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Korean - Conjunctional Particles

The Korean language uses several connection particles (or conjunctional particles) to link two or more nouns together. They are essential for creating lists and expressing relationships between items.

The main particles used for this purpose are:

  1. 와/과 (Wa/Gwa) $\rightarrow$ Formal/Written
  2. 하고 (Hago) $\rightarrow$ General/Spoken
  3. 랑/이랑 (Rang/Irang) $\rightarrow$ Casual/Spoken

1. Formal/Written Connection: 와 / 과

This pair is often preferred in formal settings, academic writing, and when giving a formal presentation. It means "and" or "with".

A. Forms and Usage

The choice depends on the preceding noun's final sound:

Noun Ends In... Use This Form Example Meaning
Consonant 과 (gwa) 책과 공책 Book and notebook
Vowel 와 (wa) 사과와 배 Apple and pear

B. Function as "With"

When attached to a noun that is the partner or accompaniment for an action, it often means "with."

  • Example 1: 친구와 같이 영화를 봤어요.
    • Chingu-wa gachi yeonghwa-reul bwasseoyo.
    • I watched a movie with a friend (together).

2. General/Spoken Connection: 하고

The particle 하고 (hago) is widely used in everyday, spoken Korean. It is generally the easiest to use because it does not change form regardless of whether the preceding noun ends in a vowel or a consonant.

  • Example 2 (Listing):
    • 저는 사과하고 오렌지를 샀어요.
    • Jeo-neun sagwa-hago orenji-reul sasseoyo.
    • I bought an apple and an orange.
  • Example 3 (Accompanying):
    • 엄마하고 시장에 갔어요.
    • Eomma-hago sijaang-e gasseoyo.
    • I went to the market with Mom.

3. Casual/Familiar Connection: 랑 / 이랑

This pair is used frequently in very casual speech, often with family and close friends. Like 와/과, it has two forms, though they are based on the same rules.

A. Forms and Usage

Noun Ends In... Use This Form Example Meaning
Consonant 이랑 (irang) 동생이랑 나 Younger sibling and me
Vowel 랑 (rang) 우유랑 빵 Milk and bread
  • Example 4:
    • 뭐 랑 뭐 먹을 거예요?
    • Mwo rang mwo meogeul geoyeyo?
    • What and what are you going to eat?

Summary of Connection Particles

All three sets of particles have the same meaning ("and" or "with") but differ in their formality and usage context:

Particle Set Formality Context Rule
와/과 Highest Formal writing, news, official documents. 과 (Consonant) / 와 (Vowel)
하고 Medium General speech, common conversations. 하고 (Always the same)
랑/이랑 Lowest Casual speech, close friends, family. 이랑 (Consonant) / 랑 (Vowel)