Frustration At Frequent Occurrences In Korean ((으)ㄹ라치면)
The Korean grammar pattern V + (으)ㄹ라치면 is often used to express displeasure with a frequently occurring situation.
Specifically, whenever you try to do something, a second action occurs that prevents the first from happening. For example:
”Every single time I try X, this happens.”
This pattern is somewhat similar to 으려고 하면 but is less commonly used in speech.
Examples
아내와 말싸움을 할라치면 어머니가 늘 아내의 편을 들어주어요.
Whenever I argue with my wife, my mother always sides with her.
Whenever I argue with my wife, my mother always sides with her.
친구에게 전화를 할라치면 계속 통화 중이에요.
Whenever I try to call my friend, he's always on the phone.
Whenever I try to call my friend, he's always on the phone.
쇼핑몰에 갈라치면 가장 좋아하는 가게가 문을 닫아요!
Every single time I go to the shopping mall, my favorite shop is closed!
Every single time I go to the shopping mall, my favorite shop is closed!
제 동생은 사진을 찍을라치면 언제나 눈을 감아요.
Just when I think I'll get a good picture of my brother, he closes his eyes.
Just when I think I'll get a good picture of my brother, he closes his eyes.
퇴근을 할라치면 여지 없이 상사가 심부름을 시켜요.
Just when I think I'll be able to leave work, my boss makes me run errands.
Just when I think I'll be able to leave work, my boss makes me run errands.
저축을 할라치면 집수리를 하게 되어서 돈을 못 모아요.
Whenever I try to start saving, something in the house needs repairing so I'm unable to save.
Whenever I try to start saving, something in the house needs repairing so I'm unable to save.
영화를 볼라치면 금방 매진이 되네요.
Every single time I try to go and see that movie, the tickets are sold out.
Every single time I try to go and see that movie, the tickets are sold out.
조용히 책을 읽을라치면 이웃이 음악을 크게 틀어놓고 노래를 해서 마칠 지경이에요.
Every time I plan to quietly read my book, my neighbors start playing loud music and singing, to the point where I just stop reading.
Every time I plan to quietly read my book, my neighbors start playing loud music and singing, to the point where I just stop reading.
아기를 잠 재울라치면 항상 울고 소리쳐요.
Whenever I'm about to put my baby to sleep, he always cries and screams.
Whenever I'm about to put my baby to sleep, he always cries and screams.
Conclusion
The (으)ㄹ라치면 pattern is a valuable tool for expressing situations where repeated actions frustrate your initial plans.
Understanding this pattern will not only enrich your vocabulary but also provide a nuanced way to share your experiences and frustrations in Korean.
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