HYEJU LANGUAGE LAB · INTERMEDIATE 39 · LESSON 124
V-(으)ㄴ/는 김에while (I’m) at it / since (I’m) already…
-(으)ㄴ/는 김에 means you use the chance of doing one thing to do another as well: 마트에 가는 김에 우유도 사 올게요 (Since I’m going to the store anyway, I’ll grab some milk too).
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A situation you already know
Your roommate is heading out to the convenience store.
Since you’re going to the convenience store anyway, could you get me a drink too?
The main action (going to the store) is happening anyway. 김에 adds an extra task to it.
Build the form
- 가다 → 가 + 는 김에 → 가는 김에Complete expression
- 나가다 → 나가 + 는 김에 → 나가는 김에Complete expression
- 오다 (이미) → 오 + ㄴ 김에 → 온 김에Complete expression
- 만들다 (이미) → 만들 → 만든 김에 → 만든 김에Complete expression
- 말이 나오다 → 말이 나오 + ㄴ 김에 → 말이 나온 김에Complete expression
- Verbs only. Something about to happen or happening: -는 김에 → 가는 김에, 나가는 김에.
- Something already done: -(으)ㄴ 김에 → 온 김에, 시작한 김에.
- ㄹ stems: 만들다 → 만드는 김에 / 만든 김에.
- The second action is extra, often with 도: 우유도 사 올게요.
- Commands, requests, and suggestions are fine afterwards: 온 김에 밥 먹고 가세요.
- Common set phrase: 말이 나온 김에 (since we’re on the subject).
Think in Korean · an English-speaker’s guide
- English “while you’re at it”, “since you’re already…”, or “might as well” cover the same idea.
- The first action is the main one; the second is a bonus you didn’t originally plan.
- Pick -는 vs -(으)ㄴ by whether the first action is still ahead or already done: 가는 김에 vs 간 김에.
Six examples in context
Since I was in Seoul anyway, I also visited Gyeongbokgung.
While I’m cleaning, I’ll wipe the windows too.
Since you came all this way, stay and have dinner.
Since it came up, let’s set the date for the next meeting too.
While I’m going to the bank, I’ll stop by the post office too.
Since I’d baked a cake, I shared some with my neighbors too.
Compare with related patterns
-(으)ㄹ 겸
운동도 할 겸 걸어갔어요.“I walked, partly to exercise.” Two purposes planned from the start (Lesson 120).
-(으)ㄴ/는 김에
걸어가는 김에 마트에도 들렀어요.“While walking, I dropped by the store.” One main action, plus a bonus.
-(으)면서
걸어가면서 음악을 들었어요.“I listened to music while walking.” Two things at the same time (Lesson 65).
| Pattern | Choose it when… |
|---|---|
| -는 김에 | Main action ahead or ongoing + a bonus |
| -(으)ㄴ 김에 | Main action already done + a bonus |
| -(으)ㄹ 겸 | Several purposes from the start |
| -(으)면서 | At the same time |
Common mistakes
김에 needs a verb (an action), not an adjective.
Put a space before 김에.
ㄹ drops before -는.
You had already arrived → -(으)ㄴ 김에.
Mini practice · six questions
Try each one before opening the answer. Translation answers are models; other natural wording is possible.
- Fill in the blank커피를 ______ 김에 제 것도 한 잔 부탁해요. (타다)
Check answer
커피를 타는 김에 제 것도 한 잔 부탁해요.
Action about to happen → -는 김에.
- Fill in the blank부산에 ______ 김에 해운대에도 가 봤어요. (가다, 이미)
Check answer
부산에 간 김에 해운대에도 가 봤어요.
Already went → -(으)ㄴ 김에.
- Choose the natural form산책도 (할 겸 / 하는 김에) 기분 전환도 할 겸 공원에 갔어요.
Check answer
할 겸
Two planned purposes with 겸 … 겸.
- Choose the natural form일어난 (김에 / 바람에) 물 좀 갖다줄래요?
Check answer
김에
You’re already up → do me a favor too → 김에.
- Fix the mistake시간이 많은 김에 책을 읽었어요.
Check answer
시간이 많아서 책을 읽었어요.
많다 is an adjective; use -아/어서.
- Say it in KoreanSince you’re going out anyway, could you take out the trash?
Check answer
나가는 김에 쓰레기 좀 버려 줄 수 있어요?
Ongoing/upcoming action → -는 김에.
Today’s key point
V-는 김에 (upcoming/ongoing) / V-(으)ㄴ 김에 (already done) + a bonus action: “while I’m at it”. Verbs only; requests and suggestions are fine afterwards.
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