What is “-고”?

“-고” is a conjunctive ending used to list actions, describe sequences, or emphasize characteristics in a sentence. It connects clauses by attaching to the stem of a verb or adjective and serves various functions depending on context.

Usage

1) Sequence of Actions

“-고” is also used to describe actions in chronological order, where the first action happens before the second.

나는 밥을 먹고 양치를 했다. (I ate a meal and brushed my teeth.)
양말을 신고 신발을 신자. (Let’s put on socks and then wear shoes.)
그녀는 일을 끝내고 바로 퇴근했다. (She finished work and left the office straight away.)
영화를 관람하고 감상문을 쓰라. (Watch the movie and then write a review.)

2) Listing Actions or Facts

“-고” is used to list actions or facts without implying a specific order.

저 개는 3살이고 이 고양이는 2살입니다. (That dog is 3 years old and this cat is 2 years old.)
날씨가 시원하고 맑다. (The weather is cool and sunny.)
너는 록 음악을 좋아했고 나는 힙합을 좋아했다. (You liked rock music and I liked hip hop.)
이 길은 좁고 어두워서 조심해야 해. (This road is narrow and dark, so be careful.)

3) Continuous Action or Result

“-고” can indicate that the result of an action continues into the next action.

저는 지하철을 타고 왔습니다. (I took a subway to come here.)
그녀는 새 가방을 메고 출근했다. (She went to work carrying her new bag.)
고양이가 장난감을 물고 방으로 들어갔어요. (The cat went into the room holding a toy in its mouth.)
그는 우산을 쓰고 밖에 나갔다. (He went outside with an umbrella.)
우리는 손을 잡고 산책을 했어요. (We walked holding hands.)

4) Emphasis

“-고” can emphasize or exaggerate characteristics by repeating adjectives.

차갑고 차가운 바람. (The cold, cold wind.)
맑고 맑은 하늘. (The clear, clear sky.)
둥글고 둥근 달. (The round, round moon.)
단단하고 단단한 돌. (A hard, hard stone.)

5) Contrasting or Opposing Facts

“-고” can also connect contrasting ideas or facts.

비싸고 싼 건 품질에 따라 다르다. (Whether something is expensive or cheap depends on its quality.)
많고 적은 것은 상황에 따라 달라진다. (Whether it’s a lot or a little depends on the situation.)
좋고 나쁜 결과는 노력의 차이에 달려 있다. (Good or bad results depend on the effort put in.)

Practice Quiz

Fill in the blanks with the correct conjunctive ending.

그녀는 새 가방을 _____(메다) 출근했다.
(She went to work carrying her new bag.)
_____ (많다) 적은 것은 상황에 따라 달라진다.
(Whether it’s a lot or a little depends on the situation.)
_____ (차갑다) 차가운 바람.
(The cold, cold wind.)
나는 밥을 _____(먹다) 양치를 했다.
(I ate a meal and brushed my teeth.)
저 개는 _____(3살이다) 이 고양이는 2살입니다.
(That dog is 3 years old and this cat is 2 years old.)