Processing keyword: ~느라고 [neurago] (Because, in order to)

Korean Grammar Point: ~느라고 [neurago] (Because, in order to)

1. Introduction

The Korean grammar point "~느라고" is commonly used to express the reason or cause for a negative outcome, often implying that because one was engaged in one action, another action could not be completed or resulted in a negative consequence. It reflects how one action impacts another, especially when the first action takes time or effort.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• ~느라고 is used to indicate that the action in the first clause is the reason for the outcome in the second clause, usually resulting in a negative consequence or an unintended result.
• It often carries a sense of being occupied with or because of doing something.

Structure

• Verb Stem + ~느라고 + [Resultant Clause]

Formation Diagram

[Action Verb Stem] + 느라고 + [Negative Result/Outcome]

Detailed Breakdown

1. Action Verb Stem: The base form of the verb without 다.
2. ~느라고: Attached directly to the verb stem.
3. Resultant Clause: Explains the negative outcome or why something couldn't be done.

Conditions of Use

• The subject of both clauses should be the same.
• The action in the first clause should be volitional (done intentionally).
• The second clause usually expresses a negative result or an excuse.
• Often used to explain why something couldn't be accomplished.

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3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with ~아서/어서 (Because)

• ~아서/어서 is a general way to express cause and effect, used in both positive and negative contexts.
• ~느라고 specifically implies that the first action is the reason for not achieving the second action, usually with a negative connotation.

  Grammar Point	Usage	Connotation
  ~느라고	Indicates reason for a negative outcome due to being occupied with an action	Negative consequence
  ~아서/어서	General cause and effect, reason	Neutral/General

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4. Examples in Context

Example Sentences

1. 집을 청소하느라고** 늦게 잤어요.**
   • I went to bed late because I was cleaning the house.
2. 어제 일을 하느라고** 전화를 못 받았어요.**
   • I couldn't answer the phone yesterday because I was working.
3. 운동하느라고** 연락을 못 했어요.**
   • I couldn't contact you because I was exercising.
4. 회의 준비를 하느라고** 점심을 못 먹었어요.**
   • I couldn't eat lunch because I was preparing for the meeting.
5. 영화를 보느라고** 숙제를 못 했어요.**
   • I couldn't do my homework because I was watching a movie.

Formal and Informal Usage

• Formal: The sentences above can be used in both formal and informal contexts by adjusting the endings.
  • Example (formal polite): 회의 준비를 하느라고 점심을 못 먹었습니다.
  • Example (informal casual): 운동하느라고 연락 못 했어.

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• In Korean culture, providing a reason or excuse for not accomplishing something is common, and using ~느라고 is a polite way to explain oneself.

Levels of Politeness

• Adjust the sentence endings to match the appropriate level of politeness for the situation.

Idiomatic Expressions

• While ~느라고 itself is a grammatical structure, it's commonly used in set phrases to politely excuse oneself.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Using ~느라고 with Non-Volitional Verbs
   • Incorrect: 비가 오느라고 늦었어요.
     • I was late because it rained. (비가 오다 is not a volitional action.)
   • Correct: 비가 와서 늦었어요.
     • I was late because it rained.
2. Different Subjects in Clauses
   • Incorrect: 친구가 오느라고 나는 바빴어요.
   • Correct: Subjects should be the same in both clauses.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Think of ~느라고 as "Due to being occupied with..."
• Practice: Create sentences about daily activities where one action prevented another.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~느라고 is used to express that being engaged in one action caused a negative outcome in another.
• It is attached to action verb stems.
• Both clauses should have the same subject and the first action should be intentional.
• The resultant clause expresses a negative or unintended outcome.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Fill in the blank with the correct grammatical structure (~느라고 or ~아서/어서): 시험 공부를 하___ 파티에 못 갔어요.
2. True or False: ~느라고 can be used with adjectives.
3. Correct the mistake in the following sentence: 버스를 놓치느라고 회사에 늦게 도착했어요.

Answers:

1. 시험 공부를 하느라고** 파티에 못 갔어요.**
2. False: ~느라고 is used with action verbs, not adjectives.
3. Correction: 버스를 놓쳐서 회사에 늦게 도착했어요.
   • Since "버스를 놓치다" is not an intentional action, use ~아서/어서.

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