How to Say "And" in Korean: Connective Particles (하고, 이랑/랑, 과/와)
Korean Connective Particles: How to Say "And" (하고, 이랑/랑, 과/와)
Learn which Korean “and” particle to use in everyday conversation, casual speech, and formal writing.
What You’ll Learn
Korean has several ways to connect nouns with the meaning “and.” The correct choice depends on formality, speaking style, and sometimes whether the noun ends in a final consonant.
Connect two or more nouns.
Choose casual, everyday, or formal forms.
Apply vowel and consonant rules correctly.
Key Vocabulary
| Korean | Romanization | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 빵 | ppang | bread |
| 우유 | uyu | milk |
| 친구 | chingu | friend |
| 책 | chaek | book |
| 공책 | gongchaek | notebook |
| 가족 | gajok | family |
Grammar Overview
| Particle | Batchim Rule | Style | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 하고 | No change | Everyday spoken Korean | Easy general choice |
| 이랑 / 랑 | 이랑 after consonant; 랑 after vowel | Casual spoken Korean | Friends and family |
| 과 / 와 | 과 after consonant; 와 after vowel | Formal or written Korean | Books, news, presentations |
1. 하고: The Easiest Everyday Choice
하고 attaches to any noun. It does not change after a vowel or a final consonant, so it is often the easiest connective particle for beginners.
2. 이랑 / 랑: Casual and Friendly
이랑/랑 is very common in casual conversation. Choose the form according to whether the noun has batchim.
After a vowel: Noun + 랑
3. 과 / 와: Formal and Written Korean
과/와 is common in formal writing, reports, news, books, and prepared speech.
After a vowel: Noun + 와
하고 vs 이랑/랑 vs 과/와
Neutral everyday speech. No batchim rule.
More casual and conversational. Changes by batchim.
Formal or written. Changes by batchim.
More Examples
Common Mistakes
1. Connecting complete sentences with 하고
저는 밥을 먹었어요 하고 커피를 마셨어요.
저는 밥을 먹었어요. 그리고 커피를 마셨어요.
I ate a meal. And I drank coffee.
2. Reversing the 과/와 rule
Remember: 과 follows a consonant, while 와 follows a vowel.
3. Using 이랑/랑 in very formal writing
이랑/랑 is natural in conversation but may sound too casual in reports or formal presentations.
Practice
Choose the most natural particle for each situation.
- 고양이___ 강아지를 키워요. Casual speech
- 볼펜___ 종이가 필요합니다. Formal writing
- 친구___ 영화를 봤어요. Everyday speech; use the easiest option
- 책___ 공책을 샀어요. Casual speech
Quiz
1. Which particle can follow any noun without changing?
A. 과 B. 랑 C. 하고
2. Which form follows a noun ending in a vowel in casual speech?
A. 이랑 B. 랑 C. 과
3. Which pair is most common in formal writing?
A. 하고 B. 이랑/랑 C. 과/와
4. Which word can connect two complete sentences?
A. 그리고 B. 이랑 C. 와
Show answers
1. C — 하고
2. B — 랑
3. C — 과/와
4. A — 그리고
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 하고 and 그리고?
하고 attaches to nouns. 그리고 is a standalone conjunction that connects sentences or ideas.
Is 이랑/랑 rude?
No. It is casual rather than rude. However, 하고 or 과/와 may be safer in formal situations.
How do I list more than two nouns?
You can repeat the particle: 사과하고 바나나하고 수박.
Lesson Summary
Easy everyday choice with no batchim rule.
Casual speech; 이랑 after consonants and 랑 after vowels.
Formal or written; 과 after consonants and 와 after vowels.
