Learn Hardcore Korean: jeonyeogeul meokgo naseo syawohaeyo.

The connector -고 나서 attaches to a verb stem (먹- → 먹고 나서) and means “after doing something.” It shows that the first action (eating dinner) is completed before the next one (taking a shower) begins.

How does the tense work when using -고 나서? Which verb determines the time?

Only the final verb reflects the tense. In 저녁을 먹고 나서 샤워해요, 샤워해요 is in the present tense, so the overall meaning is: after eating (past event), you shower (habitual/present).

Can we omit the object particle -을/를 in 저녁을 먹고 나서 and say 저녁 먹고 나서?

Yes. In casual speech or writing, dropping the object marker is common when the meaning remains clear. So 저녁 먹고 나서 is perfectly natural and sounds more colloquial.

What’s the difference between 먹고 나서 and 먹은 다음에?

Both convey “after eating,” but:

-고 나서 is more conversational and directly attaches to the verb stem.
-은 다음에 is slightly more formal or written; you use the past participle (먹은) + 다음에.

Why is 저녁 marked with -을 in 저녁을 먹고?