Level 1

왜냐하면

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Usage of '왜냐하면'

'왜냐하면' is a conjunction used to explain a reason or cause, equivalent to 'because' in English. It is often used in spoken and written Korean to provide explanations or justifications.

Position in Sentences

Typically, '왜냐하면' appears at the beginning of the clause that gives the reason. It is commonly followed by a clause ending such as '-기 때문에', '-서', or '-니까', but it can also stand alone before a full sentence.

Common Collocations

  • 왜냐하면 + clause: introduces the reason
  • 왜냐하면 ~ 때문이에요: formal explanation
  • 왜냐하면 ~ 거든요: casual explanation

Register and Politeness

'왜냐하면' is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, the sentence endings following it should match the desired politeness level.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse '왜냐하면' with '왜냐고', which is used in indirect questions. Remember, '왜냐하면' introduces reasons, while '왜냐고' is used to report a question.

Use '왜냐하면' to clearly connect a cause to an effect in your sentences, making your explanations more natural and coherent.

Example Sentences

나는 오늘 집에 못 가. 왜냐하면 일이 너무 많아.

Naneun oneul jibe mot ga. Waenyahamyeon iri neomu manha.

I can't go home today because I have too much work.

왜냐하면 그가 약속을 지키지 않았기 때문이에요.

Waenyahamyeon geuga yaksogeul jikiji anhassgi ttaemun-ieyo.

Because he did not keep his promise.

그녀는 피곤해요. 왜냐하면 어제 늦게까지 일했거든요.

Geunyeoneun pigonhaeyo. Waenyahamyeon eoje neutgekkaji ilhaetgeodeunyo.

She is tired because she worked late yesterday.