Let's learn how to use the V+느라고 Korean Grammar with some simple and easy-to-understand example sentences.
V+느라고 - “because (I was busy doing…)”
USE:
-느라고 is used to show a cause or reason, usually when the first action causes a negative result or problem in the second clause.
- It often implies regret, excuse, or explanation.
- The speaker takes responsibility for the situation.
In English, it can be translated as:
“because (someone) was busy doing…,” “due to spending time on…,” or “while doing…, (a negative result happened).”
CONJUGATION RULE
Verb stem + 느라고
This grammar is used only with action verbs because it describes deliberate actions that require time or effort. It is not used with adjectives. Examples of conjugation:
|
EXAMPLE SENTENCES:
1. 시험 공부를 하느라고 밤을 새웠어요.
→ I stayed up all night because I was studying for the exam.
2. 버스를 찾느라고 약속 시간에 늦었어요.
→ I was late because I was busy looking for the bus.
3. 아이를 돌보느라고 전화를 못 받았어요.
→ I couldn’t answer the phone because I was taking care of the child.
4. 보고서를 쓰느라고 식사를 거셨어요.
→ I skipped my meal because I was writing a report.
5. 운동을 하느라고 몸이 너무 피곤해요.
→ I’m very tired because I was exercising.
Additional Notes
The result clause is usually negative (못 하다, 늦다, 힘들다, etc.).
The subject must be the same in both clauses.
비가 오느라고 길이 막혔어요 (wrong)
운전하느라고 길이 막혔어요 (correct)Cannot be used for future actions.
Often expresses regret, excuse, or explanation.
Difference from -아/어서
-아/어서 → neutral or positive cause
-느라고 → negative result + being busy
Example:
공부해서 성적이 올랐어요. (positive)
공부하느라고 잠을 못 잤어요. (negative)
