🟠 Using -기 때문에 to Show Reason | Intermediate Level (TOPIK 3–4)
Do you know how to say “because” in Korean without sounding too basic?
The grammar pattern -기 때문에 is perfect for explaining reasons in a clear and polite way. This article will teach you how to use it correctly, with examples and practice dialogues designed for intermediate Korean learners (TOPIK 3–4).
📚 Table of Contents
💡 What is -기 때문에?
-기 때문에 is used to indicate the reason or cause of an action or situation. It is slightly more formal than -아서/어서 and is often used in writing or polite speech.
Structure: Verb stem + 기 때문에
Example: 공부하기 때문에 (because [someone] studies)
This pattern can also be used with nouns by attaching 이기 때문에 (if the noun ends with a consonant) or 기 때문에 (if it ends with a vowel).
📖 Examples in Daily Conversations
1. 날씨가 좋지 않기 때문에 집에 있었어요.
Because the weather wasn’t good, I stayed at home.
2. 시험이 있기 때문에 도서관에 가야 해요.
Because there is an exam, I have to go to the library.
3. 그 사람이 한국인 이기 때문에 한국어를 잘해요.
Because he is Korean, he speaks Korean well.
4. 돈이 없기 때문에 여행을 못 갔어요.
Because I didn’t have money, I couldn’t travel.
🗣 Practice Dialogue
A: 왜 어제 파티에 안 왔어요?
Wae eoje pati-e an wasseoyo?
Why didn’t you come to the party yesterday?
B: 내일 시험이 있기 때문에 집에서 공부했어요.
Naeil siheom-i itgi ttaemune jib-eseo gongbuhaesseoyo.
I studied at home because I had a test today.
🧩 Quick Check: How would you say, “I couldn’t sleep because it was noisy” using -기 때문에?
🌏 Did You Know?
In Korean writing, using -기 때문에 can make your explanation sound more polite and logical, which is why it’s often found in essays, news reports, and formal speeches rather than casual texting or chatting.
📦 Final Thoughts
Mastering -기 때문에 will help you express reasons clearly and politely in both speech and writing. This grammar point bridges the gap between casual conversation and formal communication, which is crucial for intermediate learners preparing for TOPIK 3–4.
Exploring these patterns step by step will make your Korean reasoning skills stronger and more natural over time. Keep practicing and notice how often you hear this form in real life!
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