Explanation at your level:
You use 통하여 to say 'by' or 'via'. If you use a phone to call someone, you can say 'I called 통하여 the phone'. It helps connect your tools to your actions.
At this level, you can use it to explain how you learn. For example, 'I learned Korean 통하여 books'. It is a great way to show the method you used to finish a task.
Now you can use it for more abstract ideas. Use it to discuss communication or processes. 'We solved the problem 통하여 a meeting' sounds natural and clear in a business or school context.
Use 통하여 to elevate your register. Instead of simple particles, this word shows you can structure complex sentences. It is perfect for formal writing where you need to specify a medium or channel.
In advanced contexts, 통하여 is used to denote causality or indirect agency. It implies that a result was achieved not directly, but through an intermediary. This nuance is crucial for academic writing and professional debate.
Mastering this word means understanding its etymological roots in 'connection'. It can be used in literary contexts to describe the flow of time or influence. It bridges the gap between simple functional speech and nuanced, high-level discourse.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Means 'through', 'via', or 'by means of'.
- Derived from the verb '통하다'.
- Used to indicate a medium or method.
- More formal than '통해'.
Hey there! Let's talk about 통하여. Think of it as a bridge between your action and your result. When you want to say you did something using a specific tool or via a certain path, this is the word you need.
It is incredibly common in Korean because it helps clarify the 'how' in any sentence. Whether you are talking about sending a letter through the post office or learning a concept via a textbook, this word keeps your meaning clear and professional.
The word 통하여 comes from the Hanja character 通 (tong), which means to go through, connect, or communicate. Historically, it evolved from the verb '통하다' (to pass through).
In older Korean, this root was used to describe physical movement, like walking through a gate. Over time, it expanded into abstract concepts, like 'communicating' ideas or 'passing' information through a medium. It is fascinating how a word for physical movement became a staple for logical connection!
You will use 통하여 in both formal writing and polite speech. It is slightly more formal than the simpler particle '-로' (by/with), making it perfect for emails, reports, or presentations.
Commonly, it pairs with nouns that represent channels or methods. For example, 인터넷을 통하여 (via the internet) or 대화를 통하여 (through conversation). It is a versatile tool that adds a touch of sophistication to your Korean sentences.
While it is a functional word, it appears in many set phrases. 1. 대화를 통하여: Through dialogue/communication. 2. 경험을 통하여: Through experience. 3. 매체를 통하여: Via media channels. 4. 법을 통하여: Through the law. 5. 노력을 통하여: By means of hard work.
These expressions help you sound like a native speaker who understands how to connect ideas logically in a professional setting.
Grammatically, 통하여 acts as a connective that links a noun to an action. It is the conjugated form of 통하다. In terms of pronunciation, watch out for the 'h' sound; it is soft but distinct.
It rhymes loosely with words ending in 'yeo' like 하여 (to do) or 위하여 (for the sake of). Practice saying it slowly: tong-ha-yeo. The stress is usually even across the three syllables.
Fun Fact
The character '通' is used across many East Asian languages to mean connection.
Pronunciation Guide
Clear 't' sound, 'ng' nasal finish.
Similar to UK, focus on the 'h' transition.
Common Errors
- Dropping the 'h' sound
- Mispronouncing the 'eo' vowel
- Cutting the word too short
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy to recognize in formal text.
Requires correct particle usage.
Common in polite speech.
Very clear in news.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Object Particle
책을 통하여
Verb Conjugation
통하다 -> 통하여
Formal Style
통하여 vs 통해
Examples by Level
전화를 통하여 말해요.
Speak through the phone.
Noun + 을/를 통하여
책을 통하여 배웠어요.
인터넷을 통하여 찾았어요.
친구를 통하여 알게 되었어요.
뉴스를 통하여 들었어요.
편지를 통하여 받았어요.
라디오를 통하여 들었어요.
앱을 통하여 주문해요.
지도을 통하여 찾아요.
대화를 통하여 해결합시다.
경험을 통하여 배웠습니다.
토론을 통하여 결정했어요.
매체를 통하여 홍보합니다.
교육을 통하여 성장해요.
법을 통하여 보호받아요.
회의를 통하여 논의해요.
데이터를 통하여 분석해요.
이 과정을 통하여 이해하게 되었습니다.
다양한 경로를 통하여 정보를 수집합니다.
협력을 통하여 목표를 달성했습니다.
기술 혁신을 통하여 발전합니다.
간접적인 방법을 통하여 전달했습니다.
투표를 통하여 선출했습니다.
분석을 통하여 결과를 도출했습니다.
수정을 통하여 개선했습니다.
사회적 합의를 통하여 문제를 해결해야 합니다.
역사적 성찰을 통하여 미래를 준비합니다.
문화 교류를 통하여 이해를 넓힙니다.
심층 면접을 통하여 인재를 선발합니다.
철저한 검증을 통하여 신뢰를 구축합니다.
지속적인 연구를 통하여 성과를 냅니다.
예술 활동을 통하여 감정을 표현합니다.
정책 변화를 통하여 경제를 활성화합니다.
민주적 절차를 통하여 의사를 수렴하는 과정이 필수적입니다.
예술적 승화를 통하여 고통을 극복해 나갑니다.
체계적인 시스템을 통하여 효율성을 극대화합니다.
상호 존중을 통하여 갈등을 완화할 수 있습니다.
철학적 사유를 통하여 삶의 본질을 탐구합니다.
엄격한 규율을 통하여 조직을 관리합니다.
다양한 시각을 통하여 현상을 해석합니다.
전통 계승을 통하여 정체성을 확립합니다.
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"통하는 사이"
People who 'click' or understand each other well.
우리는 정말 통하는 사이야.
casual"말이 통하다"
To be able to communicate effectively.
그 사람과는 말이 잘 통해.
neutral"뜻이 통하다"
To share the same intention or goal.
우리는 뜻이 통하는 친구다.
neutral"눈빛으로 통하다"
To understand each other without words.
우리는 눈빛만 봐도 통해.
casual"길이 통하다"
To have a path that connects two places.
이 길은 저쪽으로 통해.
neutral"통하는 길"
A method that actually works.
그것이 성공으로 통하는 길이야.
formalEasily Confused
Similar ending
위하여 is 'for', 통하여 is 'through'.
건강을 위하여 (for health) vs 대화를 통하여 (through talk).
Similar ending
대하여 is 'about', 통하여 is 'through'.
그것에 대하여 (about that) vs 그것을 통하여 (through that).
Similar ending
관하여 is 'regarding', 통하여 is 'through'.
사건에 관하여 (regarding the case) vs 사건을 통하여 (through the case).
It is the same word
통해 is short/casual, 통하여 is long/formal.
친구를 통해 (casual) vs 친구를 통하여 (formal).
Sentence Patterns
Noun + 을/를 + 통하여 + Verb
책을 통하여 배웠어요.
Noun + 을/를 + 통하여 + Noun
대화를 통하여 해결책을 찾았어요.
Noun + 을/를 + 통하여 + Adjective
교육을 통하여 유능해졌어요.
Noun + 을/를 + 통하여 + Adverb
경험을 통하여 더 깊이 이해했어요.
Noun + 을/를 + 통하여 + Passive
투표를 통하여 선출되었습니다.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
8
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
Learners often think it's only for doors/tunnels.
They sound similar but mean different things.
통하여 is quite formal for daily chat.
It requires a noun object.
It sounds robotic if you say '친구를 통하여'.
Tips
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine a tunnel (통) connecting two rooms.
When Native Speakers Use It
In formal emails or news reports.
Cultural Insight
It reflects the Korean value of connection.
Grammar Shortcut
Always look for the noun before it.
Say It Right
Don't rush the 'h' sound.
Don't Make This Mistake
Don't use it for 'purpose' (use 위하여).
Did You Know?
It is one of the most common formal connectors.
Study Smart
Use it in sentences about your daily routine.
Verb Root
Remember it comes from 통하다.
Formal Writing
Great for your TOPIK essays!
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Tong (like a tunnel) + Ha (go) + Yeo (do).
Visual Association
A tunnel connecting two mountains.
Word Web
Challenge
Write 3 sentences about how you learn Korean using '통하여'.
Word Origin
Korean (Hanja root)
Original meaning: To pass through / connect
Cultural Context
None, it is a standard functional word.
Directly maps to 'via' or 'through'.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
At work
- 회의를 통하여
- 이메일을 통하여
- 보고서를 통하여
At school
- 책을 통하여
- 선생님을 통하여
- 수업을 통하여
Travel
- 지도를 통하여
- 경로를 통하여
- 안내를 통하여
Daily life
- 인터넷을 통하여
- 친구를 통하여
- 대화를 통하여
Conversation Starters
"어떤 방법을 통하여 한국어를 공부하세요?"
"경험을 통하여 무엇을 배웠나요?"
"대화를 통하여 문제를 해결한 적이 있나요?"
"인터넷을 통하여 어떤 정보를 찾나요?"
"어떤 사람을 통하여 새로운 것을 알게 되었나요?"
Journal Prompts
Write about a lesson you learned through experience.
Describe how you use the internet to connect with others.
Explain a time you solved a conflict through dialogue.
Reflect on how your education has shaped your goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsYes, they are interchangeable, but '통하여' is more formal.
Yes, e.g., '친구를 통하여' (through a friend).
No, it is an adverbial form derived from the verb 통하다.
Tong-ha-yeo.
In very casual texting, use '통해' instead.
通 (통할 통).
No, it means 'by means of'.
Usually, it follows a noun in the middle of a sentence.
Test Yourself
인터넷 ___ 뉴스를 봐요.
통하여 shows the medium.
Which word means 'through'?
통하여 is the word for 'through'.
Is '통하여' used for purpose?
It is used for method, not purpose.
Word
Meaning
Both are common collocations.
대화를 통하여 문제를 해결해요.
경험을 ___ 많이 배웠어요.
Experience is a method of learning.
Which is the most formal?
통하여 is the standard formal adverbial form.
Can '통하여' be used as a verb?
It is an adverbial form of '통하다'.
Word
Meaning
These are advanced contexts.
성찰을 통하여 삶을 이해합니다.
Score: /10
Summary
Use '통하여' to connect your tools, methods, or channels to your actions.
- Means 'through', 'via', or 'by means of'.
- Derived from the verb '통하다'.
- Used to indicate a medium or method.
- More formal than '통해'.
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine a tunnel (통) connecting two rooms.
When Native Speakers Use It
In formal emails or news reports.
Cultural Insight
It reflects the Korean value of connection.
Grammar Shortcut
Always look for the noun before it.
Related Content
Related Grammar Rules
More business words
에 대한
A2Concerning or relating to; about, regarding.
~대하여
A2About, concerning, regarding.
대해서
A2Concerning or with regard to; about, regarding.
에 대해
A2About; regarding.
풍요롭다
A2To be abundant, prosperous, or rich.
관철하다
B2To carry through, achieve, or persist in one's will or goal until it is accomplished, despite difficulties.
~에 따라
B1According to, depending on; as stated by or determined by.
에 따라
A2According to; in accordance with.
에 의하면
B1According to; as stated by or reported by.
회계사
A2Accountant; a person whose job is to keep financial accounts.
