Expression dictionary — full article
Obligation & Permission · "Do!", "Go!", "Come!" (archaic command form)
V+거라 and V+너라 are sentence endings used to express a direct and strong command. They carry a distinctly old-fashioned or archaic nuance, making them uncommon in modern everyday Korean. These forms are typically encountered in historical dramas, traditional literature, proverbs, or in very formal, traditional settings where an elder addresses a much younger person with a sense of authority.
This command form is used to order someone to perform an action. Its primary function is to convey a clear directive from a speaker who holds a position of authority or seniority over the listener. Due to its archaic nature, using V+거라 or V+너라 in contemporary casual conversation can sound unnatural, overly formal, or even condescending. It is crucial to understand that these forms are largely confined to specific contexts:
V+너라 is a special form almost exclusively used with the verb 오다 (to come).
For verbs ending in a vowel (e.g., 가다, 하다):
For verbs ending in a consonant (e.g., 먹다, 앉다):
For verbs ending in ㄹ (e.g., 만들다, 살다):
Understanding V+거라/너라 is essential for comprehending older Korean texts and media, but it's generally not recommended for active use by learners in modern conversational settings. Its strong, direct, and archaic tone can easily be misinterpreted or sound out of place. Modern command forms like -(으)세요 (polite), -(아/어)라 (plain/intimate), or -(으)십시오 (formal) are much more appropriate for contemporary communication. The existence of V+거라/너라 highlights the rich historical evolution of Korean grammar and the subtle nuances of command forms based on formality, age, and context.