Processing keyword: ~러 [reo] (In order to)

Korean Grammar Point: ~러 [reo] (In order to)

Understanding the Korean Grammar Point: ~러 [reo] (In order to)

1. Introduction

Expressing purpose or intention is a fundamental aspect of language learning. In Korean, one common way to convey this is by using the grammatical ending ~러 [reo]. This structure is specifically used with motion verbs to indicate going somewhere "in order to" do something.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning and Usage

The ~러 ending is attached to the stem of an action verb to express the purpose of movement. It implies that someone is going to or coming from a place to perform a particular action.

Structure

The basic structure is as follows:

[Verb Stem] + 러 + [Motion Verb]

• Verb Stem: The base form of the verb (dictionary form minus 다)
• 러: Purpose marker meaning "in order to"
• Motion Verb: Typically 가다 (to go), 오다 (to come), 다니다 (to attend)

Formation Diagram

Verb Stem (Action to perform)
          +
           러
            +
             Motion Verb (가다, 오다, 다니다, etc.)

Examples of Formation

1. 먹다 (to eat) → 먹 (verb stem) + 러 + 가다 → 먹으러 가다 (to go in order to eat)
2. 공부하다 (to study) → 공부하 + 러 + 오다 → 공부하러 오다 (to come in order to study)

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparing ~러 with Similar Grammar Points

~려고

• Usage: Expresses intention or plan regardless of movement.
• Structure: Verb Stem + 려고 + Verb
• Example: 책을 읽으려고 해요. (I plan to read a book.)

~기 위해(서)

• Usage: Means "in order to" and is used in more formal contexts.
• Structure: Verb Stem + 기 위해(서) + Verb
• Example: 건강을 유지하기 위해서 운동해요. (I exercise to stay healthy.)

Key Differences Table

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. 친구를 만나러 카페에 갔어요.
   • I went to the café to meet a friend.
2. 책을 사러 서점에 가요.
   • I am going to the bookstore to buy books.
3. 한국어를 배우러 한국에 왔어요.
   • I came to Korea to learn Korean.
4. 영화를 보러 영화관에 갑니다.
   • I am going to the cinema to watch a movie.
5. 사진을 찍으러 공원에 다녀요.
   • I go to the park to take photos.

Formal vs. Informal Contexts

• Informal Speech:
  • 놀러 갈래요?
    • Do you want to go hang out?
• Formal Speech:
  • 회의에 참석하러 왔습니다.
    • I came to attend the meeting.

Written vs. Spoken Language

• Spoken:
  • 뭐 하러 여기 왔어요?
    • What did you come here to do?
• Written:
  • 작품을 감상하러 미술관을 방문했다.
    • Visited the art museum to appreciate the works.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Korean culture, specifying the purpose of an action or movement is common courtesy, especially when making plans or explaining one's actions. Using ~러 correctly aligns with social norms regarding clarity and politeness.

Levels of Politeness and Formality

Depending on the context and the relationship between speakers, different levels of speech are used.

• Casual/Formal Politeness:
  • 가다 (go) → 가요 (polite)
  • 오다 (come) → 와요 (polite)

Idiomatic Expressions Using ~러

• 놀러 가다: To go out for fun.
  • 주말에 해변에 놀러 갈 거예요.
    • I will go to the beach to have fun this weekend.
• 맛집을 찾으러 다니다: To go around looking for good restaurants.
  • 블로그를 보며 맛집을 찾으러 다녀요.
    • I go around looking for good restaurants by reading blogs.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Using ~러 without a Motion Verb
   • Incorrect: 친구를 만나러 있어요.
     • "있다" (to be) is not a motion verb.
   • Correct: 친구를 만나러 가요.
     • Use a motion verb like 가다.
2. Misplacing the Purpose Clause
   • Incorrect: 가러 친구를 만나요.
   • Correct: 친구를 만나러 가요.
     • The purpose (meeting a friend) comes before the motion verb.
3. Using ~러 with Tense/Aspect Markers
   • Incorrect: 먹었러 가요.
     • Do not add tense markers to the verb before ~러.
   • Correct: 먹으러 갔어요.
     • Place tense markers on the motion verb.

Learning Strategies

• Remember the Motion Verb Connection: ~러 is always used with motion verbs like 가다, 오다, 다니다.
• Practice with Common Verbs: Make sentences using familiar verbs to build confidence.
• Create Flashcards: Write down verbs with ~러 and their meanings to memorize usage.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~러 is used to express purpose when going or coming somewhere.
• Always attach ~러 to the verb stem of the action you're going to perform.
• Pair ~러 with motion verbs like 가다 (to go), 오다 (to come), 다니다 (to attend).
• Do not conjugate the verb before ~러; tense and politeness are applied to the motion verb.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Fill in the blank with the correct form using ~러: 도서관에 책을 ____ 가요.
   • Answer: 읽으러
     • 도서관에 책을 읽으러 가요. (I go to the library to read books.)
2. Is the following sentence correct? Why or why not? 저는 친구를 만나러 있어요.
   • Answer: Incorrect. "있다" is not a motion verb. It should be "만나러 가요" or "만나러 왔어요".
3. Translate to Korean using ~러: They came to Korea to study.
   • Answer: 그들은 공부하러 한국에 왔어요.

Continue practicing by creating your own sentences using ~러 with different verbs and motion verbs. Practice will help solidify your understanding of this grammar point!