로서 (ro-seo, roseo) · 로써 (ro-sseo, rosseo)
로서 indicates a role or status, while 로써 indicates a means or method.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
Used to indicate status, qualification, or role.
When to use
status expression, qualification emphasis, role introduction
The nuance
Attach '-로서' after a noun to indicate the subject’s status, qualification, or role. It emphasizes the position or capacity of the noun.
Used to indicate means, method, or tool.
When to use
means expression, method explanation, tool emphasis
The nuance
Attach '-로써' after a noun to indicate the means, method, or tool by which an action is performed or an event occurs.
그는 선생님으로서 학생들을 지도한다.
geu-neun seon-saeng-nim-eu-ro-seo hak-saeng-deul-eul ji-do-han-da., geu neun seon saeng nim eu ro seo hak saeng deul eul ji do han da.
Indicates role as a teacher, so '로서' is correct.
그는 선생님로써 학생들을 지도한다.
geu-neun seon-saeng-nim-ro-sseo hak-saeng-deul-eul ji-do-han-da., geu neun seon saeng nim ro sseo hak saeng deul eul ji do han da.
'로써' indicates means, so it's incorrect here. Use '로서' for status.
이 편지는 이메일로써 보냈다.
i pyeon-ji-neun i-me-il-ro-sseo bo-naess-da., i pyeon ji neun i me il ro sseo bo naess da.
Email is the means, so '로써' is appropriate.
이 편지는 이메일로서 보냈다.
i pyeon-ji-neun i-me-il-ro-seo bo-naess-da., i pyeon ji neun i me il ro seo bo naess da.
'로서' indicates role/status, so it's wrong for means.
그는 의사로서 환자를 치료한다.
geu-neun ui-sa-ro-seo hwan-ja-reul chi-ryo-han-da., geu neun ui sa ro seo hwan ja reul chi ryo han da.
Indicates status as a doctor, so '로서' is correct.
그는 칼로써 고기를 자른다.
geu-neun kal-ro-sseo go-gi-reul ja-reun-da., geu neun kal ro sseo go gi reul ja reun da.
Knife is the tool used, so '로써' is correct.
그는 의사로써 환자를 치료한다.
geu-neun ui-sa-ro-sseo hwan-ja-reul chi-ryo-han-da., geu neun ui sa ro sseo hwan ja reul chi ryo han da.
Use '로서' for status, so this is incorrect.
편지는 우편으로써 보냈다.
pyeon-ji-neun u-pyeon-eu-ro-sseo bo-naess-da., pyeon ji neun u pyeon eu ro sseo bo naess da.
Mail is the means, so '로써' is correct.
Which is correct to indicate status?
Which is correct to indicate means?
Which is correct: '의사로서' or '의사로써'?
