-느라고 explains that being busy doing X caused Y (usually negative). Often used as an excuse or explanation.
Excuse - 공부하느라고 못 갔어요 (I couldnt go because I was studying)
Reason for failure - The first action prevented the second
Same subject - The person doing both actions must be the same
See examples below for varied real-world usage.
Only with action verbs - Not adjectives
- ✅ 일하느라고, 공부하느라고
- ❌ 예쁘느라고
Usually negative result - Second clause often has 못, 안, negative outcome
Same subject required - Cannot be different people
Because I was working, I couldnt eat.
I barely slept last night because of studying for the exam.
I couldn't answer the phone because I was driving. Sorry.
I am so distracted because I'm busy preparing to move.
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