Processing keyword: ~를 통해 [reul tonghae] (Through, by means of)
Korean Grammar Point: ~를 통해 [reul tonghae] (Through, by means of)
1. Introduction
In Korean, the grammar point ~를 통해 is used to express the means or method by which something is achieved. It translates to "through" or "by means of" in English. This expression is essential for indicating the medium, process, or way something happens or is done.
2. Core Grammar Explanation
Meaning
- ~를 통해: Through, by means of, via
Structure
The structure involves attaching ~를 통해 to a noun to indicate that the action is done through that noun.
Formation Diagram
[Noun] + 를 통해
- [Noun]: The medium or means
- 를 통해: Through, by means of
Detailed Explanation
- 를 is the object particle used after nouns ending with a vowel. If the noun ends with a consonant, 을 is used instead.
- However, in the case of ~를 통해, 를 remains consistent regardless of the preceding noun because it's part of the fixed expression.
- 통해 comes from the verb 통하다, meaning "to go through" or "to pass."
3. Comparative Analysis
Similar Grammar Points
| Grammar Point | Usage | Nuance |
|---|---|---|
| ~로(서) | As, in the capacity of | Indicates a role or position. |
| ~로 인해 | Because of, due to | Expresses cause or reason for something, often negative. |
| ~을/를 통해(서) | Through, by means of | Similar to ~를 통해, 통해서 adds emphasis but is interchangeable. |
| ~에 의해 | By, due to | Used to indicate the agent in passive sentences. |
Note: While ~를 통해 and ~에 의해 can both be translated as "by," ~를 통해 emphasizes the means or medium, whereas ~에 의해 focuses on the agent or cause in passive constructions.
4. Examples in Context
Formal Context
- 인터넷을 통해 세계 뉴스를 쉽게 접할 수 있습니다. Translation: "You can easily access world news through the internet."
- 조사를 통해 문제의 원인을 발견했습니다. Translation: "We discovered the cause of the problem through investigation."
Informal Context
- 친구를 통해 그 소식을 들었어. Translation: "I heard the news through a friend."
- 경험을 통해 배우는 것이 가장 좋아. Translation: "Learning through experience is the best."
Written Context
- 이 책을 통해 삶의 지혜를 얻었습니다. Translation: "I gained life wisdom through this book."
Spoken Context
- 다양한 사람들을 통해 많은 것을 알게 되었어요. Translation: "Through various people, I came to know many things."
5. Cultural Notes
Cultural Relevance
In Korean culture, emphasizing the means or medium through which information or experience is gained highlights the value placed on connections and indirect communication methods.
Levels of Politeness and Formality
- ~를 통해 is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal settings.
- Adjust the level of politeness by changing the verb endings, not the grammar point itself.
Idiomatic Expressions
- 입소문을 통해 퍼지다 Translation: "To spread through word of mouth."
- 언론을 통해 발표하다 Translation: "To announce through the media."
6. Common Mistakes and Tips
Common Mistakes
- Using the wrong particle after the noun
- Incorrect: 학교*에 통해 배우다.*
- Correct: 학교*를 통해 배우다.*
- Confusing ~를 통해 with ~에 의해
- Incorrect: 그는 부모님을 통해 교육을 받았다. (This sounds unnatural.)
- Correct: 그는 부모님*에 의해 교육을 받았다.* (He was educated by his parents.)
Learning Tips
- Mnemonic Device: Remember that 통하다 means "to pass through," so ~를 통해 is like saying "passing through [noun]."
- Practice: Create sentences using ~를 통해 with different nouns to become comfortable with its usage.
7. Summary and Review
Key Takeaways
- ~를 통해 is used to express the means or medium through which something is achieved.
- It attaches directly to a noun, regardless of whether the noun ends with a vowel or consonant.
- It is neutral in formality and widely applicable in various contexts.
Quick Recap Quiz
- Fill in the blank with the correct grammar point: 우리는 경험___ 많은 것을 배울 수 있다.
- True or False: ~를 통해 and ~에 의해 can always be used interchangeably.
- Translate the sentence into Korean using ~를 통해: "She gained confidence through practice."
Answers:
- 우리는 경험을 통해** 많은 것을 배울 수 있다.**
- False. They have different usages and are not always interchangeable.
- 그녀는 연습을 통해** 자신감을 얻었다.**