Literary Connective: -거늘 (Despite, But)

This pattern connects two clauses with a sense of logical consequence or contrast. Usually, the first part states a well-known fact or a specific situation. The second part then delivers the punchline. This punchline is often a rhetorical question. For example, "Even animals love their children, so how can a human not?" Here, the "even animals love their children" part gets the -거늘 tag. It sets up a premise that makes the second part feel inevitable or shocking. It works with verbs, adjectives, and nouns. It doesn't change based on batchim, which is a huge relief! You just slap it onto the stem. It’s like a grammar sticker that adds instant gravitas. Just remember, it’s a bit of a drama queen. It loves big, important statements.

1. 1For Verbs and Adjectives, take the dictionary form and drop 다.
2. 2Attach -거늘 directly to the stem. For example, 가다 becomes 가거늘. 예쁘다 becomes 예쁘거늘.
3. 3For Nouns, use -(이)거늘. If the noun ends in a vowel, use -거늘. If it ends in a consonant, use -이거늘. Example: 사람 (human) becomes 사람이거늘.
4. 4For Past Tense, attach it to the past tense stem -었/았/였. Example: 먹다 becomes 먹었거늘.
5. 5For Future/Honorifics, you can use -겠거늘 or -(으)시거늘.

Use this when you want to highlight a contrast that feels unfair or illogical. It’s perfect for formal writing, like an editorial or a graduation speech. If you are writing a script for a Saeguk (historical drama), this is your bread and butter. It’s great for making rhetorical points. Like when you want to say, "I gave you everything, yet you betray me?" That "yet" is a perfect candidate for -거늘. You can also use it to express a "since even X is true..." logic. "Since even the sun sets, our love must also have an end." (Okay, that’s a bit dramatic, but you get the point!). It’s also useful in proverbs or when quoting old wisdom. If you want to impress a Korean professor, drop this in an essay. Just make sure the topic is serious enough to handle it.

Do not use this in casual conversation. Seriously, don't. If you tell your friend, "배가 고프거늘 why aren't we eating?" they might think you've been time-traveling from the Joseon dynasty. It’s way too formal for texting, shopping, or hanging out. Avoid using it for trivial matters. Saying "Since the coffee is hot, I will wait" using -거늘 is like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut. It’s also not a simple replacement for -니까 (because) or -는데 (but/and). Those are for everyday logic. -거늘 is for "Big Logic." Also, avoid it if you aren't 100% sure of the rhetorical connection. If the two sentences don't have a strong "if this, then that" vibe, it will sound awkward.

• Using it for mundane reasons: "비가 오거늘 I took an umbrella." (Wrong! Use -아서/어서 or -니까).
• Forgetting the rhetorical second half: -거늘 almost always expects a strong statement or question afterward. Don't leave it hanging with a boring fact.
• Confusing it with -거늘 vs -건만: While both show contrast, -건만 is more about simple regret or unfulfilled expectations. -거늘 is about logical or moral weight.
• Overusing it in speech: Unless you are giving a lecture or acting, stick to written forms.
• Incorrect Noun attachment: Forgetting the 이 in 사람이거늘. It needs that bridge for consonants!

Let’s compare it to -는데. -는데 is the friendly neighbor. It just provides background. "I'm hungry, what should we eat?" Easy. -거늘 is the stern grandfather. "Even the ants work hard, yet you are lazy?" It’s judgmental! Then there is -건만. This one feels like a sigh. "I studied hard, but I failed." It focuses on the sad result. -거늘 focuses on the logic behind the contrast. Finally, consider -니. -니 is just a simple "since." "Since it's raining, let's stay home." No drama. -거늘 would be: "Since even the clouds cry, how can I stay dry?" See the difference? One is a weather report; the other is a poem.