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

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

1. Introduction

In Korean, the expression ~을/를 통해 is commonly used to indicate the means or method by which something is achieved. It translates to "through" or "via" in English and is an essential grammar point for expressing how an action is carried out or how information is obtained.

---

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• ~을/를 통해: Used to express that something is done "through" or "by means of" a particular method, medium, or agent.

Structure

The structure is straightforward and involves attaching ~을/를 통해 to a noun.

Formation Diagram

[Noun] + 을/를 통해

• [Noun]: Object or medium through which the action occurs.
• 을/를: Object particle (을 after consonant-ending nouns, 를 after vowel-ending nouns).
• 통해: Derived from the verb 통하다 (to go through, to pass).

Particle Usage

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

---

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with Similar Grammar Points

Grammar Point	Meaning	Usage
~으로/로 (eu-ro/ro)	By means of, using	Indicates the means or method, similar but less formal.
~에 의해 (e ui-hae)	By, due to	Used to indicate the agent in passive sentences.
~를 거쳐 (reul geo-chyeo)	After passing through	Emphasizes the process or stages passed through.

• Difference: While ~으로/로 can mean "by means of," ~을/를 통해 often emphasizes the process or medium, and is more formal, commonly used in written language.

---

4. Examples in Context

Formal Written Context

1. 새로운 소식을 이메일을 통해 받았습니다.
   • Sae-ro-un so-sig-eul i-me-il-eul tong-hae bat-ass-seub-ni-da.
   • I received new information through an email.
2. 회사는 협력을 통해 성공을 이루었습니다.
   • Hoe-sa-neun hyeob-ryeok-eul tong-hae seong-gong-eul i-ru-eoss-seub-ni-da.
   • The company achieved success through cooperation.

Informal Spoken Context

1. 친구를 통해 그 소식을 들었어.
   • Chin-gu-reul tong-hae geu so-sig-eul deu-reoss-eo.
   • I heard the news through a friend.
2. 인터넷을 통해 영어를 배워요.
   • In-teo-net-eul tong-hae yeong-eo-reul bae-weo-yo.
   • I learn English via the Internet.

Additional Examples

1. 그는 경험을 통해 성장했다.
   • Geu-neun gyeong-heom-eul tong-hae seong-jang-haet-da.
   • He grew through experience.
2. 우리는 대화를 통해 문제를 해결했다.
   • U-ri-neun dae-hwa-reul tong-hae mun-je-reul hae-gyeol-haet-da.
   • We resolved the issue through conversation.

---

5. Cultural Notes

Levels of Politeness and Formality

• ~을/를 통해 is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, it's more prevalent in formal writing and speeches.
• In spoken Korean, especially informal settings, people might opt for ~으로 (eu-ro) or ~로 (ro) for convenience.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 소통을 통해: Through communication
• 교육을 통해: Through education These expressions emphasize the importance of processes like communication and education in achieving outcomes, reflecting the value placed on collective effort and learning in Korean culture.

---

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Using the wrong particle
   • Incorrect: 책은 통해 공부했어요.
     • Chaek eun tong-hae gong-bu-haess-eo-yo.
   • Correct: 책을 통해 공부했어요.
     • Chaek eul tong-hae gong-bu-haess-eo-yo.
   • Tip: Remember to use 을/를, not 은/는.
2. Confusing with ~으로/로
   • While both can mean "through" or "by," they are used differently.
   • ~을/를 통해 emphasizes the medium or process.
   • ~으로/로 often indicates the means or tool.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Think of 통해 as "through a tunnel (통로)," associating it with passing "through" something.
• Practice: Create sentences using ~을/를 통해 with different nouns to get comfortable with the structure.

---

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~을/를 통해 is used to express that something is done through or via a method or medium.
• Attach ~을/를 통해 directly to a noun.
• It emphasizes the means or process by which an action occurs.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you say "through experience" using ~을/를 통해?
   • Answer: 경험을 통해
2. Which particle is used after a vowel-ending noun when using ~을/를 통해?
   • Answer: 를
3. Translate to Korean: "I met him through a friend."
   • Answer: 친구를 통해 그를 만났어요.

---

By understanding and practicing ~을/를 통해, you'll be able to express complex ideas about processes and methods in Korean, enhancing both your spoken and written communication skills.

---

© Hanabira.org