Core Pattern Rule: Because of [Noun] (-때문에)
This pattern is used to express the cause or reason for a situation, connecting it directly to a noun.
Meaning & Usage
Meaning: It translates to "because of [Noun]" or "due to [Noun]."
When to use: Use it when you want to pinpoint a specific noun as the direct cause of a result. While it can be used for positive reasons, it often carries a nuance of explaining a negative outcome or placing blame.
Formation
Simply attach -때문에 directly to the end of a noun. It doesn't matter if the noun ends in a vowel or a consonant.
Formula: Noun + 때문에
Examples:
비 (rain) + 때문에 → 비 때문에 (because of the rain)
일 (work) + 때문에 → 일 때문에 (because of work)
스트레스 (stress) + 때문에 → 스트레스 때문에 (because of stress)
스트레스 때문에 머리가 아파. / 비 때문에 늦었어요. / 친구 때문에 행복해요. / 너 때문에 성공했어.
Synonyms & Differences
Korean has several ways to say "because." The key to using -때문에 correctly is knowing it's for nouns.
-때문에 (for Nouns)
This pattern explicitly links a noun to a result. It often implies a strong, direct causal relationship and can sometimes sound like you're blaming that noun for the outcome.
Example: 소음 때문에 잠을 못 잤어요. (I couldn't sleep because of the noise.)
-(아/어)서 (for Verbs/Adjectives)
This is used with verbs and adjectives to show a natural sequence of events or a general reason. It's more neutral than -때문에 and cannot be used with commands or suggestions.
Compare:
비 때문에 늦었어요. (Blames the rain directly.)
비가 와서 늦었어요. (States a natural sequence: It rained, and as a result, I was late.)
-(으)니까 (for Verbs/Adjectives)
This is also used with verbs and adjectives. It's often used to provide a reason for a command or suggestion, or a reason the listener might already know.
Example: 날씨가 추우니까 따뜻하게 입으세요. (Because the weather is cold, dress warmly.)