을/를 통해서

Think of 을/를 통해서 as your go-to bridge builder in Korean. When you want to explain how you achieved something—whether it was through a friend, via the internet, or by means of hard work—this is the phrase you need.

The structure is simple: just attach it to the noun that acts as your tool or channel. If the noun ends in a consonant, use 을 통해서. If it ends in a vowel, use 를 통해서. It is incredibly common in both daily life and professional settings!

The word stems from the Sino-Korean character 通 (통), which means 'to pass through' or 'to connect.' Historically, this character has been used to describe movement through spaces or the flow of information.

Over time, the verb 통하다 (to go through/to communicate) evolved into this specific grammatical pattern. It reflects the logical progression of Korean language development, where verbs are frequently repurposed as particles to express complex relationships like instrumentality.

You will hear this everywhere! Use it when talking about media (e.g., news, TV), people (e.g., introductions, help), or methods (e.g., research, practice).

It is slightly more formal than the simpler particle (으)로, which also means 'by means of.' While (으)로 is often used for physical tools like 'by bus,' 을/를 통해서 is better for abstract channels or complex processes.

While not an idiom itself, it appears in many set phrases. 1. 대화를 통해서 (through conversation). 2. 경험을 통해서 (through experience). 3. 인터넷을 통해서 (via the internet). 4. 소문을 통해서 (through rumors). 5. 노력을 통해서 (by means of effort).

These phrases are staples in Korean conversation, helping you sound natural when explaining the 'how' behind your stories.

The grammar is straightforward: [Noun] + [을/를] + [통해서]. It does not change based on tense, but the verb following it can be in any tense.

Pronunciation-wise, focus on the double consonant '통' (tong). Ensure you link the 'ㄹ' sound into the '통' if you are speaking quickly. It rhymes loosely with words ending in '-ae-seo' like '가서' (going) or '와서' (coming), though the meaning is entirely different.