-고 나서 means "after doing" with emphasis on completion - the first action finishes before the second begins.
Sequential actions - One thing after another
Completion emphasis - First action fully done
Cause and effect - What happened after completing something
After eating, I took a walk.
나서 comes from 나다 (to come out/finish). Can drop 나서 → -고 for simpler connection.
-고 나서 vs -(으)ㄴ 후에
- 고 나서 = after completing (focus on doing)
- ㄴ 후에 = after (time focus, more formal)
-고 나서 vs -고
- 고 나서 = completion emphasized
- 고 = simple sequence (and then)
Same subject typically - Both actions by same person
- 숙제하고 나서 놀았어요 (After finishing homework, I played)
After exercising, I shower.
After watching the movie, what shall we do?
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