-는지라/(으)ㄴ지라

neunjira/(eu)njira

Grammar · 1 sense

Reason or cause

Examples

선생님께서 고집을 굽히지 않으시는지라 우리도 어쩔 수 없었다.

Since the teacher won't budge, there was nothing we could do.

이미 밥을 먹은지라 더 이상 먹을 수가 없다.

I already ate, so I can’t eat any more.

나는 어릴 적부터의 친구인지라 그의 마음을 잘 안다.

Since we've been friends since childhood, I know exactly how he feels.

When you'd hear it

-는지라/(으)ㄴ지라 is formal and somewhat literary, appearing often in written narratives, formal explanations, and historical or serious dramas. It is possible in polite speech, but it is uncommon in casual conversation with friends.

What learners get wrong

Although it means a reason or cause like -아서/어서 or -(으)니까, it sounds much more formal and written. Use -아서/어서 or -(으)니까 for ordinary everyday conversation, and reserve -는지라/(으)ㄴ지라 for a literary or formal tone.

You looked up -는지라/(으)ㄴ지라 — Ipsae makes sure you still know it in three weeks.

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