Intermediate Estimated read: 3 mins

-(으)로서

Used with nouns referring to a person's role, status, or identity to indicate they are acting in that capacity.

Summary

Equivalent

As (in the role/capacity of) / In one's capacity as

Also: -(으)로써 (By means of / Using — instrument or means; '-(으)로서' is identity/role)

Example

As a parent, I oppose this decision.

학부모로서 이 결정에 반대합니다.

Grammar rules

  • Critically distinct from '-(으)로써': '교사로서' (as a teacher — role/identity) vs '칼로써' (by means of a knife — instrument).
  • '-(으)로서' always deals with a person or entity's POSITION or STATUS.

Patterns

1

Nouns (Capacity / Role)

Present · Noun + (으)로서

Example sentences

Nouns (Capacity / Role) · Present · Noun + (으)로서

As a parent, I oppose this decision.

학부모로서 이 결정에 반대합니다.

Nouns (Capacity / Role) · Present · Noun + (으)로서

As a doctor, you must put the patient's health first.

의사로서 환자의 건강을 최우선으로 생각해야 해요.

Nouns (Capacity / Role) · Present · Noun + (으)로서

As a friend, I'll be honest with you.

친구로서 솔직하게 말해 줄게요.

Conversation

A: Why do you want to get involved in that matter?

왜 그 일에 나서려고 해요?

B: As a resident of this area, I feel I need to speak up.

이 지역 주민으로서 목소리를 내야 할 것 같아요.

Practice

Fill in the blank

Express acting in one's role or capacity.

Responsibility as leader.

Advice as senior.