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A2 particle 8 min read

~로/으로

~ro/euro
Examples Notes & Tips ~로/으로 in 30 Seconds
Explanation ~로/으로 in your Level:
At the A1 level, learners are introduced to the most basic function of ~로/으로: indicating direction. At this stage, it is often taught alongside simple movement verbs like 가다 (to go) and 오다 (to come). Learners use it to say things like 'Go to the left' (왼쪽으로 가세요) or 'I am going to the house' (집으로 가요). The focus is primarily on the physical movement toward a location. A1 students also begin to learn the 'instrumental' use for transportation, such as 'by bus' (버스로) or 'by taxi' (택시로). The grammatical rule is kept simple: use '으로' after a consonant and '로' after a vowel. The 'ㄹ' exception is usually introduced here as a special case to remember. The goal for A1 is to use the particle correctly in short, survival-level sentences to navigate daily life and basic travel needs in Korea.
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At the A2 level, the use of ~로/으로 expands to include 'means' and 'tools' in more detail. Students learn to describe how they perform actions, such as 'writing with a pen' (펜으로 써요) or 'speaking in Korean' (한국어로 말해요). They also begin to use the particle to indicate materials, like 'made of paper' (종이로 만들었어요). The concept of 'status' or 'role' also enters the curriculum, allowing learners to say things like 'I bought this as a gift' (선물로 샀어요). A2 learners are expected to distinguish between the destination particle '에' and the directional particle '~로/으로' with more accuracy. They start using it in slightly more complex sentence structures, including those involving choices, such as 'I'll have the coffee' (커피로 할게요). This level is where the particle becomes a versatile tool for describing the 'how' and 'in what capacity' of various activities.
By the B1 level, learners use ~로/으로 to express cause and reason, often in the context of illnesses or natural events (e.g., 'because of a cold' - 감기로). They also use it to describe transformations and changes in state, such as 'the water turned into ice' (물이 얼음으로 변했어요). B1 students are more comfortable with the abstract uses of the particle, such as choosing a path in life or a major in school. They also begin to encounter the more formal versions, (으)로서 and (으)로써, and understand the subtle difference between them, even if they mostly use the shortened form in speech. Their sentences become longer and more nuanced, using the particle to connect ideas about methods and results. They can explain processes, like 'I solved the problem using this method' (이 방법으로 문제를 해결했어요).
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At the B2 level, the particle ~로/으로 is used with high precision in both formal and informal registers. Learners understand the nuance of using the particle to indicate the 'standard' or 'basis' for a judgment, such as 'judging by the appearance' (외모로 판단하다). They also use it in idiomatic expressions and complex grammatical structures. B2 learners can fluently discuss social roles and identities using the particle in professional contexts. They are aware of the stylistic differences between '~로' and more formal alternatives like '...을/를 통하여'. Their ability to use the particle to describe causes and effects is well-developed, allowing them to participate in discussions about social issues or technical processes. They rarely make mistakes with the 'ㄹ' patchim rule and can self-correct if they do.
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C1 learners use ~로/으로 with the sophistication of a native speaker. They employ it in academic writing and professional presentations to define parameters, materials, and methodologies. They are adept at using it to express abstract transitions and transformations in literature or philosophy. At this level, the distinction between (으)로서 (status) and (으)로써 (means) is used correctly in formal writing to ensure absolute clarity. C1 learners also understand the particle's role in creating various adverbial phrases and how it interacts with other complex particles. They can appreciate the subtle shifts in meaning when a writer chooses '~로' over a different particle to emphasize directionality or agency. Their usage is natural, nuanced, and context-appropriate across all domains of the Korean language.
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At the C2 level, mastery of ~로/으로 is complete. The learner uses the particle instinctively, capturing even the most subtle nuances of intent and emphasis. They can use it in highly specialized fields, such as law or classical literature, where the particle might carry specific historical or technical weight. C2 speakers can manipulate the particle for rhetorical effect, choosing it to create a specific rhythm or focus in their speech. They are fully aware of the historical evolution of the particle and how it relates to other grammatical structures in the Koreanic language family. Their use of the particle is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker, whether they are writing a technical manual, a poem, or engaging in a fast-paced debate.
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Examples Notes & Tips

~로/으로 in 30 Seconds

  • Indicates the direction or destination of movement, often translated as 'to' or 'toward'.
  • Identifies the tool, method, or material used to perform an action, translated as 'by' or 'with'.
  • Expresses the role, status, or identity of a person or thing, translated as 'as'.
  • Marks the cause of an event or the result of a transformation, translated as 'due to' or 'into'.

The particle ~로/으로 is one of the most versatile and essential components of the Korean language, functioning as a multi-purpose postposition that English speakers often translate as 'to,' 'toward,' 'by,' 'with,' or 'as.' At its core, this particle indicates the direction of an action, the means or tool used to perform an action, a change in state, or the status/identity of a person. Understanding this particle is a major milestone for A2 learners because it allows for the construction of much more complex and descriptive sentences beyond simple subject-object-verb patterns. It bridges the gap between basic survival Korean and functional communicative competence. Whether you are navigating the streets of Seoul, choosing a career path, or explaining how you cooked a meal, ~로/으로 is the linguistic tool you will reach for most frequently.

Directional Usage
When attached to a place name or a direction (like 'left' or 'right'), it indicates the general direction or destination. Unlike the particle '에' which focuses on the specific destination, '~로/으로' emphasizes the path or the heading.
Instrumental Usage
This describes the 'how' of an action. It identifies the tool, method, or material used. For example, traveling by bus, writing with a pen, or speaking in Korean all utilize this specific function.

오른쪽으로 가세요. (Please go to the right.)

Beyond physical movement and tools, the particle extends into abstract realms. It can indicate a choice among several options, a transformation from one thing into another, or the reason/cause behind a particular event. For instance, if you are changing your major at university, the target major would take this particle. If a situation turns for the worse, the 'worse' state is marked with it. This versatility makes it a high-frequency item in daily conversation. Native speakers use it to specify the language they are speaking, the ingredients in a dish, and even the role they are playing in a project. Its ubiquity means that mastering its nuances—especially the phonological rule regarding the letter 'ㄹ'—is vital for sounding natural and being understood accurately in diverse social contexts.

한국어로 말해요. (Speak in Korean / by means of Korean.)

Status and Identity
It marks the capacity or role in which someone acts. 'As a teacher' or 'As a friend' is expressed using this particle attached to the noun for the role.

선물로 샀어요. (I bought it as a gift.)

The grammatical application of ~로/으로 is governed by the final sound of the noun it attaches to. This is a classic example of Korean morphophonology aimed at maintaining ease of pronunciation. The primary rule is: if the noun ends in a consonant (patchim), you use 으로. If the noun ends in a vowel, you use 로. However, there is a crucial exception that every learner must memorize: if the noun ends in the consonant ㄹ, you use 로 instead of '으로'. This is because 'ㄹ' and 'ㅇ' (the silent placeholder in '으') create a sequence that is less preferred than the smooth transition of 'ㄹ' directly into '로'.

집(Home) + 으로 → 집으로 (Toward home)

When using it to express 'means' or 'method,' the noun preceding the particle represents the instrument. For example, 'bus' (버스) ends in a vowel, so it becomes '버스로' (by bus). 'Pen' (펜) ends in a consonant, so it becomes '펜으로' (with a pen). 'Subway' (지하철) ends in 'ㄹ', so it becomes '지하철로' (by subway). This applies to languages as well: 'English' (영어) becomes '영어로' (in English). This structure is incredibly productive and allows you to describe the mechanics of almost any action with precision.

The 'ㄹ' Exception
Words like 서울 (Seoul), 교실 (Classroom), and 연필 (Pencil) all end in 'ㄹ'. Unlike other consonants, they take '로'. Example: 서울로 (To Seoul), 교실로 (To the classroom).

이것은 나무로 만들었어요. (This was made of wood.)

In more advanced contexts, you will see this particle used to indicate a choice or a result. When ordering at a restaurant, you might say '비빔밥으로 할게요' (I'll go with/choose the bibimbap). Here, the particle marks the selection made among alternatives. It also appears in expressions of cause, particularly with nouns representing events or illnesses: '감기로 고생해요' (I am suffering due to a cold). Mastering these various 'slots' where ~로/으로 fits will significantly enhance your ability to describe complex relationships between objects and actions in your Korean sentences.

You will hear ~로/으로 everywhere in Korea, from the automated voices on public transit to high-stakes business negotiations. In the Seoul Metropolitan Subway, the announcements frequently use it to guide passengers: '이번 역은 강남, 강남역입니다. 내리실 문은 왼쪽입니다' (This stop is Gangnam... the exit is on the left side). Here, the '쪽' (side) combined with the particle indicates the direction. If you are taking a taxi, the driver will almost certainly ask, '어디로 가실까요?' (Where shall we go/To where shall I take you?). In this context, the particle is essential for defining the destination of the trip.

In Restaurants
When the server asks for your order, or when you are deciding between a window seat and a booth, you'll hear: '창가 자리로 드릴까요?' (Shall I give you the window seat?).
In the Office
Colleagues will discuss methods: '이메일로 보내주세요' (Please send it by email) or '회의실로 오세요' (Please come to the meeting room).

카메라로 사진을 찍어요. (Take a photo with a camera.)

In K-Dramas and variety shows, the particle is often used when characters are defining their relationships or making dramatic transformations. A character might say, '친구로 지내자' (Let's stay as friends), where the particle marks the 'status' or 'capacity' of the relationship. In news broadcasts, it's used to report causes: '태풍으로 인해...' (Due to the typhoon...). The sheer range of environments—from the most casual slang-filled chats to the most formal news reports—demonstrates that this is not just a 'textbook' particle, but a living, breathing part of Korean communication that facilitates clarity in every possible scenario.

앞으로 쭉 가세요. (Go straight ahead.)

The most frequent mistake for learners is the 'ㄹ' patchim confusion. Many students assume that because 'ㄹ' is a consonant, it must be followed by '으로'. They might say '서울으로' or '지하철으로'. This sounds very unnatural to native speakers. Remember: ㄹ + 로 is the rule. Another common error is confusing ~로/으로 with the destination particle 에. While they often overlap, '에' is used for a fixed point of arrival, while '~로/으로' is for the direction or the route. If you say '학교에 가요,' you are emphasizing that you are going to school. If you say '학교로 가요,' you are emphasizing that you are heading in the direction of the school.

Incorrect: 서울으로 갑니다. (Seoul-euro gamnida)

Correct: 서울로 갑니다. (Seoul-lo gamnida)

Another subtle mistake occurs when using the particle to describe materials. English speakers might want to use '에서' (from) because they think 'made FROM wood.' However, in Korean, the 'means' by which something is made is expressed with ~로/으로. So, '나무로 만들다' is correct, whereas '나무에서 만들다' would imply you were physically standing in or on a tree while making the object. Similarly, when expressing 'by means of transport,' learners sometimes use '을/를 타다' (to ride) correctly but then try to mix it with the particle incorrectly. You can say '버스를 타요' (I ride the bus) OR '버스로 가요' (I go by bus), but don't combine them into '버스로를 타요'.

Confusion with ~에게
Learners sometimes use '~로' when giving something to a person. You should use '~에게' or '~한테' for people. Use '~로' for directions or things.

볼펜으로 쓰세요. (Please write with a ballpoint pen.)

To truly master ~로/으로, it is helpful to compare it with other particles that have overlapping meanings. The most frequent comparison is with 에. While both can indicate destination, '에' is static and terminal, whereas '~로/으로' is dynamic and directional. Think of '에' as a point on a map and '~로/으로' as an arrow pointing toward that point. Another similar particle is 향해 (향해서), which specifically means 'towards.' '향해' is more formal and poetic than the everyday '~로/으로'. If you are walking towards the sea, '바다로' is standard, while '바다를 향해' sounds like the start of a novel.

~로/으로 vs. 에
Use '에' for arrival (학교에 도착했다). Use '~로' for the heading (학교로 출발했다).
~로/으로 vs. (으)로서 / (으)로써
These are specialized forms of the particle. '(으)로서' is strictly for status/identity (as a person), while '(으)로써' is for tools or materials. In casual speech, both are usually shortened to just '~로/으로'.

When expressing 'by means of,' you might also encounter 통해서 (through/via). While '~로/으로' focuses on the tool or method, '통해서' emphasizes the medium or the intermediary. For example, '인터넷으로' (by/using the internet) focuses on the tool, while '인터넷을 통해서' (through the internet) suggests the internet was the channel through which something happened. Finally, for materials, -고서 or complex phrases like '...을/를 재료로 하여' can be used in formal writing, but '~로/으로' remains the undisputed champion of daily conversation due to its brevity and efficiency.

친구로서 조언할게. (I'll advise you as a friend.)

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"본 회의는 한국어로 진행됩니다."

Neutral

"버스로 가는 게 빨라요."

Informal

"이걸로 해!"

Child friendly

"연필로 예쁘게 그려요."

Slang

"이걸로 퉁 치자."

Fun Fact

The 'ㄹ' exception exists because historically, the 'ㄹ' sound was more compatible with the 'ㄹ' of the particle than the '으' vowel, leading to the deletion of the '으' sound over time.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /lo/ or /ɯ.lo/
US /loʊ/ or /uː.loʊ/
The stress is generally neutral, but the particle is attached quickly to the preceding noun.
Rhymes With
도로 (road) 통로 (passage) 회로 (circuit) 미로 (maze) 피로 (fatigue) 세로 (vertical) 가로 (horizontal) 서로 (each other)
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing 'ㄹ' as a heavy English 'L' or 'R'.
  • Adding 'u' (으) after 'ㄹ' patchim words (e.g., saying 'Seoul-euro' instead of 'Seoul-lo').

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize once the 'ㄹ' rule is known.

Writing 3/5

Requires memory of the patchim rules and 'ㄹ' exception.

Speaking 3/5

Requires quick mental processing of the preceding noun's ending.

Listening 2/5

Very common, so it becomes familiar quickly.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

가다 (to go) 오다 (to come) 에 (location particle) 버스 (bus) 펜 (pen)

Learn Next

(으)니까 (because) (으)면서 (while) (으)러 가다 (go in order to) 보다 (than) 처럼 (like)

Advanced

(으)로서 vs (으)로써 (으)로 인하여 (으)로 말미암아 (으)로 하여금

Grammar to Know

~에 vs ~(으)로

학교에 가요 (Arrival focus) vs 학교로 가요 (Direction focus)

~(으)로서 (Status)

학생으로서 공부를 열심히 해요.

~(으)로써 (Means)

대화로써 문제를 해결해요.

~(으)로 변하다

얼음이 물로 변했어요.

~(으)로 유명하다

그곳은 비빔밥으로 유명해요.

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Examples by Level

1

집으로 가요.

I am going home.

'집' ends in a consonant, so '으로' is used.

2

오른쪽으로 가세요.

Please go to the right.

'쪽' ends in a consonant, so '으로' is used.

3

버스로 왔어요.

I came by bus.

'버스' ends in a vowel, so '로' is used.

4

학교로 가요.

I am going toward the school.

'학교' ends in a vowel, so '로' is used.

5

왼쪽으로 도세요.

Turn to the left.

'쪽' ends in a consonant, so '으로' is used.

6

택시로 갈까요?

Shall we go by taxi?

'택시' ends in a vowel, so '로' is used.

7

서울로 가요.

I am going to Seoul.

'서울' ends in 'ㄹ', so '로' is used (exception).

8

앞으로 가세요.

Please go forward.

'앞' ends in a consonant, so '으로' is used.

1

한국어로 말해요.

Speak in Korean.

'한국어' ends in a vowel, so '로' is used to indicate means.

2

펜으로 써요.

Write with a pen.

'펜' ends in a consonant, so '으로' is used to indicate a tool.

3

선물로 샀어요.

I bought it as a gift.

'선물' ends in 'ㄹ', so '로' is used to indicate status/purpose.

4

비빔밥으로 할게요.

I'll have the bibimbap. (I'll go with...)

'비빔밥' ends in a consonant, so '으로' is used to indicate a choice.

5

이것은 종이로 만들었어요.

This is made of paper.

'종이' ends in a vowel, so '로' is used to indicate material.

6

젓가락으로 먹어요.

Eat with chopsticks.

'젓가락' ends in a consonant, so '으로' is used to indicate a tool.

7

기차로 여행해요.

Travel by train.

'기차' ends in a vowel, so '로' is used to indicate means of transport.

8

가위로 잘라요.

Cut with scissors.

'가위' ends in a vowel, so '로' is used to indicate a tool.

1

감기로 학교에 못 갔어요.

I couldn't go to school because of a cold.

'감기' ends in a vowel, so '로' indicates the cause/reason.

2

물이 얼음으로 변했어요.

The water turned into ice.

'으로' indicates a change in state or transformation.

3

이메일로 자료를 보냈어요.

I sent the materials by email.

'이메일' ends in 'ㄹ', so '로' is used to indicate the means.

4

제 친구를 선생님으로 생각해요.

I think of my friend as a teacher.

'으로' indicates the capacity or status in which someone is viewed.

5

사고로 길이 막혀요.

The road is blocked due to an accident.

'사고' ends in a vowel, so '로' indicates the cause.

6

밀가루로 빵을 만들어요.

Make bread with flour.

'밀가루' ends in a vowel, so '로' indicates the material.

7

인터넷으로 쇼핑을 해요.

I shop via the internet.

'인터넷' ends in a consonant, so '으로' indicates the means.

8

그는 가수로 유명해요.

He is famous as a singer.

'가수' ends in a vowel, so '로' indicates status.

1

외모로 사람을 판단하지 마세요.

Don't judge people by their appearance.

'으로' indicates the standard or basis for judgment.

2

이번 일로 많은 것을 배웠어요.

I learned a lot from this incident.

'으로' indicates the source or cause of learning.

3

회의 결과로 결정되었어요.

It was decided as a result of the meeting.

'으로' indicates the result or basis of a decision.

4

신용카드로 결제하시겠습니까?

Would you like to pay by credit card?

'으로' indicates the method of payment.

5

꿈으로만 생각했던 일이 일어났어요.

Something I only thought of as a dream happened.

'으로' here emphasizes the status of the thought.

6

성공으로 가는 길은 멀어요.

The road to success is long.

'으로' indicates the direction toward an abstract goal.

7

그는 대통령으로서 책임을 다했다.

He fulfilled his responsibility as president.

'으로서' is the formal version indicating status.

8

과학 기술로 세상을 바꿔요.

Change the world with science and technology.

'으로' indicates the means of change.

1

법으로 금지되어 있습니다.

It is prohibited by law.

'으로' indicates the legal basis or instrument of prohibition.

2

대화로 오해를 풀었어요.

We resolved the misunderstanding through conversation.

'으로' indicates the method of resolution.

3

이 소설은 영화로 제작되었다.

This novel was produced as a movie.

'으로' indicates the final form or result of a transformation.

4

그는 한국의 대표로서 참석했다.

He attended as the representative of Korea.

'으로서' clearly defines the formal role or capacity.

5

우리는 하나로 뭉쳐야 합니다.

We must unite as one.

'으로' indicates the state of unity being sought.

6

자료를 토대로 보고서를 썼다.

I wrote the report based on the data. (토대로 is a derivation)

'토대로' is a fixed expression meaning 'based on,' using '로'.

7

그녀는 천재로 알려져 있다.

She is known as a genius.

'으로' indicates the reputation or status.

8

기회로 삼아 다시 시작하자.

Let's take this as an opportunity and start again.

'으로' indicates the capacity in which the incident is treated.

1

삶을 예술로 승화시키다.

Sublimate life into art.

'으로' indicates the high-level transformation or result.

2

그의 죽음은 헛된 것으로 돌아갔다.

His death came to nothing.

'으로' indicates the final resulting state.

3

언어는 소통의 도구로서 존재한다.

Language exists as a tool of communication.

'으로서' defines the fundamental nature or function.

4

역사적 사실로 미루어 보아...

Judging from historical facts...

'로' marks the evidence or basis for a complex deduction.

5

그는 인간으로서의 도리를 다했다.

He fulfilled his duty as a human being.

'으로서의' combines status with a possessive modifier.

6

이것은 사회적 합의로 도출된 결과다.

This is a result derived through social consensus.

'으로' indicates the complex process of derivation.

7

슬픔을 기쁨으로 바꾸는 힘.

The power to turn sadness into joy.

'으로' marks the target state of an emotional shift.

8

그는 일생을 교육에 대한 헌신으로 보냈다.

He spent his whole life in dedication to education.

'으로' defines the nature or manner of the time spent.

Common Collocations

버스로 가다
한국어로 말하다
오른쪽으로 돌다
선물로 주다
이메일로 보내다
펜으로 쓰다
앞으로 가다
하나로 뭉치다
결과로 나타나다
나무로 만들다

Common Phrases

어디로 가세요?

— Where are you going? Used by taxi drivers or acquaintances.

기사님, 서울역으로 가 주세요.

이쪽으로 오세요.

— Please come this way. Used when guiding someone.

손님, 이쪽으로 오세요.

영어로 뭐예요?

— What is it in English? Used when asking for translations.

'사과'가 영어로 뭐예요?

전화로 해요.

— Let's do it by phone/talk on the phone.

나중에 전화로 해요.

선물로 샀어요.

— I bought it as a gift.

어머니 선물로 샀어요.

친구로 지내요.

— Let's stay as friends.

우리 그냥 좋은 친구로 지내요.

감기로 고생해요.

— I'm suffering from a cold.

요즘 감기로 고생하고 있어요.

비밀로 해 주세요.

— Please keep it as a secret.

이 일은 우리끼리 비밀로 해 주세요.

제대로 하세요.

— Do it properly. (제대로 is a common adverbial form).

숙제를 제대로 하세요.

진심으로 축하해요.

— I sincerely congratulate you.

결혼을 진심으로 축하해요.

Often Confused With

~로/으로 vs 에

'에' is for the specific point of arrival; '~로' is for the general direction.

~로/으로 vs 를/을

'를' marks the object being acted upon; '~로' marks the tool or means.

~로/으로 vs 에게

'에게' is for giving something to a person; '~로' is for directions or things.

Idioms & Expressions

"말 한마디로 천 냥 빚을 갚는다"

— A soft answer turns away wrath (paying a huge debt with one word).

말 한마디로 천 냥 빚을 갚는다고 하니 말을 조심해서 하세요.

proverb
"식은 죽 먹기로"

— As easy as eating cold porridge (piece of cake).

그 일은 나에게 식은 죽 먹기로 쉬워요.

colloquial
"내 집으로 삼다"

— To treat a place like one's own home.

그는 도서관을 제 집으로 삼고 살아요.

neutral
"남남으로 돌아가다"

— To become strangers to each other.

우리는 이제 완전히 남남으로 돌아갔어요.

emotional
"뒷걸음질로 쥐 잡기"

— To catch a rat while stepping backward (lucky success).

그가 성공한 것은 뒷걸음질로 쥐 잡기나 다름없어요.

proverb
"한입으로 두말하다"

— To say two different things with one mouth (to be double-tongued).

한입으로 두말하는 사람은 믿을 수 없어요.

critical
"피로 피를 씻다"

— To wash blood with blood (endless revenge).

피로 피를 씻는 복수는 멈춰야 합니다.

literary
"물거품으로 돌아가다"

— To come to nothing (turn into water bubbles).

우리의 모든 노력이 물거품으로 돌아갔어요.

idiomatic
"뜬구름으로 여기다"

— To consider something as a floating cloud (insignificant).

그는 명예를 뜬구름으로 여겨요.

literary
"정으로 살다"

— To live by 'jeong' (affection/bond).

한국 부부들은 흔히 정으로 산다고 해요.

cultural

Easily Confused

~로/으로 vs 에

Both can mean 'to'.

'에' focuses on the destination point, while '~로/으로' focuses on the direction or path.

학교에 가요 (I am at/going to school) vs 학교로 가요 (I am heading toward school).

~로/으로 vs 에서

Both relate to locations.

'에서' is where an action happens or the starting point; '~로/으로' is the direction.

집에서 와요 (Coming from home) vs 집으로 가요 (Going toward home).

~로/으로 vs (으)로서

Sounds almost identical.

'로서' is for social status or identity; '~로' is the general version.

선생님으로서 (As a teacher).

~로/으로 vs (으)로써

Sounds almost identical.

'로써' is for tools or materials; '~로' is the general version.

칼로써 (With a knife - formal).

~로/으로 vs 와/과

Can both mean 'with'.

'와/과' means 'together with' a person; '~로/으로' means 'by means of' a tool.

친구와 가요 (Go with a friend) vs 버스로 가요 (Go by bus).

Sentence Patterns

A1

N(place) + (으)로 가다

집으로 가요.

A1

N(transport) + (으)로 가다

버스로 가요.

A2

N(language) + (으)로 말하다

한국어로 말해요.

A2

N(tool) + (으)로 V

칼로 잘라요.

B1

N(material) + (으)로 만들다

나무로 만들어요.

B1

N(cause) + (으)로 ...

감기로 아파요.

B2

N(status) + (으)로서 V

부모로서 최선을 다해요.

C1

N(basis) + (으)로 보아

사실로 보아 틀림없어요.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Related

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How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high; used in almost every paragraph of spoken or written Korean.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'RO' as a 'ROad' (direction) or a 'RObot' (tool/means). If the word ends in a consonant, it needs 'U' (으로) to help it slide.

Visual Association

Imagine an arrow (direction) and a hammer (tool) both labeled with '로'.

Word Web

방향 (Direction) 수단 (Means) 자격 (Status) 원인 (Cause) 변화 (Change) 도구 (Tool) 재료 (Material) 선택 (Choice)

Challenge

Try to describe your morning routine using ~로/으로 at least three times (e.g., how you travel, what you eat with, where you go).

Word Origin

Derived from Middle Korean '-로' and '-으로', which have functioned as instrumental and directive markers for centuries.

Original meaning: Direction or tool.

Koreanic

Cultural Context

Be careful when using '~로' to describe people's characteristics; ensure it's not reductive.

English speakers often confuse 'to' (에) and 'toward' (~로). Remember that ~로 is more about the heading.

'서울로 7017' (A famous elevated park in Seoul) '꿈을 향해서' (Toward the dream - common song lyric theme)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Transportation

  • 버스로 가요
  • 지하철로 가요
  • 택시로 가요
  • 걸어서(로) 가요

Languages

  • 한국어로 말해요
  • 영어로 써요
  • 일본어로 뭐예요?
  • 중국어로 번역해요

Directions

  • 오른쪽으로 가세요
  • 왼쪽으로 도세요
  • 위로 올라가세요
  • 안으로 들어오세요

Materials

  • 나무로 만들었어요
  • 종이로 접었어요
  • 금으로 장식했어요
  • 밀가루로 요리해요

Roles

  • 선물로 샀어요
  • 친구로 지내요
  • 대표로 나갔어요
  • 가수로 활동해요

Conversation Starters

"회사에 어떻게 오셨어요? 버스로 오셨어요?"

"점심 메뉴는 뭐로 하실 거예요?"

"이 단어가 한국어로 뭐예요?"

"휴가 때 어디로 가고 싶어요?"

"이 가방은 무엇으로 만들었을까요?"

Journal Prompts

오늘은 학교에 무엇으로 갔나요?

친구에게 선물로 무엇을 주고 싶나요?

한국어로 일기를 써 보세요.

미래에 어떤 사람으로 기억되고 싶나요?

가장 좋아하는 음식을 무엇으로 만드나요?

Frequently Asked Questions

3 questions

Use '로' when the noun ends in a vowel or the consonant 'ㄹ'. Use '으로' for all other consonants. Examples: 학교로, 서울로, 집으로.

'에' is used for a fixed destination or location. '로' is used for the direction or the route. '학교에 가요' means you are going to school. '학교로 가요' means you are heading toward the school.

Generally no. For people, use '에게' or '한테' to mean 'to'. However, you can use ~로/으로 when describing a person's role, like '선생님으로 일해요

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