Frustration At Frequent Occurrences In Korean ((으)ㄹ라치면)

Author
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.

  • Share this:
  • Facebook
  • X
Learn about the Korean grammar pattern (으)ㄹ라치면, used to express frustration when one action repeatedly prevents another.
Subscribe
Get the Korean content that I don't share publicly to your inbox:
🇰🇷 Learn Korean
This online learn Korean resource guide is for anyone who wants to learn the Korean language. My goal is to help you learn Korean grammar and phrases, and share the best Korean resources to help you learn.
Get the Korean content that I don't share publicly to your inbox
SUBSCRIBE:
Korean Language Guide
Lee Min-jung (이민정)
어디든 가치가 있는 곳으로 가려면 지름길은 없다.Learn Korean here.Make sure to subscribe.
© Korean Language Guide, 2024. Contact