따라서

§ What 따라서 means and when to use it

Alright, let's break down the Korean word 따라서 (ttaraseo). This is a really common and useful word, especially if you want to sound more natural and connect your thoughts smoothly in Korean. At its core, 따라서 means 'therefore' or 'accordingly'. Think of it as a bridge between two ideas, showing that the second idea is a result or consequence of the first.

DEFINITION

따라서 (ttaraseo) is a conjunction used to indicate a logical consequence or result. It connects a preceding statement (the cause or reason) to a following statement (the effect or conclusion). It can often be translated as 'therefore,' 'as a result,' 'consequently,' or 'accordingly.'

You'll hear and see 따라서 used in a variety of situations. It's not just for formal writing; Koreans use it in everyday conversation when they want to explain why something is happening or what the next step should be based on previous information. For instance, if you're talking about a problem and then suggest a solution, 따라서 is a perfect word to use to link those two ideas.

Let's look at some examples to really get a feel for how it works. These examples will show you how Koreans use 따라서 in different contexts. Pay attention to how it connects the cause and effect.

Translation hint: It's raining, therefore you should take an umbrella.

Translation hint: The exam was difficult. Therefore, it will probably be hard to get a good score.

Notice how in both examples, the part before 따라서 explains *why* the part after 따라서 is true or necessary. It's about establishing that cause-and-effect relationship. If you skip 따라서, the connection might still be understood, but using it makes your statement much clearer and more formal/logical.

Here's another example, perhaps in a slightly more planning-oriented context:

Translation hint: All preparations are complete. Therefore, we can depart now.

In this case, the completion of preparations is the reason for being able to depart. Therefore links them seamlessly. Mastering 따라서 will significantly improve your ability to construct complex, logical sentences in Korean, moving beyond simple statements to expressing more nuanced relationships between ideas. Keep practicing with these examples, and try to incorporate it into your own Korean sentences!

§ What 따라서 Means

The Korean word 따라서 is a conjunction. It means "therefore," "accordingly," or "as a result." You use it to show that one statement is a direct consequence or conclusion of another. It's a useful word for connecting ideas and making your sentences flow logically.

§ Basic Use of 따라서

You'll usually find 따라서 at the beginning of a sentence or a clause. It introduces a statement that follows logically from what was just said. Think of it like saying "so" or "that's why" in English.

Placement

따라서 usually comes before the consequence or conclusion.

§ 따라서 for Logical Conclusions

You can use 따라서 to express a logical conclusion based on a premise. It's a clear way to show cause and effect.

§ 따라서 for Following Instructions or Rules

따라서 can also imply acting "accordingly" or "following" something. It shows that an action is in line with a previous statement, rule, or instruction.

§ Common Phrases with 따라서

Here are some common ways you'll hear or read 따라서 in Korean:

• 따라서, ~ (Therefore, ~)

• ~에 따라서 (According to ~)

• 상황에 따라서 (According to the situation)

• 경우에 따라서 (Depending on the case / According to the circumstances)

§ Why 따라서 is useful

Using 따라서 makes your Korean sound more natural and sophisticated. It helps you connect your thoughts clearly and logically, which is key for good communication. Instead of just listing sentences, you can show the relationship between your ideas.

Tip

Try practicing with simple sentences first. Think of a cause and then its effect, and connect them with 따라서.

§ Understanding 따라서: Therefore, Accordingly

Hello! Let's talk about the Korean word 따라서. It's a really useful conjunction that means "therefore" or "accordingly." You'll hear it a lot when people are explaining reasons or consequences. Think of it as a bridge connecting a cause to its effect.

Korean Word

따라서

Pronunciation

dda-ra-seo

Meaning

Therefore, accordingly, consequently

CEFR Level

A2

§ Where You'll Hear 따라서

You'll find 따라서 in a variety of situations, especially when the speaker wants to clearly state a conclusion or outcome based on previous information. It's quite common in more formal settings, but you can also hear it in everyday speech when someone is making a point.

§ In Work and Business

In a professional environment, 따라서 is used to explain decisions, policies, or the results of analysis. It helps to structure arguments and provide clear reasoning.

• When explaining a new company policy:

  데이터 분석 결과, 새로운 마케팅 전략이 필요합니다. 따라서 다음 주부터 캠페인을 시작할 예정입니다.

  Translation hint

  Based on the data analysis, a new marketing strategy is needed. Therefore, we plan to start the campaign next week.

• In a report or presentation:

  예산이 부족하여 프로젝트를 중단해야 했습니다. 따라서 다른 방법을 찾아야 합니다.

  Translation hint

  The project had to be stopped due to insufficient budget. Therefore, we need to find another method.

§ In School and Academics

When you're studying or in a classroom, 따라서 is used to present logical arguments, scientific findings, or to summarize a conclusion. It's a staple in academic writing and discussions.

• In a lecture or discussion:

  많은 학생들이 이 문제에 어려움을 겪고 있습니다. 따라서 추가 수업을 개설할 필요가 있습니다.

  Translation hint

  Many students are having difficulty with this problem. Therefore, it is necessary to open additional classes.

• In a research paper:

  실험 결과는 우리의 가설을 뒷받침합니다. 따라서 이 연구는 중요한 의미를 가집니다.

  Translation hint

  The experimental results support our hypothesis. Therefore, this research has significant implications.

§ In News and Public Announcements

News anchors, reporters, and officials often use 따라서 to convey important information and its implications to the public. It adds a sense of formality and clarity to their statements.

• In a news report:

  날씨가 매우 추워질 것으로 예상됩니다. 따라서 시민 여러분은 외출 시 따뜻하게 입으시기 바랍니다.

  Translation hint

  The weather is expected to get very cold. Therefore, citizens are advised to dress warmly when going out.

• In a public announcement:

  도로 공사로 인해 교통 체증이 예상됩니다. 따라서 우회 도로를 이용해 주시기 바랍니다.

  Translation hint

  Traffic congestion is expected due to road construction. Therefore, please use alternative routes.

§ In Daily Conversations (when making a point)

While 그래서 is more common for simple causal links in everyday talk, you might hear 따라서 when someone wants to emphasize a logical conclusion or make a more considered statement, even in casual settings.

• When explaining a decision:

  너무 피곤해서 일찍 자야 해요. 따라서 오늘 밤에는 영화를 못 볼 것 같아요.

  Translation hint

  I'm so tired, I need to sleep early. Therefore, I don't think I'll be able to watch a movie tonight.