-느라고
Used to explain that the speaker was preoccupied doing something (the cause), which resulted in an undesirable or unintended outcome. The focus is on the effort or preoccupation, not just causation.
Summary
Equivalent
Because of (doing)... / Since I was busy doing...
Also: -아/어서 (Because/so - but '-느라고' uniquely implies the effort caused a negative side effect) · -(으)느라 (Shortened form, same meaning)
Example
I couldn't even eat because I was waiting for a friend.
친구를 기다리느라고 밥도 못 먹었어요.
Grammar rules
- Only used with VERB stems, not adjectives or nouns.
- Both clauses must share the SAME subject.
- The result clause is typically negative or undesirable.
- Cannot be used with tense markers (았/었) in the first clause.
- Rules to remember: (1) Same subject in both clauses. (2) First clause cannot have tense markers. (3) Second clause is typically a negative or undesired result.
숙제를 하느라고 잠을 못 잤어요. (I couldn't sleep because I was doing homework.) ✓
Patterns
Verbs Only
Present (Ongoing Action as Reason) · Verb Stem + 느라고
Example sentences
I couldn't even eat because I was waiting for a friend.
친구를 기다리느라고 밥도 못 먹었어요.
I couldn't get in touch because I was busy preparing for the move. Sorry.
이사 준비를 하느라고 연락을 못 했어요. 미안해요.
I can't watch dramas these days because I'm studying Korean.
한국어 공부를 하느라고 요즘 드라마를 못 보고 있어요.
Conversation
A: Why are you so late?
왜 이렇게 늦었어요?
B: I lost track of time because I was writing a report.
보고서를 쓰느라고 시간 가는 줄 몰랐어요.
Practice
Fill in the blank
Select the correct '-느라고' form to express the reason for the undesirable outcome.
Cooking.
Job hunting.