When you want to express the reason or cause for something in Korean, you can use the phrase ~으로 인해. This is often used in more formal contexts than other similar phrases like ~때문에.
You attach ~으로 인해 to the end of a noun. If the noun ends with a consonant other than 'ㄹ', you use ~으로 인해. If the noun ends with a vowel or the consonant 'ㄹ', you use ~로 인해.
For example, if you want to say "due to traffic congestion," you would say 교통 체증으로 인해. Or, if you want to say "because of a mistake," you would say 실수로 인해.
This phrase emphasizes the impact or consequence that follows from the cause. It's a great phrase to know for adding more nuance to your explanations in Korean.
Alright, let's talk about some common pitfalls when using ~으로 인해. While it's pretty straightforward, a few things can trip up learners. We want you to sound natural and correct, so pay close attention to these points.
§ Overuse
One of the biggest mistakes is overusing ~으로 인해. While it's a perfectly valid and useful phrase, sometimes simpler expressions are more appropriate and natural in Korean.
For example, if you just want to say 'because it rained', you might hear 비가 와서 (bi-ga wa-seo) or 비가 왔기 때문에 (bi-ga wat-gi ttae-mun-e) more often than 비로 인해 (bi-ro in-hae). While 비로 인해 isn't wrong, it carries a slightly more formal or emphatic tone that might not fit every situation.
§ Confusing with similar expressions
Korean has many ways to express cause and effect. It's easy to mix up ~으로 인해 with other phrases like ~때문에 (~ttaemune), ~아/어서 (~a/eoseo), or ~고 (~go).
- Difference
- ~으로 인해 often implies a more significant or impactful cause, often leading to a negative or serious outcome. It's also generally more formal.
Consider these examples:
교통사고로 인해 길이 막혔어요. (Due to a traffic accident, the road was blocked.)
Here, 'traffic accident' is a significant cause. Using ~으로 인해 is appropriate.
배가 고파서 밥을 먹었어요. (Because I was hungry, I ate a meal.)
In this simpler case, ~아/어서 is more natural. Using '배고픔으로 인해 밥을 먹었어요' would sound overly formal and a bit unnatural.
§ Incorrect Noun Form
Remember, ~으로 인해 attaches to a noun. Make sure the word preceding it is a noun, not a verb or adjective. If you want to use a verb or adjective as the cause, you need to turn it into a noun form first.
- Rule
- Verb/Adjective stem + ~ㅁ/음 or ~기 + 으로 인해 (less common/natural) OR more commonly, convert the clause to a noun form or use ~기 때문에.
While you *can* technically nominalize verbs/adjectives and then add ~으로 인해, it's often clunky. For example, '늦음으로 인해' (due to being late) is grammatically possible but '늦었기 때문에' (because I was late) or '지각으로 인해' (due to tardiness, if 'tardiness' is the noun) are much more common and natural.
과도한 업무로 인해 스트레스를 받아요. (Due to excessive work, I get stressed.)
Here, '과도한 업무' (excessive work) is a noun phrase, so it works perfectly.
§ When to use vs. when not to use
Use ~으로 인해 when:
- The cause is significant, formal, or has a noticeable impact.
- You are writing official documents, news reports, or formal speeches.
- The outcome is often negative or problematic.
Avoid ~으로 인해 when:
- The cause is trivial or everyday.
- You are speaking in casual conversation.
- Simpler expressions like ~아/어서 or ~기 때문에 are more natural.
Fun Fact
The phrase '~으로 인해' is often used in more formal or written contexts, while '~때문에' (ttaemun-e) is more common in everyday spoken Korean for 'because of'.
Difficulty Rating
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What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
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Grammar to Know
Can be used with nouns and pronouns to explain the cause or reason for something. For example, '교통 체증으로 인해 늦었어요.' (I was late due to traffic congestion.)
날씨로 인해 우리는 계획을 변경해야 했어요. (We had to change our plans due to the weather.)
It is often followed by a negative or undesirable result. For example, '실수로 인해 문제가 발생했어요.' (A problem occurred due to a mistake.)
부주의로 인해 사고가 났어요. (An accident happened due to carelessness.)
When the noun ends in a consonant, use '~으로 인해'. When it ends in a vowel or 'ㄹ', use '~로 인해'. For example, '강풍으로 인해' (due to strong winds) vs. '화재로 인해' (due to fire).
지진으로 인해 많은 건물이 파괴되었어요. (Many buildings were destroyed due to the earthquake.)
It can be interchanged with other similar expressions like '~때문에' (because of) or '~으로 말미암아' (due to, owing to), but '~으로 인해' often carries a slightly more formal or official nuance.
코로나19로 인해 많은 행사가 취소되었어요. (Many events were canceled due to COVID-19.)
It can be used in both spoken and written Korean, though it is more common in formal writing or news reports.
재정 문제로 인해 회사가 어려움을 겪고 있어요. (The company is experiencing difficulties due to financial problems.)
Examples by Level
교통 체증으로 인해 늦었어요.
I was late due to traffic congestion.
비로 인해 소풍이 취소되었어요.
The picnic was canceled because of the rain.
감기로 인해 학교에 못 갔어요.
I couldn't go to school due to a cold.
실수로 인해 문제가 발생했어요.
A problem occurred because of a mistake.
사고로 인해 길이 막혔어요.
The road was blocked due to an accident.
날씨로 인해 계획이 변경되었어요.
The plan changed because of the weather.
피곤함으로 인해 일찍 잠들었어요.
I fell asleep early due to tiredness.
바쁨으로 인해 연락을 못 했어요.
I couldn't contact you because of being busy.
기후 변화으로 인해 해수면이 상승하고 있습니다.
Due to climate change, sea levels are rising.
갑작스러운 사고으로 인해 그의 계획은 완전히 바뀌었습니다.
Because of a sudden accident, his plans completely changed.
과도한 업무으로 인해 스트레스를 받고 있어요.
I'm stressed due to excessive work.
코로나 바이러스으로 인해 많은 사람들이 재택근무를 합니다.
Because of the coronavirus, many people are working from home.
예상치 못한 문제으로 인해 회의가 연기되었습니다.
The meeting was postponed due to an unexpected problem.
교통 체증으로 인해 약속 시간에 늦었어요.
I was late for my appointment because of traffic congestion.
잦은 실수으로 인해 그의 평판은 나빠졌습니다.
His reputation worsened due to frequent mistakes.
폭우으로 인해 강물이 범람하여 피해가 컸습니다.
Due to heavy rain, the river overflowed and the damage was extensive.
Often Confused With
This is the verb form from which '~으로 인해' is derived. '인하다' means 'to be caused by' or 'to result from'.
A more formal and slightly archaic equivalent of '~으로 인해', often found in written or very formal contexts.
The most common and general way to say 'because of' or 'due to'. While similar in meaning, '~으로 인해' often implies a slightly more impactful or significant cause, and is often used in slightly more formal contexts or for explaining complex situations compared to the more casual '때문에'.
Grammar Patterns
Easily Confused
Both '~으로 인해' and '~기 때문에' express cause or reason. However, the nuance is slightly different.
'~으로 인해' often emphasizes a direct or indirect consequence, sometimes with a slightly more formal or objective tone, and can be used for both positive and negative outcomes. '~기 때문에' is a more general expression for 'because of' and can be used in a wider range of contexts, often for more straightforward reasons, and it can attach to verbs and adjectives.
날씨가 춥기 때문에 집에 있었어요. (I stayed home because the weather was cold.)
This ending also indicates a reason or cause, similar to '~으로 인해'.
'~아서/어서' is a very common and versatile connector used to link two clauses where the first clause is the reason for the second. It often implies a more immediate or direct causal relationship and is less formal than '~으로 인해'. It also implies that the action in the second clause happens after the action in the first clause. '~으로 인해' often implies a more significant or impactful cause.
배고파서 밥을 먹었어요. (I ate because I was hungry.)
This is used when the reason for something is an action that consumed time or effort, leading to a negative result or an inability to do something else.
While both express a reason, '~느라고' specifically points to a reason that involved effort or time, often resulting in a negative outcome or preventing another action. '~으로 인해' is more general for cause/reason and doesn't carry this specific nuance of effort or time consumption.
공부하느라고 잠을 못 잤어요. (I couldn't sleep because I was studying.)
'~덕분에' means 'thanks to' and is used when the reason or cause leads to a positive outcome. '~으로 인해' can be neutral or negative, indicating a cause regardless of whether the result is good or bad. It literally means 'due to the favor of'.
선생님 덕분에 한국말을 잘해요. (I speak Korean well thanks to my teacher.)
Similar to '~으로 인해' in expressing cause, but '~탓에' carries a strong negative connotation.
'~탓에' means 'because of (someone/something's fault)' and is almost exclusively used when the cause leads to a negative outcome or implies blame. '~으로 인해' is more neutral and can be used for both positive and negative, or simply factual, causes.
내 실수 탓에 일이 잘못되었어요. (The work went wrong because of my mistake.)
Sentence Patterns
명사 + 으로 인해
감기으로 인해 학교에 못 갔어요. (I couldn't go to school due to a cold.)
동사/형용사 + (으)ㅁ으로 인해
날씨가 추움으로 인해 옷을 따뜻하게 입었어요. (I dressed warmly because the weather was cold.)
Word Origin
Native Korean '인하다' (in-ha-da) which means 'to be caused by' or 'to stem from', combined with the particle '~으로' (eu-ro) meaning 'by' or 'due to'.
Original meaning: To be caused by, to stem from.
KoreanCultural Context
The concept of clearly stating reasons or causes is important in Korean communication, especially in formal settings or when explaining circumstances. Using phrases like '~으로 인해' can add a level of politeness and formality to your explanations, showing respect for the listener or reader. While direct, it frames the reason in a slightly more detached way than the more personal 'because of you' type of phrasing in English.
Test Yourself 54 questions
저는 비_______ 잠을 잘 못 잤어요.
The phrase '~으로 인해' means 'due to' or 'because of'. In this sentence, it indicates the reason why the person couldn't sleep well (due to rain).
교통 체증_______ 회의에 늦었어요.
The phrase '~으로 인해' means 'due to' or 'because of'. In this sentence, it indicates the reason why the person was late for the meeting (due to traffic jam).
감기_______ 학교에 못 갔어요.
The phrase '~으로 인해' means 'due to' or 'because of'. In this sentence, it indicates the reason why the person couldn't go to school (due to a cold).
갑작스러운 비_______ 소풍이 취소되었어요.
The phrase '~으로 인해' means 'due to' or 'because of'. In this sentence, it indicates the reason why the picnic was canceled (due to sudden rain).
늦잠_______ 아침을 못 먹었어요.
The phrase '~으로 인해' means 'due to' or 'because of'. In this sentence, it indicates the reason why the person couldn't eat breakfast (due to oversleeping).
많은 숙제_______ 피곤해요.
The phrase '~으로 인해' means 'due to' or 'because of'. In this sentence, it indicates the reason why the person is tired (due to a lot of homework).
Which word correctly completes the sentence: 비 ___ 여행이 취소되었어요. (The trip was canceled due to rain.)
'으로 인해' means 'due to' or 'because of', which fits the context of the sentence explaining why the trip was canceled.
Choose the best option to fill in the blank: 잠 ___ 피곤해요. (I am tired because of lack of sleep.)
'으로 인해' is used to show the reason for being tired.
Which phrase means 'because of' or 'due to'?
'으로 인해' is the phrase that indicates cause or reason.
You can use '~으로 인해' to explain why something happened.
'~으로 인해' is used to indicate the cause or reason for an event.
The phrase '~으로 인해' is only used for positive reasons.
'~으로 인해' can be used for both positive and negative reasons, or neutral causes.
The sentence '늦잠으로 인해 학교에 늦었어요.' (I was late for school due to oversleeping.) uses '~으로 인해' correctly.
This sentence correctly uses '~으로 인해' to explain the reason for being late.
Common greeting
Showing gratitude
Affirmative response
Read this aloud:
안녕하세요
Focus: 안녕 (annyeong)
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Read this aloud:
저는 학생입니다.
Focus: 학생 (haksaeng)
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Read this aloud:
이것은 사과입니다.
Focus: 사과 (sagwa)
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교통 체증___, 우리는 약속에 늦었습니다.
'~으로 인해'는 원인이나 이유를 나타낼 때 사용합니다. '교통 체증'이 원인이므로 '교통 체증으로 인해'가 올바른 표현입니다.
날씨___, 소풍이 취소되었습니다.
'날씨'가 소풍이 취소된 원인이므로 '~으로 인해'를 사용하여 '날씨으로 인해'라고 합니다. (Due to the weather, the picnic was canceled.)
갑작스러운 비___, 경기가 중단되었습니다.
경기가 중단된 원인이 '갑작스러운 비'이므로 '~으로 인해'를 사용하여 '갑작스러운 비으로 인해'가 올바른 표현입니다. (Due to the sudden rain, the game was stopped.)
시험 공부___, 밤샘을 했습니다.
밤샘을 한 원인이 '시험 공부'이므로 '~으로 인해'를 사용하여 '시험 공부으로 인해'라고 합니다. (Due to studying for the exam, I stayed up all night.)
컴퓨터 고장___, 작업을 끝내지 못했습니다.
작업을 끝내지 못한 원인이 '컴퓨터 고장'이므로 '~으로 인해'를 사용하여 '컴퓨터 고장으로 인해'가 올바른 표현입니다. (Due to a computer breakdown, I couldn't finish the work.)
이사___, 집을 정리해야 합니다.
집을 정리해야 하는 원인이 '이사'이므로 '~으로 인해'를 사용하여 '이사으로 인해'라고 합니다. (Due to moving, I need to organize the house.)
교통 체증___, 회의에 늦었어요. (Due to the traffic jam, I was late for the meeting.)
‘~으로 인해’ is used here to indicate the reason or cause for being late.
갑작스러운 날씨 변화___, 야외 활동이 취소되었습니다. (Due to the sudden change in weather, outdoor activities were canceled.)
‘~으로 인해’ clearly expresses that the weather change was the cause of the cancellation.
이번 프로젝트의 성공은 팀원들의 노력___ 가능했습니다. (The success of this project was possible due to the efforts of the team members.)
‘~으로 인해’ shows that the team members' efforts were the reason for the project's success.
잦은 실수___, 작업 속도가 느려졌습니다. (Due to frequent mistakes, the work speed slowed down.)
‘~으로 인해’ effectively conveys that the mistakes were the cause of the slower work speed.
최근 경기 침체___, 많은 기업들이 어려움을 겪고 있습니다. (Due to the recent economic downturn, many companies are facing difficulties.)
‘~으로 인해’ is the correct choice to express that the economic downturn is the cause of the difficulties.
예상치 못한 문제___, 계획이 변경되었습니다. (Due to unexpected problems, the plan was changed.)
‘~으로 인해’ clearly states that the unexpected problems caused the plan change.
교통 체증___ 회의에 늦었습니다.
'으로 인해'는 '~때문에'와 같은 의미로, 교통 체증이 회의에 늦은 원인이 됨을 나타냅니다.
그의 무모한 행동___ 많은 사람들이 피해를 입었습니다.
'으로 인해'는 부정적인 결과를 초래한 원인을 설명할 때 자주 사용됩니다.
환경 오염___ 생태계가 파괴되고 있습니다.
환경 오염이 생태계 파괴의 원인임을 나타내는 표현으로 '으로 인해'가 적절합니다.
갑작스러운 폭우___ 야외 행사가 취소되었습니다.
폭우가 행사 취소의 직접적인 원인이므로 '으로 인해'가 자연스럽습니다.
잦은 실수___ 그는 팀에서 제외될 수도 있습니다.
잦은 실수가 팀 제외의 원인이 될 수 있음을 표현할 때 '으로 인해'를 사용합니다.
정보 부족___ 올바른 결정을 내리기 어려웠습니다.
정보 부족이 올바른 결정을 내리지 못한 원인임을 나타낼 때 '으로 인해'를 사용합니다.
Traffic congestion caused me to be late for the meeting.
Her efforts led to the successful completion of the project.
The event was canceled due to sudden weather changes.
Read this aloud:
경제 위기로 인해 많은 기업들이 어려움을 겪고 있습니다.
Focus: 경제 위기, 기업들, 어려움
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환경 오염으로 인해 많은 동식물들이 멸종 위기에 처해 있습니다.
Focus: 환경 오염, 동식물, 멸종 위기
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기술 발전으로 인해 우리의 삶은 더욱 편리해졌습니다.
Focus: 기술 발전, 편리해졌습니다
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The project might be delayed due to a lack of budget.
We had to change our plans due to an unexpected problem.
I was late for my appointment because of traffic congestion.
Read this aloud:
최근 경기 침체로 인해 많은 기업들이 어려움을 겪고 있습니다.
Focus: 경기 침체로 인해
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잦은 기후 변화로 인해 농작물 수확량이 감소했습니다.
Focus: 기후 변화로 인해
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개인의 부주의로 인해 사고가 발생했으니 주의해야 합니다.
Focus: 부주의로 인해
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The project was delayed due to her insincerity.
Employees are experiencing burnout due to the excessive workload.
Our lives have changed significantly due to technological advancements.
Read this aloud:
예상치 못한 문제로 인해 계획이 변경될 수 있습니다.
Focus: 예상치 못한 문제로 인해
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기후 변화로 인해 전 세계적으로 극심한 날씨 현상이 증가하고 있습니다.
Focus: 기후 변화로 인해
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그의 무모한 결정으로 인해 회사는 큰 손실을 입었습니다.
Focus: 그의 무모한 결정으로 인해
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/ 54 correct
Perfect score!
Example
폭설로 인해 비행기가 지연되었다.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More nature words
~에 대한
A2About, regarding; indicating the topic or subject.
~게
A2Suffix to turn adjectives or verbs into adverbs.
공기
A1Air, atmosphere.
몽땅
B1All of it, entirely, completely.
온갖
B1All sorts of, every kind of.
~을/를 따라서
A2Along; indicating movement or position parallel to something.
동물
A1animal
개미
A1A small insect typically living in large colonies.
주위에
A2Surrounding something or someone; around.
그대로
A2Without changing; as it is.
