How to Use -(eu)ro in Korean for Direction and Means (+ Worksheet)

The Korean particle -(eu)ro (-(으)로), attached to nouns, is a versatile marker used to indicate a direction (“to,” “toward”), a tool or means (“by,” “with,” “using”), or a change into something else.

The rule for using it is straightforward: -ro (로) is used after a noun ending in a vowel or the consonant ㄹ, and -euro (으로) is used after all other consonants.

Mastering this single particle will unlock a huge range of expression, allowing you to give directions, explain how you do things, and describe what something is made of.

This guide will provide a complete and detailed look at the many functions of -(eu)ro (-(으)로). We will start by breaking down the core consonant vs. vowel rule.

Then, we will explore each of its major uses one by one: for physical direction, for the tools and methods you use, for what something is made of, and for a change in status. To ensure you feel fully prepared, this article also includes a practice worksheet to help you test and solidify your new skills.

The Golden Rule: When to Use -ro (로) vs. -euro (으로)

This section is dedicated to the simple but essential rule that governs which form of the particle to use. The choice is 100% based on the final letter of the noun it follows.

1. When to Use -ro (로): After a Vowel or ㄹ

If the last syllable of the noun ends in a vowel or the consonant ㄹ (rieul), you attach -ro (로). The consonant ㄹ gets this special treatment because adding 으로 after it would create a clunky, repetitive sound (-l-eu-ro). Using -ro allows for a smoother pronunciation.

• 학교 (hakgyo) – School (ends in a vowel) → 학교로 (hakgyo-ro)
• 버스 (beoseu) – Bus (ends in a vowel) → 버스로 (beoseu-ro)
• 지하철 (jihacheol) – Subway (ends in the consonant ㄹ) → 지하철로 (jihacheol-lo)
• 물 (mul) – Water (ends in the consonant ㄹ) → 물로 (mul-lo)

2. When to Use -euro (으로): After a Consonant (except ㄹ)

If the last syllable of the noun ends in any consonant other than ㄹ, you attach -euro (으로). The vowel 으 (eu) is added as a buffer to make the pronunciation smooth and clear.

• 집 (jip) – House (ends in the consonant ㅂ) → 집으로 (jib-euro)
• 책 (chaek) – Book (ends in the consonant ㄱ) → 책으로 (chaeg-euro)
• 연필 (yeonpil) – Pencil (ends in ㄹ, so this is wrong! It’s 연필로)
• 컴퓨터 (keompyuteo) – Computer (ends in a vowel, so this is wrong! It’s 컴퓨터로)
• 식당 (sikdang) – Restaurant (ends in the consonant ㅇ) → 식당으로 (sikdang-euro)
• 한국 (Hanguk) – Korea (ends in the consonant ㄱ) → 한국으로 (Hangug-euro)

This rule is consistent and is the foundation for using the particle correctly.

Use Case 1: Direction (“to,” “toward”)

The first major function of -(eu)ro is to indicate the direction of movement. It’s similar to the location particle -e (에), but it often carries a stronger nuance of “toward” or “in the direction of” rather than just a final destination point.

Formula: [Direction/Destination Noun] + -(으)로 + [Motion Verb]

Let’s See It in Action (8 Examples)

1. Giving simple directions:“오른쪽으로 가세요.” (Oreunjjog-euro gaseyo.)
   “Please go to the right.”
2. Telling someone where you are headed:“저는 지금 집으로 가고 있어요.” (Jeoneun jigeum jib-euro gago isseoyo.)
   “I am going toward home right now.”
3. Directing someone upstairs:“위로 올라가세요.” (Wi-ro ollagaseyo.)
   “Please go upward / upstairs.”
4. Telling a taxi driver your general destination:“서울역 방향으로 가주세요.” (Seoul-yeok banghyang-euro gajuseyo.)
   “Please go in the direction of Seoul Station.”
5. Describing a journey:“우리는 배를 타고 제주도로 갔어요.” (Urineun bae-reul tago Jeju-do-ro gasseoyo.)
   “We went to Jeju Island by boat.”
6. Instructing someone to move:“앞으로 나오세요.” (Ap-euro naoseyo.)
   “Please come forward.”
7. Talking about travel to a country:“저는 작년에 한국으로 여행을 갔어요.” (Jeoneun jangnyeon-e Hangug-euro yeohaeng-eul gasseoyo.)
   “I went on a trip to Korea last year.”
8. Indicating a location within a building:“화장실은 저쪽으로 가시면 됩니다.” (Hwajangsir-eun jeojjog-euro gasimyeon doemnida.)
   “The restroom is in that direction.”

-e (에) vs. -(eu)ro (으로) for Direction

What’s the difference between “학교에 가요” and “학교로 가요”?

• 학교에 가요 (hakgyo-e gayo): “I go to school.” This states that school is the specific, final destination.
• 학교로 가요 (hakgyo-ro gayo): “I go toward school.” This emphasizes the direction of travel. School is the direction you’re headed, but you might stop somewhere else on the way.
  In many everyday cases, they are used interchangeably, but -(eu)ro has that “in the direction of” feeling.

Use Case 2: Means, Method, or Tool (“by,” “with,” “using”)

This is perhaps the most common and useful function of -(eu)ro. It is used to mark the noun that is the tool, instrument, method, or means by which an action is performed.

Formula: [Tool/Method Noun] + -(으)로 + [Action Verb]

Let’s See It in Action (8 Examples)

1. Transportation:“저는 버스로 회사에 가요.” (Jeoneun beoseu-ro hoesa-e gayo.)
   “I go to the office by bus.”
2. Writing Instrument:“이름을 펜으로 써 주세요.” (Ireum-eul pen-euro sseo juseyo.)
   “Please write your name with a pen.”
3. Language:“한국어로 말해주세요.” (Hangugeo-ro malhaejuseyo.)
   “Please speak in Korean.”
4. Tool for eating:“한국 사람들은 젓가락으로 밥을 먹어요.” (Hanguk saramdeur-eun jeotgarag-euro bab-eul meogeoyo.)
   “Korean people eat meals with chopsticks.”
5. Method of payment:“카드로 계산할게요.” (Kadeu-ro gyesanhalkkeyo.)
   “I’ll pay by card.”
6. Tool for communication:“우리는 이메일로 연락해요.” (Urineun imeil-lo yeollakaeyo.)
   “We contact each other by email.”
7. Tool for a task:“저는 가위로 종이를 잘랐어요.” (Jeoneun gawi-ro jongi-reul jallasseoyo.)
   “I cut the paper with scissors.”
8. Method of doing something:“이 문제는 어떤 방법으로 풀 수 있어요?” (I munje-neun eotteon bangbeob-euro pul su isseoyo?)
   “By what method can I solve this problem?”

Use Case 3: Material (“made of,” “from”)

Another common function of -(eu)ro is to indicate what something is made of or from. It shows the raw material or ingredient.

Formula: [Material Noun] + -(으)로 + 만들다 (mandeulda) (or other relevant verb)

Let’s See It in Action (8 Examples)

1. Describing furniture:“이 책상은 나무로 만들었어요.” (I chaeksang-eun namu-ro mandeureosseoyo.)
   “This desk is made of wood.”
2. Talking about food ingredients:“김치는 배추로 만들어요.” (Gimchi-neun baechu-ro mandeureoyo.)
   “Kimchi is made from napa cabbage.”
3. Describing a product:“이 컵은 유리로 되어 있어요.” (I keob-eun yuri-ro doeeo isseoyo.)
   “This cup is made of glass.”
4. Talking about building materials:“그 집은 벽돌로 지었어요.” (Geu jib-eun byeokdol-lo jieosseoyo.)
   “That house was built with bricks.”
5. Describing a piece of clothing:“이 스웨터는 양털로 짰어요.” (I seuweteo-neun yangteol-lo jja-sseoyo.)
   “This sweater was knit from wool.”
6. A question about ingredients:“이 빵은 무엇으로 만들었나요?” (I ppang-eun mueos-euro mandeureonnayo?)
   “What is this bread made of?”
7. Explaining a process:“쌀로 떡을 만들 수 있어요.” (Ssal-lo tteog-eul mandeul su isseoyo.)
   “You can make rice cakes from rice.”
8. Identifying a material:“이것은 플라스틱으로 만든 장난감입니다.” (Igeos-eun peullastig-euro mandeun jangnangam-imnida.)
   “This is a toy made of plastic.”

Use Case 4: A Change in Status, Choice, or Role

This function is a bit more abstract. -(eu)ro can mark what something or someone changes into, or what is chosen out of a selection.

Formula: [Noun of Choice/Result] + -(으)로 + [Verb of Choosing/Changing]

Let’s See It in Action (8 Examples)

1. Choosing a menu item:“저는 비빔밥으로 할게요.” (Jeoneun bibimbab-euro halkkeyo.)
   “I’ll have the bibimbap.” (Literally: “I’ll do it as bibimbap.”)
2. Deciding on a drink:“음료는 무엇으로 하시겠어요?” (Eumnyo-neun mueos-euro hasigesseoyo?)
   “What would you like for your drink?”
   “저는 커피로 주세요.” (Jeoneun keopi-ro juseyo.) – “Please give me coffee.”
3. Explaining a role:“저는 교환학생으로 한국에 왔어요.” (Jeoneun gyohwanhaksaeng-euro hangug-e wasseoyo.)
   “I came to Korea as an exchange student.”
4. Describing a change:“물이 얼어서 얼음으로 변했어요.” (Mur-i eoreoseo eoreum-euro byeonhaesseoyo.)
   “The water froze and changed into ice.”
5. Selecting an option:“선물은 이것으로 결정했어요.” (Seonmur-eun igeos-euro gyeoljeonghaesseoyo.)
   “I’ve decided on this for the gift.”
6. Talking about a famous person’s career:“그 배우는 코미디언으로 시작했어요.” (Geu baeu-neun komidieon-euro sijakaesseoyo.)
   “That actor started as a comedian.”
7. Assigning a task:“이 프로젝트의 리더로 민준 씨를 추천합니다.” (I peurojekteu-ui rideo-ro Minjun ssi-reul chucheonhamnida.)
   “I recommend Minjun as the leader of this project.”
8. Stating the cause or reason for something (less common, but possible):“그는 사고로 다리를 다쳤어요.” (Geu-neun sago-ro dari-reul dachyeosseoyo.)
   “He hurt his leg due to an accident.”

Let’s Practice! Your -(eu)ro Particle Worksheet

Now it’s time to put your knowledge into practice. Use these exercises to test your ability to choose the right form of the particle and identify its function.

Exercise 1: -ro (로) or -euro (으로)?

Choose the correct particle for each noun.

1. 한국 (Hanguk) – Korea: 한국로 / 한국으로
2. 연필 (yeonpil) – Pencil: 연필로 / 연필으로
3. 지하철 (jihacheol) – Subway: 지하철로 / 지하철으로
4. 학교 (hakgyo) – School: 학교로 / 학교으로
5. 식당 (sikdang) – Restaurant: 식당로 / 식당으로
6. 가위 (gawi) – Scissors: 가위로 / 가위으로
7. 왼쪽 (oenjjok) – Left side: 왼쪽로 / 왼쪽으로
8. 서울 (Seoul) – Seoul: 서울로 / 서울으로

(Answers: 1. 으로, 2. 로, 3. 로, 4. 로, 5. 으로, 6. 로, 7. 으로, 8. 로)

Exercise 2: Identify the Function

Read each sentence and identify the function of -(eu)ro. Choose from: Direction, Means/Tool, Material, or Choice/Change.

1. “저는 지하철로 학교에 가요.” (I go to school by subway.) – _______________
2. “오른쪽으로 가세요.” (Please go to the right.) – _______________
3. “이 반지는 금으로 만들었어요.” (This ring is made of gold.) – _______________
4. “점심은 김치찌개로 할게요.” (I’ll have the kimchi jjigae for lunch.) – _______________
5. “이름은 펜으로 쓰세요.” (Please write your name with a pen.) – _______________

(Answers: 1. Means/Tool, 2. Direction, 3. Material, 4. Choice/Change, 5. Means/Tool)

Exercise 3: Building Sentences

Combine the words to form a full, grammatically correct sentence using -(eu)ro.

1. 나 / 버스 / 집에 오다 (I / bus / to come home)________________________.
2. 학생 / 한국어 / 말하다 (The student / Korean language / to speak)________________________.
3. 우리 / 식당 / 가다 (We / restaurant / to go)________________________.
4. 이 의자 / 나무 / 만들다 (This chair / wood / to be made)________________________.

(Example Answers):

1. 저는 버스로 집에 와요. (Jeoneun beoseu-ro jib-e wayo.)
2. 학생이 한국어로 말해요. (Haksaeng-i hangugeo-ro malhaeyo.)
3. 우리는 식당으로 가요. (Urineun sikdang-euro gayo.)
4. 이 의자는 나무로 만들었어요. (I uija-neun namu-ro mandeureosseoyo.)

Conclusion

You have now explored the many useful functions of the Korean particle -(eu)ro (-(으)로). You know the simple rule for choosing the correct form based on the final letter of the noun.

More importantly, you can now use this particle to give directions, explain the means or tools you use to do something, describe what things are made of, and even state your choice at a restaurant.

This single particle is a true multi-tool that will make your Korean sentences far more descriptive and precise.

Let’s share your experience!