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Unit 11: That Is Called (-(이)라는)

In Unit 8, we learned how to quote nouns using -(이)라고 하다. In Easy Korean Level 5, we can use a shortened form of this, -(이)라는, to mean "a [Noun] that is called [Name]".

Structure

Name/Title + -(이)라는 + Noun

It is short for -(이)라고 하는. 1. Name ending in a vowel: Add -라는 - 서울 + 이라는 -> 서울이라는 (called Seoul) -> wait, 서울 ends in a consonant! - 바나나 (banana) -> 바나나라는 과일 (a fruit called banana) 2. Name ending in a consonant: Add -이라는 - 학생 (student) -> 학생이라는 직업 (a job called student) - 서울 (Seoul) -> 서울이라는 도시 (a city called Seoul)

Why use this?

You use this when you are introducing a new concept, place, or person that the listener might not know, or to define something.

Examples

  • '춘향전'이라는 책을 읽었어요. (I read a book called 'Chunhyangjeon'.)
  • 제임스라는 친구가 있어요. (I have a friend named James.)
  • '사랑'이라는 단어 (The word called 'love')