Frustration At Frequent Occurrences In Korean ((으)ㄹ라치면)
Written byLee Min-jung (이민정)
The Korean grammar pattern V + (으)ㄹ라치면 is often used to express displeasure with a frequently occurring situation.
Specifically, whenever you try to do something, a second action occurs that prevents the first from happening. For example:
"Every single time I try X, this happens."
This pattern is somewhat similar to 으려고 하면 but is less commonly used in speech.
Examples
Whenever I argue with my wife, my mother always sides with her.
Whenever I try to call my friend, he's always on the phone.
Every single time I go to the shopping mall, my favorite shop is closed!
Just when I think I'll get a good picture of my brother, he closes his eyes.
Just when I think I'll be able to leave work, my boss makes me run errands.
Whenever I try to start saving, something in the house needs repairing so I'm unable to save.
Every single time I try to go and see that movie, the tickets are sold out.
Every time I plan to quietly read my book, my neighbors start playing loud music and singing, to the point where I just stop reading.
Whenever I'm about to put my baby to sleep, he always cries and screams.
Conclusion
The (으)ㄹ라치면 pattern is a valuable tool for expressing situations where repeated actions frustrate your initial plans.
Understanding this pattern will not only enrich your vocabulary but also provide a nuanced way to share your experiences and frustrations in Korean.
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Learn about the Korean grammar pattern (으)ㄹ라치면, used to express frustration when one action repeatedly prevents another.
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Lee Min-jung (이민정)
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