In Korean, 와/과, 랑/이랑, and 하고 are used as conjunctions that mean 'and' or 'with' when connecting two nouns.
While they serve the same purpose, there are slight differences in usage depending on the context. Let's break down each one
N-와/과
와 and 과 are used in formal situations. These forms are common in written language, academic settings, or formal speech.
와: Used after nouns that end with a vowel.
- 책과 연필을 준비하세요Please pepare a book and a pencil
- 사과와 바나나를 샀습니다I bought apples and bananas
과: Used after nouns that end with a consonant.
- 책과 연필을 준비하세요Please pepare a book and a pencil
- 한국과 일본은 아시아에 있습니다Korea and Japan are in Asia
N-랑/이랑
랑 and 이랑 are more informal and are used in everyday conversation. They are casual and often used in spoken korean.
랑: Used after nouns that end with a vowel.
- 오늘 친구랑 약속이 있어요Today I have an appointment with a friend
- 엄마랑 같이 요리했어I cooked with my mom
이랑: Used after nouns that end with a consonant.
- 김밥이랑 떡볶이 주세요I would like a kimbap and tteokbokki please
- 고양이랑 강아지가 놀고 있어The cat and the dog are playing
와/과,랑/이랑,하고 are used to indicate "with" when referring to being together with someone or doing something with someone. They’re more commonly used in casual conversation, and 랑 is especially casual.
N-하고
하고 is neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal situations. It’s very versatile and commonly used in both spoken and written language.
- 엄마하고 시장에 갔어요I went to the market with my mom
- 아빠하고 같이 축구를 했어요I played soccer with my dad