Difference Between ~거든요 and ~더라고요 in Korean – Usage and Meaning

In Korean, the expressions ‘~거든요’ and ‘~더라고요’ can sometimes seem similar, but they are used in different contexts. Understanding when and how to use them correctly can greatly improve your communication. Below, we will explore the differences, usage, and examples to clarify these two expressions.

1. What is ~거든요?

The expression ‘~거든요’ is typically used to provide an explanation or reason for something. It is often used when explaining something to someone who may not be aware of it or to provide additional context. It can also be used to show that the speaker is giving a reason for their actions or thoughts. For example:

• 이거 왜 샀냐고요? 좋아서 샀거든요. (Why did I buy this? I bought it because I like it.)
• 그 사람은 왜 그렇게 했냐고요? 시간이 없어서 그랬거든요. (Why did that person do that? It’s because they didn’t have time.)

2. What is ~더라고요?

On the other hand, ‘~더라고요’ is used when talking about something the speaker personally experienced in the past. It is often used to reflect on something observed or learned through direct experience. This expression emphasizes the speaker’s personal observation or realization. For example:

• 그 사람은 정말 친절하더라고요. (I realized that person is really kind.)
• 이 책은 정말 재미있더라고요. (I found this book really interesting.)

3. Key Differences in Usage

The key difference lies in the intent and context of the two expressions:

• ~거든요 is used to explain or provide a reason for something.
• ~더라고요 is used to talk about something the speaker experienced in the past or observed directly.

4. Examples of Correct Usage

Here are some examples to illustrate the correct usage of both expressions:

• Question: 왜 그렇게 늦었어요? (Why were you so late?)
• Answer (using ~거든요): 길이 막혀서 늦었거든요. (I was late because the road was blocked.)
• Answer (using ~더라고요): 그곳은 정말 사람들이 많더라고요. (I found there were so many people there.)

5. Conclusion

In summary, both ‘~거든요’ and ‘~더라고요’ are useful expressions in Korean, but they are used in different contexts. ‘~거든요’ is mainly used for explanations and providing reasons, while ‘~더라고요’ is used to describe something the speaker experienced in the past. By understanding these differences, you can use them more effectively in conversation.