-거늘
geoneul
Grammar · 1 sense
considering that, since, even though
Examples
그는 열심히 노력했거늘 왜 실패했을까?
Considering that he worked hard, why did he fail?
봄이 되었거늘 날씨가 아직도 춥다.
Even though it's spring, the weather is still cold.
경고를 받았거늘 또 같은 실수를 하다니.
Considering that you were warned, you made the same mistake again.
When you'd hear it
-거늘 is literary and old-fashioned, appearing mainly in writing, historical dramas, speeches, and solemn or reproachful remarks. It is uncommon in casual conversation, where speakers usually choose more familiar connective forms.
What learners get wrong
Learners may confuse -거늘 with -거든. -거늘 typically links a known fact to an unexpected result or reproach, while -거든 commonly gives a condition or reason in more ordinary speech.
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