Level 3

까닭

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Meaning and Usage

The Korean noun '까닭' means 'reason' or 'cause'. It is often used in both formal and informal contexts to ask or explain why something happened. It carries a slightly literary or polite tone compared to more casual words like '이유'.

Common Collocations

  • 까닭 없이: without reason, used to express something happening without a clear cause.
  • 까닭을 묻다: to ask the reason.
  • 까닭을 설명하다: to explain the reason.

Usage Notes

When using '까닭', speakers often imply a search for a cause or justification behind an event or action. It is common in questions and explanations. Avoid confusing '까닭' with '이유' which is more casual; '까닭' can sound more formal or literary.

Typical Mistake

Learners sometimes use '까닭' interchangeably with '이유' in casual speech, which can sound unnatural. Use '까닭' when you want to sound more formal or when writing.

Example Sentences

그가 늦은 까닭을 설명해 주세요.

Geuga neujeun kkadal-eul seolmyeonghae juseyo.

Please explain the reason why he was late.

까닭 없이 걱정하지 마세요.

Kkadal eopsi geokjeonghaji maseyo.

Don’t worry without any reason.

그 일을 한 까닭이 무엇인지 궁금해요.

Geu il-eul han kkadali mueosinji gunggeumhaeyo.

I’m curious about the reason why that was done.