Korean Grammar Point
~(으)로써 [(eu)rosseo] (By, as)

~(으)로써 [(eu)rosseo] (By, as)

Short explanation:

Used to express the means or method of something; similar to 'by', 'as', 'via' in English.

Formation:

Noun + ~(으)로써

Examples:

저는 이 성과를 이루기 위해 노력으로써 성공했습니다.
Jeoneun i seonggwaleul irugi wihae noryeogeuroseo seonggongaessseubnida.
I have achieved this result by means of effort.
그는 시간 관리로써 스스로를 통제하는 방법을 배웠습니다.
Geuneun sigan gwonliloseo seuseuloreul tongjehaneun bangbeobeul baewassseubnida.
He learned the method of controlling himself through time management.
이 숙제는 그녀의 가르침으로써 완성했습니다.
I sukjeneun geunyeoui gareuchimeuroseo wanseonghaetsseubnida.
I have completed this homework by her teachings.
감독으로써 그는 영화를 완성했습니다.
Gamdogeuroseo geuneun yeonghwareul wanseonghaessseubnida.
As a director, he has completed the film.

Long explanation:

'~(으)로써 [(eu)rosseo]' is a postposition used in Korean to indicate the method or means by which something occurs or the capacity in which a person or thing is acting. It is used when you want to put emphasis on the method, means, or capacity, not the agent or the doer of the action. It expresses the sense of 'by means of', 'with', 'as', 'via' in English.

Detailed Grammar notes:

Processing keyword: ~(으)로써 [(eu)rosseo] (By, as)

Korean Grammar Point: ~(으)로써 [(eu)rosseo] (By, as)

~(으)로써 [(eu)rosseo]: By Means Of, By, Through

1. Introduction

The Korean grammatical particle ~(으)로써 is used to express the means, method, or instrument by which an action is accomplished. It is equivalent to "by means of," "by," or "through" in English. Understanding this particle will enhance your ability to describe how actions are carried out in Korean.


2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

  • ~(으)로써 indicates the means or method used to perform an action.
  • It answers the question "How?" or "By what means?" something is done.

Structure

The structure of ~(으)로써 depends on whether the noun ends with a consonant or a vowel:

Noun Ending Particle Example
Consonant 으로써 으로써 (by words)
Vowel 로써 노력 으로써 (by effort)

Formation Diagram

[Noun] + (으)로써
  • If the noun ends with a consonant:
    으로써
  • If the noun ends with a vowel:
    노력 으로써

3. Comparative Analysis

~(으)로써 vs. ~(으)로서

It's important to distinguish ~(으)로써 from ~(으)로서 ((eu)roseo), which indicates a status or capacity (meaning "as a"). | Particle | Meaning | Example | |----------------|------------------------------|---------------------------------------| | ~(으)로써 | Means or method ("by") | 그는 노력으로써 성공했다. | | ~(으)로서 | Status or position ("as a") | 그는 학생으로서 최선을 다했다. |

4. Examples in Context

Formal Written Context

  1. 지식으로써 문제를 해결했다.
    Solved the problem by means of knowledge.
  2. 으로써 사회 질서를 유지한다.
    Maintain social order through law.

Informal Spoken Context

  1. 그는 노력으로써 성공했어.
    He succeeded by effort.
  2. 우리는 대화로써 갈등을 풀자.
    Let's resolve the conflict through conversation.

Various Contexts

  • 음악으로써 감정을 표현한다.
    Express emotions through music.
  • 행동으로써 사랑을 보여줘야 해요.
    You need to show love by your actions.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Korean culture, the emphasis on collective harmony and indirect communication often leads to resolving issues through dialogue (대화로써). Using ~(으)로써 emphasizes the method or means considered appropriate in social contexts.

Levels of Politeness

The particle ~(으)로써 itself does not change with levels of politeness; however, it is often used in formal contexts, especially in written language.

Idiomatic Expressions

  • 무력으로써 해결하다
    To resolve by force.
  • 말로써 천 냥 빚을 갚는다
    Repay a thousand-dollar debt with words. (Meaning words can be powerful.)

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

  • Confusing ~(으)로써 and ~(으)로서:
    Mixing up the means/method (~(으)로써) with status/role (~(으)로서). Incorrect: 그는 노력으로서 성공했다.
    Correct: 그는 노력으로써 성공했다.

Learning Strategies

  • Mnemonic Device:
    Remember that ~(으)로써 with the extra "ㅆ" (double consonant) has the extra meaning of "means" or "method" - think of the extra "ㅆ" as adding extra "means."
  • Practice Differentiation:
    Create sentences using both particles to emphasize the difference.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

  • ~(으)로써 is used to indicate the means or method by which an action is performed.
  • It translates to "by," "by means of," or "through."
  • Be careful not to confuse with ~(으)로서, which denotes status or capacity ("as a").

Quick Recap Quiz

  1. What is the main function of ~(으)로써 in a sentence?
  2. Choose the correct particle:
    그는 열정___ 꿈을 이루었다.
    a) 으로써
    b) 으로서
  3. Translate to Korean using ~(으)로써:
    "She expressed her feelings through writing." Answers:
  4. To indicate the means or method by which an action is performed.
  5. a) 으로써 그는 열정으로써 꿈을 이루었다.
    (He achieved his dream by passion.)
  6. 그녀는 글쓰기로써 감정을 표현했다.

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