-(으/이)니
(eu/i)ni
Grammar · 2 senses
Informal question
Examples
넌 어느 게 더 비싸 보이니?
Which one looks more expensive to you?
빵을 몇 개나 샀니?
How many breads did you buy?
요즘 바쁘니?
Are you busy these days?
When you'd hear it
This is an intimate, informal question ending heard in conversations among close friends and family, and often when adults speak to children. It appears frequently in dramas but is not suitable for formal workplace or service interactions.
What learners get wrong
Learners often treat it as interchangeable with the rougher question ending 냐. 니 is generally less confrontational and can sound concerned or conversational, while 냐 may sound blunt depending on the speaker and context.
Reason or cause
Examples
시간이 없으니 빨리 이동합시다.
Since we don't have time, let's move quickly.
오늘 수업은 끝났으니 돌아가셔도 좋습니다.
Since today's class is over, you can go back.
When you'd hear it
This connective is common in formal speech, written instructions, announcements, and workplace language. In casual conversation, speakers more often use -아서/어서 or -니까, though -니 also appears in dramas and respectful explanations.
What learners get wrong
Learners often treat -니 like the more conversational -니까. It commonly introduces background for a suggestion, instruction, or permission, while -니까 is more broadly used for giving a reason or explaining a basis.
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