Processing keyword: ~이리 [iri] (This way, like this)

Korean Grammar Point: ~이리 [iri] (This way, like this)

1. Introduction

In Korean, the adverb 이리 [iri] is used to indicate direction towards the speaker or to describe the manner in which something is done. It translates to "this way" or "like this" in English. Understanding how to use 이리 is essential for everyday conversations, especially when giving directions or demonstrating how to perform an action.

---

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

Meaning:

• 이리 [iri] means "this way", "here", or "like this".
• It is used to direct someone towards the speaker or to demonstrate how to do something in a particular manner. Structure:
• 이리 is used as an adverb and is typically placed before a verb.
• It modifies verbs to express direction or manner. Formation Diagram:

이리 + Verb

Examples:

• 이리 오세요.
  • Come this way.
• 이리 해 보세요.
  • Try doing it like this.

Visual Aids

Korean Sentence	Romanization	English Translation
이리 오세요.	iri oseyo.	Come this way.
이리 따라오세요.	iri ttara-oseyo.	Follow me this way.
이리 하면 됩니다.	iri hamyeon doemnida.	You can do it like this.

---

3. Comparative Analysis

이리 [iri] is part of a set of demonstrative adverbs that indicate direction or manner:

Adverb	Meaning	Usage
이리 [iri]	This way, like this	Towards the speaker or in this manner
그리 [geuri]	That way, like that	Towards the listener or previously mentioned manner
저리 [jeori]	Over there, like that over there	Away from both speaker and listener

Examples:

• 그리 가세요.
  • Go that way.
• 저리로 이동하세요.
  • Move over there.

---

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

Formal Polite (존댓말):

1. 이리 오십시오.
   • Iri osipsio.
   • Please come this way.
2. 이리 하면 됩니다.
   • Iri hamyeon doemnida.
   • You can do it like this.

Informal Casual (반말):

3. 이리 와 봐.
   • Iri wa bwa.
   • Come here.
4. 이리 해도 돼?
   • Iri haedo dwae?
   • Is it okay if I do it like this?

Written Context:

5. 지도에 이리 표시하세요.
   • Jido-e iri pyosi haseyo.
   • Mark it like this on the map.
6. 이리 적어 주세요.
   • Iri jeogeo juseyo.
   • Please write it down like this.

Spoken Casual:

7. 이리 좀 도와줄래?
   • Iri jom dowajullae?
   • Can you help me like this?
8. 이리 빨리 와!
   • Iri ppalli wa!
   • Come here quickly!

---

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• Gestures and Directions: In Korean culture, it's common to use hand gestures along with words like 이리 to indicate direction.
• Politeness Levels: Using 이리 오세요 is polite, whereas 이리 와 is casual. Be mindful of the social context and the relationship with the person you're speaking to.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 이리저리: Means "here and there" or "back and forth."
  • 그는 이리저리 뛰어다녔다.
    • Geuneun irijeori ttwi-eodanyeotda.
    • He ran around here and there.
• 이리하여: Means "thus," used in formal writing to conclude or summarize.
  • 이리하여 문제가 해결되었습니다.
    • Irihayeo munje-ga haegyeol doeeotseumnida.
    • Thus, the problem was solved.

---

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Confusing 이리 with 여기 [yeogi] (here):
   • Incorrect: 여기 오세요. (yeogi oseyo.) - Please come here (to this place).
   • Correct: 이리 오세요. (iri oseyo.) - Please come this way (towards me). Note: 여기 refers to a location, while 이리 refers to direction or manner.
2. Misusing with Verbs:
   • Incorrect: 이리 먹어요. (iri meogeoyo.) - Eat this way. (unnatural)
   • Correct: 이렇게 먹어요. (ireoke meogeoyo.) - Eat like this. Tip: Use 이렇게 [ireoke] when showing how to do something.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device:
  • Remember that 이리 starts with 이, which means "this." So 이리 is "this way."
• Practice with Actions:
  • Physically gesture or move when saying sentences with 이리 to reinforce the directional meaning.

---

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• 이리 [iri] is an adverb meaning "this way" or "like this."
• Used to direct someone towards the speaker or demonstrate how to do something.
• Different from 여기 [yeogi] which means "here" (a place), and 이렇게 [ireoke] which means "like this" (manner).
• Be attentive to politeness levels when using 이리 in different contexts.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What is the meaning of 이리? a) That way
   b) Over there
   c) This way
   d) Here
2. Choose the correct usage of 이리 in a sentence: a) 이리 예뻐요.
   b) 이리 생각해요.
   c) 이리 오세요.
   d) 이리 사람이 많아요.
3. True or False: 이리 can be used interchangeably with 여기.

Answers:

1. c) This way
2. c) 이리 오세요. (Come this way.)
3. False – 이리 refers to direction, while 여기 refers to a location.

---

By mastering 이리 [iri], you'll enhance your ability to give directions and explain actions in Korean, making your communication more natural and effective.

---

© Hanabira.org