안녕하세요 여러분! Koreanstudyjunkie입니다~
I bet you've been wondering why 에 (which can mean "to") is sometimes replaced by 으로 (which can also mean "to").
Let's get into it!
PARTICLE: N-(으)로
(으)로’s many meanings:
ABOUT THIS PARTICLE:
This particle can be one of the trickiest for learner’s to grasp for It’s many translations and usages. In this lesson, I’ll introduce to you the 2 most common usages (covering the others in other lessons) The 2nd one can be considered
the most confusing.
USAGE 1:
-(으)로 can mark a noun that is used as a method, ingredient, or a tool. It’s often translated as ‘with’, ‘by’, or ‘using’.
Example Sentences:
이 파일은 이메일로 보내 주세요.
Please send this file by email.
저는 그냥 인터넷으로 한국어를 배워요.
I just learn Korean through the Internet.
수건으로 얼굴을 닦았어.
I wiped my face with a towel.
저는 핸드폰으로 음악을 들어요.
I listen to music on my phone/using my phone.
우리는 컴퓨터로 시험을 봤습니다.
We took the exam on the computer.
운동으로 건강을 유지할수 있잖아.
You can stay fit by exercising (you know).
USAGE 2: N-(으)로 = To, Towards
-(으)로 can mark the direction or place where someone is going. This case –(으)로 is often translated as ‘to’, or ‘towards’
Ex:
학교로 가요
I go to school.
오른쪽으로 가면 카페가 있어요.
If you go right, there’s a cafe.
오른쪽 = right (direction).
But what about 에?
‘-에’ marks a location noun that is a destination. But in ‘(으)로’ the location doesn’t have to be a destination.
에 vs 으로
In summary, 으로 Is more focused on the DIRECTION, while
에 is more focused on the actual LOCATION.
Ex)
학교에 가요.
I go to school.
(School is the destination)
학교로 가요.
I go to school.
(I am heading towards school, but maybe,
the destination is a store behind the school)
If you want to know the difference between 에 and 에서, you can check that here!
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