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A2 noun 9 min read

을/를 통해서

-eul/reul tonghaeseo
Examples
Explanation 을/를 통해서 in your Level:
At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn how to connect basic nouns to actions. The expression '을/를 통해서' might feel a bit long, but you can think of it as a single block that means 'using' or 'via'. At this stage, you should focus on using it with very common nouns like '친구' (friend) or '인터넷' (internet). For example, if you want to say 'I met a friend via a friend,' you can say '친구를 통해서 친구를 만났어요.' It helps you explain the source of your information or social connections. Think of it as a way to answer the question 'How?' when the answer is a medium or a person. Don't worry about the complex grammar behind it yet; just remember that if the word ends in a vowel, use '를 통해서', and if it ends in a consonant, use '을 통해서'. This will make your simple sentences sound much more natural and connected. You might hear this often in self-introductions or when talking about how you started learning Korean (e.g., 'K-pop을 통해서 한국어를 알게 되었어요' - I got to know Korean through K-pop).
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At the A2 level, you can begin to use '을/를 통해서' to describe more varied activities and methods. You are moving beyond just people and basic internet usage to include media, experiences, and specific channels. You can use it to talk about how you get your news, how you study, or how you communicate in different situations. For instance, '이메일을 통해서 연락해요' (I communicate through email) or '유튜브를 통해서 요리를 배워요' (I learn cooking through YouTube). You should also start noticing the difference between this and the particle '(으)로'. Remember that '통해서' is better when there is a sense of a 'process' or a 'medium'. At A2, you are expected to handle the object particles (을/를) correctly with this expression. This grammar point allows you to create more complex sentences that explain the 'channel' of your actions, which is a key step in moving from beginner to intermediate Korean. It is also very useful when describing how you found out about events or products, which is a common topic in A2 level speaking tasks.
At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using '을/를 통해서' in both spoken and written forms, including its slightly more formal variant '을/를 통하여'. You can now apply this structure to abstract concepts such as 'experience' (경험), 'effort' (노력), or 'dialogue' (대화). For example, '경험을 통해서 많은 것을 배웠습니다' (I learned many things through experience). This allows you to express more nuanced thoughts about personal development and problem-solving. You should also be able to distinguish '통해서' from '거쳐서' (via a location) and '덕분에' (thanks to). At this stage, you might use it in more formal settings like a job interview or a presentation to describe your background or how you achieved a certain result. For example, '인턴십을 통해서 실무 능력을 키웠습니다' (I developed practical skills through an internship). Your sentences should flow more naturally, and you should be able to use this grammar to link multiple ideas together in a paragraph, showing a clear logical progression of how one thing led to another through a specific medium.
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At the B2 level, '을/를 통해서' becomes a tool for sophisticated expression and argumentation. You are expected to use it in academic writing, formal reports, and debates. You can use it to describe complex systems of mediation, such as '법률을 통해서' (through legislation) or '정부의 정책을 통해서' (through government policy). You should understand that '통해서' can also describe physical passage through non-standard paths, like '검문을 통해서' (through a security check) or '관문을 통해서' (through a gateway). Your usage should reflect an understanding of register; you might choose '통하여' in a formal essay to sound more authoritative. You can also use it to describe the transmission of abstract values or cultural heritage, such as '전통을 통해서' (through tradition). At this level, you should be able to identify when '통해서' is being used metaphorically versus literally. You should also be able to correct common mistakes in others' usage, such as the over-reliance on '(으)로' when a more specific 'medium' word is needed. This grammar point helps you build a more professional and academic tone in your Korean.
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At the C1 level, your use of '을/를 통해서' should be nuanced and precise, reflecting a deep understanding of Korean syntax and semantics. You can use it to discuss philosophical or sociological concepts, such as '언어를 통해서 본 세계관' (A worldview seen through language). You should be able to use it in conjunction with other advanced grammar patterns to create complex, multi-layered sentences. For example, '역사적 고찰을 통해서만 비로소 이해할 수 있는 현상' (A phenomenon that can only be understood through historical reflection). You are also expected to recognize literary uses where '통해서' might be used to personify objects or to create a specific atmospheric effect. Your ability to switch between '통해서', '통하여', and '매개로' should be seamless, choosing the one that best fits the specific stylistic requirements of your text. You should also be aware of the historical development of the verb '통하다' and how it influences the current usage of this connective form. At this level, '을/를 통해서' is not just a grammar rule but a stylistic choice that contributes to the overall cohesion and impact of your advanced communication.
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At the C2 level, you possess a native-like grasp of '을/를 통해서' and can use it with total flexibility and precision. You can employ it in the most demanding contexts, such as high-level diplomacy, legal drafting, or avant-garde literature. You understand the subtle differences in emphasis that come from placing this phrase in different parts of a sentence. You can also use it to express irony, sarcasm, or complex metaphors. For example, you might use it to describe how a character in a novel 'sees the world through a distorted lens' (왜곡된 렌즈를 통해서 세상을 보다). You are also fully aware of the archaic or highly specialized variations of this structure that might appear in historical documents or specialized academic fields. Your command of this expression allows you to navigate the most subtle nuances of Korean communication, ensuring that your choice of 'medium' or 'channel' perfectly aligns with your intended meaning and the expectations of your audience. At this ultimate stage, '을/를 통해서' is a natural part of your linguistic repertoire, used effortlessly to construct elegant and powerful Korean sentences.
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Examples

The Korean grammatical structure 을/를 통해서 is a versatile and essential expression that translates most accurately to 'through,' 'via,' or 'by means of' in English. It is composed of the object particle (을/를) and the connective form of the verb '통하다' (tong-hada), which means 'to pass through' or 'to communicate.' When you use this expression, you are identifying a specific medium, channel, person, or experience that acts as the bridge or instrument for an action to occur. It is widely used in both everyday conversation and formal writing to explain how information was obtained, how people met, or how a certain result was achieved through a specific process.

The Medium of Communication
This is perhaps the most common usage. It describes the technological or social channel used to convey information. For example, hearing news 'through the internet' (인터넷을 통해서) or learning a secret 'through a friend' (친구를 통해서). It emphasizes the intermediary role of the noun.
The Process of Experience
It is frequently used to describe personal growth or learning that happens as a result of an activity. Phrases like 'through travel' (여행을 통해서) or 'through failure' (실패를 통해서) highlight the transformative nature of the preceding noun. It suggests that the experience was the vehicle for the outcome.

저는 뉴스를 인터넷을 통해서 봐요. (I watch the news through the internet.)

In formal contexts, such as news reports or academic papers, 을/를 통해서 is the standard way to denote methodology. If a researcher gathered data via a survey, they would use '설문조사를 통해서' (through a survey). It adds a layer of professionalism and clarity to the sentence, clearly delineating the source or method from the action itself. Unlike the simpler particle '(으)로', which also means 'by means of', '통해서' specifically highlights the 'passing through' aspect, making it feel more like a journey or a structured channel.

우리는 소개팅을 통해서 만났어요. (We met through a blind date.)

Abstract Channels
It can also refer to abstract concepts like 'through effort' (노력을 통해서) or 'through dialogue' (대화를 통해서). In these cases, it functions as a logical connector showing the path to a resolution or achievement.

이 문제를 대화를 통해서 해결합시다. (Let's solve this problem through dialogue.)

독서를 통해서 많은 지식을 얻었습니다. (I gained a lot of knowledge through reading.)

Using 을/를 통해서 correctly requires a basic understanding of Korean noun particles and verb conjugation. The structure is fixed: [Noun] + [Object Particle 을 or 를] + 통해서. Use '을' if the noun ends in a consonant (받침) and '를' if it ends in a vowel. This grammar point functions as an adverbial phrase within the sentence, providing context for the main verb. It is incredibly flexible and can appear at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence, depending on what you want to emphasize.

Step 1: Choose the Noun
Identify the medium or method. If you want to say you learned something through YouTube, the noun is '유튜브'. Since it ends in a vowel, you add '를'. Result: 유튜브를 통해서.
Step 2: Add the Main Action
Complete the sentence with a verb. '유튜브를 통해서 한국어를 공부해요' (I study Korean through YouTube). The '통해서' part explains the 'how' of the 'study'.

저는 친구를 통해서 그 소식을 들었어요. (I heard that news through a friend.)

When dealing with people as a medium, '을/를 통해서' is much more natural than using the instrumental particle '(으)로'. Using '(으)로' with a person can sometimes imply using them as a tool in a less respectful way, whereas '통해서' suggests a natural channel of communication or connection. For instance, if a manager communicates a message via an assistant, '비서를 통해서' is the standard professional phrasing.

이메일을 통해서 연락해 주세요. (Please contact me through email.)

Using with Abstract Nouns
When using abstract nouns like 'experience' (경험) or 'observation' (관찰), the particle '을' is used (경험을 통해서). This is very common in educational or self-improvement contexts.

실험을 통해서 결과를 확인했습니다. (We confirmed the results through the experiment.)

운동을 통해서 건강을 되찾았어요. (I regained my health through exercise.)

You will encounter 을/를 통해서 in almost every facet of Korean life, from the most casual social interactions to the highest levels of corporate and academic discourse. In modern Korea, where digital communication is king, you will constantly hear people talking about how they found information or met someone using digital platforms. It is the 'connector' word of the information age. For example, in a K-drama, a character might explain that they found out about a secret 'through a rumor' (소문을 통해서) or that they met their partner 'through a mutual friend' (지인을 통해서).

News and Broadcasting
News anchors use this phrase religiously. '저희 취재기자를 통해서 자세한 소식 들어보겠습니다' (We will hear more details through our reporter). It establishes the source of information as professional and direct.
Workplace and Business
In emails and meetings, it is used to describe procedures. '공문을 통해서 알려드리겠습니다' (We will notify you through an official document). It clarifies the formal channel of communication.

SNS를 통해서 이벤트를 홍보하고 있어요. (We are promoting the event through social media.)

In the context of education, teachers often use it to encourage students. '다양한 활동을 통해서 창의력을 키울 수 있습니다' (You can develop creativity through various activities). Here, it frames the activity as a vital path to a desired outcome. In everyday life, when Koreans talk about their hobbies or how they spend their time, '통해서' appears frequently to link their actions to their feelings. '명상을 통해서 마음의 평화를 찾아요' (I find peace of mind through meditation). It adds a sense of purpose and method to the description of their lifestyle.

그는 노력을 통해서 성공을 거두었습니다. (He achieved success through hard work.)

Legal and Official Settings
When talking about legal representation or official mediation, this phrase is mandatory. '변호사를 통해서 합의를 진행했습니다' (The settlement was carried out through a lawyer).

광고를 통해서 이 제품을 알게 되었어요. (I learned about this product through an advertisement.)

햇빛이 창문을 통해서 들어와요. (Sunlight is coming in through the window.)

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with 을/를 통해서 is confusing it with the instrumental particle (으)로. While both can mean 'by' or 'with,' they are not always interchangeable. '(으)로' is typically used for tools, instruments, or materials (e.g., eating with a spoon, writing with a pen). '통해서' is used for channels, mediums, or intermediaries. You wouldn't say '숟가락을 통해서 먹어요' (I eat through a spoon) because a spoon isn't a channel or a medium; it's a direct tool. Conversely, '인터넷으로' and '인터넷을 통해서' are both okay, but '통해서' emphasizes the internet as a medium of transmission.

Mistake 1: Misusing with Physical Tools
Avoid using it for simple hand-held tools. Incorrect: '가위를 통해서 종이를 잘라요.' Correct: '가위로 종이를 잘라요.' (I cut the paper with scissors.)
Mistake 2: Forgetting the Particle
Learners often forget to attach 을/를 to the noun. While '인터넷 통해서' might be understood in very casual speech, '인터넷을 통해서' is the grammatically correct form required for proficiency tests and clear communication.

❌ 연필을 통해서 글을 써요.
✅ 연필로 글을 써요. (I write with a pencil.)

Another nuance is the difference between '통해서' and '지나서' (passing by/through). '지나서' is used for physical movement past a point or through a duration of time. If you are walking through a park to get to the station, '공원을 지나서' is more natural. If you are entering a room via a door, '문을 통해서' is used because the door is the specific entry medium. Using '통해서' for a simple walk-past can sound awkward. Additionally, ensure you don't use '통해서' when you simply mean 'because of' (때문에). If something happened due to a reason rather than a channel, '때문에' or '덕분에' is appropriate.

❌ 버스를 통해서 학교에 가요.
✅ 버스로 학교에 가요. (I go to school by bus.)

Contextual Appropriateness
Using '통해서' for a person you just met casually can sometimes sound a bit too formal or distant. However, for describing the *origin* of a relationship, it is perfectly fine.

❌ 친구를 통해서 밥을 먹었어요.
✅ 친구와 함께 밥을 먹었어요. (I ate with a friend.)

책을 통해서 세상을 배워요. (I learn about the world through books.)

Understanding the synonyms and alternatives for 을/를 통해서 will help you sound more natural and precise in different contexts. While '통해서' is the most general and widely used term, other expressions might be better depending on whether you are talking about a physical route, a logical reason, or a formal method. Comparing these will deepen your grasp of Korean nuance.

(으)로 (Instrumental Particle)
The most common alternative. It means 'by,' 'with,' or 'using.' Use it for simple tools (pen, spoon), transportation (bus, car), or directions (left, right). '통해서' is more 'via a channel,' while '(으)로' is 'using a tool.'
을/를 거쳐서 (Via/By way of)
Specifically used for physical locations or stages in a process. If you fly from Seoul to New York via Tokyo, you use '도쿄를 거쳐서.' It implies a stopover or a specific waypoint on a journey.
(으)로써 (As/By means of)
A very formal written form used to indicate the status or the means of an action. It is often found in academic texts or speeches. For example, '대화로써 갈등을 풀다' (To resolve conflict by means of dialogue).

비행기가 나리타를 거쳐서 왔어요. (The plane came via Narita.)

Another related expression is '덕분에' (thanks to), which is used when the medium or person provided a positive benefit. While you could say '친구를 통해서 정보를 얻었어요' (I got info through a friend), saying '친구 덕분에 정보를 얻었어요' adds a layer of gratitude, implying the friend was helpful. Conversely, if the medium was neutral or even negative, '통해서' remains the objective choice. There is also '을/를 매개로', which is highly academic and means 'using [noun] as a medium/intermediary,' often used in science or philosophy.

선생님 덕분에 시험에 합격했어요. (Thanks to the teacher, I passed the exam.)

Comparison Table
  • 통해서: Medium/Channel (General)
  • (으)로: Tool/Method (Simple)
  • 거쳐서: Waypoint/Location (Physical)
  • 통하여: Formal/Written version of 통해서

신문을 통하여 새로운 소식을 접했습니다. (I encountered new news through the newspaper - Formal.)

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Examples by Level

1

친구를 통해서 만났어요.

I met (them) through a friend.

친구 (friend) + 를 통해서 (through)

2

인터넷을 통해서 알았어요.

I found out through the internet.

인터넷 (internet) + 을 통해서 (through)

3

유튜브를 통해서 한국어를 배워요.

I learn Korean through YouTube.

유튜브 (YouTube) + 를 통해서 (through)

4

뉴스를 통해서 들었어요.

I heard (it) through the news.

뉴스 (news) + 를 통해서 (through)

5

엄마를 통해서 전해 들었어요.

I heard it (passed down) through my mom.

엄마 (mom) + 를 통해서 (through)

6

책을 통해서 공부해요.

I study through books.

책 (book) + 을 통해서 (through)

7

광고를 통해서 봤어요.

I saw (it) through an advertisement.

광고 (advertisement) + 를 통해서 (through)

8

이메일을 통해서 연락하세요.

Please contact (me) through email.

이메일 (email) + 을 통해서 (through)

1

여행을 통해서 많은 것을 배웠어요.

I learned many things through travel.

여행 (travel) + 을 통해서 (through)

2

SNS를 통해서 친구 소식을 들어요.

I hear news of my friends through social media.

SNS (social media) + 를 통해서 (through)

3

운동을 통해서 건강을 관리해요.

I manage my health through exercise.

운동 (exercise) + 을 통해서 (through)

4

소개를 통해서 그 사람을 알게 됐어요.

I got to know that person through an introduction.

소개 (introduction) + 를 통해서 (through)

5

영화를 통해서 외국 문화를 배워요.

I learn about foreign cultures through movies.

영화 (movie) + 를 통해서 (through)

6

홈페이지를 통해서 예약할 수 있어요.

You can make a reservation through the website.

홈페이지 (homepage) + 를 통해서 (through)

7

대화를 통해서 오해를 풀었어요.

We cleared up the misunderstanding through dialogue.

대화 (dialogue) + 를 통해서 (through)

8

사진을 통해서 그때를 기억해요.

I remember those times through photos.

사진 (photo) + 을 통해서 (through)

1

독서를 통해서 지식을 넓힐 수 있습니다.

You can broaden your knowledge through reading.

독서 (reading) + 를 통해서 (through)

2

자원봉사를 통해서 보람을 느꼈어요.

I felt a sense of worth through volunteering.

자원봉사 (volunteering) + 를 통해서 (through)

3

시행착오를 통해서 정답을 찾았습니다.

I found the answer through trial and error.

시행착오 (trial and error) + 를 통해서 (through)

4

전문가를 통해서 조언을 구하세요.

Please seek advice through an expert.

전문가 (expert) + 를 통해서 (through)

5

관찰을 통해서 새로운 사실을 발견했습니다.

I discovered new facts through observation.

관찰 (observation) + 을 통해서 (through)

6

협상을 통해서 문제를 해결해야 합니다.

We must solve the problem through negotiation.

협상 (negotiation) + 를 통해서 (through)

7

매체를 통해서 대중에게 알려졌어요.

It became known to the public through the media.

매체 (media) + 를 통해서 (through)

8

교육을 통해서 인재를 양성합니다.

We nurture talent through education.

교육 (education) + 을 통해서 (through)

1

공식 채널을 통해서 입장을 발표하겠습니다.

We will announce our position through official channels.

공식 채널 (official channel) + 을 통해서 (through)

2

설문조사를 통해서 소비자 트렌드를 분석했습니다.

We analyzed consumer trends through a survey.

설문조사 (survey) + 를 통해서 (through)

3

심리 상담을 통해서 마음의 병을 치료해요.

He is treating his mental illness through psychological counseling.

심리 상담 (psychological counseling) + 을 통해서 (through)

4

중개인을 통해서 부동산을 계약했습니다.

I signed the real estate contract through a broker.

중개인 (broker) + 를 통해서 (through)

5

문화 교류를 통해서 우호 관계를 증진합니다.

We promote friendly relations through cultural exchange.

문화 교류 (cultural exchange) + 를 통해서 (through)

6

실험을 통해서 가설이 증명되었습니다.

The hypothesis was proven through the experiment.

실험 (experiment) + 을 통해서 (through)

7

토론을 통해서 합의점에 도달했습니다.

We reached a consensus through discussion.

토론 (discussion) + 을 통해서 (through)

8

간접 경험을 통해서 세상을 배웁니다.

I learn about the world through indirect experience.

간접 경험 (indirect experience) + 을 통해서 (through)

1

문학을 통해서 인간의 본성을 탐구합니다.

We explore human nature through literature.

문학 (literature) + 을 통해서 (through)

2

철학적 사유를 통해서 진리를 추구합니다.

We pursue truth through philosophical thought.

철학적 사유 (philosophical thought) + 를 통해서 (through)

3

예술을 통해서 감정을 승화시킵니다.

We sublimate emotions through art.

예술 (art) + 을 통해서 (through)

4

역사적 고찰을 통해서 미래를 전망합니다.

We foresee the future through historical consideration.

역사적 고찰 (historical consideration) + 을 통해서 (through)

5

비판적 시각을 통해서 사회 문제를 바라봅니다.

We look at social issues through a critical perspective.

비판적 시각 (critical perspective) + 을 통해서 (through)

6

언어를 통해서 문화적 정체성이 형성됩니다.

Cultural identity is formed through language.

언어 (language) + 를 통해서 (through)

7

혁신을 통해서 경쟁력을 확보해야 합니다.

We must secure competitiveness through innovation.

혁신 (innovation) + 을 통해서 (through)

8

데이터 분석을 통해서 객관적인 결론을 도출했습니다.

We derived objective conclusions through data analysis.

데이터 분석 (data analysis) + 을 통해서 (through)

1

자기 성찰을 통해서 내면의 성장을 이룩했습니다.

I achieved inner growth through self-reflection.

자기 성찰 (self-reflection) + 를 통해서 (through)

2

고난을 통해서 인격이 도야됩니다.

Character is refined through hardship.

고난 (hardship) + 을 통해서 (through)

3

변증법적 논리를 통해서 모순을 극복합니다.

We overcome contradictions through dialectical logic.

변증법적 논리 (dialectical logic) + 를 통해서 (through)

4

미학적 체험을 통해서 삶의 질을 높입니다.

We improve the quality of life through aesthetic experience.

미학적 체험 (aesthetic experience) + 을 통해서 (through)

5

연대를 통해서 공동체 의식을 함양합니다.

We cultivate community spirit through solidarity.

연대 (solidarity) + 를 통해서 (through)

6

직관을 통해서 본질을 꿰뚫어 봅니다.

We see through to the essence through intuition.

직관 (intuition) + 을 통해서 (through)

7

담론을 통해서 사회적 합의를 이끌어냅니다.

We draw out social consensus through discourse.

담론 (discourse) + 을 통해서 (through)

8

초월적 명상을 통해서 자아를 발견합니다.

I discover the self through transcendental meditation.

초월적 명상 (transcendental meditation) + 를 통해서 (through)

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