In English, when we say with plus the name of an object, we are often using with in a special sense, namely by or by means of. For example, we could take the sentence I wrote this with a pencil. This with is put into Korean with the particle (으)로. You have also seen (으)로 with the names of languages, to mean in [i.e., by means of] that language ?
한국말로 in Korean, 영어로 in English. This is a two-shape particle which is pronounced 으로 after all consonants except ㄹ, but 로 after ㄹ and vowels:
| After most Consonants | After Vowels and ㄹ |
|---|---|
| 책으로 with a book | 종이로 with paper |
| 무엇으로 with what? | 기차로 by train |
| 돈으로 with money | 영어로 in English |
| 성냥으로 with matches | 연필로 with a pencil |
The particle (으)로 has a variety of meanings which can be set out as follows (there are certain others in addition which you will learn later):
a. Function: as, in the capacity of
- 교환학생으로 한국에 가요.
I’m going to Korea as an exchange student.
b. Direction: toward, to, in the direction of
- 오른쪽으로 가세요.
Please go to the right.
이쪽으로 오세요.
Please come this way.
c. Means: with, by, by means of
- 이 편지를 연필로 써요.
I’m writing this letter with a pencil. - 비행기로 가세요?
Are you going by plane?
d. Manner: -ly
- 정열적으로 노래를 불러요.
He sings passionately.