~(이)라고 [ Korean Grammar ]

Today we'll be looking at the usage of "Usages of ~(이)라고 " Korean grammar point with some examples.

Conjugation rule :

The basic conjugation rule is :

~이라고 is added after the final consonant.

~라고 is added after the final vowel.

For example :

1. Kimchi is the only side dish in the refrigerator.

냉장고에 반찬이라고는 김치밖에 없어요.

반찬 which is called as Kimchi, is the only side dish in the refrigerator.

2. Movies are not fun at all!

영화가 재미라고는 하나도 없구나!

The movie is nothing like fun. 

3. Seung-gyu was so healthy that he had never been to a hospital.

승규는 워낙 건강해서 병원이라고는 가 본 적이 없었어요.

Seung-gyu was so healthy that he has never been to somewhere, like a hospital.

4. You're the only one who can make this request, so I'm asking you like this.

이런 부탁을 할 사람이라고는 너밖에 없어서 이렇게 부탁하는 거야.

5. I'm the only woman in my department.

우리 부서에 여자라고는 나 하나밖에 없어요.

There are several other usages of (이)라고 as well. Let's look at them one by one.

It can be used as a post-positional particle used to indicate that one is not happy with the preceding statement.

1. Having a son is such a nuisance to my parents.

아들이라고 하나 있는 게 이렇게 부모 속을 썩이네요.

2. Are you listening to that noise as a song?

그 시끄러운 걸 지금 노래라고 듣고 있는 거니?

3. Seung-gyu said he was studying for two hours and then slept, saying he was tired.

승규는 공부라고 두 시간 하더니 피곤하다며 자요.

It can be used as a  post-positional particle that indicates the cause or reason for the following content.

1. A doctor can't know everything.

박사라고 모든 걸 다 알 수는 없어요.

2. Being rich does not necessarily mean being happy.

부자라고 반드시 행복한 것은 아니에요.

3. Do you think I'll be scared because I'm a girl?

내가 여자라고 겁도 많을 거라고 생각해요?

It can be used as a post-positional particle that means "everything is the same without exception."

1. Why are you making such a fuss about where we are?

여기가 어디라고 이렇게 소란을 피우느냐?

2. He's the strongest among us. Who would you pick on him?

승규가 우리 중에 힘이 제일 센데 누구라고 덤비겠어요?