Easy Korean Level 4 - Unit 27: Because of / -기 때문에

We already know two ways to say "because" with verbs: -아/어/여서 and -(으)니까. In this lesson, we will learn how to say "Because of [noun]" and "Because I [verb]" using 때문에.

1. Noun + 때문에 (Because of Noun)

If you want to blame or give a reason related to a noun, just add 때문에. - 일 (work) -> 일 때문에 바빠요. (I'm busy because of work.) - 비 (rain) -> 비 때문에 늦었어요. (I was late because of the rain.) - 너 (you) -> 너 때문에 화가 났어. (I'm angry because of you.) - 감기 (cold) -> 감기 때문에 병원에 갔어요. (I went to the hospital because of a cold.)

2. Verb + -기 때문에 (Because I Verb)

To use it with a verb, change the verb into a noun by adding -기, and then add 때문에. - 가다 -> 가기 때문에 (Because I go) - 먹다 -> 먹기 때문에 (Because I eat) - 바쁘다 -> 바쁘기 때문에 (Because I am busy)

Difference from -아/어서 and -(으)니까

-기 때문에 is slightly more formal and is used more often in writing, presentations, or when stating a very clear, objective reason. You will hear it in news broadcasts and formal speeches. In casual conversation, -아서/어서 or -(으)니까 are more common.

Examples

• 비가 많이 오기 때문에 운전을 조심하세요. (Because it is raining a lot, please drive carefully.)
• 내일 시험이 있기 때문에 공부해야 합니다. (Because I have a test tomorrow, I must study.)

Past Tense with -기 때문에

Attach it to the past tense marker -았/었/였. - 늦었다 -> 늦었기 때문에 죄송합니다. (Because I was late, I am sorry.) - 샀다 -> 샀기 때문에 돈이 없습니다. (Because I bought it, I have no money.)