그래서
geuraeseo[kɯɾɛsʰʌ̹]
The Korean word for 'therefore' is 그래서 (geuraeseo).
그래서 is a conjunction used to connect two sentences where the first sentence is the cause and the second is the result.
Meaning: consequently, by consequence (adv)
What does it mean word for word?
The word 그래서 is a contraction of 그 (that) + -어서 (and so/because), literally meaning 'doing that and so…'.
Which one should you use?
While 그래서 is used in everyday conversation, 그러므로 is a more formal version used in writing, speeches or logical arguments. The phrase 그렇기 때문에 is slightly more formal than 그래서 but still appropriate for informal situations.
How do you pronounce it?
geuraeseo
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers might try to use 그래서 in the middle of a single sentence like 'I was tired, therefore I slept', but in Korean, it is most naturally used to start a new sentence: 'I was tired. Therefore, I slept.'
Did you know?
- When used as a question 그래서?, the word 그래서 functions as 'So what?' or 'Get to the point', regardless of its literal meaning as 'therefore'.
- In highly formal debates, speakers may use 따라서 instead of 그래서 to sound more objective and authoritative, as 따라서 literally means 'following that'.
- The formal version 그러므로 is so strongly associated with academic writing that using it in a casual conversation can make a speaker sound like they are reading a textbook or a legal document.
Examples in context
- 성적이 좋지 않았고, 그러므로 공부를 더 열심히 해야 합니다.The grades were not good, therefore, we need to study harder.
- 어제 너무 일이 바빠서 잠을 잘 못 잤어. 그래서 오늘 피곤해.I couldn't sleep well yesterday because I was too busy. Therefore, I'm tired today.
- 날씨가 좋지 않았어. 그래서 나가기 싫어.The weather wasn't good. Therefore, I don't feel like going out.
- 비가 와요. 그래서 우산을 가져가요.bi-ga wa-yo. geu-rae-seo u-san-eul ga-jyeo-ga-yo.It is raining. Therefore, I am taking an umbrella.
- 배가 고파요. 그래서 식당에 가요.bae-ga go-pa-yo. geu-rae-seo sik-dang-e ga-yo.I am hungry. Therefore, I am going to a restaurant.
- 어제 잠을 못 잤어요. 그래서 피곤해요.eo-je jam-eul mot jat-eo-yo. geu-rae-seo pi-gon-hae-yo.I couldn't sleep yesterday. Therefore, I am tired.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing their plans for the afternoon.
- 서연 Seo-yeon지훈 씨, 숙제를 다 했어요?Ji-hun ssi, suk-je-reul da haet-eo-yo?Ji-hun, did you finish your homework?
- 지훈 Ji-hun아니요, 아직 못 했어요. 그래서 바빠요.A-ni-yo, a-jik mot haet-eo-yo. geu-rae-seo ba-ppa-yo.No, I haven't finished yet. Therefore, I am busy.
- 서연 Seo-yeon그렇군요. 그럼 나중에 다시 이야기해요.Geu-reoh-geun-yo. geu-reom na-jung-e da-si i-ya-gi-hae-yo.I see. Then let's talk again later.
- 지훈 Ji-hun네, 서연 씨. 나중에 봐요.Ne, Seo-yeon ssi. na-jung-e bwa-yo.Yes, Seo-yeon. See you later.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 그래서, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
