What is ~렴 (~려무나) grammar?
~렴 is an informal imperative ending. It is primarily used in spoken Korean by older generations when they are making requests or giving commands to younger individuals in a warm or affectionate manner.
~렴 is the shortened form of ~려무나. It is literally translated as "Please do" in English.
Key Characteristics:
1. Soft command or encouragement – often used by elders to children or juniors.
2. Common in literature and historical contexts – appears in classic novels, folk tales, and older speech styles.
3. Polite yet authoritative – though informal, it carries a sense of care and affection.
Conjugation Rules
1. Verbs ending in a vowel + 렴 or 려무나:
2. Verbs ending in a consonant +
으렴 or 으려무나.Example: 먹다 (to eat) → 먹으렴 / 먹으려무나 ("Eat up.")
3. 하다 verbs +
렴 or 려무나:Example: 공부하다 (to study) → 공부하렴 / 공부하려무나 ("Study well.")
When and How to Use ~렴 (~려무나)
1. Encouraging someone in a warm way:
- 책을 많이 읽으렴. (“Read a lot of books.”)
2. Giving a gentle command to someone younger:
- 친구들과 사이좋게 지내렴. (“Get along well with your friends.”)
3. Used by elders speaking to children:
- 밥을 다 먹으렴. (“Finish all your food.”)
4. In folk tales or literature:
- 용감한 왕자가 공주를 구하러 가려무나. (“The brave prince shall go rescue the princess.”)
More examples of ~렴 (~려무나) in Use
1. 빨리 집에 돌아오렴.Differences from Similar Grammar Patterns
| Grammar Pattern | Meaning | Usage | Politeness Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| ~렴 (~려무나) | Friendly command | Used by elders to juniors | Informal but affectionate |
| ~라 | Direct command | General imperative | Neutral to informal |
| ~세요 | Polite request | Standard polite speech | Formal |
| ~거라 | Command | Archaic/literary | Formal and old-fashioned |
Practice ~렴 (~려무나) Grammar
Try translating these sentences into Korean using ~렴 (~려무나):
1. "Go to school early."
2. "Please write a letter to your grandmother."
3. "Sleep well, my child."
(Answers: 학교에 일찍 가렴. / 할머니께 편지를 쓰렴. / 잘 자렴, 내 아이야.)
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