Because patterns
때문에, 아/어서, (으)니까.
Goals
때문에, -아/어서, (으)니까 for cause/reason.
Steps
- Clause linker vs noun 때문에.
- 피곤해서… empathy tone.
- (으)니까 stance — careful in complaints.
Common mistakes
- Mixing English cause word order.
Study rhythm: Skim “Because patterns” for structure, then re-read aloud. Fifteen-minute sessions usually beat one long cram when you are learning Korean from scratch.
Hands-on: Write three new sentences (do not copy the examples) using this pattern. When you learn Korean, forcing fresh sentences shows gaps early.
Listening: Pair this lesson with any short clip whose Korean subtitles reuse the same grammar. Notice endings in interviews versus narrators — the same rule may sound softer or stiffer.
Particles & patience: If vocabulary is easy but sentences feel wrong, slow down on markers. Revisit the core explanation above before adding more flashcards.
Examples & practice: mini conversation
Read across: English meaning → Korean sentence → romanization (Konglish-style pronunciation guide, not official MR).
| Speaker | English | Korean | Romanization |
|---|---|---|---|
| 교수 | Why late? | 왜 늦었어요? | wae neujeoss-eoyo? |
| 학생 | 교통 때문에 늦었어요. 길이 막혔어요. | gyotong ttaemune neujeoss-eoyo. gil-i makhyeoss-eoyo. | gyotong ttaemune neujeoss-eoyo. gil-i makhyeoss-eoyo. |
| 교수 | Use 때문에 for noun reasons. | 명사 + 때문에. | myeongs-a ttaemune. |
| 학생 | 피곤해서 집에서 잤어요—아/어서. | pigonhaeseo jib-eseo jat-seoyo. | pigonhaeseo jib-eseo jat-seoyo. |
| 교수 | -(으)니까 can sound blamey—careful. | 니까는 조심. | nikkaneun josim. |
| 학생 | 공부 많이 해서 머리 아팠어요. | gongbu man-i haeseo meori apat-seoyo. | gongbu man-i haeseo meori apat-seoyo. |