Korean Grammar Point
~(으)로서 [(eu)roseo] (As)

~(으)로서 [(eu)roseo] (As)

Short explanation:

This is used to mean 'as' or 'in the capacity of'.

Formation:

‘Consonant-ending noun’ + 으로서, ‘Vowel-ending noun’ + 로서

Examples:

기자로서의 역할을 최선으로 다하려고 노력하고 있어요.
Gijaroseo-ui yeoghaleul choeseoneuro daharyeogo noryeokhago issoyo.
I'm trying to do my best in my role as a journalist.
나는 한 학생으로서 나의 의무를 다해야 해.
Naneun han haksaengeuroseo na-ui uimureul dahayeya hae.
I, as a student, have to fulfill my duties.
마지막으로 국민으로서 아주 중요한 일을 하여야 합니다.
Majimag-euro gungmin-euroseo aju jungyohan il-eul hayeoya hapnida.
Lastly, as a citizen, I have a very important task to do.
어머니로서 그녀는 항상 가족을 위해 최선을 다합니다.
Eomeoniroseo geunyeoneun hangsang gajogeul wihae choeseoneul dahabnida.
As a mother, she always does her best for her family.

Long explanation:

The Korean grammar point '~(으)로서 [(eu)roseo]' is used when you want to express the concept of doing something or existing in the capacity or status of something or someone. This is akin to the English preposition 'as'. The rule to remember is, if the noun ends with a consonant, we use 으로서, and if the noun ends with a vowel, we use 로서.

Detailed Grammar notes:

Processing keyword: ~(으)로서 [(eu)roseo] (As)

Korean Grammar Point: ~(으)로서 [(eu)roseo] (As)

Grammar Point: ~(으)로서 [-(eu)roseo] (As)

1. Introduction

The Korean grammar point ~(으)로서 [-(eu)roseo] is used to express the meaning of "as" in English, indicating one's status, position, capacity, or qualification. It attaches to nouns and emphasizes the role or identity of the subject in performing an action.


2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

  • ~(으)로서 is used to denote the role, capacity, or status in which someone does something.
  • It translates to "as" in English, emphasizing the position or qualification held.

Structure

  • Formation:
    Noun Ending with Final Consonant Noun Ending with Vowel
    **Noun + 으로서 **Noun + 로서
  • Examples:
    • 학생(student) + 으로서학생으로서 (as a student)
    • 친구(friend) + 로서친구로서 (as a friend)

Formation Diagram

[Noun] + (으)로서 → [Noun]으로서 / [Noun]로서

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparing ~(으)로서 and ~(으)로써

  • ~(으)로서 (as):
    • Indicates the role or capacity.
    • Example: 선생님으로서 학생들을 가르칩니다. (As a teacher, I teach students.)
  • ~(으)로써 (by means of):
    • Indicates the means or method.
    • Example: 연필로써 글을 씁니다. (I write by means of a pencil.) Note: Despite their similar pronunciation, they serve different grammatical purposes.

4. Examples in Context

Formal Context

  1. 의사로서 환자들을 돌봐야 합니다.
    • As a doctor, you must take care of patients.
  2. 대표로서 회의에 참석했습니다.
    • I attended the meeting as a representative.

Informal Context

  1. 친구로서 충고 한마디 할게.
    • As a friend, I'll give you a piece of advice.
  2. 선배로서 너를 도와줄게.
    • As a senior, I'll help you.

Written Context

  1. 환경운동가로서 환경 보호에 힘쓰고 있습니다.
    • As an environmental activist, I am striving to protect the environment.

Spoken Context

  1. 엄마로서 걱정이 많아요.
    • As a mother, I have many worries.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

  • In Korean culture, emphasizing one's role or status when expressing an opinion or action is common.
  • ~(으)로서 is often used to highlight responsibility or authority associated with a particular role.

Politeness and Formality

  • Using ~(으)로서 adds a level of formality and seriousness to the statement.
  • It shows acknowledgment of one's duties or expectations in a given role.

Idiomatic Expressions

  • 국민으로서의 의무
    • Duty as a citizen
  • 가족으로서 해야 할 일
    • Things to do as a family member

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

  1. Confusing ~로서 with ~로써
    • Incorrect: 연필로서 글을 씁니다. (Using 로서 instead of 로써)
    • Correct: 연필로써 글을 씁니다. (I write by means of a pencil.)
  2. Attaching ~(으)로서 to Verbs
    • Incorrect: 먹다로서
    • Correct: Noun + (으)로서 (Only attach to nouns)

Tips

  • Remember that ~(으)로서 focuses on "being in the role of" someone or something.
  • ~(으)로써 emphasizes "by means of" or "using" something.
  • Use mnemonic: in 로서 stands for Status.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

  • ~(으)로서 is used to express acting as someone or in the capacity of a certain role.
  • Attach 으로서 after nouns ending with a consonant, 로서 after nouns ending with a vowel.
  • Do not confuse with ~(으)로써, which means "by means of."

Quick Recap Quiz

  1. Fill in the blank with the correct particle: 학생____ 자부심을 가져야 합니다. a) 으로서
    b) 로써
  2. True or False: ~(으)로서 is used to indicate the means by which an action is done.
  3. Choose the correct usage of ~(으)로서: a) 컴퓨터로서 코딩을 합니다.
    b) 개발자로서 코딩을 합니다.

Answers

  1. a) 으로서 → 학생으로서 자부심을 가져야 합니다.
  2. False. ~(으)로써 indicates the means; ~(으)로서 indicates role or capacity.
  3. b) 개발자로서 코딩을 합니다.

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