만에 맛있는 것도 먹고 해서 여기서 식사하기로 했어요.
I'm a bit tired and all, so I'll rest early today.
몸도 좀 피곤하고 해서 오늘은 일찍 쉬겠어요.
Conversation
A: What brings you here?
여기는 어쩐 일이에요?
B: I was in the neighborhood and figured I'd stop by to say hello.
마침 근처에 왔고 해서 잠깐 인사하러 들렀어요.
Practice
Fill in the blank
Select the expression that naturally softens a reason as one of several contributing factors.
Too much food.
Free time.