-(으)랴 -(으)랴
Used when listing multiple tasks or roles that someone is struggling to handle at the same time. It emphasizes being extremely busy or stressed.
Summary
Equivalent
Busy doing X and Y..., Trying to handle both A and B...
Example
I have absolutely no time to rest, being busy raising children and working at the same time.
아이 키우랴 직장 생활하랴 쉴 틈이 하나도 없어요.
Grammar rules
- It implies 'I'm so busy with [Task A] and also [Task B] that I have no time to rest.' Almost always used to describe a hectic or overwhelming situation.
Patterns
V (Verbs)
현재 (Present) · -(으)랴 -(으)랴
Example sentences
I have absolutely no time to rest, being busy raising children and working at the same time.
아이 키우랴 직장 생활하랴 쉴 틈이 하나도 없어요.
It must be really hard, busy studying at school during the day and working in the evening.
낮에는 학교에서 공부하랴 저녁에는 일하랴 정말 힘들겠어요.
With all the reporting on cases and dating, even having two bodies wouldn't be enough.
사건 취재하랴 연애하랴 몸이 두 개라도 모자랄 것 같아요.
Conversation
A: Why is it so hard to see you these days?
요즘 왜 이렇게 얼굴 보기가 힘들어요?
B: I'm so busy learning my new job and running errands for my seniors that I don't have a moment to breathe.
새로 입사해서 일 배우랴 선배들 심부름하랴 정신이 하나도 없네요.
Practice
Fill in the blank
Select the correct 'busy with X and Y' phrase.
Struggling student.
Famous person's life.