[Grammar note] "-테니까" vs. "-니까" meaning in Korean

 

How to Use "-테니까"

1. When giving a reason based on a guess or prediction
   → The speaker predicts a situation and gives advice accordingly.
   Examples:
   • 비가 올 테니까 우산을 가져가세요.
     → It’s going to rain, so take an umbrella.
   • 곧 도착할 테니까 조금만 기다려 주세요.
     → I’ll arrive soon, so please wait a little.
2. When giving a reason based on personal experience or knowledge
   → The speaker states a known fact as a reason.
   Examples:
   • 이 식당 음식이 맛있을 테니까 여기에서 먹자.
     → This restaurant’s food should be good, so let’s eat here.
   • 길이 많이 막힐 테니까 일찍 출발하는 게 좋겠어.
     → The traffic will be heavy, so we should leave early.

"-테니까" vs. "-니까"

"-테니까" includes the speaker’s assumption or judgment, while "-니까" simply states a reason.

Example Comparison:

• 비가 오니까 우산을 가져가세요. (It’s raining, so take an umbrella. → The speaker knows it’s already raining.)
• 비가 올 테니까 우산을 가져가세요. (It will rain, so take an umbrella. → The speaker predicts that it will rain.)

Summary

✔ Use "-테니까" when making a prediction or assumption.
✔ Use "-테니까" when giving a reason based on personal experience.
✔ Use "-니까" when simply stating a reason.