Formal Connective Endings in Korean

Overview

Formal connective endings at the CEFR B2 level are used in written and formal Korean. They include -(으)므로 (because, formal), -(으)나 (but, formal), -거나 (or), and -(으)며 (and/while, formal). These replace their casual equivalents in academic writing, news, legal documents, and formal presentations.

How It Works

Casual	Formal	Meaning
-아/어서 (because)	-(으)므로	because/since (formal)
-지만 (but)	-(으)나	but/however (formal)
or (no casual connector)	-거나	or
-고 / -(으)면서	-(으)며	and/while (formal)

Examples in Context

Korean	Romanization	English	Note
시간이 없으므로 생략합니다.	si-ga-ni eop-seu-meu-ro saeng-ryak-am-ni-da	Omitting because there's no time.	formal reason
비싸나 품질이 좋습니다.	bi-ssa-na pum-ji-ri jot-seum-ni-da	Expensive but good quality.	formal but
걷거나 뛰세요.	geot-geo-na ttwi-se-yo	Walk or run.	or
웃으며 말했어요.	u-seu-myeo mal-hae-sseo-yo	Said while smiling.	formal while
본 규정에 의하며...	bon gyu-jeong-e ui-ha-myeo	In accordance with this regulation...	legal
선택하거나 포기하세요.	seon-tae-ka-geo-na po-gi-ha-se-yo	Choose or give up.	or

Common Mistakes

Using -(으)므로 in casual speech

• Wrong: 바쁘므로 못 가 (using formal reason casually)
• Right: 바빠서 못 가 (casual reason)
• Why: -(으)므로 sounds excessively formal in casual conversation.

Confusing -거나 with -이나

• Wrong: Using -이나 after verbs
• Right: -거나 connects verbs; -이나 connects nouns (커피나 차 = coffee or tea)
• Why: Different parts of speech require different "or" connectors.

Usage Notes

These formal connectives are essential for TOPIK II (intermediate-advanced) and for reading Korean news, academic papers, and legal texts. -(으)며 is versatile, serving as both "and" (listing) and "while" (simultaneous) in formal contexts. -거나 is the only standard way to say "or" between verb phrases and is used across all registers.

These formal connectives are essential for TOPIK II and for reading Korean news, academic papers, and legal texts. -(으)며 is particularly versatile, serving as both "and" (listing) and "while" (simultaneous) in formal contexts: 경제는 성장하며 고용도 증가했다 (the economy grew and employment also increased).

-거나 is the only standard way to say "or" between verb phrases and is used across all registers: 전화하거나 이메일을 보내세요 (call or send an email). It combines with question words: 어디 가거나 뭐 하거나 상관없어요 (wherever you go or whatever you do, it doesn't matter).

Practice Tips

• Read Korean news articles and identify formal connectives.
• Practice converting casual connectives to formal: -아/어서 → -(으)므로, -지만 → -(으)나.
• Write a short formal paragraph using all four connectives.

Related Concepts

• Prerequisite: Polite Ending -아/어요 — casual equivalents are the foundation
• Next steps: Written/Formal Style — complete formal writing system
• Next steps: Complex Conjunctions — advanced multi-part connectives