Beginner Estimated read: 3 mins

(으)로

A versatile particle used to indicate a direction (toward a place), a means/method (by transportation, with a tool), or a material/ingredient from which something is made.

Summary

Equivalent

To/Toward / By/With/Using

Example

I will go to Busan by train tomorrow.

내일 기차로 부산에 갈 거예요.

Grammar rules

  • Attach '로' to nouns ending in a vowel or in 'ㄹ' (차로, 버스로, 연필로).
  • Attach '으로' to nouns ending in any other consonant (한국으로, 젓가락으로).
  • When identifying a status or role, it translates to 'as'.

    선생님으로 일해요. (I work as a teacher.)

Patterns

1

Nouns ending in a vowel or 'ㄹ'

N/A · Noun + 로

2

Nouns ending in a consonant

N/A · Noun + 으로

Example sentences

Nouns ending in a vowel or 'ㄹ' · N/A · Noun + 로

I will go to Busan by train tomorrow.

내일 기차로 부산에 갈 거예요.

Nouns ending in a consonant · N/A · Noun + 으로

Please go toward the right.

오른쪽으로 가세요.

Nouns ending in a vowel or 'ㄹ' · N/A · Noun + 로

This desk is made of wood.

이 책상은 나무로 만들었어요.

Conversation

A: How do you come to school?

학교에 어떻게 와요?

B: I usually come by bicycle.

보통 자전거로 와요.

Practice

Fill in the blank

Select the correct means/direction particle.

Direction.

Means.