Learn Korean: Noun + 래

Let’s take a look at the Korean sentence pattern Noun + 래. We use this to make a reporting statement. Person A says something to Person B. Person B relays Person A’s statement to Person C. The statement must have a noun and be verb. For example, A wants to know B’s birthday but he is shy to ask. So B asks C to ask for him instead. When C asks B the question, she only says It’s a secret. So C relays it to A and says (Person B) said it’s a secret. As you see, the main verb is be verb (is) and the noun is secret (비밀). Since, it ends in a consonant (ㄹ), we attach 이래(요). Otherwise, just use 래(요). The actual sentence is 비밀이래.

오늘 지훈 생일이래.

(They) said that today is Jihoon’s birthday.

정답은 3번이래요.

(They) said the correct answer is number 3.

남자친구 미국인이래.

(She) said her boyfriend is an American.