Processing keyword: ~을 통해 [eul tonghae] (Through, via)

Korean Grammar Point: ~을 통해 [eul tonghae] (Through, via)

1. Introduction

In Korean, the grammatical construction ~을 통해 (~eul tonghae) is used to express the meaning of "through" or "via". It indicates that something is achieved or happens by means of something else. This grammar point is commonly used in both spoken and written Korean and is essential for expressing methods, mediums, or channels through which actions occur.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

~을 통해 is attached to a noun to indicate that the action is performed "through" or "by means of" that noun. It shows the method, medium, or process used to achieve a result.

• Translation: through, via, by means of

Structure

The structure is straightforward:

Formation Diagram

[Noun] + 을/를 통해

• 을 통해: Used after a noun ending with a consonant.
• 를 통해: Used after a noun ending with a vowel.

Examples of Nouns

• 책 (book) + 을 통해 → 책을 통해 (through a book)
• 인터넷 (Internet) + 을 통해 → 인터넷을 통해 (through the Internet)
• 친구 (friend) + 를 통해 → 친구를 통해 (through a friend)

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3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with Similar Grammar Points

1. ~(으)로

• Meaning: by, with, using
• Usage: Indicates the means or tool used to perform an action.
• Example: 펜으로 쓰다 (to write with a pen) Difference: While both ~을 통해 and ~(으)로 can indicate means, ~을 통해 emphasizes the process or medium, whereas ~(으)로 focuses on the instrument or tool.

2. ~에 의해

• Meaning: due to, because of
• Usage: Indicates the cause or agent in passive sentences.
• Example: 바람에 의해 문이 열렸다 (The door was opened by the wind) Difference: ~에 의해 is often used in passive constructions and emphasizes the cause or agent, while ~을 통해 emphasizes the medium or method.

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4. Examples in Context

Formal Context

1. 인터넷을 통해 정보를 얻을 수 있습니다. You can obtain information through the Internet.
2. 이 보고서는 연구를 통해 작성되었습니다. This report was prepared through research.

Informal Context

1. 나는 친구를 통해 그 소식을 들었어. I heard the news through a friend.
2. 책을 통해 새로운 것을 배웠어. I learned something new through a book.

Written Context

1. 교육을 통해 사회가 발전합니다. Society develops through education.
2. 문화 교류를 통해 서로를 이해할 수 있습니다. We can understand each other through cultural exchanges.

Spoken Context

1. SNS를 통해 연락할게요. I'll contact you through social media.
2. 그는 경험을 통해 성장했어요. He grew through experience.

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Korean culture, relationships and connections are highly valued. Utilizing ~을 통해 reflects the importance of mediums like social networks, education, and collective experiences in achieving goals or sharing information.

Levels of Politeness

The structure ~을 통해 itself remains the same across different levels of politeness. However, the verbs and endings used in sentences will change according to the formality required.

• Formal Polite: ~습니다/습니다
• Informal Polite: ~어요/아요
• Informal Casual: ~어/아

Idiomatic Expressions

• 경험을 통해 배우다 To learn through experience.
• 시간을 통해 치유되다 To be healed over time (through time).

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Misusing particles: Forgetting to use 을/를 correctly based on the preceding noun ending.
   • Incorrect: 인터넷 통해 정보를 얻었어요.
   • Correct: 인터넷을 통해 정보를 얻었어요.
2. Confusing with other particles: Mixing up ~을 통해 with ~(으)로.
   • Incorrect: 친구로 소식을 들었어요.
   • Correct: 친구를 통해 소식을 들었어요.

Tips

• Mnemonic Device: Remember that 통해 comes from 통하다, meaning "to pass through" or "go through". So, think of something passing through a medium.
• Check the Noun Ending: Always look at the last syllable of the noun to determine whether to use 을 or 를.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~을 통해 is used to express "through" or "via".
• Attached to nouns to indicate the medium or method.
• Be attentive to noun endings when choosing 을 or 를.
• Different from ~(으)로 and ~에 의해, which have similar but distinct uses.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Fill in the blank: 우리는 ___ 교류를 통해 서로를 이해해요. a) 문화을 통해
   b) 문화를 통해
   c) 문화로 통해
2. Choose the correct sentence: a) 나는 인터넷을 통해 이 소식을 알게 되었어.
   b) 나는 인터넷에 통해 이 소식을 알게 되었어.
3. True or False: ~을 통해 can be used interchangeably with ~(으)로.

Answers

1. b) 문화를 통해
2. a) 나는 인터넷을 통해 이 소식을 알게 되었어.
3. False

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Feel free to revisit this lesson to reinforce your understanding of ~을 통해. Practice by creating your own sentences using this grammar point!

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