choreul kkeugo naseo keikeu jogageul nanwo meogeoyo.

object particle

Breakdown of choreul kkeugo naseo keikeu jogageul nanwo meogeoyo.

• 먹다: to eat
• ~고 나서: after
• 케이크: cake

Questions & Answers about choreul kkeugo naseo keikeu jogageul nanwo meogeoyo.

What does -고 나서 mean in this sentence, and how is it different from just -고?

-고 나서 attaches to a verb stem to express “after doing …”. It indicates that the first action is fully completed before the second begins.
• 초를 끄고 나서 = “after blowing out the candle(s)”
In contrast, -고 alone merely links two actions (like “and”) without stressing the sequence.

Could I replace -고 나서 with -은/ㄴ 후에? If so, what’s the nuance difference?

Yes. You could say:
초를 끈 후에 케이크 조각을 나눠 먹어요.
Here 끈 is the modifier form of 끄다 (past attributive).
Nuance:
• -고 나서 – more conversational, everyday speech.
• -은/ㄴ 후에 – slightly more formal or written style.

Why is it 케이크 조각을 instead of 조각 케이크? Which is the head noun?

In 케이크 조각, 조각 (“piece”) is the head noun and 케이크 (“cake”) is its modifier: “a piece of cake.” We add -을 because 케이크 조각 is the direct object of 나눠 먹어요. Saying 조각 케이크 would sound like a fixed compound meaning a “slice‐style cake” (e.g., individually sold slices), not the act of sharing pieces.

Why is it 나눠 먹어요 instead of just 나눠요 or 먹어요?