Unit 06 | -으니까 / -니까 | (Because, Since)

-으니까 / -니까 (because, since)

This pattern expresses a reason or cause for the following action or statement.
It’s frequently used in daily Korean when explaining, suggesting, or instructing.
In English, it’s equivalent to “because,” “since,” or “as.”

1️⃣ 비가 오니까 우산을 가지고 가세요.
→ Since it’s raining, take an umbrella.

2️⃣ 배가 고프니까 밥을 먹읍시다.
→ Because I’m hungry, let’s eat.

3️⃣ 너무 피곤하니까 오늘은 일찍 자요.
→ Since I’m so tired, I’ll go to bed early today.

4️⃣ 날씨가 추우니까 따뜻하게 입으세요.
→ Because it’s cold, dress warmly.

5️⃣ 시간이 없으니까 빨리 준비하세요.
→ We don’t have time, so please get ready quickly.

1️⃣ Verb/Adjective stem + -으니까 (after a consonant)
2️⃣ Verb/Adjective stem + -니까 (after a vowel)
3️⃣ 하다 → 하니까

Examples:

날씨가 추우니까 따뜻하게 입어요. (Because it’s cold, dress warmly.)

배가 고프니까 밥을 먹어요. (Since I’m hungry, let’s eat.)

시간이 없으니까 빨리 준비하세요. (Because there’s no time, please hurry.)

• Emphasizes a clear reason or natural cause.
• Often used for suggestions, commands, or instructions.
• Softer and more conversational than -아서/어서.
• Can also indicate personal realization:
 → “보니까…” (When I saw it, I realized…)
 → “가니까…” (When I went, I found that…)

Use “-으니까 / -니까” when explaining why someone should do something —
perfect for daily reasoning or instructions.

제 안경이 너무 더러우니까 쓰기 전에 닦으세요.
→ Because my glasses are very dirty, please wipe them before using.

당신의 목소리가 학습의 열쇠입니다!
Your voice is the key to learning!