VS + 느라고

Title

VS + 느라고 Expressing Reasons

Grammar Explanation

The suffix "VS + 느라고" in Korean is used to express that the action in the first clause is the reason for or caused the condition or situation in the second clause. This construction typically implies that the second clause's situation is negative or undesirable. For example, when someone says, "집안일을 하느라고 바빴어요," it implies that the speaker was busy because they were doing household chores, and this busyness is viewed as a negative consequence.

Key Points to Remember:

1. Negative Second Clause: The second clause usually describes an undesirable or unintended outcome. For example, "회의 준비를 하느라고 점심을 못 먹었어요." (I couldn’t have lunch because I was preparing for the meeting.)

2. Subject Consistency: The subjects of both clauses must be the same, as "-느라고" explains a cause and effect relationship involving the same subject. For instance, "민수는 숙제를 하느라고 친구를 만나지 못했어요." (민수 couldn't meet his friend because he was doing his homework.)

3. Use with Verbs of Active Effort: The verb in the first clause should be an active one, involving effort or action, such as working, studying, or preparing. Passive situations, like it raining or a car breaking down, are not typically used with "-느라고." For example, “배가 고프느라고 일을 못 했어요.” (I couldn’t work because I was hungry.) This sentence doesn’t make sense.

Example Sentences

1. 친구를 기다리느라고 버스를 놓쳤어요. (I missed the bus because I was waiting for my friend.)

2. 짐을 정리하느라고 늦었어요. (I was late because I was tidying up my things.)

3. 프로젝트를 끝내느라고 밤을 새웠어요. (I stayed up all night to finish the project.)

Sample Dialogues

• A: 지금 왜 그렇게 지쳐 보여요? 돈 벌기 싫어요? (Why do you look so exhausted now? you don’t wanna make money?)

  B: 미안해요. 어제 '눈물의 여왕'을 보느라 잠을 못 잤어요. (I couldn't sleep because I was watching ‘Queen of Tears’.)

• 광호’s mom: 왜 아직도 점심을 안 먹었어? (Why haven't you eaten lunch yet?)

  광호: 레슨을 하느라 못 먹었어요. (I couldn’t eat because I was doing lessons.)

Make Korean Sentences from English!

1. I was late because I was helping my mom.

2. My friend missed the movie because he was studying.

3. I didn't call you because I was at a seminar.

4. We didn't meet last weekend because I was cleaning the house.

5. I forgot to buy groceries because I was writing emails.

6. I couldn't watch the concert because I was working overtime.

7. I didn't notice the time because I was reading a book.

8. We didn’t go hiking because we were fixing the car.

9. I missed your message because I was in a meeting.

10. I didn't have time to relax because I was organizing the event.