🗣️ Korean Quoting Grammar: -(이)라고 하다

The expression -(이)라고 하다 is commonly used in Korean to quote someone or mention what something is called. It plays an essential role in both spoken and written language, and understanding how to use it will help you sound more natural and fluent in conversations.

1. When to Use -(이)라고 하다

You use -(이)라고 하다 when:

You are quoting a noun-based statement.
You are saying what something or someone is called.
You are giving someone else's opinion about a noun.

2. Grammar Structure and Explanation

Noun + 이라고 하다: Use when the noun ends in a consonant
Noun + 라고 하다: Use when the noun ends in a vowel

"하다고 하다" is a quoted version of the verb "하다," used to report speech, thoughts, or beliefs.

3. Example Sentences

제 친구는 의사라고 해요.
Je chingune uisarago haeyo.
My friend said (he/she) is a doctor.

그 사람은 민수라고 했어요.
Geu sarameun Minsurago haesseoyo.
He said his name is Minsu.

이 드라마는 정말 재미있다고 해요.
I deuramaneun jeongmal jaemiitdago haeyo.
They say this drama is really fun.

그 가수는 방탄소년단이라고 해요.
Geu gasuneun Bangtansonyeondanirago haeyo.
That singer is said to be BTS.

이것을 한국어로 "사랑"이라고 해요.
Igeoseul hangugeoro "sarang"irago haeyo.
This is called "love" in Korean.

선생님이 내일 시험이 있다고 했어요.
Seonsaengnimi naeil siheomi itdago haesseoyo.
The teacher said there's a test tomorrow.

사람들이 이 장소를 비밀 장소라고 해요.
Saramdeuri i jangsoreul bimil jangsorago haeyo.
People call this place a secret spot.

4. Tips and Variations

In casual speech, you might hear -(이)래 instead of -(이)라고 해요.
For verbs and adjectives, you should use -다고 하다 instead.
To express hearsay or commonly said things, use 한다고 하다.

5. Did You Know?

💡 According to the 2023 Korean Foundation report, Korean is the 14th most studied language in the world with over 17 million learners globally. The spread of K-pop and K-dramas has made expressions like "이라고 하다" popular among fans quoting lines from shows or idol interviews!

6. Learn with Me on italki

🎓 Want to practice quoting speech naturally in Korean? Join my italki lessons and I’ll guide you through real conversation strategies and grammar.