V + -느라고 – Because of Being Busy Doing...
Meaning: Because of doing; while occupied with doing
Conjugation & Pattern
- Volitional action verb stem (V) + -느라고 (ㄹ drops before ㄴ: 공부하다 -> 공부하느라고, 만들다 -> 만드느라고)
Detailed Usage
Indicates that because the subject spent time and effort performing the action in the first clause, a negative result, exhaustion, or inability to do something else occurred in the second clause.
Example Sentences
- 1
요즘 시험공부를 하느라고 친구들과 전혀 놀지 못해요.
Yojeum siheomgongbureul haneurago chingudeulgwa jeonhyeo nolji mothaeyo.
Because I have been busy studying for exams lately, I haven't been able to hang out with my friends at all.
- 2
어젯밤에 보고서를 작성하느라고 잠을 거의 못 잤어요.
Eojetbame bogoseoreul jakseonghaneurago jameul geoui mot jasseoyo.
Because I was up writing a report last night, I barely got any sleep.
- 3
엄마가 하루 종일 아기를 돌보느라고 조금도 쉬지 못하셨어요.
Eommaga haru jongil agireul dolboneurago jogeumdo swiji mothasyeosseoyo.
Because my mother was taking care of the baby all day long, she couldn't rest at all.
Important Notes
5 strict rules for '-느라고': (1) Attaches only to volitional action verbs (never adjectives or non-volitional verbs like 감기에 걸리다, 넘어지다, 늦게 일어나다); (2) Both clauses must share the same subject; (3) No past tense marker before '-느라고'; (4) The result is typically negative or exhausting; (5) No imperative/propositive endings in the main clause.
