🏯

The Final Particle: -거라 / -너라 (Imperative)

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TL;DR 🦄
  • 🗣️ -거라 and -너라 are sentence-final imperative endings: they turn a verb into a direct command.
  • 🏛️ They belong to 해라체 and sound old-fashioned, literary, parental, dramatic, or stern compared with everyday -아라/어라 or polite -세요.
  • 🚶 -거라 is broad; 🌅 -너라 is mainly for 오다 (“to come”) and verbs ending in 오다.
🔊
🎧 Iru Helper Note — Open
Korean Helper Widgets
Korean Helper Widgets whenever you want to hear a command aloud. Type a form like 가거라 (“go”) or 돌아오너라 (“come back”), then listen for the sentence-final rhythm.
 

🌈 The Big Picture

Imperatives are not just “verb + command sauce.” They also carry relationship, register, mood, and genre. A command to a friend, a signpost instruction, a parent’s warning, and a king’s decree may all use different endings. Tiny endings, big social thunder. ⚡
 
-거라 and -너라 sit in a special corner of Korean commands. They are direct and non-polite, but they are not the most normal everyday way to tell someone to do something. They often feel archaic, literary, dramatic, instructional, or older-speaker-to-younger-speaker.
 
So when you see 가거라 (“go”), 먹거라 (“eat”), or 오너라 (“come”), do not translate only the action. Also hear the voice: a teacher in a folktale, a parent in a serious moment, a narrator in a novel, or a character being theatrically bossy. 🎭

🎨 The Core Imperative Family

1. -거라 — old-fashioned 해라체 command
  • Pattern: 동사 어간 = verb stem + -거라
  • Meaning: “Do it / go / eat / wait,” usually with an old-fashioned or stern flavor.
  • Example form: 가다 (“to go”) → 가거라 (“go”)
  • Another form: 기다리다 (“to wait”) → 기다리거라 (“wait”)
 
2. -너라 — special old-fashioned command with 오다
  • Pattern: 오다 or verbs ending in 오다 + -너라
  • Meaning: “Come / come back / come up,” with the same literary or old-fashioned feel.
  • Example form: 오다 (“to come”) → 오너라 (“come”)
  • Another form: 돌아오다 (“to come back”) → 돌아오너라 (“come back”)
 
3. Everyday neighbors
  • 가라 (“go”) — direct plain command; still not polite.
  • 가거라 (“go”) — direct command with an older/literary/dramatic tone.
  • 가세요 (“please go / go”) — polite command or suggestion.
  • 가십시오 (“please go”) — formal command.
 
Key idea: these endings are for verbs, not descriptive verbs/adjectives. You command actions, not states. 조용하다 (“to be quiet”) does not naturally become 조용하거라 as a default modern command; use an action-style expression such as 조용히 하거라 (“be quiet / keep quiet”) when the command is intentionally old-fashioned. 🤫

🛠️ How They Work in a Sentence

  • 이제 집으로 가거라. (“Go home now.”) 🏠
      • 이제 = “now”; 집 = “home/house”; -으로 marks direction toward a place. The ending -거라 makes the command sound old-fashioned or stern.
  • 따뜻할 때 국을 먹거라. (“Eat the soup while it is warm.”) 🍲
      • 따뜻하다 = “to be warm”; 때 = “time/when”; 국 = “soup”; 먹다 = “to eat.” This could sound like an elder speaking kindly but firmly.
  • 해가 지기 전에 돌아오너라. (“Come back before the sun sets.”) 🌇
      • 해 = “sun”; 지다 = “to set”; 전에 = “before”; 돌아오다 = “to come back.” Because the verb ends in 오다, -너라 is the classic choice.

🧩 General Formation Rule

Use the dictionary form, remove 다, then attach the ending.
 
Dictionary form
Stem
Command form
Meaning
가다
가-
가거라
Go.
먹다
먹-
먹거라
Eat.
기다리다
기다리-
기다리거라
Wait.
오다
오-
오너라
Come.
돌아오다
돌아오-
돌아오너라
Come back.
 
Modern standard note: Korean used to teach 가다 + -거라 and 오다 + -너라 as if they were special irregular command forms. Modern 국립국어원 guidance treats forms like 가라/가거라 and 와라/오너라/오거라 as standard forms with different nuance, especially the old-fashioned feeling of -거라/-너라. 🧭

📚 Cross-check note

The forms and nuance in this lesson were cross-checked against 국립국어원 / Korean.go.kr guidance on 오다 imperatives and the modern treatment of -거라/-너라. ✅

🪞 Synonym Alert

  • -아라/어라 — everyday direct 해라체 command, less literary than -거라/-너라. Example: 읽어라 (“read”).
  • -라 — often used in written instructions, slogans, public commands, or indirect quoted commands. Example: 문을 닫으라 (“close the door”).
  • -세요 — polite command/request. Example: 앉으세요 (“please sit”).
  • -십시오 — formal polite command. Example: 확인하십시오 (“please confirm”).

⚠️ Pitfalls to Dodge

  • ❌ 오너라 = normal polite “please come” → ✅ 오세요 is polite; 오너라 is direct, old-fashioned 해라체.
  • ❌ Using -너라 with any verb → ✅ Use it mainly with 오다 and verbs ending in 오다, such as 돌아오다.
  • ❌ Assuming 가거라 and 가라 are identical in mood → ✅ Both can mean “go,” but 가거라 has a more old-fashioned, literary, or stern color.
  • ❌ Commanding adjectives directly → ✅ Rephrase as an action: 조용하다 (“to be quiet”) → 조용히 하거라 (“be/keep quiet”).
  • ❌ Using these with strangers, customers, or elders → ✅ Use polite or formal endings like -세요 or -십시오.
You now have the “ancient command voice” switch. Use it carefully: excellent for reading novels and dramas, spicy if aimed at the wrong human. 🏛️🗣️
 

Try this exercise

Read each sentence and choose the command ending that fits the verb and tone. Say the full sentence aloud, then open the Answer toggle to check the form and nuance.
1. 날이 어두워지기 전에 집으로 ＿＿＿＿.
Go home before it gets dark. 🏠
Answer
가거라 — 가다 (“to go”) takes -거라 for an old-fashioned direct command.
2. 비가 오니 우산을 ＿＿＿＿.
Take an umbrella because it is raining. ☂️
Answer
챙기거라 — 챙기다 (“to take/prepare”) + -거라.
3. 문 앞에서 오래 서 있지 말고 안으로 ＿＿＿＿.
Do not stand at the door for long; come inside. 🚪
Answer
들어오너라 — 들어오다 (“to come in”) ends in 오다, so -너라 fits.
4. 배가 고프면 이 죽을 천천히 ＿＿＿＿.
If you are hungry, eat this porridge slowly. 🥣
Answer
먹거라 — 먹다 (“to eat”) + -거라.
5. 해가 지면 곧장 집으로 ＿＿＿＿.
When the sun sets, come straight home. 🌇
Answer
돌아오너라 — 돌아오다 (“to come back”) + -너라.
6. 편지를 다 읽고 조용히 ＿＿＿＿.
Read the letter fully and quietly write a reply. ✉️
Answer
쓰거라 — 쓰다 (“to write”) + -거라.
7. 손님이 오시면 예의를 갖추어 ＿＿＿＿.
When guests arrive, greet them with manners. 🙇
Answer
인사하거라 — 인사하다 (“to greet”) + -거라.
8. 먼 길을 왔으니 잠시 ＿＿＿＿.
You have come a long way, so rest for a while. 🛋️
Answer
쉬거라 — 쉬다 (“to rest”) + -거라.
9. 새벽이 밝기 전에 산 아래로 ＿＿＿＿.
Go down below the mountain before dawn breaks. ⛰️
Answer
내려가거라 — 내려가다 (“to go down”) + -거라.
10. 소식을 들으면 지체하지 말고 이곳으로 ＿＿＿＿.
If you hear the news, come here without delay. 📰
Answer
오너라 — 오다 (“to come”) + -너라.
📚
Vocabulary Box
  • 가다 → to go
  • 챙기다 → to take; to prepare
  • 들어오다 → to come in
  • 먹다 → to eat
  • 돌아오다 → to come back
  • 쓰다 → to write
  • 인사하다 → to greet
  • 쉬다 → to rest
  • 내려가다 → to go down
  • 오다 → to come
Tip 💡 If the verb ends in 오다, check whether -너라 is the elegant old-command choice.
🎯
Want more command-form reps? The Practice Hub is waiting with a tiny royal scroll and zero mercy for sloppy endings. 👑
 
📦
🎯 Practice Hub — The Final Particle: -거라 / -너라 Imperatives
 
Welcome to the command chamber. 🏛️ Here you will practice choosing between -거라, -너라, and nearby imperative endings while keeping register, verb type, and natural context in view.
 
🔊 Audio reminder: Use
Korean Helper Widgets
Korean Helper Widgets whenever you want to hear the rhythm of a sentence-final command.
 
📝 Instructions: Complete each Korean sentence with the best command form, then open the Answer toggle. Pay attention to whether the verb is an ordinary action verb, a verb ending in 오다, a polite context, or a written/public command.
 

Exercise 1 — Classic -거라 Commands 🏛️

A. 달이 뜨면 강가로 ＿＿＿＿.
Go to the riverside when the moon rises. 🌙
Answer
가거라 — 가다 + -거라. Direct, old-fashioned command.
B. 약속을 잊지 말고 시간에 맞춰 ＿＿＿＿.
Do not forget the appointment; arrive on time. ⏰
Answer
도착하거라 — 도착하다 (“to arrive”) + -거라.
C. 모르는 말은 사전에서 ＿＿＿＿.
Look up unfamiliar words in the dictionary. 📖
Answer
찾거라 — 찾다 (“to look for/find”) + -거라.
D. 등불이 꺼지기 전에 길을 ＿＿＿＿.
Examine the path before the lamp goes out. 🕯️
Answer
살피거라 — 살피다 (“to examine/check carefully”) + -거라.
E. 마음을 가라앉히고 다시 ＿＿＿＿.
Calm yourself and try again. 🔁
Answer
해 보거라 — 하다 (“to do”) + 보다 (“to try”) + -거라.
F. 종이 위에 네 생각을 또렷하게 ＿＿＿＿.
Write your thoughts clearly on the paper. 📄
Answer
쓰거라 — 쓰다 (“to write”) + -거라.
G. 찬 바람이 부니 외투를 ＿＿＿＿.
Put on a coat because a cold wind is blowing. 🧥
Answer
입거라 — 입다 (“to wear/put on clothing”) + -거라.
H. 손을 씻고 식탁에 ＿＿＿＿.
Wash your hands and sit at the table. 🍽️
Answer
앉거라 — 앉다 (“to sit”) + -거라.
I. 낯선 소문을 그대로 믿지 말고 먼저 ＿＿＿＿.
Do not believe a strange rumor as-is; check first. 🕵️
Answer
확인하거라 — 확인하다 (“to check/confirm”) + -거라.
J. 밤이 깊었으니 창문을 닫고 ＿＿＿＿.
It is late at night, so close the window and sleep. 🛏️
Answer
자거라 — 자다 (“to sleep”) + -거라.
📚
Vocabulary Box
  • 가다 → to go
  • 도착하다 → to arrive
  • 찾다 → to find; to look up
  • 살피다 → to examine; to check carefully
  • 하다 → to do
  • 보다 → to see; to try
  • 쓰다 → to write
  • 입다 → to wear; to put on clothing
  • 앉다 → to sit
  • 확인하다 → to check; to confirm
  • 자다 → to sleep
Tip 💡 -거라 can attach widely to action verbs, but the social tone is never neutral-small-talk.
 

Exercise 2 — The 오다 Family and -너라 🌅

A. 문이 열려 있으니 이리 ＿＿＿＿.
The door is open, so come this way. 🚪
Answer
오너라 — 오다 + -너라.
B. 길을 잃으면 이 표지판 앞으로 ＿＿＿＿.
If you get lost, come back to this sign. 🪧
Answer
돌아오너라 — 돌아오다 + -너라.
C. 물이 차가우니 강가에서 멀리 ＿＿＿＿.
The water is cold, so come away from the riverside. 🌊
Answer
나오너라 — 나오다 (“to come out”) + -너라.
D. 손님 앞에서는 방 안으로 조용히 ＿＿＿＿.
In front of guests, quietly come into the room. 🛋️
Answer
들어오너라 — 들어오다 + -너라.
E. 계단이 미끄러우니 천천히 ＿＿＿＿.
The stairs are slippery, so come up slowly. 🪜
Answer
올라오너라 — 올라오다 + -너라.
F. 짐이 무거우면 아래층으로 ＿＿＿＿.
If the luggage is heavy, come down to the lower floor. 🧳
Answer
내려오너라 — 내려오다 + -너라.
G. 불빛이 보이는 쪽으로 가까이 ＿＿＿＿.
Come closer toward the side where the light is visible. 💡
Answer
다가오너라 — 다가오다 + -너라.
H. 비가 그치면 정원으로 ＿＿＿＿.
When the rain stops, come out to the garden. 🌱
Answer
나오너라 — 나오다 works for “come out” into an open place.
I. 수업이 끝나면 교무실로 ＿＿＿＿.
When class ends, come to the teachers’ office. 🏫
Answer
오너라 — 오다 + -너라; the speaker’s location is the goal.
J. 마지막 종이 울리면 무대로 ＿＿＿＿.
When the final bell rings, come up to the stage. 🎭
Answer
올라오너라 — 올라오다 + -너라.
📚
Vocabulary Box
  • 오다 → to come
  • 돌아오다 → to come back
  • 나오다 → to come out
  • 들어오다 → to come in
  • 올라오다 → to come up
  • 내려오다 → to come down
  • 다가오다 → to approach; to come closer
  • 그치다 → to stop
  • 보이다 → to be visible
  • 울리다 → to ring; to sound
Tip 💡 If the motion is toward the speaker or reference point and the verb ends in 오다, -너라 is the classic literary form.
 

Exercise 3 — Register Contrast: Direct, Polite, Formal 🎚️

A. 할아버지가 손자에게 말했다. “어서 밥을 ＿＿＿＿.”
Grandfather said to a grandchild, “Eat quickly.” 🍚
Answer
먹거라 — Older speaker to younger listener; old-fashioned direct tone fits.
B. 직원이 고객에게 말했다. “이쪽으로 ＿＿＿＿.”
An employee said to a customer, “Please come this way.” 🧾
Answer
오세요 — Customer-facing speech needs polite language, not 오너라.
C. 안내문에는 이렇게 적혀 있었다. “문을 ＿＿＿＿.”
The notice said, “Close the door.” 🚪
Answer
닫으라 — Written/public instruction often uses -라.
D. 상사가 회의에서 정중하게 말했다. “자료를 ＿＿＿＿.”
A manager said politely in a meeting, “Please check the materials.” 📊
Answer
확인하십시오 — Formal polite command; 확인하거라 would be inappropriate here.
E. 소설 속 스승이 제자에게 말했다. “두려워하지 말고 앞으로 ＿＿＿＿.”
In a novel, a teacher said to a student, “Do not fear; step forward.” 🗡️
Answer
나아가거라 — Literary mentor voice: perfect habitat for -거라.
F. 친구에게 장난스럽게 말했다. “빨리 ＿＿＿＿!”
Someone jokingly told a friend, “Come quickly!” 🏃
Answer
와 — Casual speech among friends. 오너라 would sound theatrical unless joking intentionally.
G. 군주는 신하에게 명했다. “성문을 ＿＿＿＿.”
The ruler ordered a retainer, “Open the castle gate.” 🏰
Answer
열거라 — Dramatic authority + direct command: -거라 fits.
H. 교사가 학생들에게 공손히 말했다. “자리에 ＿＿＿＿.”
A teacher politely said to students, “Please sit down.” 🪑
Answer
앉으세요 — Polite classroom instruction; not old-fashioned scolding.
I. 표지판에는 이렇게 쓰여 있었다. “잔디를 밟지 ＿＿＿＿.”
The sign said, “Do not step on the grass.” 🌿
Answer
마시오 — Written notice style. 마라 is also a plain command, but 마시오 is common in signs.
J. 어머니가 아이에게 부드럽게 말했다. “늦었으니 이제 ＿＿＿＿.”
A mother gently said to a child, “It is late, so sleep now.” 🌙
Answer
자거라 — Can sound elder-to-child, firm but warm depending on context.
📚
Vocabulary Box
  • 먹다 → to eat
  • 오다 → to come
  • 닫다 → to close
  • 확인하다 → to check; to confirm
  • 나아가다 → to move forward
  • 열다 → to open
  • 앉다 → to sit
  • 밟다 → to step on
  • 자다 → to sleep
  • 말다 → to stop; to refrain from
Tip 💡 Correct grammar can still be socially wrong. Commands are register traps wearing tiny endings.
 

Exercise 4 — Rewrite the Mood 🪄

A. 가세요 → old-fashioned direct command: ＿＿＿＿
Change “please go” into “go” with literary force. 🚶
Answer
가거라 — Polite -세요 becomes old-fashioned direct -거라.
B. 오세요 → old-fashioned direct command: ＿＿＿＿
Change “please come” into “come” with classic command tone. 🌅
Answer
오너라 — 오다 naturally pairs with -너라.
C. 기다리세요 → old-fashioned direct command: ＿＿＿＿
Change “please wait” into “wait.” ⌛
Answer
기다리거라 — 기다리다 + -거라.
D. 들어오세요 → old-fashioned direct command: ＿＿＿＿
Change “please come in” into “come in.” 🏠
Answer
들어오너라 — 들어오다 ends in 오다.
E. 읽으세요 → old-fashioned direct command: ＿＿＿＿
Change “please read” into “read.” 📚
Answer
읽거라 — 읽다 + -거라.
F. 돌아오세요 → old-fashioned direct command: ＿＿＿＿
Change “please come back” into “come back.” 🧭
Answer
돌아오너라 — 돌아오다 + -너라.
G. 쉬세요 → old-fashioned direct command: ＿＿＿＿
Change “please rest” into “rest.” 🛋️
Answer
쉬거라 — 쉬다 + -거라.
H. 내려오세요 → old-fashioned direct command: ＿＿＿＿
Change “please come down” into “come down.” 🪜
Answer
내려오너라 — 내려오다 + -너라.
I. 생각하세요 → old-fashioned direct command: ＿＿＿＿
Change “please think” into “think.” 💭
Answer
생각하거라 — 생각하다 + -거라.
J. 조용히 하세요 → old-fashioned direct command: ＿＿＿＿
Change “please be quiet” into “be quiet.” 🤫
Answer
조용히 하거라 — Use action-style 하다, not a bare adjective command.
📚
Vocabulary Box
  • 가다 → to go
  • 오다 → to come
  • 기다리다 → to wait
  • 들어오다 → to come in
  • 읽다 → to read
  • 돌아오다 → to come back
  • 쉬다 → to rest
  • 내려오다 → to come down
  • 생각하다 → to think
  • 조용히 하다 → to be quiet; to keep quiet
Tip 💡 Rewriting from -세요 to -거라/-너라 changes not just politeness but the entire scene.
 

Exercise 5 — Mixed Mastery + Pitfall Patrol 🛡️

A. ❌ 사장님, 여기로 오너라. → ✅ 사장님, 여기로 ＿＿＿＿.
Fix the sentence addressed to the company president. 🏢
Answer
오세요 — Use polite speech for a superior; 오너라 is direct and downward-sounding.
B. ❌ 내일 일찍 도착너라. → ✅ 내일 일찍 ＿＿＿＿.
Fix the ending on “arrive early tomorrow.” 🌅
Answer
도착하거라 — 도착하다 does not end in 오다; use -거라.
C. ❌ 밖이 춥다거라. → ✅ 밖이 추우니 외투를 ＿＿＿＿.
Turn the adjective idea into an action command. 🧥
Answer
입거라 — Do not command the state “cold”; command an action: 입다 (“to wear”).
D. ❌ 돌아오거라 is impossible. → ✅ It is standard, but ＿＿＿＿ is the classic 오다-family form. 🧭
Answer
돌아오너라 — Modern guidance recognizes multiple standard forms; -너라 is the classic form with 오다-ending verbs.
E. ❌ 읽거라 = polite “please read.” → ✅ Polite version: ＿＿＿＿. 📚
Answer
읽으세요 — 읽거라 is direct 해라체, not polite.
F. 왕이 말했다. “문을 ＿＿＿＿.”
Choose a dramatic direct command: “Open the door.” 👑
Answer
열거라 — King voice detected. 열다 + -거라.
G. 표지판: “출입문을 ＿＿＿＿.”
Choose the written notice style: “Close the entrance door.” 🚪
Answer
닫으라 — Public written command often prefers -라, not theatrical -거라.
H. ❌ 학생들아, 예쁘거라. → ✅ Natural command: 학생들아, 자세를 바르게 ＿＿＿＿.
Fix the adjective-as-command problem. 🪑
Answer
하거라 — Use 자세를 바르게 하다 (“to keep posture straight”) as an action command.
I. 스승이 제자에게 말했다. “진실을 ＿＿＿＿.”
Complete “Speak the truth.” 🕯️
Answer
말하거라 — 말하다 (“to speak/say”) + -거라.
J. 어머니가 아이에게 말했다. “비 오기 전에 ＿＿＿＿.”
Complete “Come back before it rains.” ☔
Answer
돌아오너라 — 돌아오다 + -너라; elder-to-child context works naturally.
📚
Vocabulary Box
  • 오다 → to come
  • 도착하다 → to arrive
  • 입다 → to wear; to put on clothing
  • 돌아오다 → to come back
  • 읽다 → to read
  • 열다 → to open
  • 닫다 → to close
  • 하다 → to do
  • 말하다 → to speak; to say
  • 비 오다 → to rain
Tip 💡 Pitfall patrol checklist: verb type, social direction, written-vs-spoken context, and whether the command is an action.
 
🎉 Excellent work. You can now recognize when Korean is not merely saying “do this,” but saying it with a storybook cloak, a stern eyebrow, or a royal stamp. 👑
📜
TL;DR 🦄
  • 🏯 -거라 and -너라 are plain imperative endings with an old-fashioned, literary, elder-to-younger, or storybook flavor.
  • 🚶 가라 [ga-ra] = “Go,” and 가거라 [ga-geo-ra] = “Go now / Go, child” with a softer old-style feel.
  • 🚪 오너라 [o-neo-ra] = “Come here” is the classic -너라 form; modern Korean also accepts 와라 [wa-ra] and 오거라 [o-geo-ra].
🔊
🎧 Iru Helper Note — When you want to hear any Korean word or sentence in this lesson, open
Korean Helper Widgets
Korean Helper Widgets and type it into the widget for audio. These endings sound a little historical, so let your ears wear a tiny palace hat. 👑
 

🌈 The Big Picture

-거라 and -너라 are command endings in 해라체 — plain, non-honorific speech used downward, in writing, in narration, or in stylized lines. They are not polite service-counter Korean. They are closer to “Go forth,” “Come here, child,” or “Rest now” than “Could you please come in?” 🏯
The ordinary plain command ending you may already know is -아라/어라. For example, 가라 [ga-ra] means “Go,” and 와라 [wa-ra] means “Come.” The endings in this lesson add a special old-style command flavor: 가거라 [ga-geo-ra] “Go now / Go, child,” and 오너라 [o-neo-ra] “Come here.” 🚶
Advanced grammar snack: older school grammar used to describe 가다 [ga-da] “to go” with -거라, and 오다 [o-da] “to come” with -너라, as special irregular command patterns. Modern standard explanations do not treat that old “거라/너라 irregular” idea as active in the same way. Instead, 가라 [ga-ra], 가거라 [ga-geo-ra], 와라 [wa-ra], 오너라 [o-neo-ra], and 오거라 [o-geo-ra] can all be understood as standard, with different style and nuance. ✅

🎨 The Core -거라 / -너라 Family

Use these with action verbs, not ordinary adjectives. Commands tell someone to do something.
  • 가다 [ga-da] = to go → 가라 [ga-ra] = Go → 가거라 [ga-geo-ra] = Go now / Go, child 🚶
  • 오다 [o-da] = to come → 와라 [wa-ra] = Come → 오너라 [o-neo-ra] = Come here / Come, child 🚪
  • 먹다 [meok-da] = to eat → 먹어라 [meo-geo-ra] = Eat → 먹거라 [meok-geo-ra] = Eat now / Go ahead and eat 🍚
  • 자다 [ja-da] = to sleep → 자라 [ja-ra] = Sleep → 자거라 [ja-geo-ra] = Sleep now 🌙
  • 쉬다 [swi-da] = to rest → 쉬어라 [swi-eo-ra] = Rest → 쉬거라 [swi-geo-ra] = Rest now 🛋️
  • 듣다 [deut-da] = to listen → 들어라 [deu-reo-ra] = Listen → 듣거라 [deut-geo-ra] = Listen now 👂
  • 읽다 [ik-da] = to read → 읽어라 [il-geo-ra] = Read → 읽거라 [ik-geo-ra] = Read now 📖
  • 기다리다 [gi-da-ri-da] = to wait → 기다려라 [gi-da-ryeo-ra] = Wait → 기다리거라 [gi-da-ri-geo-ra] = Wait now ⏳
Helpful sentence words used below: 집 [jip] = home/house 🏠, 방 [bang] = room 🛏️, 문 [mun] = door 🚪, 밥 [bap] = rice/meal 🍚, 물 [mul] = water 💧, 책 [chaek] = book 📚, 말 [mal] = words/speech 🗣️, 길 [gil] = road/path 🛤️, 앞 [ap] = front, 이리 [i-ri] = this way/here, 조용히 [jo-yong-hi] = quietly 🤫, 어서 [eo-seo] = quickly/go ahead, 이제 [i-je] = now, 먼저 [meon-jeo] = first.

🛠️ How They Work in a Sentence

  • 이제 집에 가거라. [i-je ji-be ga-geo-ra] — Go home now. 🏠
      • 이제 = now, 집에 = to home, 가거라 = go now. This sounds like an elder, narrator, or literary voice.
  • 문을 열고 이리 오너라. [mu-neul yeol-go i-ri o-neo-ra] — Open the door and come here. 🚪
      • 문을 = the door, 열고 = open and, 이리 = this way/here, 오너라 = come here. Very classic command flavor.
  • 밥을 먹고 조용히 쉬거라. [ba-beul meok-go jo-yong-hi swi-geo-ra] — Eat your meal and rest quietly. 🍚
      • 밥을 = the meal, 먹고 = eat and, 조용히 = quietly, 쉬거라 = rest now. This feels caring, old-style, and downward in speech level.

🧩 General Formation Rule

Use the verb stem, then attach the ending:
  • Most action verb stems + -거라: 가다 [ga-da] “to go” → 가거라 [ga-geo-ra] “go now”; 먹다 [meok-da] “to eat” → 먹거라 [meok-geo-ra] “eat now.”
  • Classic 오다 form + -너라: 오다 [o-da] “to come” → 오너라 [o-neo-ra] “come here.”
  • Ordinary plain command comparison: 가라 [ga-ra] “go,” 와라 [wa-ra] “come,” 먹어라 [meo-geo-ra] “eat,” 쉬어라 [swi-eo-ra] “rest.”
  • Style rule: -거라 and -너라 feel more old-fashioned, literary, affectionate-from-above, or dramatic than plain -아라/어라.
No scary irregular chart today. The important modern point is style: these are recognizable command endings, but they are not your everyday polite request endings.

📚 Cross-check note

The modern standard treatment of -거라 and -너라, including the note that the old “거라/너라 irregular” analysis is no longer treated as an active irregular and that 가라/가거라 and 와라/오너라/오거라 are standard with style differences, was checked against 국립국어원 / korean.go.kr. ✅

🪞 Synonym Alert

  • -아라/어라 — plain direct command: 가라 [ga-ra] “Go,” 먹어라 [meo-geo-ra] “Eat.” Direct, plain, not especially old-fashioned. ⚡
  • -거라 — old-style or literary plain command: 가거라 [ga-geo-ra] “Go now,” 먹거라 [meok-geo-ra] “Eat now.” Often sounds elder-to-younger, narrative, or dramatic. 🏯
  • -너라 — classic old-style command mainly recognized with 오다: 오너라 [o-neo-ra] “Come here.” 🚪
  • -(으)라 — formal written command: 제출하라 [je-chul-ha-ra] “Submit.” More like rules, slogans, instructions, and official writing. 📋
  • -(으)세요 — polite everyday command/request: 가세요 [ga-se-yo] “Please go,” 오세요 [o-se-yo] “Please come.” ☕

⚠️ Pitfalls to Dodge

  • ❌ 친구에게 매일 “오너라”라고 말해요. [chin-gu-e-ge mae-il “o-neo-ra”-ra-go mal-hae-yo] → ✅ 친구에게는 “와”나 “와라”가 더 자연스러워요. [chin-gu-e-ge-neun “wa”-na “wa-ra”-ga deo ja-yeon-seu-reo-wo-yo] (“For a friend, ‘come’ or ‘come here’ in a normal plain style is more natural.”) 오너라 sounds old-style.
  • ❌ 선생님, 이리 오너라. [seon-saeng-nim i-ri o-neo-ra] → ✅ 선생님, 이리 오세요. [seon-saeng-nim i-ri o-se-yo] (“Teacher, please come here.”) Do not use downward plain commands to someone you should respect.
  • ❌ 예쁘거라. [ye-ppeu-geo-ra] → ✅ 예쁘게 지내거라. [ye-ppeu-ge ji-nae-geo-ra] (“Live beautifully / Take care and be well.”) Commands usually need action verbs; plain adjectives do not naturally take imperative endings by themselves.
  • ❌ Thinking -거라 is only for 가다 [ga-da] “to go” → ✅ Modern explanations allow broader use, like 먹거라 [meok-geo-ra] “eat now” and 쉬거라 [swi-geo-ra] “rest now.”
  • ❌ Treating -거라 as polite → ✅ It is plain/downward or stylized. For polite speech, use 가세요 [ga-se-yo] “please go” or 오세요 [o-se-yo] “please come.”
🏯 Bottom line: -거라 and -너라 are command endings with vintage robes. Recognize them in stories, sermons, family-elder speech, and dramatic lines — but do not bring them to a polite coffee order. ☕
 
Try this exercise
Instructions: Complete each old-style command with -거라 or -너라. Say the whole sentence aloud, feel the storybook tone, then open the Answer toggle.
1. 이제 집에 가＿＿＿＿.
[i-je ji-be ga-＿＿＿＿]
Go home now. 🏠
Answer
거라 — 가다 [ga-da] “to go” → 가거라 [ga-geo-ra]. Old-style “go now.”
2. 문을 열고 이리 오＿＿＿＿.
[mu-neul yeol-go i-ri o-＿＿＿＿]
Open the door and come here. 🚪
Answer
너라 — 오다 [o-da] “to come” → 오너라 [o-neo-ra], the classic old-style form.
3. 밥을 먹＿＿＿＿.
[ba-beul meok-＿＿＿＿]
Eat your meal. 🍚
Answer
거라 — 먹다 [meok-da] “to eat” → 먹거라 [meok-geo-ra].
4. 조용히 쉬＿＿＿＿.
[jo-yong-hi swi-＿＿＿＿]
Rest quietly. 🛋️
Answer
거라 — 쉬다 [swi-da] “to rest” → 쉬거라 [swi-geo-ra].
5. 책을 읽＿＿＿＿.
[chae-geul ik-＿＿＿＿]
Read the book. 📖
Answer
거라 — 읽다 [ik-da] “to read” → 읽거라 [ik-geo-ra].
6. 어서 자＿＿＿＿.
[eo-seo ja-＿＿＿＿]
Go ahead and sleep. 🌙
Answer
거라 — 자다 [ja-da] “to sleep” → 자거라 [ja-geo-ra].
7. 내 말을 듣＿＿＿＿.
[nae ma-reul deut-＿＿＿＿]
Listen to my words. 👂
Answer
거라 — 듣다 [deut-da] “to listen” → 듣거라 [deut-geo-ra].
8. 길 앞에서 기다리＿＿＿＿.
[gil a-pe-seo gi-da-ri-＿＿＿＿]
Wait in front of the road. 🛤️
Answer
거라 — 기다리다 [gi-da-ri-da] “to wait” → 기다리거라 [gi-da-ri-geo-ra].
9. 물도 마시고 쉬＿＿＿＿.
[mul-do ma-si-go swi-＿＿＿＿]
Drink some water too and rest. 💧
Answer
거라 — 쉬다 [swi-da] “to rest” → 쉬거라 [swi-geo-ra].
10. 방으로 오＿＿＿＿.
[bang-eu-ro o-＿＿＿＿]
Come to the room. 🛏️
Answer
너라 — 오다 [o-da] “to come” → 오너라 [o-neo-ra].
📚
Vocabulary Box
  • 이제 → now
  • 집 → home/house
  • 가다 → to go
  • 문 → door
  • 열다 → to open
  • 이리 → this way/here
  • 오다 → to come
  • 밥 → rice/meal
  • 먹다 → to eat
  • 조용히 → quietly
  • 쉬다 → to rest
  • 책 → book
  • 읽다 → to read
  • 어서 → quickly/go ahead
  • 자다 → to sleep
  • 말 → words/speech
  • 듣다 → to listen
  • 길 → road/path
  • 기다리다 → to wait
  • 물 → water
  • 방 → room
Tip 💡 Use 오너라 for the classic “come here” form; most other old-style commands here use -거라.
🎯
Want more reps? The Practice Hub below is ready when you are. Bring your tiny palace hat. 👑
 
📦
🎯 Practice Hub — The Final Particle: -거라 / -너라 Imperative
 
Welcome to the vintage command dojo. 🏯 You’ll practice recognizing -거라 and -너라, choosing the right old-style ending, and separating these forms from everyday polite commands. The goal is not to boss people around; it is to understand why a sentence suddenly sounds like a wise elder stepped out of a folktale. 🧙
 
🔊 Audio reminder: Use
Korean Helper Widgets
Korean Helper Widgets whenever you want to hear a sentence out loud.
 
📝 Instructions: Complete each prompt, say the full Korean sentence aloud, then check the Answer toggle. Focus on the verb first, then the tone: ordinary plain command, old-style command, or polite everyday speech.
 
🧭
Reference Hub — Core Map
  • 가다 [ga-da] “to go” → 가라 [ga-ra] “go” / 가거라 [ga-geo-ra] “go now, old-style”
  • 오다 [o-da] “to come” → 와라 [wa-ra] “come” / 오너라 [o-neo-ra] “come here, classic old-style”
  • -거라 → old-style plain command ending; -너라 → classic with 오다.
 

Exercise 1 — Classic 가거라 and 오너라 🚶

A. 먼저 집에 가＿＿＿＿.
[meon-jeo ji-be ga-＿＿＿＿]
Go home first. 🏠
Answer
거라 — 가다 [ga-da] “to go” → 가거라 [ga-geo-ra], old-style “go.”
B. 이리 오＿＿＿＿.
[i-ri o-＿＿＿＿]
Come here. 🚪
Answer
너라 — 오다 [o-da] “to come” → 오너라 [o-neo-ra].
C. 길을 따라 가＿＿＿＿.
[gi-reul tta-ra ga-＿＿＿＿]
Go along the road. 🛤️
Answer
거라 — 가거라 gives the command an old-style tone.
D. 방으로 오＿＿＿＿.
[bang-eu-ro o-＿＿＿＿]
Come to the room. 🛏️
Answer
너라 — Classic 오다 command: 오너라.
E. 이제 앞으로 가＿＿＿＿.
[i-je a-peu-ro ga-＿＿＿＿]
Now go forward. ➡️
Answer
거라 — 가다 + -거라 = 가거라.
F. 문 앞에 오＿＿＿＿.
[mun a-pe o-＿＿＿＿]
Come to the front of the door. 🚪
Answer
너라 — 오너라 is the old-style “come here” form.
G. 집으로 조용히 가＿＿＿＿.
[ji-beu-ro jo-yong-hi ga-＿＿＿＿]
Go home quietly. 🤫
Answer
거라 — 가거라 sounds like a gentle elder/narrator command.
H. 어서 이리 오＿＿＿＿.
[eo-seo i-ri o-＿＿＿＿]
Come here quickly. 🏃
Answer
너라 — 오너라 fits the classic old-style invitation/command.
I. 먼저 길로 가＿＿＿＿.
[meon-jeo gil-lo ga-＿＿＿＿]
Go to the road first. 🛤️
Answer
거라 — 가거라 = old-style “go.”
J. 내 방에 오＿＿＿＿.
[nae bang-e o-＿＿＿＿]
Come to my room. 🛏️
Answer
너라 — 오다 → 오너라.
📚
Vocabulary Box
  • 먼저 → first
  • 집 → home/house
  • 가다 → to go
  • 이리 → this way/here
  • 오다 → to come
  • 길 → road/path
  • 따라 → along/following
  • 방 → room
  • 이제 → now
  • 앞 → front
  • 문 → door
  • 조용히 → quietly
  • 어서 → quickly/go ahead
  • 내 → my
  • 에/으로/로 → to/toward
Tip 💡 가다 pairs naturally with 가거라; the classic 오다 form is 오너라.
 

Exercise 2 — Everyday actions with -거라 🍚

A. 밥을 먹＿＿＿＿.
[ba-beul meok-＿＿＿＿]
Eat your meal. 🍚
Answer
거라 — 먹다 [meok-da] “to eat” → 먹거라 [meok-geo-ra].
B. 물을 마시＿＿＿＿.
[mu-reul ma-si-＿＿＿＿]
Drink water. 💧
Answer
거라 — 마시다 [ma-si-da] “to drink” → 마시거라 [ma-si-geo-ra].
C. 책을 읽＿＿＿＿.
[chae-geul ik-＿＿＿＿]
Read the book. 📖
Answer
거라 — 읽다 [ik-da] “to read” → 읽거라 [ik-geo-ra].
D. 내 말을 듣＿＿＿＿.
[nae ma-reul deut-＿＿＿＿]
Listen to my words. 👂
Answer
거라 — 듣다 [deut-da] “to listen” → 듣거라 [deut-geo-ra].
E. 이제 자＿＿＿＿.
[i-je ja-＿＿＿＿]
Sleep now. 🌙
Answer
거라 — 자다 [ja-da] “to sleep” → 자거라 [ja-geo-ra].
F. 조용히 쉬＿＿＿＿.
[jo-yong-hi swi-＿＿＿＿]
Rest quietly. 🛋️
Answer
거라 — 쉬다 [swi-da] “to rest” → 쉬거라 [swi-geo-ra].
G. 문을 열＿＿＿＿.
[mu-neul yeol-＿＿＿＿]
Open the door. 🚪
Answer
거라 — 열다 [yeol-da] “to open” → 열거라 [yeol-geo-ra].
H. 길 앞에서 기다리＿＿＿＿.
[gil a-pe-seo gi-da-ri-＿＿＿＿]
Wait in front of the road. ⏳
Answer
거라 — 기다리다 [gi-da-ri-da] “to wait” → 기다리거라 [gi-da-ri-geo-ra].
I. 말을 하＿＿＿＿.
[ma-reul ha-＿＿＿＿]
Speak. 🗣️
Answer
거라 — 하다 [ha-da] “to do/say” → 하거라 [ha-geo-ra].
J. 물도 먹고 쉬＿＿＿＿.
[mul-do meok-go swi-＿＿＿＿]
Eat too, and rest. 🍚
Answer
거라 — The final verb is 쉬다 [swi-da] “to rest,” so 쉬거라.
📚
Vocabulary Box
  • 밥 → rice/meal
  • 먹다 → to eat
  • 물 → water
  • 마시다 → to drink
  • 책 → book
  • 읽다 → to read
  • 내 → my
  • 말 → words/speech
  • 듣다 → to listen
  • 이제 → now
  • 자다 → to sleep
  • 조용히 → quietly
  • 쉬다 → to rest
  • 문 → door
  • 열다 → to open
  • 길 → road/path
  • 앞 → front
  • 기다리다 → to wait
  • 하다 → to do/say
  • 을/를 → object marker
Tip 💡 In this exercise, the old-style command ending is -거라.
 

Exercise 3 — Compare plain command and old-style command 🎭

A. 가라 [ga-ra] → old-style: 가＿＿＿＿
Go. 🚶
Answer
가거라 — 가라 is plain direct; 가거라 is old-style/literary.
B. 와라 [wa-ra] → classic old-style: 오＿＿＿＿
Come. 🚪
Answer
오너라 — 오너라 is the classic old-style 오다 command.
C. 먹어라 [meo-geo-ra] → old-style: 먹＿＿＿＿
Eat. 🍚
Answer
먹거라 — 먹다 + -거라.
D. 쉬어라 [swi-eo-ra] → old-style: 쉬＿＿＿＿
Rest. 🛋️
Answer
쉬거라 — 쉬다 + -거라.
E. 자라 [ja-ra] → old-style: 자＿＿＿＿
Sleep. 🌙
Answer
자거라 — 자다 + -거라.
F. 읽어라 [il-geo-ra] → old-style: 읽＿＿＿＿
Read. 📖
Answer
읽거라 — 읽다 + -거라.
G. 들어라 [deu-reo-ra] → old-style: 듣＿＿＿＿
Listen. 👂
Answer
듣거라 — 듣다 + -거라. This exercise contrasts forms, so keep an eye on the dictionary verb.
H. 기다려라 [gi-da-ryeo-ra] → old-style: 기다리＿＿＿＿
Wait. ⏳
Answer
기다리거라 — 기다리다 + -거라.
I. 열어라 [yeo-reo-ra] → old-style: 열＿＿＿＿
Open. 🚪
Answer
열거라 — 열다 + -거라.
J. 마셔라 [ma-syeo-ra] → old-style: 마시＿＿＿＿
Drink. 💧
Answer
마시거라 — 마시다 + -거라.
📚
Vocabulary Box
  • 가라 → go
  • 가거라 → go now, old-style
  • 와라 → come
  • 오너라 → come here, old-style
  • 먹어라 → eat
  • 먹거라 → eat now, old-style
  • 쉬어라 → rest
  • 쉬거라 → rest now, old-style
  • 자라 → sleep
  • 자거라 → sleep now, old-style
  • 읽다 → to read
  • 듣다 → to listen
  • 기다리다 → to wait
  • 열다 → to open
  • 마시다 → to drink
Tip 💡 -아라/어라 is plain direct; -거라/-너라 adds an older or more stylized tone.
 

Exercise 4 — Tone patrol: old-style or polite? ☕

A. 선생님, 이리 오세요.
[seon-saeng-nim i-ri o-se-yo]
Is this old-style or polite? 👩‍🏫
Answer
Polite — 오세요 [o-se-yo] is respectful. Use this with a teacher.
B. 아이야, 이리 오너라.
[a-i-ya i-ri o-neo-ra]
Is this old-style or polite? 🧒
Answer
Old-style plain command — 오너라 is classic and downward/stylized.
C. 할아버지, 먼저 가세요.
[ha-ra-beo-ji meon-jeo ga-se-yo]
Is this old-style or polite? 👴
Answer
Polite — 가세요 [ga-se-yo] is respectful.
D. 얘야, 먼저 가거라.
[yae-ya meon-jeo ga-geo-ra]
Is this old-style or polite? 🏯
Answer
Old-style plain command — 가거라 sounds elder-to-younger or literary.
E. 밥을 드세요.
[ba-beul deu-se-yo]
Is this old-style or polite? 🍚
Answer
Polite — 드세요 [deu-se-yo] is polite. It is not -거라 style.
F. 밥을 먹거라.
[ba-beul meok-geo-ra]
Is this old-style or polite? 🍚
Answer
Old-style plain command — 먹거라 is plain/downward or storybook-like.
G. 잠깐 기다리세요.
[jam-kkan gi-da-ri-se-yo]
Is this old-style or polite? ⏳
Answer
Polite — 기다리세요 [gi-da-ri-se-yo] is polite everyday instruction.
H. 문 앞에서 기다리거라.
[mun a-pe-seo gi-da-ri-geo-ra]
Is this old-style or polite? 🚪
Answer
Old-style plain command — 기다리거라 has the -거라 ending.
I. 물을 마시세요.
[mu-reul ma-si-se-yo]
Is this old-style or polite? 💧
Answer
Polite — 마시세요 [ma-si-se-yo] is polite.
J. 물을 마시거라.
[mu-reul ma-si-geo-ra]
Is this old-style or polite? 💧
Answer
Old-style plain command — 마시거라 sounds like elder/narrator speech.
📚
Vocabulary Box
  • 선생님 → teacher
  • 오세요 → please come
  • 아이 → child
  • 오너라 → come here, old-style
  • 할아버지 → grandfather/elderly man
  • 가세요 → please go
  • 얘야 → hey child/dear child
  • 가거라 → go now, old-style
  • 밥 → rice/meal
  • 드세요 → please eat
  • 먹거라 → eat now, old-style
  • 잠깐 → for a moment
  • 기다리세요 → please wait
  • 기다리거라 → wait now, old-style
  • 물 → water
  • 마시세요 → please drink
  • 마시거라 → drink now, old-style
Tip 💡 If the sentence ends in -세요, it is polite; if it ends in -거라/-너라, it is old-style plain.
 

Exercise 5 — Mixed Mastery + Pitfall Patrol 🛡️

A. ❌ 선생님, 이리 오너라. → ✅ 선생님, 이리 ＿＿＿＿.
[seon-saeng-nim i-ri ＿＿＿＿]
Fix the command to a teacher. 👩‍🏫
Answer
오세요 — Use polite 오세요 [o-se-yo] with someone you should respect. 오너라 is downward/old-style.
B. ❌ 예쁘거라. → ✅ 예쁘게 지내＿＿＿＿.
[ye-ppeu-ge ji-nae-＿＿＿＿]
Fix the adjective command. 🌸
Answer
거라 — Do not command the adjective 예쁘다 [ye-ppeu-da] “to be pretty” directly. Use an action-like phrase: 예쁘게 지내거라 [ye-ppeu-ge ji-nae-geo-ra] “live beautifully / take care beautifully.”
C. 가라 and 가거라 are both standard, but 가거라 sounds more ＿＿＿＿.
[ga-ra and ga-geo-ra are both standard]
Choose the tone: polite / old-style. 🏯
Answer
old-style — 가거라 [ga-geo-ra] has an older, literary, elder-to-younger flavor.
D. 와라, 오너라, and 오거라 can all mean “come,” but 오너라 is the classic ＿＿＿＿ form.
[wa-ra, o-neo-ra, o-geo-ra]
Choose: 오다 / 먹다. 🚪
Answer
오다 — 오너라 [o-neo-ra] is the classic old-style command from 오다 [o-da] “to come.”
E. 친구야, 밥을 먹＿＿＿＿.
[chin-gu-ya ba-beul meok-＿＿＿＿]
Complete the caring old-style command. 🍚
Answer
거라 — 먹거라 [meok-geo-ra] = eat now / go ahead and eat.
F. 아이야, 이제 자＿＿＿＿.
[a-i-ya i-je ja-＿＿＿＿]
Complete the old-style command. 🌙
Answer
거라 — 자거라 [ja-geo-ra] = sleep now.
G. ❌ “-거라 is polite.” → ✅ “-거라 is ＿＿＿＿.”
[geo-ra]
Choose: polite / plain old-style. 📜
Answer
plain old-style — Use -세요 for polite everyday commands.
H. 문을 열고 들어오＿＿＿＿.
[mu-neul yeol-go deu-reo-o-＿＿＿＿]
Come in after opening the door. 🚪
Answer
거라 — 들어오다 [deu-reo-o-da] “to come in” can take -거라: 들어오거라 [deu-reo-o-geo-ra].
I. ❌ 할아버지, 먼저 가거라. → ✅ 할아버지, 먼저 ＿＿＿＿.
[ha-ra-beo-ji meon-jeo ＿＿＿＿]
Fix the politeness toward an elder. 👴
Answer
가세요 — Use respectful 가세요 [ga-se-yo]. 가거라 is not polite upward speech.
J. 책을 읽고 내 말을 듣＿＿＿＿.
[chae-geul il-go nae ma-reul deut-＿＿＿＿]
Read the book and listen to my words. 📖
Answer
거라 — The final command verb is 듣다 [deut-da] “to listen,” so 듣거라 [deut-geo-ra].
📚
Vocabulary Box
  • 선생님 → teacher
  • 오너라 → come here, old-style
  • 오세요 → please come
  • 예쁘다 → to be pretty
  • 예쁘게 → prettily/beautifully
  • 지내다 → to live/get along
  • 가라 → go
  • 가거라 → go now, old-style
  • 와라 → come
  • 오거라 → come, old-style
  • 오다 → to come
  • 친구 → friend
  • 밥 → rice/meal
  • 먹다 → to eat
  • 아이 → child
  • 자다 → to sleep
  • 문 → door
  • 열다 → to open
  • 들어오다 → to come in
  • 할아버지 → grandfather/elderly man
  • 책 → book
  • 듣다 → to listen
Tip 💡 Pitfall patrol: old-style does not mean polite, and action commands work better than adjective commands.
 
🎉 You made it through all 50! Now 가거라 and 오너라 should feel less like mysterious ancient fog and more like recognizable grammar wearing a dramatic cape. 🦸