-거든

Korean

Etymology

This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.
Particularly: “Cited by Vovin as equivalent to Old Korean 去隱等隱 (“as for that which was...”), but could not find primary source citations”

From Middle Korean 거든〮 (Yale: -ketún).

Suffix

거든 • (-geodeun)

(somewhat formal) if; provided (that)
Synonym: 으면 (-eumyeon)

시간 이 있거든 같이 영화 보러 갑시다.
Sigan-i it-geodeun gachi yeonghwa boreo gapsida.
If you have time, let's go to the movies together.
(literary) given that; especially used in rhetorical questions
Synonym: 는데 (-neunde)

벼 도 익으면 고개 를 숙이거든 너 는 어찌 그리 오만방자하냐?
byeo-do igeumyeon gogae-reul sugi-geodeun neo-neun eojji geuri omanbangja-hanya?
Given that even rice plants bend their heads as they ripen, how can you be so conceited and arrogant?
In the intimate style, a declarative ending explaining a reason.
내일 이 일요일 이거든요.
Naeir-i iryoir-i-geodeun-yo.
It's because tomorrow is Sunday.