Easy Korean - Level 3, Unit 15: Well then, In that case (그러면, 그럼)

🌿 Level 3 · Essential Expressions

Easy Korean - Level 3, Unit 15: Well then, In that case (그러면, 그럼)

In everyday conversation, when you respond to what someone just said by saying "Well then...", "In that case...", or "If so...", you use the word 그러면 (geu-reo-myeon) or its shortened form 그럼 (geu-reom).

그러면 (geu-reo-myeon)

그러면 comes from the verb 그렇다 (to be so) + -(으)면 (if). So literally, it means "If that is so..."

  • A: 비가 와요. (It is raining.) B: 그러면 내일 갈까요? (In that case, shall we go tomorrow?)

  • A: 저는 커피 안 마셔요. (I don't drink coffee.) B: 그러면 차는 어때요? (Well then, how about tea?)

그럼 (geu-reom)

그럼 is simply the contracted, more conversational version of 그러면. They mean exactly the same thing and are completely interchangeable in speech.

  • A: 지금 바빠요. (I am busy right now.) B: 그럼 나중에 다시 올게요. (Then I will come back later.)

Other meanings of 그럼:

When said enthusiastically by itself, 그럼요! (geu-reom-yo!) means "Of course!" or "Naturally!"

  • A: 한국어 공부 재미있어요? (Is studying Korean fun?) B: 그럼요! (Of course!)

Example Sentences

  1. A: 이거 너무 비싸요. (This is too expensive.) B: 그럼 다른 거 볼까요? (Then shall we look at another one?)

  2. A: 오늘 피곤해요. (I am tired today.) B: 그러면 집에서 쉬세요. (In that case, please rest at home.)

  3. A: 파티에 갈 거예요? (Are you going to the party?) B: 그럼요! 갈 거예요. (Of course! I will go.)

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