Korean Grammar Point
~테니라고 [tenirago] (Since, because)

Used to indicate a reason or cause; 'since' or 'because'.

Formation

Verb/Adjective + (으)ㄴ/은 테니까

Examples

너무 오래 걸리는 일이라서 그냥 제가 했어요. 괜히 기다렸다가 다른 일에 지체될 테니까 생각했어요.

Neomu orae geollineun iriraseo geunyang jegado haesseoyo. Gwaenhi gidaryeossdaga dareun ire jicheodwael tenikka saenggakhaesseoyo.

I did it myself because it takes too long; I thought that waiting would only delay other work.

이길 테니까 자신감을 가져보세요. 성공의 비결은 자신감이에요.

Igill tenikka jasin gameul gajyeoboseyo. Seonggong-ui bigyeol-eun jasinyimieyo.

Have confidence because you'll win. The secret to success is confidence.

너무 많이 먹으면 안 돼. 소화가 잘 안 될 테니까 주의해야 돼.

Neomu mani meogeumyeon an dwae. Sowaga jal an doel tenikka juuihaeya dwae.

You shouldn't eat too much because it might not digest well.

그 과자는 너무 달아서 안 좋아. 너무 달면 양치가 상할 테니까 생각해서 안 먹었어.

Geu gwaja neun neomu daraseo an johahanda. Neomu damyeon yangchiga sang hal tenikka saenggak haeseo an meogeosseoyo.

I don't like that snack because it's too sweet—I didn't eat it since I thought it would harm my teeth.

Long Explanation

The form '~테니라고' in the provided entry is nonstandard in contemporary Korean. In modern usage the common and natural form is '~테니까'. This ending is used to give a reason or justification for a situation or action. I have changed all instances to '~테니까' so that the explanation and examples match current usage.

Detailed Grammar Notes

Processing keyword: ~테니라고 [tenirago] (Since, because)

Korean Grammar Point: ~테니라고 [tenirago] (Since, because)

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we'll explore the Korean grammar point ~테니라고 (tenirago), which is used to express actions or thoughts based on an assumption or expectation about the future. It's similar to saying "thinking that..." or "since I expect that..." in English. Mastering this grammar point will enhance your ability to convey reasons or motivations grounded in your expectations.


2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

~테니라고 is used when the speaker performs an action or holds a thought based on an assumption or expectation about something that will happen. It conveys a sense of reasoning rooted in future expectations. Translation Equivalents:

  • "Thinking that..."
  • "Assuming that..."
  • "Since (I expect that)..."
  • "Because (I believe that)..."

Structure

The grammar point combines:

  1. Verb Stem + ~(으)ㄹ 테니: Expresses the speaker's intention or assumption about the future.
  2. + 라고: A particle used to indicate reported speech or thought. Formation:
[Verb Stem] + ~(으)ㄹ 테니라고 + [Main Verb/Action]

Formation Diagram

Component Role
Verb Stem The base form of the verb
~(으)ㄹ 테니 Assumption or intention about the future
라고 Marks reported speech or thought
Main Verb/Action The action taken based on the assumption

Conjugation Rules:

  • If the verb stem ends in a vowel, add -ㄹ 테니라고
  • If the verb stem ends in a consonant, add -을 테니라고

3. Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar Points

Grammar Point Usage Example
~(으)니까 Reason or cause (since/because) 비가 오니까 우산을 가져왔어요.
Since it's raining, I brought an umbrella.
~기 때문에 Reason or cause (because) 비가 오기 때문에 우산이 필요해요.
Because it's raining, I need an umbrella.
~느라고 Reason for a negative result (because of doing) 일하느라고 바빴어요.
I was busy because I was working.

Difference: ~테니라고 specifically denotes actions based on future assumptions or expectations, adding a nuance of anticipation that the other grammar points may not convey.


4. Examples in Context

Example 1: Formal Speech

Sentence: 비가 올 테니라고 우산을 가져왔어요.

  • Pronunciation: Biga ol tenirago usaneul gajyeowasseoyo.
  • Translation: "I brought an umbrella thinking that it would rain."

Example 2: Informal Speech

Sentence: 늦을 테니라고 택시를 탔어.

  • Pronunciation: Neujeul tenirago taeksireul tasseo.
  • Translation: "I took a taxi since I thought I would be late."

Example 3: Written Context

Sentence: 손님이 많이 올 테니라고 음식을 많이 준비했습니다.

  • Pronunciation: Sonnimi mani ol tenirago Eumsig-eul mani junbihaetseumnida.
  • Translation: "We prepared a lot of food expecting many guests to come."

Example 4: Conversation

Sentence: 그 영화가 재미있을 테니라고 예매했어요.

  • Pronunciation: Geu yeonghaga jaemiisseul tenirago yemaehaesseoyo.
  • Translation: "I bought tickets thinking that the movie would be interesting."

Example 5: Planning Ahead

Sentence: 사람들이 많이 모일 테니라고 큰 방을 예약했어요.

  • Pronunciation: Saramdeuri mani moil tenirago keun bang-eul yeyakhaesseoyo.
  • Translation: "I reserved a large room since many people would gather."

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

  • Consideration: In Korean culture, showing foresight and being considerate of future events is valued.
  • Harmony: Anticipating others' needs promotes social harmony.

Politeness and Formality

  • Formal Endings: Use -ㅂ니다/습니다 for formal situations.
  • Informal Endings: Use -아/어 endings with friends or close acquaintances.

Idiomatic Expressions

While ~테니라고 itself isn't part of a fixed idiom, understanding it enhances comprehension of expressions involving expectations and planning.


6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

  1. Omitting 라고:
    • Incorrect: 비가 올 테니 우산을 가져왔어요.
    • Correct: 비가 올 테니라고 우산을 가져왔어요.
    • Without -라고, the sentence lacks the nuance of acting based on an assumption.
  2. Misusing Tenses:
    • Incorrect: 비가 오는 테니라고 우산을 가져왔어요.
    • Correct: 비가 올 테니라고 우산을 가져왔어요.
    • Ensure the future tense ~(으)ㄹ 테니 is used, not the present tense ~는 테니.

Learning Strategies

  • Mnemonic Device: Think "[Action], since I think [future event]."
  • Practice: Create sentences about your daily plans using ~테니라고.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

  • Usage: ~테니라고 expresses actions/thoughts based on future expectations.
  • Formation: Combine Verb Stem + ~(으)ㄹ 테니 with 라고.
  • Nuance: Adds depth by highlighting assumptions influencing actions.

Quick Recap Quiz

  1. What does ~테니라고 convey in a sentence?
  2. How do you form ~테니라고 after a verb ending with a vowel?
  3. Translate to Korean: "She stayed home thinking it would snow."

Answers:

  1. It conveys an action or thought based on an assumption or expectation about the future.
  2. Add -ㄹ 테니라고 after the verb stem.
  3. 그녀는 눈이 올 테니라고 집에 있었어요.

By incorporating ~테니라고 into your Korean language usage, you'll be able to express future-based reasons with greater nuance and clarity. Practice by thinking about your plans and the assumptions behind them, crafting sentences that reflect your expectations.


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