Korean word

사유

Pronunciation

Romanizationsayu

Meaning

  • nounreason

Example

지각한 사유를 말해 주세요.chi ga kan sa yu reul mal hae chu se yo

Please tell me the reason you were late.

Illustration for 사유 (reason)

More examples

갑작스러운 일로 사유가 생겨 약속을 못 지켰다.kap jjak sseu reo un il lo sa yu ga saeng gyeo yak sso geul mot chi kyeot tta

Because an unexpected circumstance arose, I couldn't keep my appointment.

Core concept

The stated grounds that account for an event or situation in an official explanation.

Common phrases

  • 사유가 생기다sa yu ga saeng gi da

    reason arise

  • 사유를 묻다sa yu reul mut tta

    ask the reason

  • 사유가 밝혀지다sa yu ga pal kyeo ji da

    reason become clear

Similar words

이유iyu: An explanation for why an event happened or a choice was made.
원인wonin: A direct factor that brings about a result, condition, or problem.
사정sajeong: Personal or outside circumstances shape an action, decision, or change of plans.

Definition in Korean

공식적이거나 서면으로 어떤 일이 생긴 까닭이나 근거를 설명할 때 쓰이는 명사.kong sik jjeo gi geo na seo myeo neu ro eo tteon i ri saeng gin kka dal gi na keun geo reul seol myeong hal ttae sseu i neun myeong sa

Word origin

In its formal sense, the word is formed from Sino-Korean elements meaning a matter and the cause behind it.

Usage tips

  • English speakers can remember this as a document-friendly choice for explaining circumstances, rather than the usual casual choice in ordinary conversation.

Other meanings

  • thoughtnoun

Opposites

Word lists with this word