-아/어서 has two meanings: reason ("because") and sequence ("and then").
Reason - 배가 아파서 못 먹어요 (I can't eat because my stomach hurts)
Sequence - 만나서 반갑습니다 (Nice to meet you [meeting and being glad])
I slept early because I was tired.
-아/어서 vs -(으)니까
- 아/어서 = cause-effect, can't use with commands
- (으)니까 = reason, can use with commands
Can't use with imperatives/proposals
- ❌ 배고파서 먹어요 (as command)
- ✅ 배고프니까 먹어요
Fixed expressions: 만나서 반갑습니다
I am sorry for being late.
Nice to meet you (lit: meeting you, I am glad).
I went home and then rested.
I bought coffee and drank it.
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