-고 나서
Quick answer: -고 나서 means after doing — the first thing finishes, then the next.
How to form it
Stem + 고 나서 · 밥을 먹고 나서 약을 드세요
In Korean: 어간 + 고 나서 밥을 먹고 나서 약을 드세요
What to know
You met plain -고 for and then in 10-2. 나서 makes it stronger: the first action is finished before the second starts. Medicine instructions in Korea are written this way, so it is worth recognising on a packet.
Examples
- 밥을 먹고 나서 약을 드세요.Take the medicine after eating.
- 약을 먹고 나서 푹 쉬세요.Take the medicine and then get plenty of rest.
- 주사를 받고 나서 집에 가요.I go home after the injection.
Where it's taught
HanDa Level 1 (TOPIK I), Lesson 30: 약을 드시고 푹 쉬세요 — Take the medicine and get plenty of rest. Also in the Level 1 book.
Practise -고 나서 out loud
In the HanDa app this is Level 1, Lesson 30 — drills, a speaking check and an AI teacher that corrects what you say. Free for 7 days.