-아/어서
Quick answer: -아/어서 means because — the reason comes first.
How to form it
Same stem rule as -아/어요 + 서 · 아프다 → 아파서 · the second clause cannot be a command or suggestion
In Korean: -아/어요와 같은 규칙 + 서 아프다 → 아파서 뒤에 명령·제안은 못 옵니다
What to know
The reason goes first and the result second — the opposite order from English because. And you cannot put a request after it: 아파서 쉬세요 is wrong. For that you need -(으)니까, which comes in 16-1.
Examples
- 배가 아파서 병원에 가요.I'm going to the doctor because my stomach hurts.
- 머리가 아파서 약을 먹어요.I'm taking medicine because I have a headache.
- 다리를 다쳐서 못 걸어요.I can't walk because I hurt my leg.
Where it's taught
HanDa Level 1 (TOPIK I), Lesson 29: 어디가 아프세요? — Where does it hurt?. Also in the Level 1 book.
Learned in the same lesson: -아/어야 하다.
Practise -아/어서 out loud
In the HanDa app this is Level 1, Lesson 29 — drills, a speaking check and an AI teacher that corrects what you say. Free for 7 days.