B2 · Intermedio alto Capítulo 19

Citing Sources and Causes

4 Reglas totales
40 ejemplos
5 min
Reglas en este capítulo Práctica rápida

Chapter in 30 Seconds

Master the art of explaining causes, citing sources, and setting conditions like a native speaker.

  • Distinguish between internal and external causes for negative outcomes.
  • Integrate news and professional reports using proper citation structures.
  • Express conditional dependencies and universal independence in any situation.
Mastering nuance: from causes to conditions.

Lo que aprenderás

Ready to fine-tune your Korean to B2? This chapter is your secret weapon for sounding truly native when you discuss *why* things happen and *who* or *what* is responsible. You’ll master four essential grammar patterns to express cause, blame, external information, and conditional relationships with precision. First, you'll master attributing negative outcomes. Ever want to subtly blame someone or explain an unexpected mishap? We'll show you how to use -탓에 for assigning blame ('Because of you, I was late!') and -바람에 for sudden, unforeseen problems ('Traffic caused me to be late!'). This nuance is key for B2 speakers. Then, learn to cite information like a pro with -에 따르면. This isn't just 'according to,' it's about correctly integrating reports and news, always paired with the right indirect speech ending like -대요. Imagine discussing current events or sharing advice – you'll do it seamlessly. Next, master -에 따라(서), a versatile expression linking changing results to specific variables. Explain how your exam score *depends on* study effort, or how prices *vary according to* the season. Finally, express absolute independence with -ㄴ/은/는 관계없이. Declare something is true *regardless of* age, cost, or any other condition. Say things like, 'No matter the weather, I'm going!' By chapter's end, you'll confidently wield these rules, expressing complex ideas with native-like accuracy. You'll articulate causes, cite sources, and discuss dependencies, truly elevating your Korean. Get ready to impress!

Learning Objectives

By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

  1. 1
    By the end you will be able to: Articulate specific causes for negative events using -탓에 and -바람에.
  2. 2
    By the end you will be able to: Synthesize information from external sources using -에 따르면.
  3. 3
    By the end you will be able to: Describe variable results based on changing factors using -에 따라.
  4. 4
    By the end you will be able to: Assert statements that remain true regardless of context using -관계없이.

Guía del capítulo

Overview

Welcome to your next step in mastering B2 Korean grammar! This chapter is meticulously designed to elevate your ability to articulate *why* things happen, *who* or *what* is responsible, and how information is presented in Korean. Moving beyond basic cause-and-effect, you'll delve into nuances that are crucial for sounding truly native and expressing complex ideas with precision.
Understanding these advanced patterns is key to unlocking a higher level of fluency and engaging in sophisticated conversations.
By focusing on specific expressions for cause, blame, external information, and conditional relationships, you'll gain the tools to discuss current events, share opinions based on reports, and explain dependencies like a seasoned speaker. This isn't just about memorizing rules; it's about integrating them into your natural speech to convey subtle meanings. Get ready to refine your Korean grammar and impress with your enhanced communicative abilities.
We'll cover four essential grammar patterns: -탓에, -바람에, -에 따르면, -에 따라(서), and -ㄴ/은/는 관계없이. Each one offers a unique way to connect ideas, attribute outcomes, and structure arguments, pushing your B2 Korean skills to new heights.

How This Grammar Works

Let's dive into the core mechanics of these powerful Korean grammar patterns, each offering a distinct way to express causality, citation, or dependency.
First, for attributing negative outcomes, we have -탓에 and -바람에. -탓에 is used when you want to assign blame or fault for a negative result, often implying a specific person or action is responsible. It carries a stronger negative connotation than a simple because of. For example: 네 탓에 우리가 늦었어. (We were late because of you.) Here, you are directly blamed.
On the other hand, -바람에 is used for sudden, unforeseen negative consequences, typically caused by external circumstances or events beyond one's control. It doesn't imply blame but rather an unfortunate chain of events. For instance: 갑자기 비가 오는 바람에 소풍이 취소됐어요. (The picnic was canceled because it suddenly rained.)
Next, when you need to cite sources or report information professionally, you'll use -에 따르면. This pattern means according to and is essential for integrating news, reports, or official statements. Crucially, it almost always pairs with indirect speech endings like -대요 (short for -다고 해요) or -라고 합니다.
For example: 뉴스에 따르면 내일 날씨가 맑대요. (According to the news, the weather will be clear tomorrow.)
Then, to express how something changes or varies based on a specific factor, we use -에 따라(서). This versatile expression means depending on, according to, or in accordance with. It highlights a relationship where one element's state or outcome is determined by another. You can use either -에 따라 or -에 따라서 interchangeably.
For example: 가격은 계절에 따라 달라져요. (Prices vary according to the season.)
Finally, to express absolute independence from a condition, you'll master -ㄴ/은/는 관계없이. This pattern translates to regardless of or irrespective of, indicating that a certain condition or factor does not influence the outcome. It's perfect for making strong, unconditional statements.
For instance: 나이와 관계없이 누구나 참여할 수 있어요. (Anyone can participate regardless of age.)

Common Mistakes

  1. 1✗ Wrong: 교통체증 탓에 비행기를 놓쳤어요. (I missed the flight because of traffic congestion [blaming traffic].)
✓ Correct: 교통체증 바람에 비행기를 놓쳤어요. (I missed the flight due to traffic congestion [unforeseen circumstance].)
*Explanation:* While -탓에 indicates a cause for a negative outcome, it strongly implies blame or fault, often human. Traffic congestion is an external, unforeseen event, making -바람에 the more natural and appropriate choice to express the negative consequence without assigning blame.
  1. 1✗ Wrong: 기상청에 따르면 «내일은 춥다.» (According to the meteorological agency, Tomorrow is cold.)
✓ Correct: 기상청에 따르면 내일은 춥대요. (According to the meteorological agency, tomorrow is cold.)
*Explanation:* -에 따르면 always requires an indirect speech ending (like -대요, -라고 합니다, -다고 합니다, etc.) to properly integrate the reported information into the sentence. Using direct speech or omitting the indirect speech ending is grammatically incorrect in this context.
  1. 1✗ Wrong: 열심히 공부한 것에 따라 시험에 합격했어요. (I passed the exam according to studying hard.)
✓ Correct: 노력에 따라 결과가 달라져요. (Results vary depending on effort.) / 열심히 공부해서 시험에 합격했어요. (I studied hard, so I passed the exam.)
*Explanation:* -에 따라 indicates a variable relationship or a consequence of a *changing factor*, not a direct cause for a single, completed event. For a direct cause resulting in a specific outcome, simpler conjunctions like -아/어서 or -기 때문에 are more suitable. The wrong example awkwardly implies the passing was *conditional* on studying rather than a direct result.

Real Conversations

A

A

네 탓에 중요한 회의에 늦었잖아! (Because of you, I was late for the important meeting!)
B

B

미안해, 갑자기 차가 고장 나는 바람에 어쩔 수 없었어. (I'm sorry, my car suddenly broke down, so I couldn't help it.)
A

A

새로운 연구 결과에 따르면 커피가 건강에 좋대요. (According to new research, coffee is good for your health.)
B

B

정말요? 그럼 이제 마음 놓고 마셔도 되겠네요. (Really? Then I can drink it without worry now.)
A

A

이용 요금은 사용하는 시간에 따라 달라지나요? (Does the usage fee vary depending on the time you use it?)
B

B

아니요, 시간과 관계없이 한 달에 만 원이에요. (No, regardless of the time, it's 10,000 won per month.)

Quick FAQ

Q

How do -탓에 and -바람에 differ from -때문에 in B2 Korean grammar?

-때문에 is a neutral because of. -탓에 implies blame or fault for a negative outcome. -바람에 suggests an unforeseen, often sudden, negative consequence from external factors.

Q

Can I use -에 따르면 to report my own opinion in Korean?

No, -에 따르면 is strictly for citing external, often objective, sources like news, reports, or official statements, not personal opinions.

Q

Is there a difference between -에 따라 and -에 따라서?

While largely interchangeable, -에 따라서 can sometimes feel slightly more complete or emphatic, but their core meaning and usage for expressing dependency remain the same.

Q

What's a common mistake when using -ㄴ/은/는 관계없이?

A common mistake is trying to attach it to a verb phrase directly without nominalizing it first. Remember to use -는 것 or a noun form before 관계없이. For example, 날씨가 좋은 것과 관계없이 (regardless of the weather being good).

Cultural Context

In Korean communication, the choice between -탓에 and -바람에 subtly reflects how speakers perceive responsibility and express frustration. Using -탓에 can be quite direct and, depending on the context and relationship, might be seen as confrontational. In contrast, -바람에 allows for expressing negative outcomes while subtly deflecting direct blame, often used when explaining unfortunate circumstances.
Citing sources with -에 따르면 is a mark of educated speech and is crucial in formal settings or when conveying verified information, reflecting a value placed on credible sources. These nuances are vital for achieving true B2 Korean fluency and demonstrating cultural awareness.

Ejemplos clave (8)

1

비가 많이 오는 바람에 축구 경기가 취소됐어요.

Debido a que llovió mucho (de repente), el partido de fútbol se canceló.

Culpar a otros: -탓에 y -바람에
2

어제 술을 많이 마신 탓에 오늘 머리가 너무 아파요.

Por culpa de haber bebido mucho ayer, hoy me duele mucho la cabeza.

Culpar a otros: -탓에 y -바람에
3

일기 예보에 따르면 내일은 하루 종일 비가 온대요.

Según el pronóstico del tiempo, dice que lloverá todo el día mañana.

Según... / De acuerdo con... (-에 따르면)
4

최근 조사 결과에 따르면 한국인의 커피 소비량이 늘었대요.

Según los resultados de una encuesta reciente, el consumo de café de los coreanos ha aumentado.

Según... / De acuerdo con... (-에 따르면)
5

사람에 따라 성격이 다 달라요.

Las personalidades son todas diferentes según la persona.

Dependiendo de / Según ( -에 따라 / -에 따라서 )
6

날씨에 따라서 옷차림이 바뀌어요.

La forma de vestir cambia dependiendo del clima.

Dependiendo de / Según ( -에 따라 / -에 따라서 )
7

이유에 관계없이 지각은 안 돼요.

Independientemente de la razón, no se permite llegar tarde.

Sin importar / Independientemente de (관계없이)
8

날씨에 관계없이 경기는 계속됩니다.

El partido continúa independientemente del clima.

Sin importar / Independientemente de (관계없이)

Consejos y trucos (4)

⚠️

¡Cuidado con el tono!

Si usas «-탓에» demasiado, podrías sonar como alguien que nunca admite sus errores. Úsalo con cautela para culpar a otros: «너 탓에 우리 팀이 졌잖아!»
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Culpar a otros: -탓에 y -바람에
🎯

La obligación del 'rumor'

Si usas -에 따르면, estás legalmente obligado a terminar con una forma de rumor como -대요 o -라고 해요. No puedes usar un -요 normal porque tú no eres la fuente original: «뉴스에 따르면 비가 온대요.»
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Según... / De acuerdo con... (-에 따르면)
🎯

El combo ganador con '다르다'

Si te quedas en blanco al terminar tu frase con -에 따라, simplemente ciérrala con 다 달라요 (son todos diferentes). ¡Funciona casi siempre! Por ejemplo: «사람에 따라 취향이 다 달라요.»
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Dependiendo de / Según ( -에 따라 / -에 따라서 )
💡

El truco de la pregunta

Si te lías al conjugar un verbo con esto, piensa en una estructura de pregunta: «누가» (quién) + «하는지» (¿hace?) + «에 관계없이». Por ejemplo: «누가 보는지에 관계없이 열심히 해!»
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Sin importar / Independientemente de (관계없이)

Vocabulario clave (6)

결과 result 뉴스 news 탓 fault 관계 relation 변화 change 보고서 report

Real-World Preview

briefcase

Debriefing a Project

Review Summary

  • Noun + 탓에 / Verb + (으)ㄴ/는 바람에
  • Noun + 에 따르면
  • Noun + 에 따라(서)
  • Noun + (과/와) 관계없이

Errores comunes

-탓에 is strictly for negative outcomes. You cannot use it for positive results.

Wrong: 비가 온 탓에 기분이 좋아요.
Correcto: 비가 온 탓에 기분이 나빠요.

Use -에 따르면 for citations, not -에 따라서.

Wrong: 뉴스에 따라서 말했어요.
Correcto: 뉴스에 따르면 말했어요.

Always include the particle -와/과 before 관계없이.

Wrong: 나이 관계없이 공부해요.
Correcto: 나이와 관계없이 공부해요.

Next Steps

You have navigated the complexities of B2 causality! Keep practicing these in your daily conversations to solidify your fluency.

Listen to a Korean news broadcast and identify one citation.

Continue to: Advanced Descriptive Patterns

Práctica rápida (10)

¿Qué terminación es más natural con -에 따르면?

일기 예보에 따르면 비가 ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 온대요 (dicen que viene)
Al usar 'Según', estás citando información, por lo que debes usar finales de rumor como -대요.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Según... / De acuerdo con... (-에 따르면)

Encuentra y corrige el error.

Find and fix the mistake:

날씨가 추운 바람에 감기에 걸렸어요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 날씨가 추운 탓에 감기에 걸렸어요.
'-바람에' no se puede usar con adjetivos como '춥다' (hacer frío). Usa '-탓에' en su lugar.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Culpar a otros: -탓에 y -바람에

Encuentra la parte incorrecta de la frase.

비가 오다 관계없이 축구를 했어.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 비가 오는 것에 관계없이 축구를 했어.
No puedes pegar «관계없이» directamente a la raíz del verbo «오다». Debes convertirlo en una frase sustantivada («오는 것») o una cláusula interrogativa («오는지»).

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Sin importar / Independientemente de (관계없이)

Encuentra la parte extraña de esta frase.

나에 따르면 이 영화는 재미있어.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 제 생각에는 이 영화는 재미있어.
Normalmente no dices 'Según yo' (나에 따르면). Suena poco natural. Usa 'En mi opinión' (제 생각에는) en su lugar.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Según... / De acuerdo con... (-에 따르면)

Encuentra y corrige el error en la traducción de 'Según la tendencia'.

유행에 의해서 옷을 샀어요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 유행에 따라 옷을 샀어요.
-에 의해서 implica que la tendencia fue el agente activo que te obligó, mientras que -에 따라 significa que la seguiste como estándar.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Dependiendo de / Según ( -에 따라 / -에 따라서 )

¿Cuál de estas frases usa correctamente '-에 따라'?

Elige la opción más natural:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 메뉴에 따라 가격이 달라요.
La partícula correcta que acompaña a este patrón gramatical es siempre -에.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Dependiendo de / Según ( -에 따라 / -에 따라서 )

Rellena el espacio en blanco usando la forma correcta de '-바람에'.

갑자기 사고가 (나다) ___ 길이 많이 막혔어요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 나는 바람에
'-바람에' solo utiliza la forma de modificador presente '-는', incluso para eventos que ya pasaron.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Culpar a otros: -탓에 y -바람에

Completa la frase para citar las noticias.

___ 따르면, 내일 눈이 온대요. (Según las noticias)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 뉴스에
El patrón es Sustantivo + -에 따르면.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Según... / De acuerdo con... (-에 따르면)

Rellena el espacio en blanco para completar la frase.

경험___ 관계없이 누구나 환영합니다. (Todos son bienvenidos sin importar la experiencia.)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 에
Al conectar un sustantivo directamente a «관계없이», usamos la partícula «에».

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Sin importar / Independientemente de (관계없이)

¿Qué oración suena más natural?

Selecciona el uso correcto de '-탓에' o '-덕분에'.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 선생님 덕분에 시험에 합격했어요.
Aprobar un examen es algo positivo, así que debes usar '덕분에' (gracias a) en lugar de '탓에' (por culpa de).

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Culpar a otros: -탓에 y -바람에

Score: /10

Preguntas frecuentes (6)

¡Claro! Al igual que en español, puedes decir «너 탓에 너무 행복해» para sonar bromista, pero en contextos estándar siempre es negativo.
«때문에» es una razón neutral, pero «탓에» es una acusación directa de falta. «너 탓에» es mucho más fuerte.
¡Sí! Son casi idénticos. -에 의하면 suena un poco más formal o escrito, mientras que -에 따르면 se usa más en el habla diaria y noticias. «뉴스에 의하면...»
Porque -에 따르면 prepara una cita. Si usas un final directo, suena como si tú fueras el testigo. Usar -대요 confirma que solo reportas lo que oíste. «비가 온대요.»
¡Claro! Pero primero debes nominalizarlos. Normalmente usamos la estructura -느냐에 따라(서). Por ejemplo: «무엇을 먹느냐에 따라 건강이 달라져요.»
No realmente. La cortesía la marca el final del verbo principal (como -요). El -서 solo añade una pausa rítmica: «기분에 따라서 음악을 골라요.»
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