Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 그리고 | geurigo | [kɯɾiɡo̞] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| -과 | -gwa | |
| -와 | -wa | [wa̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| -하고 | -hago | [ha̠ɡo̞] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| -이랑 | -irang | [iɾa̠ŋ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 및 | mit | [mit̚] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
In Korean, the way you say "and" depends heavily on whether you are joining two nouns together or starting a new sentence. To join two nouns, you use particles like -과, -와, -하고, -이랑 or 및. To start a new sentence or connect two independent clauses, you use the conjunction 그리고.
Which one should you use?
The particle forms -과, -와, -하고 and -이랑 are attached directly to nouns to connect them within a single sentence. In contrast, 그리고 is a conjunction used to start a new sentence or to link two independent clauses together.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For connecting nouns, 및 is used in highly formal contexts such as legal documents, news reports or official lists. The particles -과 and -와 are typically used in written or formal spoken Korean. -하고 is a versatile option used in both spoken and written Korean and is more common in everyday conversation than -과 and -와. For casual, spoken Korean, use the colloquial particle -이랑.
How does it change in a sentence?
When connecting nouns, the choice of particle often depends on the sound ending the first noun. Use -과 or -이랑 after a noun that ends in a consonant. Use -와 or -랑 after a noun that ends in a vowel.
How do you pronounce it?
geurigo
Did you know?
- While English speakers use 'and' to list everything, Korean often omits the word for 'and' entirely in casual speech, relying on the context or a pause instead.
- The particle -하고 is actually a combination of the verb 'to do' and a connective suffix, meaning it literally contains the concept of 'doing'.
- In very old texts, the ancestor of -과 and -와 was written as a single character that looked like the word for 'fruit'.
Examples in context
- 그리고 언제나 그랬듯이 그녀가 옳았다.And she was right again, as she always was.This example shows how to use 그리고 to start a sentence.Tatoeba #11112140 by Eunhee, translation #6032131 by tinowls
- “걸려 넘어지면 쓰러질 거야. 그리고 쓰러지면 그게 네 몰락이 될 거야.”라고 아르노 바네가 말했어."If you trip, you'll fall down. And if you fall down, that will be your downfall", said Arnaud Vannay.This sentence demonstrates the use of 그리고 when connecting ideas in a sequence.Tatoeba #13755098 by qlTmalffk, translation #9331760 by AmarMecheri
- 그리고 나는 세상을 이해하고 싶기 때문에, 여러 언어를 배우고 싶다. 지금 나는 고대 그리스어 학위과정을 밟고 있다.And I want to study many languages because I want to understand the world. Currently, I'm working on my degree in Classical Greek.This example illustrates the use of 그리고 to connect two independent clauses.Tatoeba #11106873 by intertime, translation #2458629 by MethodGT
- 나는 사과와 오렌지를 사러 가겠어요I will go to buy apples and oranges
- 너는 읽고 쓰기를 잘해You are good at reading and writing
- 회의에 참석하시고 의견을 말씀해 주세요Please attend the meeting and share your opinions
- 일과 공부를 병행하다To combine work and study
- 어제는 도서관에 가고 영화를 봤어요Yesterday, I went to the library and watched a movie
- 그 회사는 크고 유명하다That company is big and famous
- 그녀는 빨리 움직이고 정확하게 말해요She moves quickly and speaks precisely
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Jihoon and Minji are talking about their plans for the weekend.
- 지훈 Ji-hun이번 주말에 영화 볼래?Ibeon jumare yeonghwa bollae?Do you want to watch a movie this weekend?
- 민지 Min-ji좋아. 그리고 맛있는 것도 먹자.Joa. Geurigo masinneun geotdo meokja.Sure. And let's eat something delicious too.
- 지훈 Ji-hun그럴까? 파스타 어때?Geureolkka? Pasta eottae?Shall we? How about pasta?
- 민지 Min-ji좋아, 그럼 토요일에 만나자.Joa, geureom toyoire mannaja.Great, let's meet on Saturday then.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “and” translations and entries 그리고, -과, -와, -하고, -이랑, 및, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries -과, -와, -하고, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
