으로 (eu-ro, euro) · 로 (ro)
으로 and 로 both indicate direction or means, but choice depends on final consonant and nuance.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
Particle indicating direction, means, cause, attached after nouns with a final consonant.
When to use
Direction (consonant ending), Means or method, Cause or reason (consonant ending)
The nuance
Used after nouns ending with a consonant. Exception: after ㄹ final consonant, use '로'.
Particle indicating direction, means, cause, attached after nouns without a final consonant or with ㄹ final consonant.
When to use
Direction (no consonant ending), Means or method, Cause or reason (no consonant ending)
The nuance
Used after nouns ending without a consonant or with ㄹ consonant.
학교로 갑니다.
hak-gyo-ro gap-ni-da., hak gyo ro gap ni da.
학교 ends without a consonant, so use '로'.
집으로 갑니다.
jip-eu-ro gap-ni-da., jip eu ro gap ni da.
집 ends with a consonant, so use '으로'.
길로 걸어가요.
gil-ro geol-eo-ga-yo., gil ro geol eo ga yo.
길 ends with ㄹ consonant, so use '로'.
책으로 공부해요.
chaek-eu-ro gong-bu-hae-yo., chaek eu ro gong bu hae yo.
책 ends with a consonant, so use '으로' to indicate means.
연필로 씁니다.
yeon-pil-ro sseup-ni-da., yeon pil ro sseup ni da.
연필 ends with ㄹ consonant, so use '로'.
나무로 만들었어요.
na-mu-ro man-deul-eoss-eo-yo., na mu ro man deul eoss eo yo.
나무 ends without a consonant, so use '로'.
학교으로 갑니다.
hak-gyo-eu-ro gap-ni-da., hak gyo eu ro gap ni da.
학교 ends without a consonant, so '으로' is incorrect here.
집로 갑니다.
jip-ro gap-ni-da., jip ro gap ni da.
집 ends with a consonant, so '로' is incorrect here.
Which particle attaches after a noun without a final consonant?
Which particle correctly follows '길'?
Which particle is used to indicate means or method?
Which particle follows '책'?
