Easy Korean - Level 9, Unit 10: By means of / Through doing (-(으)ㅁ으로써)

For the final unit of our Level 9 1-10 set, we will look at a very formal, written grammar point: -(으)ㅁ으로써.

This expression is used to indicate the method or means by which an action is achieved. It translates to "By doing [X]..." or "Through [X]..."

Structure Breakdown

• -(으)ㅁ = makes a verb into a formal noun
• -(으)로써 = by means of / with / through

Literally: "By means of the act of doing [X]."

How to Conjugate

You attach it to the verb stem.

1. Vowel stem: Add -ㅁ으로써 * 하다 -> 함으로써 (By doing...) * 노력하다 -> 노력함으로써 (By making an effort...)

2. Consonant stem: Add -음으로써 * 읽다 -> 읽음으로써 (By reading...) * 얻다 -> 얻음으로써 (By gaining...)

3. ㄹ stem: Add -ㅁ으로써 (ㄹ drops!) * 만들다 -> 만듦으로써 (By making...)

When is this used?

You will rarely hear this in daily conversation. If a Korean wants to say "I learned Korean by watching dramas" in casual speech, they will just use -아/어서: "드라마를 봐서 한국어를 배웠어요."

However, in news, essays, presentations, or formal speeches, -(으)ㅁ으로써 is very common.

• 독서를 함으로써 지식을 얻습니다. (We gain knowledge by reading.)

Example Sentences

1. 매일 30분씩 운동을 함으로써 건강을 유지할 수 있습니다. (You can maintain your health by exercising 30 minutes a day.)
2. 새로운 기술을 개발함으로써 문제를 해결했습니다. (We solved the problem through developing new technology.)
3. 우리는 대화를 함으로써 오해를 풀 수 있습니다. (We can resolve misunderstandings by means of having a conversation.)