Learn Hardcore Korean: babeul meokgo naseo jeopsireul sikgisecheokgie neoheoyo. - I put the plates in the dishwasher after eating.

-고 나서 is a connector meaning “after doing (verb), then….” It emphasizes that the first action is fully completed before the next one begins. By contrast, -고 alone simply links two verbs (“do A and do B”) without stressing completion. So 밥을 먹고 나서 means “after finishing the meal,” whereas 밥을 먹고 just lists “eat and….”

Why are there two objects (밥을 and 접시를) in one sentence?

This is actually two clauses joined by -고 나서.
• 밥을 is the object of 먹다 (“to eat”).
• 접시를 is the object of 넣다 (“to put”).
Korean uses the object markers 을/를 to show what each verb is acting on, even if the sentence contains multiple actions.

Why is 식기세척기에 marked with -에 instead of -로?

-에 marks the destination or location where something goes (“into the dishwasher”).
-로 can also indicate direction, but it often emphasizes “by means of” or a path. In the context of putting dishes inside, 식기세척기에 (“into the dishwasher”) is most natural because you’re specifying the target container.

What is the breakdown of the noun 식기세척기?

식기세척기 is a compound noun:
• 식기 = dishes/tableware
• 세척기 = cleaning machine (from 세척 “washing” + -기 “device”)
Together it literally means “dish-washing machine,” i.e. a dishwasher.

What formality level is 넣어요, and are there alternative endings?

넣어요 is the present-tense polite ending (요-form). It’s common in everyday speech.
Alternatives include:
• 넣습니다 – formal polite (often written or formal speech)
• 넣어 – casual (used with close friends or younger people)

Why use 넣다 here? Could we say 담다 or 치우다 instead?

• 넣다 = “to put into” (placing one thing inside another).
• 담다 = “to fill or scoop into” (often food into a bowl/container).
• 치우다 = “to clear away” or “to tidy up.”
Since you’re placing plates inside the dishwasher, 넣다 is the most natural. 담다 would imply filling it up, and 치우다 focuses on cleaning up rather than the specific action of placing inside.

Can I say 밥을 먹은 후에 접시를 식기세척기에 넣어요 instead? Any nuance?

Yes, 밥을 먹은 후에 and 밥을 먹은 다음에 both mean “after eating.”
• -고 나서 is more conversational and emphasizes sequence.
• 먹은 후에 is slightly more formal or written style.
All three convey the same order of actions; choice depends on register and personal preference.