Processing keyword: ~을/를 통해 [eul/reul tonghae] (Through, by means of)

Korean Grammar Point: ~을/를 통해 [eul/reul tonghae] (Through, by means of)

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we'll explore the Korean grammar point ~을/를 통해 (eul/reul tonghae), which translates to "through" or "by means of" in English. This structure is commonly used to express the means, method, or medium by which an action is carried out.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

~을/를 통해 is used to indicate:

• The medium or method through which something happens.
• The process or experience by which something is achieved.
• It emphasizes "through" or "by means of" in a sentence.

Structure

Noun + 을/를 + 통해

• Noun: The medium, method, or channel.
• 을/를: Object particles. 을 is used if the noun ends with a consonant; 를 is used if the noun ends with a vowel.
• 통해: Derived from the verb 통하다 (tonghada), meaning "to go through" or "to pass through."

Formation Diagram

Visual Aid

[Noun] + [을/를] + [통해]

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with ~으로/로

• ~으로/로 also means "by means of," "with," or "using."
• Difference:
  • ~으로/로 is typically used with tools, instruments, languages, or directions.
  • ~을/를 통해 emphasizes the process, experience, or medium, often with abstract nouns. Examples:
• 펜으로 썼어요. (I wrote with a pen.)
• 경험을 통해 배웠어요. (I learned through experience.)

4. Examples in Context

Formal Context

1. 저는 교육을 통해 성장했습니다. I grew through education.
2. 회사는 협력을 통해 성공을 이루었습니다. The company achieved success through cooperation.

Informal Context

3. 나는 인터넷을 통해 그 소식을 알게 됐어. I found out about that news through the internet.
4. 친구를 통해 새로운 사람을 만났어. I met new people through a friend.

Written Context

5. 연구를 통해 중요한 발견을 했습니다. Made an important discovery through research.
6. 역사를 통해 미래를 예측할 수 있습니다. We can predict the future through history.

Spoken Context

7. 어떻게 이 정보를 얻었어요? 책을 통해 알게 되었어요. How did you get this information? I found out through a book.
8. 그 소식을 어디서 들었어? 뉴스를 통해 들었어. Where did you hear that news? I heard it through the news.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• Emphasis on Connections: In Korean culture, personal connections and networking are significant. Using ~을/를 통해 reflects the importance of intermediaries in social and professional relationships.
• Politeness Levels: Adjusting verb endings can change the politeness level, which is essential in Korean society.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 경험을 통해 얻은 지혜 Wisdom gained through experience.
• 노력과 인내를 통해 성공하다 To succeed through effort and patience.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Forgetting 을/를:

  • Incorrect: 신문 통해 소식을 들었어요.

  • Correct: 신문을 통해 소식을 들었어요.

• Mixing with 다른 Grammar Points:
  • Confusing ~을/를 통해 with ~(으)로서 ("as") or ~에 의해 ("by").

Learning Strategies

• Association: Link 통해 with "tunnel" as both involve going "through" something.
• Practice: Use ~을/를 통해 with different nouns to become comfortable with the structure.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~을/를 통해 means "through" or "by means of."
• It connects a noun (medium or method) to the action that is achieved through it.
• Structure: Noun + 을/를 + 통해

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Fill in the blank: 우리는 음악___ 통해 서로를 이해해요.
   • Answer: 음악을 통해
2. How do you express "by means of the internet" using this grammar point?
   • Answer: 인터넷을 통해
3. Correct the sentence: 그녀는 경험 통해 많은 것을 배웠다.
   • Answer: 그녀는 경험을 통해 많은 것을 배웠다.

Practice creating sentences using ~을/를 통해 to describe how you achieve or learn things through different mediums or experiences.