Korean word

까닭

Pronunciation

Romanizationkkadak

Meaning

  • nounreason

Example

그가 사과한 까닭은 실수를 했기 때문이다.keu ga sa gwa han kka dal geun sil su reul haet kki ttae mu ni da

The reason he apologized was that he had made a mistake.

Illustration for 까닭 (reason)

More examples

그녀의 갑작스런 거절의 까닭을 모르겠다.keu nyeo ui kap jjak sseu reon keo jeo rui kka dal geul mo reu get tta

I do not know the reason for her sudden refusal.

Core concept

The factor behind why something happens, viewed as the explanation for an event.

Common phrases

  • 까닭은kka dal geun

    the reason

  • 까닭에kka dal ge

    because of

  • 까닭으로kka dal geu ro

    for that reason

Similar words

이유iyu: An everyday explanation for an event, choice, or situation.
원인wonin: The direct cause of a result, condition, or problem.
동기tonggi: The personal reason or purpose that leads someone to act.

Definition in Korean

어떤 일이 생긴 이유나 원인을 가리키는 명사.eo tteon i ri saeng gin i yu na wo ni neul ka ri ki neun myeong sa

Word origin

까닭 (kkadak, "reason") is an old native Korean noun that has remained in use, but its deeper word origin is uncertain.

Usage tips

  • The word is useful when an explanation needs to sound measured rather than casual, especially in formal writing.

Other meanings

  • causenoun

Related words

  • 까닭없다kkadalgeopttagroundlessadjective
  • 까닭없이kkadalgeopssiwithout reasonadverb

Word lists with this word