-(으)ㄴ/는 걸 보니까
Used to draw an inference or conclusion based on observable evidence. The first clause is the observable fact; the second clause is the conclusion drawn from it.
Summary
Equivalent
Judging from / Seeing that / Given that (one can infer...)
Also: -(으)ㄴ/는 모양이다 (It seems... — the result of such an observation)
Example
Judging from the fact the car isn't there, it seems they haven't arrived yet.
차가 없는 걸 보니까 아직 안 온 모양이에요.
Grammar rules
- Often paired with inference endings like '-는 모양이다', '-겠다' or '-는 것 같다' in the main clause to complete the reasoning.
Patterns
Verbs (Evidence-Based Inference)
Present/Past · Verb Stem + 는 걸 보니까
Adjectives (Evidence-Based Inference)
Present · Adj Stem + (으)ㄴ 걸 보니까
Example sentences
Judging from the fact the car isn't there, it seems they haven't arrived yet.
차가 없는 걸 보니까 아직 안 온 모양이에요.
Seeing how pale your face is, it looks like you're quite ill.
얼굴이 창백한 걸 보니까 많이 아픈가 봐요.
Judging from the fact that all the food has been eaten, it must have been delicious.
음식을 다 먹은 걸 보니까 맛있었나 봐요.
Conversation
A: Why is Sumi smiling like that?
수미 씨가 왜 저렇게 웃어요?
B: Judging from the fact she heard good news, she seems to be in a good mood.
좋은 소식을 들은 걸 보니까 기분이 좋은 모양이에요.
Practice
Fill in the blank
Draw an inference from observable evidence.
Packed bags.
Good score.