🧾

Formal Reason: -(으)ㄴ/는 까닭에

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Advanced Grammar
🧾
TL;DR 🦄
  • 🧾 -(으)ㄴ/는 까닭에 [-(eu)n/neun kka-dal-ge] means because / for the reason that in a formal, written, explanatory style.
  • 🧩 It comes from 까닭 [kka-dak] “reason/cause” + 에 [e], so it feels like “by reason of...”
  • 🏛️ Use it for reports, essays, notices, and careful explanations; in casual chat, 때문에 [ttae-mun-e] or -아서/어서 [-a-seo/eo-seo] usually sounds lighter.
🔊
🎧 Iru Helper Note — Open
Korean Helper Widgets
Korean Helper Widgets and type any sentence from this lesson to hear it aloud. Try 길이 막힌 까닭에 늦었습니다 and listen for the smooth linking in 까닭에. 🚗
 

🌈 The Big Picture

까닭 [kka-dak] means reason or cause. With a noun-modifying clause in front, -(으)ㄴ/는 까닭 means “the reason why...” Add 에, and it becomes a cause connector: “because / for the reason that.” 🧠
 
Compare the two:
  • 참가자가 줄어든 까닭을 분석했습니다.
      • [cham-ga-ja-ga ju-reo-deun kka-dal-geul bun-seo-kaet-seum-ni-da]
      We analyzed the reason the participants decreased. 🔍
  • 참가자가 줄어든 까닭에 일정을 변경했습니다.
      • [cham-ga-ja-ga ju-reo-deun kka-dal-ge il-jeo-ngeul byeon-gyeong-haet-seum-ni-da]
      We changed the schedule because the participants decreased. 📅
 
This grammar is more polished than everyday 때문에. It sounds natural in formal explanations, reports, announcements, and written analysis — basically Korean wearing a blazer and holding a clipboard. 📋
 

🎨 The Core Formal Reason Family

1. Present/general action + 는 까닭에

Use this when the cause is a present, repeated, or general action.
  • 사람들이 기다리는 까닭에 안내가 필요합니다.
      • [sa-ram-deu-ri gi-da-ri-neun kka-dal-ge an-nae-ga pi-ryo-ham-ni-da]
      Because people are waiting, guidance is necessary. 👥
      사람들 = people; 기다리다 = to wait; 안내 = guidance/notice; 필요하다 = to be necessary.
  • 학생들이 어려워하는 까닭에 설명을 추가했습니다.
      • [hak-saeng-deu-ri eo-ryeo-wo-ha-neun kka-dal-ge seol-myeo-ngeul chu-ga-haet-seum-ni-da]
      Because students find it difficult, an explanation was added. 🧩
      학생들 = students; 어려워하다 = to find difficult; 설명 = explanation; 추가하다 = to add.
 

2. Past/completed action + -(으)ㄴ 까닭에

Use this when the cause is already completed.
  • 길이 막힌 까닭에 늦었습니다.
      • [gi-ri ma-khin kka-dal-ge neu-jeot-seum-ni-da]
      I was late because the road was jammed. 🚗
      길 = road; 막히다 = to be blocked/jammed; 늦다 = to be late.
  • 회의가 취소된 까닭에 일정이 변경되었습니다.
      • [hoe-ui-ga chwi-so-doen kka-dal-ge il-jeo-ngi byeon-gyeong-doe-eot-seum-ni-da]
      The schedule was changed because the meeting was canceled. 🗓️
      회의 = meeting; 취소되다 = to be canceled; 일정 = schedule; 변경되다 = to be changed.
 

3. Descriptive verb/adjective + -(으)ㄴ 까닭에

Use this when the cause is a state or quality.
  • 자료가 중요한 까닭에 반드시 확인해야 합니다.
      • [ja-ryo-ga jung-yo-han kka-dal-ge ban-deu-si hwa-gi-nae-ya ham-ni-da]
      Because the materials are important, they must be checked. 📄
      자료 = materials/data; 중요하다 = to be important; 반드시 = without fail; 확인하다 = to check.
  • 문제가 어려운 까닭에 천천히 설명했습니다.
      • [mun-je-ga eo-ryeo-un kka-dal-ge cheon-cheo-ni seol-myeong-haet-seum-ni-da]
      Because the problem was difficult, it was explained slowly. 🐢
      문제 = problem; 어렵다 = to be difficult; 천천히 = slowly.
 

4. Noun + 인 까닭에

Use this when the cause is identity, category, or status.
  • 학생인 까닭에 규칙을 지켜야 합니다.
      • [hak-saeng-in kka-dal-ge gyu-chi-geul ji-kyeo-ya ham-ni-da]
      Because someone is a student, they must follow the rules. 🏫
      학생 = student; 규칙 = rule; 지키다 = to follow/keep.
  • 전문가인 까닭에 의견을 자세히 설명했습니다.
      • [jeon-mun-ga-in kka-dal-ge ui-gyeo-neul ja-se-hi seol-myeong-haet-seum-ni-da]
      Because the person is an expert, they explained the opinion in detail. 🧑‍🏫
      전문가 = expert; 의견 = opinion; 자세히 = in detail.
 

🛠️ How They Work in a Sentence

1. Formal cause → result
  • 자료가 부족한 까닭에 결정을 미뤘습니다.
      • [ja-ryo-ga bu-jo-kan kka-dal-ge gyeol-jeo-ngeul mi-rwot-seum-ni-da]
      The decision was postponed because the materials were insufficient. 📊
      부족하다 = to be insufficient; 결정 = decision; 미루다 = to postpone.
 
2. Careful explanation
  • 문제가 생긴 까닭에 담당자가 상황을 설명했습니다.
      • [mun-je-ga saeng-gin kka-dal-ge dam-dang-ja-ga sang-hwa-ngeul seol-myeong-haet-seum-ni-da]
      Because a problem occurred, the person in charge explained the situation. 🧯
      생기다 = to occur/arise; 담당자 = person in charge; 상황 = situation.
 
3. Formal notice tone
  • 확인이 필요한 까닭에 자료를 다시 보냈습니다.
      • [hwa-gi-ni pi-ryo-han kka-dal-ge ja-ryo-reul da-si bo-naet-seum-ni-da]
      Because checking was necessary, the materials were sent again. 📬
      다시 = again; 보내다 = to send.
 

🧩 General Formation Rule

Build a noun-modifying clause before 까닭에.
 

Action verbs — present/general → 는 까닭에

  • 기다리다 → 기다리는 까닭에 [gi-da-ri-da → gi-da-ri-neun kka-dal-ge] = because someone waits/is waiting
  • 쓰다 → 쓰는 까닭에 [sseu-da → sseu-neun kka-dal-ge] = because someone uses/writes
  • 어려워하다 → 어려워하는 까닭에 [eo-ryeo-wo-ha-da → eo-ryeo-wo-ha-neun kka-dal-ge] = because someone finds it difficult
 

Action verbs — past/completed → -(으)ㄴ 까닭에

  • 떠나다 → 떠난 까닭에 [tteo-na-da → tteo-nan kka-dal-ge] = because someone left
  • 취소되다 → 취소된 까닭에 [chwi-so-doe-da → chwi-so-doen kka-dal-ge] = because something was canceled
  • 생기다 → 생긴 까닭에 [saeng-gi-da → saeng-gin kka-dal-ge] = because something occurred
 

Descriptive verbs/adjectives → -(으)ㄴ 까닭에

  • 중요하다 → 중요한 까닭에 [jung-yo-ha-da → jung-yo-han kka-dal-ge] = because it is important
  • 어렵다 → 어려운 까닭에 [eo-ryeop-da → eo-ryeo-un kka-dal-ge] = because it is difficult
  • 필요하다 → 필요한 까닭에 [pi-ryo-ha-da → pi-ryo-han kka-dal-ge] = because it is necessary
  • 부족하다 → 부족한 까닭에 [bu-jok-ha-da → bu-jo-kan kka-dal-ge] = because it is insufficient
 

Nouns → 인 까닭에

  • 학생 → 학생인 까닭에 [hak-saeng → hak-saeng-in kka-dal-ge] = because someone is a student
  • 전문가 → 전문가인 까닭에 [jeon-mun-ga → jeon-mun-ga-in kka-dal-ge] = because someone is an expert
  • 문제 → 문제인 까닭에 [mun-je → mun-je-in kka-dal-ge] = because it is a problem
 

🚨 Exception Rule(s)

  • ㅂ-irregular descriptive verbs change before -(으)ㄴ:
    • 어렵다 → 어려운 까닭에 [eo-ryeop-da → eo-ryeo-un kka-dal-ge] = because it is difficult
    • 춥다 → 추운 까닭에 [chup-da → chu-un kka-dal-ge] = because it is cold
    • 무겁다 → 무거운 까닭에 [mu-geop-da → mu-geo-un kka-dal-ge] = because it is heavy
  • ㄹ-ending descriptive verbs drop ㄹ before ㄴ:
    • 멀다 → 먼 까닭에 [meol-da → meon kka-dal-ge] = because it is far
    • 길다 → 긴 까닭에 [gil-da → gin kka-dal-ge] = because it is long
  • Nouns need 인:
    • ✅ 학생인 까닭에 [hak-saeng-in kka-dal-ge]
    • ❌ 학생 까닭에 when you mean “because someone is a student”
  • Do not attach polite endings before 까닭에:
    • ✅ 길이 막힌 까닭에 [gi-ri ma-khin kka-dal-ge]
    • ❌ 길이 막혔어요 까닭에
 

📚 Cross-check note

The meaning of 까닭 as “reason/cause,” the noun-modifier forms before 까닭, and the formal cause use of -(으)ㄴ/는 까닭에 were checked against National Institute of Korean Language resources at korean.go.kr. ✅
 

🪞 Synonym Alert

  • -(으)ㄴ/는 까닭에 [-(eu)n/neun kka-dal-ge] → because / for the reason that; formal, written, explanatory 🧾
  • -(으)ㄴ/는 까닭 [-(eu)n/neun kka-dak] → the reason why; names the reason itself 📌
  • 이유 [i-yu] → reason; common and conversational 💬
  • 때문에 [ttae-mun-e] → because of; everyday and flexible 🌱
  • -기 때문에 [-gi ttae-mun-e] → because; clear, strong, and flexible 💪
  • -(으)므로 [-(eu)-meu-ro] → since/because; formal written logical reason 🏛️
  • -(으)로 인하여 [-(eu)-ro in-ha-yeo] → due to; formal noun-based cause 📄
  • -(으)로 말미암아 [-(eu)-ro mal-mi-a-ma] → owing to; very formal/literary cause 🏺
  • 탓에 [ta-se] → because of; often negative blame ⚡
 

⚠️ Pitfalls to Dodge

  • ❌ 늦었어요 까닭에 → ✅ 늦은 까닭에 (use a noun-modifier form before 까닭에).
  • ❌ 중요하는 까닭에 → ✅ 중요한 까닭에 (descriptive verbs use -(으)ㄴ).
  • ❌ 학생 까닭에 → ✅ 학생인 까닭에 (nouns need 인).
  • ❌ Using 까닭에 for every tiny casual reason → ✅ use 때문에 or -아서/어서 in everyday speech.
  • ❌ Confusing 까닭을 and 까닭에 → ✅ 까닭을 names the reason as an object; 까닭에 connects cause to result.
 
🎉 Bottom line: -(으)ㄴ/는 까닭에 lets you explain a cause in polished, formal Korean. It is the “because” connector that brought a clipboard and a calm voice. 🧾✨
 

Try this exercise

Instructions
Complete each formal reason sentence with the correct 까닭에 form. Pay attention to whether the cause is a present action, completed action, state, or noun.
1. 늦다 → 담당자가 ＿＿＿＿ 회의를 다시 시작했습니다.
[neut-da → dam-dang-ja-ga ＿＿＿＿ hoe-ui-reul da-si si-ja-kaet-seum-ni-da]
Because the person in charge was late, the meeting started again. 💼
Answer
늦은 까닭에 — completed/state-like result: 늦다 → 늦은 까닭에.
2. 기다리다 → 사람들이 ＿＿＿＿ 안내가 필요합니다.
[gi-da-ri-da → sa-ram-deu-ri ＿＿＿＿ an-nae-ga pi-ryo-ham-ni-da]
Because people are waiting, guidance is necessary. 👥
Answer
기다리는 까닭에 — present/general action + 는 까닭에.
3. 취소되다 → 회의가 ＿＿＿＿ 일정이 변경되었습니다.
[chwi-so-doe-da → hoe-ui-ga ＿＿＿＿ il-jeo-ngi byeon-gyeong-doe-eot-seum-ni-da]
Because the meeting was canceled, the schedule was changed. 🗓️
Answer
취소된 까닭에 — completed action + -(으)ㄴ 까닭에.
4. 중요하다 → 자료가 ＿＿＿＿ 반드시 확인해야 합니다.
[jung-yo-ha-da → ja-ryo-ga ＿＿＿＿ ban-deu-si hwa-gi-nae-ya ham-ni-da]
Because the materials are important, they must be checked. 📄
Answer
중요한 까닭에 — descriptive verb + -(으)ㄴ 까닭에.
5. 어렵다 → 문제가 ＿＿＿＿ 설명이 필요합니다.
[eo-ryeop-da → mun-je-ga ＿＿＿＿ seol-myeo-ngi pi-ryo-ham-ni-da]
Because the problem is difficult, an explanation is necessary. 🧩
Answer
어려운 까닭에 — ㅂ-irregular: 어렵다 → 어려운.
6. 학생 → ＿＿＿＿ 규칙을 지켜야 합니다.
[hak-saeng → ＿＿＿＿ gyu-chi-geul ji-kyeo-ya ham-ni-da]
Because someone is a student, they must follow the rules. 🏫
Answer
학생인 까닭에 — noun + 인 까닭에.
7. 생기다 → 문제가 ＿＿＿＿ 담당자가 설명했습니다.
[saeng-gi-da → mun-je-ga ＿＿＿＿ dam-dang-ja-ga seol-myeong-haet-seum-ni-da]
Because a problem occurred, the person in charge explained it. 🧯
Answer
생긴 까닭에 — completed action + -(으)ㄴ 까닭에.
8. 필요하다 → 확인이 ＿＿＿＿ 자료를 다시 보았습니다.
[pi-ryo-ha-da → hwa-gi-ni ＿＿＿＿ ja-ryo-reul da-si bo-at-seum-ni-da]
Because checking was necessary, the materials were reviewed again. 🔍
Answer
필요한 까닭에 — descriptive verb + -(으)ㄴ 까닭에.
9. ❌ 중요하는 까닭에 → ✅ ＿＿＿＿
[jung-yo-ha-neun kka-dal-ge → ＿＿＿＿]
Fix the formal reason phrase. 📌
Answer
중요한 까닭에 — 중요하다 is descriptive, so use 중요한.
10. 까닭을 or 까닭에? 참가자가 줄어든 ＿＿＿＿ 분석했습니다.
[cham-ga-ja-ga ju-reo-deun ＿＿＿＿ bun-seo-kaet-seum-ni-da]
We analyzed the reason the participants decreased. 🔍
Answer
까닭을 — here “the reason” is the object of 분석했습니다. Use 까닭에 when connecting cause to result.
📚
Vocabulary Box
  • 담당자 → person in charge
  • 늦다 → to be late
  • 회의 → meeting
  • 기다리다 → to wait
  • 안내 → guidance/notice
  • 필요하다 → to be necessary
  • 취소되다 → to be canceled
  • 일정 → schedule
  • 변경되다 → to be changed
  • 자료 → materials/data
  • 중요하다 → to be important
  • 어렵다 → to be difficult
  • 학생 → student
  • 규칙 → rule
  • 생기다 → to occur/arise
  • 분석하다 → to analyze
Tip 💡 까닭에 connects a cause to a result; 까닭을 names the reason as an object.
🚀
Want more reps? Keep going into the Practice Hub when you're ready for the full formal-reason workout. 🧾
 
📦
🎯 Practice Hub — Formal Reason: -(으)ㄴ/는 까닭에
 
Welcome to the formal-reason desk, where every cause gets a neat label and every result signs the paperwork. 🧾 You’ll practice turning actions, states, and nouns into polished 까닭에 clauses, then contrast them with 까닭을, 때문에, -(으)므로, 인하여, and 말미암아. Clipboard energy: activated. 📋
 
🔊 Audio reminder: Use
Korean Helper Widgets
Korean Helper Widgets whenever you want to hear a sentence before repeating it aloud.
 
📝 Instructions: Complete each sentence, read it aloud, then open the Answer toggle. Focus on the form before 까닭에: present action, completed action, descriptive state, or noun.
 

Exercise 1 — Build the Formal Cause Form 🔧

A. 기다리다 → 사람들이 ＿＿＿＿ 안내가 필요합니다.
[gi-da-ri-da → sa-ram-deu-ri ＿＿＿＿ an-nae-ga pi-ryo-ham-ni-da]
Because people are waiting, guidance is necessary. 👥
Answer
기다리는 까닭에 — present/general action + 는 까닭에.
B. 쓰다 → 사람들이 이 자료를 ＿＿＿＿ 확인이 필요합니다.
[sseu-da → sa-ram-deu-ri i ja-ryo-reul ＿＿＿＿ hwa-gi-ni pi-ryo-ham-ni-da]
Because people use these materials, checking is necessary. 📄
Answer
쓰는 까닭에.
C. 떠나다 → 담당자가 ＿＿＿＿ 회의가 취소되었습니다.
[tteo-na-da → dam-dang-ja-ga ＿＿＿＿ hoe-ui-ga chwi-so-doe-eot-seum-ni-da]
Because the person in charge left, the meeting was canceled. 🚶
Answer
떠난 까닭에.
D. 취소되다 → 일정이 ＿＿＿＿ 안내가 지연되었습니다.
[chwi-so-doe-da → il-jeo-ngi ＿＿＿＿ an-nae-ga ji-yeon-doe-eot-seum-ni-da]
Because the schedule was canceled, the notice was delayed. 📢
Answer
취소된 까닭에.
E. 생기다 → 문제가 ＿＿＿＿ 결정을 미뤘습니다.
[saeng-gi-da → mun-je-ga ＿＿＿＿ gyeol-jeo-ngeul mi-rwot-seum-ni-da]
Because a problem occurred, the decision was postponed. 🧯
Answer
생긴 까닭에.
F. 중요하다 → 자료가 ＿＿＿＿ 반드시 확인했습니다.
[jung-yo-ha-da → ja-ryo-ga ＿＿＿＿ ban-deu-si hwa-gin-haet-seum-ni-da]
Because the materials were important, they were checked without fail. 📌
Answer
중요한 까닭에.
G. 필요하다 → 설명이 ＿＿＿＿ 다시 안내했습니다.
[pi-ryo-ha-da → seol-myeo-ngi ＿＿＿＿ da-si an-nae-haet-seum-ni-da]
Because an explanation was necessary, guidance was given again. 🧾
Answer
필요한 까닭에.
H. 어렵다 → 문제가 ＿＿＿＿ 천천히 설명했습니다.
[eo-ryeop-da → mun-je-ga ＿＿＿＿ cheon-cheo-ni seol-myeong-haet-seum-ni-da]
Because the problem was difficult, it was explained slowly. 🧩
Answer
어려운 까닭에 — ㅂ-irregular.
I. 학생 → 담당자가 ＿＿＿＿ 규칙을 확인했습니다.
[hak-saeng → dam-dang-ja-ga ＿＿＿＿ gyu-chi-geul hwa-gin-haet-seum-ni-da]
Because the person in charge was a student, the rules were checked. 🏫
Answer
학생인 까닭에.
J. 전문가 → 담당자가 ＿＿＿＿ 의견을 자세히 설명했습니다.
[jeon-mun-ga → dam-dang-ja-ga ＿＿＿＿ ui-gyeo-neul ja-se-hi seol-myeong-haet-seum-ni-da]
Because the person in charge was an expert, the opinion was explained in detail. 🧑‍🏫
Answer
전문가인 까닭에.
📚
Vocabulary Box
  • 기다리다 → to wait
  • 사람들 → people
  • 안내 → guidance/notice
  • 쓰다 → to use/write
  • 자료 → materials/data
  • 떠나다 → to leave
  • 담당자 → person in charge
  • 취소되다 → to be canceled
  • 생기다 → to occur/arise
  • 중요하다 → to be important
  • 필요하다 → to be necessary
  • 어렵다 → to be difficult
  • 학생 → student
  • 전문가 → expert
  • 설명하다 → to explain
Tip 💡 Ask: action now, action finished, state, or noun?
 

Exercise 2 — Cause to Result Sentences 🧾

A. 길이 막힌 ＿＿＿＿ 늦었습니다.
[gi-ri ma-khin ＿＿＿＿ neu-jeot-seum-ni-da]
I was late because the road was jammed. 🚗
Answer
까닭에 — 길이 막힌 까닭에 connects the cause to the result.
B. 회의가 길어진 ＿＿＿＿ 참가자가 줄어들었습니다.
[hoe-ui-ga gi-reo-jin ＿＿＿＿ cham-ga-ja-ga ju-reo-deu-reot-seum-ni-da]
Because the meeting became long, the participants decreased. 🕰️
Answer
까닭에.
C. 자료가 부족한 ＿＿＿＿ 결정을 미뤘습니다.
[ja-ryo-ga bu-jo-kan ＿＿＿＿ gyeol-jeo-ngeul mi-rwot-seum-ni-da]
Because the materials were insufficient, the decision was postponed. 📊
Answer
까닭에.
D. 규칙이 중요한 ＿＿＿＿ 다시 확인했습니다.
[gyu-chi-gi jung-yo-han ＿＿＿＿ da-si hwa-gin-haet-seum-ni-da]
Because the rules were important, they were checked again. 📏
Answer
까닭에.
E. 설명이 필요한 ＿＿＿＿ 담당자가 안내했습니다.
[seol-myeo-ngi pi-ryo-han ＿＿＿＿ dam-dang-ja-ga an-nae-haet-seum-ni-da]
Because an explanation was necessary, the person in charge gave guidance. 📢
Answer
까닭에.
F. 문제가 생긴 ＿＿＿＿ 회의가 취소되었습니다.
[mun-je-ga saeng-gin ＿＿＿＿ hoe-ui-ga chwi-so-doe-eot-seum-ni-da]
Because a problem occurred, the meeting was canceled. 🧯
Answer
까닭에.
G. 참가자가 기다리는 ＿＿＿＿ 안내를 다시 했습니다.
[cham-ga-ja-ga gi-da-ri-neun ＿＿＿＿ an-nae-reul da-si haet-seum-ni-da]
Because the participants were waiting, guidance was given again. 👥
Answer
까닭에.
H. 결과가 나쁜 ＿＿＿＿ 분석이 필요합니다.
[gyeol-gwa-ga na-ppeun ＿＿＿＿ bun-seo-gi pi-ryo-ham-ni-da]
Because the result is bad, analysis is necessary. 📉
Answer
까닭에.
I. 전문가인 ＿＿＿＿ 의견을 물었습니다.
[jeon-mun-ga-in ＿＿＿＿ ui-gyeo-neul mu-reot-seum-ni-da]
Because the person is an expert, the opinion was asked. 🧑‍🏫
Answer
까닭에.
J. 일정이 변경된 ＿＿＿＿ 공지를 다시 보냈습니다.
[il-jeo-ngi byeon-gyeong-doen ＿＿＿＿ gong-ji-reul da-si bo-naet-seum-ni-da]
Because the schedule was changed, the notice was sent again. 📅
Answer
까닭에.
📚
Vocabulary Box
  • 길 → road
  • 막히다 → to be blocked/jammed
  • 늦다 → to be late
  • 회의 → meeting
  • 길어지다 → to become long
  • 참가자 → participant
  • 줄어들다 → to decrease
  • 부족하다 → to be insufficient
  • 결정 → decision
  • 미루다 → to postpone
  • 규칙 → rule
  • 공지 → notice
  • 보내다 → to send
Tip 💡 까닭에 acts like the hinge between cause and result.
 

Exercise 3 — 까닭을 vs 까닭에 🎯

A. 참가자가 줄어든 ＿＿＿＿ 분석했습니다.
[cham-ga-ja-ga ju-reo-deun ＿＿＿＿ bun-seo-kaet-seum-ni-da]
We analyzed the reason the participants decreased. 🔍
Answer
까닭을 — the reason is the object being analyzed.
B. 참가자가 줄어든 ＿＿＿＿ 일정을 변경했습니다.
[cham-ga-ja-ga ju-reo-deun ＿＿＿＿ il-jeo-ngeul byeon-gyeong-haet-seum-ni-da]
We changed the schedule because the participants decreased. 📅
Answer
까닭에 — cause leads to result.
C. 회의가 취소된 ＿＿＿＿ 아직 모르겠습니다.
[hoe-ui-ga chwi-so-doen ＿＿＿＿ a-jik mo-reu-get-seum-ni-da]
I still do not know the reason the meeting was canceled. 🗓️
Answer
까닭을.
D. 회의가 취소된 ＿＿＿＿ 자료를 다시 보냈습니다.
[hoe-ui-ga chwi-so-doen ＿＿＿＿ ja-ryo-reul da-si bo-naet-seum-ni-da]
Because the meeting was canceled, the materials were sent again. 📄
Answer
까닭에.
E. 자료가 부족한 ＿＿＿＿ 설명해 주세요.
[ja-ryo-ga bu-jo-kan ＿＿＿＿ seol-myeong-hae ju-se-yo]
Please explain the reason the materials are insufficient. 📊
Answer
까닭을.
F. 자료가 부족한 ＿＿＿＿ 결정을 미뤘습니다.
[ja-ryo-ga bu-jo-kan ＿＿＿＿ gyeol-jeo-ngeul mi-rwot-seum-ni-da]
Because the materials were insufficient, the decision was postponed. 🗂️
Answer
까닭에.
G. 문제가 생긴 ＿＿＿＿ 확인했습니다.
[mun-je-ga saeng-gin ＿＿＿＿ hwa-gin-haet-seum-ni-da]
We checked the reason a problem occurred. 🧯
Answer
까닭을.
H. 문제가 생긴 ＿＿＿＿ 담당자가 설명했습니다.
[mun-je-ga saeng-gin ＿＿＿＿ dam-dang-ja-ga seol-myeong-haet-seum-ni-da]
Because a problem occurred, the person in charge explained it. 🧑‍💼
Answer
까닭에.
I. 그 사람이 화난 ＿＿＿＿ 물었습니다.
[geu sa-ra-mi hwa-nan ＿＿＿＿ mu-reot-seum-ni-da]
They asked the reason that person got angry. 😠
Answer
까닭을.
J. 그 사람이 화난 ＿＿＿＿ 회의가 조용해졌습니다.
[geu sa-ra-mi hwa-nan ＿＿＿＿ hoe-ui-ga jo-yong-hae-jyeot-seum-ni-da]
Because that person got angry, the meeting became quiet. 🤫
Answer
까닭에.
📚
Vocabulary Box
  • 까닭을 → the reason as an object
  • 까닭에 → because / for the reason that
  • 분석하다 → to analyze
  • 모르다 → not to know
  • 설명하다 → to explain
  • 확인하다 → to check
  • 묻다 → to ask
  • 화나다 → to get angry
  • 조용해지다 → to become quiet
  • 아직 → still/yet
  • 다시 → again
Tip 💡 If the sentence means “analyze/know/explain/ask the reason,” use 까닭을. If it means “because,” use 까닭에.
 

Exercise 4 — Formal Nuance: Choose the Better Fit 🧭

A. Formal report: “Because the materials are important, they must be checked.”
① 자료가 중요한 까닭에 반드시 확인해야 합니다.
② 자료가 중요해서 꼭 봐요.
Answer
① — 까닭에 fits formal explanatory writing.
B. Casual chat: “I’m late because the road is jammed.”
① 길이 막힌 까닭에 늦었습니다.
② 길이 막혀서 늦었어요.
Answer
② — everyday speech usually prefers -아서/어서.
C. Written explanation: “The meeting was changed because participants decreased.”
① 참가자가 줄어든 까닭에 회의가 변경되었습니다.
② 사람이 줄어서 회의를 바꿨어요.
Answer
① — more polished and report-like.
D. Noun-based official cause: “Due to heavy rain, the road was closed.”
① 폭우로 인하여 도로가 통제되었습니다.
② 폭우인 까닭에 도로가 통제되었습니다.
Answer
① — for a pure cause noun like 폭우, 로 인하여 is more natural.
E. Very formal/literary cause: “Owing to the earthquake, damage occurred.”
① 지진으로 말미암아 피해가 발생했습니다.
② 지진인 까닭에 피해가 발생했습니다.
Answer
① — 말미암아 is a strong formal written cause marker for noun causes.
F. Formal logical reason: “Since it is dangerous, do not enter.”
① 위험하므로 들어가지 마십시오.
② 위험한 까닭을 들어가지 마십시오.
Answer
① — -(으)므로 cleanly connects a formal reason to a command/notice.
G. Name the reason itself: “I want to know the reason the meeting was canceled.”
① 회의가 취소된 까닭을 알고 싶습니다.
② 회의가 취소된 까닭에 알고 싶습니다.
Answer
① — use 까닭을 when the reason is the object.
H. Negative blame: “Because of my mistake, a problem occurred.”
① 제 실수 탓에 문제가 생겼습니다.
② 제 실수인 까닭에 문제가 생겼습니다.
Answer
① — 탓에 naturally marks blame or negative cause.
I. Formal explanatory cause: “Because an explanation was necessary, guidance was given again.”
① 설명이 필요한 까닭에 다시 안내했습니다.
② 설명 필요 말미암아 다시 안내했습니다.
Answer
① — a state clause + 까닭에 is smooth and grammatical.
J. Everyday reason word: “What is the reason?”
① 이유가 뭐예요?
② 까닭이 무엇입니까?
Answer
① — 이유 is more common in everyday conversation.
📚
Vocabulary Box
  • 때문에 → because of
  • -아서/어서 → because/so
  • -(으)므로 → formal since/because
  • 인하여 → due to
  • 말미암아 → owing to
  • 탓에 → because of, often blame
  • 이유 → reason
  • 폭우 → heavy rain
  • 지진 → earthquake
  • 피해 → damage
  • 위험하다 → to be dangerous
  • 들어가다 → to enter
Tip 💡 까닭에 is formal and explanatory, but noun causes often prefer 인하여 or 말미암아.
 

Exercise 5 — Mixed Mastery + Pitfall Patrol 🛡️

A. ❌ 늦었어요 까닭에 → ✅ ＿＿＿＿
[neu-jeo-sseo-yo kka-dal-ge → ＿＿＿＿]
Fix the formal cause phrase. ⏰
Answer
늦은 까닭에 — do not put polite endings before 까닭에.
B. ❌ 중요하는 까닭에 → ✅ ＿＿＿＿
[jung-yo-ha-neun kka-dal-ge → ＿＿＿＿]
Fix the descriptive verb form. 📌
Answer
중요한 까닭에 — descriptive verb + -(으)ㄴ.
C. ❌ 학생 까닭에 → ✅ ＿＿＿＿
[hak-saeng kka-dal-ge → ＿＿＿＿]
Fix the noun form. 🏫
Answer
학생인 까닭에 — noun + 인 까닭에.
D. ❌ 어렵은 까닭에 → ✅ ＿＿＿＿
[eo-ryeo-beun kka-dal-ge → ＿＿＿＿]
Fix the irregular form. 🧩
Answer
어려운 까닭에 — 어렵다 is ㅂ-irregular.
E. ❌ 멀은 까닭에 → ✅ ＿＿＿＿
[meo-reun kka-dal-ge → ＿＿＿＿]
Fix the ㄹ-ending descriptive verb. 🛣️
Answer
먼 까닭에 — 멀다 drops ㄹ before ㄴ.
F. 자료가 중요한 까닭에 반드시 확인했습니다. means:
Answer
Because the materials were important, they were checked without fail. 📄
G. 문제가 생긴 까닭에 담당자가 설명했습니다. means:
Answer
Because a problem occurred, the person in charge explained it. 🧯
H. Choose the “reason as object” form: 까닭을 / 까닭에
Answer
까닭을 — use it with 분석하다, 알다, 모르다, 설명하다, or 묻다 when the reason is the object.
I. Choose the formal “because” connector: 까닭을 / 까닭에
Answer
까닭에 — it connects cause to result.
J. -(으)ㄴ/는 까닭에 sounds best in:
Answer
Formal explanations, reports, essays, notices, and careful written analysis — not tiny casual excuses. 🧾
🛡️
Vocabulary Box
  • 늦다 → to be late
  • 중요하다 → to be important
  • 학생 → student
  • 어렵다 → to be difficult
  • 멀다 → to be far
  • 자료 → materials/data
  • 반드시 → without fail
  • 문제 → problem
  • 생기다 → to occur/arise
  • 담당자 → person in charge
  • 까닭을 → reason as object
  • 까닭에 → because / for the reason that
Tip 💡 Final check: no polite ending before 까닭에, nouns need 인, and descriptive verbs use -(으)ㄴ.
 
🎉 You finished the formal-reason workout! Now 까닭에 can help your Korean explain causes clearly, politely, and with just the right amount of official sparkle. 🧾✨