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

~테니라고 [tenirago] (Since, because)

Short explanation:

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

Formation:

Adjective/Verb(eun)테니라고 + Verb/Adjective

Examples:

너무 오래 걸리는 일이라서 그냥 제가 했어요. 괜히 기다렸다가 다른 일에 지체될 테니라고 생각했어요.
Neomu orae geollineun iriraseo geunyang jegado haessdeora. Gwaenhi gidaryeossdaga dareun ire jicheodwae tenirago saenggakhaessseubnida.
I just did it because it takes too long. I thought it would be a waste to wait and delay other work.
이길 테니라고 자신감을 가져보세요. 성공의 비결은 자신감이에요.
Igill tenirago jasin gameul gajyeoboseyo. Seong gong ui bigyeol eun jasinyimieyo.
Have confidence because you will win. The secret to success is confidence.
너무 많이 먹으면 안 돼. 소화가 잘 안 될 테니라고 주의해야 돼.
Neomu mani meogeumyeon an dwae. Sowaga jal an doel tenirago juuihaeya dwae.
You shouldn't eat too much. You should be careful because it might not digest well.
그 과자는 너무 달아서 안 좋아. 너무 달면 양치가 상할 테니라고 생각해서 안 먹었어.
Geu gwaja neun neomu daraseo an johahanda. Neomu damyeon yangchiga sang hal teni rago saenggak hae Seo an meogeosseoyo.
I don't like that snack because it's too sweet. I didn't eat it because I thought it would hurt my teeth if it's too sweet.

Long explanation:

'~테니라고 [tenirago]' is a postposition used in Korean to provide a reason, cause or justification for a situation, action or decision. It translates to 'since' or 'because' in English. This piece of grammar is commonly found in sentences which reason out why something must or should be done, happened, or the way it is.

Detailed Grammar notes:

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

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

~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:
  4. It conveys an action or thought based on an assumption or expectation about the future.
  5. Add -ㄹ 테니라고 after the verb stem.
  6. 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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