(으)로
Using, With, To
-로 is a versatile particle attached to nouns. Its main meanings are 'with/by' (indicating a tool or method), 'to/towards' (indicating a direction), and 'into' (indicating a change).
This pattern also has a main page: -(으)로 (Direction/means Particle).
How It Works
-로 is one of the most common and multi-functional particles in Korean. Understanding its various uses is key to sounding natural.
1. Tool, Instrument, or Means
This is a very frequent use. It marks the noun that is used to perform an action.
- 젓가락으로 밥을 먹어요. (I eat rice with chopsticks.)
- 한국말로 이야기해 주세요. (Please speak in Korean.)
- 이메일로 서류를 보냈어요. (I sent the documents by email.)
2. Direction
It indicates a general direction, path, or destination. It's often used with verbs of movement like 가다 (to go) and 오다 (to come).
- 저쪽으로 가시면 은행이 있어요. (If you go in that direction, there's a bank.)
- 비행기가 서울로 향하고 있어요. (The plane is heading towards Seoul.)
This is different from -에, which marks a specific, final destination. '학교에 가요' means 'I'm going to school (destination)', while '학교로 가요' can mean 'I'm heading in the direction of the school'.
3. Change or Transformation
It can show what something turns or changes into.
- 물이 얼음으로 변했어요. (The water changed into ice.)
- 가을이 되면 나뭇잎이 빨간색으로 바뀌어요. (When it becomes autumn, the leaves change to red.)
Examples (6)
- 버스로 회사에 가요.
I go to work by bus.
Word by Word: by bus to company go.
Here, -로 is attached to 버스 (bus) to show the means of transportation.
- 펜으로 이름을 쓰세요.
Please write your name with a pen.
Word by Word: with a pen name please write.
펜 ends in a consonant (ㄴ), so -으로 is used to indicate the tool.
- 오른쪽으로 가세요.
Please go to the right.
Word by Word: to the right please go.
-으로 is used with 오른쪽 (right side) to indicate direction.
- 이 길로 쭉 가면 역이 나와요.
If you go straight along this road, the station will appear.
Word by Word: this road-by straight if you go station appears.
길 ends in the consonant ㄹ, so -로 is attached, not -으로.
- 밀가루로 빵을 만들어요.
I make bread with flour.
Word by Word: with flour bread make.
This shows the material or ingredient used to make something.
- 물이 얼음으로 변했어요.
The water turned into ice.
Word by Word: water into ice changed.
This shows a change or transformation. 물 (water) has changed into 얼음 (ice).
Common Mistakes
Using the wrong form (-로 vs. -으로).
Not Quite손로 씻으세요.Better손으로 씻으세요.The noun 손 (hand) ends in a consonant (ㄴ), so you must attach -으로, not -로. The rule is: consonant + -으로, vowel or ㄹ + -로.
Confusing -로 (direction) with -에 (destination).
Different Meaning오른쪽에 가세요.Better오른쪽으로 가세요.When indicating a general direction ('towards the right'), -로 is more natural. -에 is used for a specific point or destination, like '의자에 앉으세요' (Please sit on the chair).
Confusing -로 (tool) with 와/과 (accompaniment).
Not Quite저는 펜과 써요.Better저는 펜으로 써요.와/과 means 'with' in the sense of 'together with someone/something' (e.g., 친구와 가요 - I go with a friend). For a tool or instrument, you must use -로.
Related Patterns
- 에To, At
Both can indicate a destination. However, -에 marks a specific point or final destination (e.g., 학교에 가다 - go to school), while -로 indicates a general direction or path (e.g., 학교로 가다 - go towards the school).
- 와/과And, With
Both can be translated as 'with'. 와/과 is used for accompaniment ('with a person'), while -로 is used for a tool or method ('with a pen').
- 에서From
-에서 marks the location where an action takes place ('at') or the starting point of a journey ('from'). It contrasts with -로, which often indicates the direction 'to' or 'towards'.
Learn Next
Patterns that build on this one.