Korean phrase
그건 ~ 때문이었어요. keu geon ~ ttae mu ni eo sseo yo
Meaning
It was because of ___
When to use it
It gives the reason for something that happened in the past. It is a polite, calm way to explain why something happened, often in response to a question.
Example dialogue
회의에 왜 못 오셨어요? hoe ui e wae mot o syeo sseo yo
Why couldn't you come to the meeting?
그건 다른 약속 때문이었어요. keu geon ta reun yak ssok ttae mu ni eo sseo yo
It was because of another appointment.