-고 나면

go namyeon

Grammar · 1 sense

After, and then, and so

Examples

일을 다 마치고 나면 집에 갈 거예요.

I will go home after finishing work.

운동을 하고 나면 샤워를 합니다.

After exercising, I take a shower.

When you'd hear it

This pattern is common in everyday speech and writing, including plans, routines, instructions, and workplace talk. It is neutral in politeness and works with both formal endings and casual conversation.

What learners get wrong

Learners often treat it as identical to -고 나서, but -고 나면 more readily means “once or whenever the first action is finished,” especially for future or repeated results. -고 나서 more directly narrates one completed action followed by another.

Ask Ipsae about -고 나면

How is -고 나면 different from -고 나서?
Can -고 나면 describe repeated routines?
Can I use -고 나면 with past events?

You looked up -고 나면 — Ipsae makes sure you still know it in three weeks.

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