그런데
geureonde[kɯɾʌ̹nde̞]
The English phrase "by the way" is translated into Korean as 그런데 (geureonde).
그런데 is used as an incidental phrase to transition between topics or introduce a new subject in a conversation. In casual settings, you can also use 참고로 to provide additional information or add a comment to an existing topic.
Meaning: incidentally (prep_phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The word 그런데 is a combination of the verb 그러하다 (to be so) and the connective ending -ㄴ데, which functions as but, and or provides background information.
Which one should you use?
While 그런데 is used to transition or introduce a new topic, 그나저나 is used more specifically when you want to abruptly change the subject or return to a previous topic.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In polite or more conversational speech, adding 말이에요 to create 그런데 말이에요 makes the transition sound softer. For informal, casual speech, the phrase 참고로 can be used for adding comments and the word 근데 is a common spoken contraction.
How does it change in a sentence?
In casual spoken Korean, 그런데 is frequently shortened to 근데.
How do you pronounce it?
geureonde
Did you know?
- Korean speakers often use 그런데 at the start of a sentence to create a 'buffer'. This avoids the social awkwardness of jumping into a request or a question too abruptly.
- In fast-paced spoken Korean, 그런데 is almost always shortened to 근데. Using the full form in a casual conversation can sometimes make the speaker sound unexpectedly formal or overly dramatic.
- Adding 말이에요 to 그런데 creates a rhythmic padding that signals the speaker is thinking. It transforms a sharp transition into a softer, more hesitant invitation for the listener to pay attention.
Examples in context
- 그런데, 그때 잃어버린 우산은 찾았어?By the way, did you find the umbrella that you lost that time?This sentence is useful for showing how to use 그런데 when introducing a new question about a past event.Tatoeba #13250285 by qiwiwi, translation #10153872 by DJ_Saidez
- 그런데, 제가 질문이 있습니다.By the way, I have a question.
- 그런데, 내일 뭐 할 거예요?By the way, what are you going to do tomorrow?
- 그런데, 내일 비가 올까?geureonde, naeil biga olkka?By the way, will it rain tomorrow?
- 그런데, 점심은 먹었어?geureonde, jeomsim-eun meogeosseo?By the way, did you eat lunch?
Example conversation
Two friends are chatting on the street.
- 민지 Min-ji오늘 정말 덥다.oneul jeongmal deopda.It is really hot today.
- 도현 Do-hyeon그러게 말이야.geureoge mariya.I agree.
- 민지 Min-ji그런데, 너 이번 주말에 뭐 해?geureonde, neo ibeon jumare mwo hae?By the way, what are you doing this weekend?
- 도현 Do-hyeon아직 계획 없어.ajik gyehoek eopseo.I don't have plans yet.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “by the way” translations and entries 그런데, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
