Korean word

이유

Pronunciation

Romanizationiyu

Meaning

  • nounreason

Example

늦은 이유를 말해 주세요.neu seun i yu reul mal hae chu se yo

Please tell me the reason you were late.

Illustration for 이유 (reason)

More examples

아무 이유 없이 그런 결정을 내렸어요.a mu i yu eop ssi keu reon kyeol jeong eul nae ryeo sseo yo

They made that decision for no reason.

Core concept

The basis or explanation that makes an event, choice, or situation understandable.

Common phrases

  • 아무 이유 없이a mu i yu eop ssi

    for no reason

  • 이유가 없다i yu ga eop tta

    have no reason

  • 정당한 이유cheong dang han i yu

    valid reason

Similar words

까닭kkadak: The background or circumstances that explain why something happens.
동기tonggi: The inner purpose or desire that leads someone to act.
원인wonin: The factor that directly makes an event or condition happen.

Definition in Korean

어떤 일이 생긴 까닭이나 근거를 가리키는 말.eo tteon i ri saeng gin kka dal gi na keun geo reul ka ri ki neun mal

Word origin

The Sino-Korean formation 이유 (iyu, "reason") connects a logical basis with an underlying source, which fits explanations for choices, events, and situations.

Usage tips

  • A useful contrast is that an excuse may suggest a weak explanation in English, while 이유 (iyu, "reason") is a neutral everyday word.

Other meanings

  • causenoun

Word lists with this word