In Korean, sentence construction and the use of conjunctions like ‘서’ can often cause confusion, especially when translating or understanding nuanced meanings. In this article, we will explore the difference between the sentences ‘그녀는 사랑하는 남자를 만나 행복한 결혼 생활을 시작했다’ and ‘그녀는 사랑하는 남자를 만나서 행복한 결혼 생활을 시작했다’ and clarify whether both are grammatically correct and what they mean.
The Difference Between ‘만나’ and ‘만나서’
The key difference between the two sentences lies in the use of ‘서’ at the end of ‘만나서.’ In Korean, ‘서’ is a conjunction that is used to indicate cause and effect or a sequence of events. It connects actions, meaning that the action in the first part (meeting the man) leads directly to the result in the second part (starting a happy married life).
Without ‘서,’ the sentence ‘그녀는 사랑하는 남자를 만나 행복한 결혼 생활을 시작했다’ still makes sense. It indicates two actions happening in sequence, but there is less emphasis on a direct cause and effect between them. Both forms are grammatically acceptable, but ‘서’ adds a bit more meaning by showing how the two actions are connected.
When to Use ‘서’ in Korean Sentences
In Korean, ‘서’ is often used to link actions that are closely related in time or causality. For example, ‘밥을 먹고 학교에 갔다’ (‘I ate and then went to school’) shows the actions in a sequence where one follows the other. Similarly, ‘그녀는 사랑하는 남자를 만나서 행복한 결혼 생활을 시작했다’ implies that meeting the man is the reason or cause for starting the happy marriage.
In contrast, ‘그녀는 사랑하는 남자를 만나 행복한 결혼 생활을 시작했다’ simply states the two events in sequence without emphasizing cause and effect. Both constructions are correct, but the use of ‘서’ adds a layer of connection between the two actions.
Is It Correct to Use ‘서’ Here?
Yes, it is perfectly correct to use ‘서’ in the sentence. It adds a nuance of causality, making it clearer that meeting the man directly led to the happy marriage. The choice to use or omit ‘서’ depends on the nuance you wish to convey. If you’re focusing on the cause-effect relationship, ‘서’ is the more natural choice. However, if you want a more neutral statement, omitting ‘서’ works just fine.
Conclusion: Choosing Between ‘만나’ and ‘만나서’
In summary, both ‘그녀는 사랑하는 남자를 만나 행복한 결혼 생활을 시작했다’ and ‘그녀는 사랑하는 남자를 만나서 행복한 결혼 생활을 시작했다’ are grammatically correct, but they convey slightly different meanings. Using ‘서’ emphasizes the causal relationship between meeting the man and starting a happy marriage, while omitting it simply presents the two events in sequence. Both options are valid, and the choice depends on the nuance you want to express.
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