거든(요)

-거든(요)-geodeunyo is a phrase that I remember hearing continuously since I have been in Korea. It's really stuck! Perhaps it's because it goes at the end of a sentence and it often stressed. According to the teacher it's just another way for giving a reason, but then of course why would they have it? There are a million words for "because" in Korean. Luckily I have the infinite resources of the internet and Korean acquaintances.

• Firstly it doesn't require a qualifying clause, it simply gives a stand-alone reason “Because I’m hot.”
• Secondly it is emphatic because of its position and intonation, so rather than meaning "because..." it means "it is because..."
• Thirdly it stands out because it gives the other person you're talking to a chance to respond. It has a conversational function as the Korean grammar dictionary translates it, you can insert a "you see."

Ultimately explaining it isn't enough. You need to use it, and listen out for it whenever you can!