… 때문에
… ttaemun-e
The English phrase "because of" can be expressed in Korean as … 때문에 (… ttaemun-e).
The expression … 때문에 is used to mean "on account of", "by reason of" or "for the purpose of". It can be used in informal situations.
Meaning: on account of, by reason of, for the purpose of (prep)
Which one should you use?
Use 때문에 when the reason is a noun, but use 기 때문에 when the reason is an action or a state (a verb or an adjective).
How does it change in a sentence?
The form 때문에 is used directly after a noun to mean "because of" that noun. However, when expressing "because" following a verb or an adjective, you must use the form 기 때문에 instead of just 때문에.
How do you pronounce it?
… ttaemun-e
Did you know?
- While 때문에 explains a reason, using it to describe a personal failure can sound like you are shifting blame to others, which may be seen as impolite in traditional Korean culture.
- When used with the word 너 'you', the phrase 너 때문에 is a common trope in Korean dramas and songs to express romantic angst or longing caused by a lover.
- If you want to say 'due to' in a very formal written context, such as a news report, you might see the Hanja-based expression ~로 인하여 instead of the more common 때문에.
Examples in context
- 외출할 수 없었어요. 비 때문에 못 나갔어요.I couldn't go out because of the rain.
- 너 덕분에 시험에 통과했어요.I passed the exam because of you.
- 난 늦었어. 교통체증 때문에 더 오래 걸렸어.I was late. I took longer due to heavy traffic.
- 그녀 때문에 다 갔네.It's all because of her.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “because of” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
