가는 김에 (while going)
온 김에 (since you came)
는 김에 means "while (you're) at it" or "since (you're) doing something anyway". It connects two actions where the second action takes advantage of the first.
Since you're going to the mart, while you're at it buy some milk too.
The pattern attaches to verb stems and implies "since you're already doing A, you might as well do B too."
Common uses:
• Making requests while someone is already doing something
• Suggesting additional tasks that fit naturally
• Expressing efficiency ("kill two birds with one stone")
Since I'm cleaning anyway, while I'm at it I'll do laundry too.
Note: The second action should be related or convenient given the first. You wouldn't use 는 김에 for completely unrelated actions.
는 김에 for ongoing, 온 김에 for completed
- ✅ 가는 김에 (while going)
- ✅ 온 김에 (since you came)
Different from -(으)면서 — 는 김에 is about opportunity, not simultaneous actions
Implies efficiency — the second action takes advantage of the first
While you're going to the mart, please buy milk too.
While I'm going to Seoul, I'll meet my friend too.
Since you're here, have a cup of tea before you go.
While you're cleaning, please organize this too.
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