그러면
Then, In That Case
Use 그러면 to mean 'then' or 'in that case', connecting a previous statement to a logical next step, suggestion, or question.
How It Works
그러면 is a fundamental connector in Korean used to create logical flow in a conversation. It takes the preceding statement as a given condition and introduces what should or could happen next.
Structure:
It is formed by combining 그렇다 (to be so, to be like that) with the conditional particle -면 (if/when).
그렇다 + -면 → 그러면 (If that is so... / Then...)
Usage:
It's typically used at the beginning of a sentence to connect it to the previous one. It can be used in various contexts:
- Making a suggestion:
A: "I'm bored." (심심해요.)
B: "Then, shall we watch a movie?" (그러면 영화 볼까요?) - Asking a follow-up question:
A: "I'm going to Korea next month." (다음 달에 한국에 가요.)
B: "In that case, have you booked your flight?" (그러면 비행기는 예매했어요?) - Stating a logical consequence:
A: "The deadline is tomorrow." (마감이 내일이에요.)
B: "Then, we have to work all night today." (그러면 오늘 밤새 일해야 해요.)
Colloquial Form:
In everyday conversation, 그러면 is very often shortened to 그럼. Both forms are interchangeable, but 그럼 is more common in casual speech.
A: 배고파요. (I'm hungry.)
B: 그럼 뭐 좀 먹을까요? (Then, shall we get something to eat?)
Examples (5)
- A: 너무 피곤해요.
B: 그러면 좀 쉬세요.
A: I'm so tired. B: Then, get some rest.
Word by Word: A: Too tired. B: Then a little rest.
- A: 오늘 날씨가 좋네요.
B: 그러면 공원에 산책하러 갈까요?
A: The weather is nice today. B: In that case, shall we go for a walk in the park?
Word by Word: A: Today weather is good. B: Then to the park for a walk shall we go?
- A: 이 길이 막히는 것 같아요.
B: 그러면 다른 길로 갑시다.
A: It seems like this road is blocked (with traffic). B: Then, let's go another way.
Word by Word: A: This road is blocked it seems. B: Then by another road let's go.
- A: 저는 매운 음식을 못 먹어요.
B: 그러면 불고기는 괜찮아요?
A: I can't eat spicy food. B: Then, is bulgogi okay?
Word by Word: A: I spicy food cannot eat. B: Then bulgogi is it okay?
Here, 그러면 is used to ask a follow-up question based on the information given.
- 열심히 공부해야 해요. 그러면 시험에 합격할 수 있을 거예요.
You have to study hard. Then you will be able to pass the exam.
Word by Word: Diligently study must. Then on the exam you can pass will be.
In this example, the second sentence is a logical consequence of the first.
Common Mistakes
Confusing 그러면 (if so, then) with 그래서 (so, therefore).
Not Quite어제 잠을 못 잤어요. 그러면 오늘 피곤해요.Better어제 잠을 못 잤어요. 그래서 오늘 피곤해요.그러면 introduces a suggestion or logical next step based on a condition ('if that's the case...'). 그래서 indicates a direct cause and effect ('because of that...'). Being tired is a direct result of not sleeping, not a conditional suggestion. Therefore, 그래서 is the correct choice.
Related Patterns
- -(으)면If, When
그러면 is a fixed expression formed by combining the verb 그렇다 ('to be so') with the conditional ending -면 ('if'). Understanding -면 is key to understanding the conditional logic of 그러면.
- 그래서So, Therefore
Both are conjunctive adverbs used to connect sentences. However, 그래서 shows a direct cause-and-effect relationship ('A happened, so B happened'), while 그러면 shows a conditional relationship ('If A is true, then let's do B' or 'then B will happen').
- -(으)니까So, Because
-니까 provides a reason for a following suggestion or command. It's similar to 그러면 in that it can lead to a suggestion, but -니까 emphasizes the reason ('Because A...'), while 그러면 sets up a condition ('If A is the case...').
- -ㄴ/는데Background Info, But
-는데 provides background information before making a statement, question, or suggestion. It's a softer connector than 그러면. For example, '날씨가 좋은데 공원에 갈까요?' ('The weather is nice, so shall we go to the park?') is similar to '날씨가 좋네요. 그러면 공원에 갈까요?' but feels more like a single, flowing thought.