-자니Korean connective · TOPIK 6
-jani
One connective with 3 distinct uses in the dictionary. Each is below with its own usage rule and examples.
형태Forms
Which one you use is decided by what comes in front of it — see the usage rule under each meaning below.
An expression used to indicate that the speaker is surprised or impressed by a recommendation or suggestion heard.
들은 권유나 제안의 내용에 대해 말하는 사람이 놀라거나 감탄함을 나타내는 표현.
쓰임Usage
A contracted form of -자고 하다니.
‘-자고 하다니’가 줄어든 말이다.
예문Examples
이제 와서 없던 일로 하자니 저는 그렇게 못 합니다.
Now you say let's pretend it never happened—I can't do that.
오래 전부터 계획했던 일을 연기하자니 안 됩니다.
You say let's postpone what we've been planning for a long time—that won't work.
이 밤에 영화를 보러 가자니 넌 피곤하지도 않니?
You say let's go see a movie this late at night—aren't you tired?
대화In conversation
금방 온다고 했으니까 좀 더 기다려 보자.
He said he'd come soon, so let's wait a bit more.
올 때까지 기다리자니 대체 언제까지 기다리자는 거예요?
You say let's wait until he comes—how long exactly are we supposed to wait?
An expression used to indicate that the recommendation or suggestion heard is the basis for the speaker's judgment.
들은 권유나 제안이 판단의 근거임을 나타내는 표현.
쓰임Usage
A contracted form of -자 하니.
'-자 하니'가 줄어든 말이다.
예문Examples
네가 보자니 보겠지만 난 전쟁 영화는 좀 싫더라.
You say let's watch it, and I might, but I don't really like war movies.
아이들이 아침부터 고기를 먹자니 조금 부담스럽다.
The kids want to eat meat in the morning, which feels a bit heavy.
친구들이 함께 여행을 가자니 가긴 하지만 밀린 일 때문에 마음이 불안하다.
My friends say let's go on a trip together, and I'll go, but I'm anxious about the backlog of work.
대화In conversation
너는 무슨 옷이 이렇게 많니?
Why do you have so many clothes?
입기는 싫은데 엄마가 버리자니 아까워서 안 버린다고 했더니 계속 쌓여.
I don't want to wear them, but my mom said let's throw them away, and I said no because it'd be a waste—so they just keep piling up.
(formal, highly addressee-lowering) An expression used to ask about a recommendation or suggestion that the listener heard.
(아주낮춤으로) 듣는 사람이 들은 권유나 제안의 내용을 물어볼 때 쓰는 표현.
쓰임Usage
A contracted form of -자고 하니.
‘-자고 하니’가 줄어든 말이다.
예문Examples
그래서 지수가 언제 만나자니?
So, when did Jisu say to meet?
애들이 이번 모임에는 누구누구 부르자니?
Who did the kids say to invite to this gathering?
그래 너희 남편은 이번 여름에 어디로 휴가를 가자니?
So, where did your husband say to go for vacation this summer?
대화In conversation
유민이가 내일 무슨 영화를 보자니?
What movie did Yumin say to watch tomorrow?
유민이는 액션 영화가 보고 싶다는데 너는 어때?
Yumin wants to see an action movie—how about you?
관련 문법Related grammar
Other connectives you will meet alongside this one.
자주 묻는 질문Common questions
What does -자니 mean in Korean?
-자니 is a connective introduced at 6급 (TOPIK 6). An expression used to indicate that the speaker is surprised or impressed by a recommendation or suggestion heard. It has 3 distinct senses, all listed on this page.
When do you use -자니?
A contracted form of -자고 하다니. The other shape is -자, -자니까 — same point, different environment.
What is the difference between -자니 and -자?
None in meaning — they are two shapes of the same connective, and which one appears is decided by the sound in front of it, not by what you want to say.
What TOPIK level is -자니?
6급 — TOPIK 6, mastery. It is one of 56 grammar points at that level.
Definition, usage note, examples and dialogue from the 국립국어원 한국어기초사전, used under CC BY-SA 2.0 KR.