-(으)므로
Because, Since
-므로 is a formal grammar pattern that means 'because', 'since', or 'therefore'. It connects a reason (the first clause) to a result (the second clause) and is most often found in written language or formal speeches.
How It Works
-므로 is a connective ending used to state a cause or reason that is logical and objective. Due to its formal and somewhat stiff nuance, it is predominantly used in written contexts like news articles, academic papers, official documents, and public announcements. It is rarely used in everyday casual conversation.
Comparison with other 'because' patterns:
- -므로 vs. -아/어서: Both indicate a reason. However, -므로 is more formal and objective. -아/어서 is used more broadly in conversation and cannot be followed by propositive (-ㅂ시다) or imperative (-세요) sentences. -므로, being more logical, can sometimes be followed by them, though it's less common than with -니까.
- -므로 vs. -니까: -니까 often expresses a more subjective reason or a personal discovery, and it is very commonly used to justify a command or suggestion. -므로 states a more general, objective fact as a reason. For example, '비가 오니까 우산을 가져가세요' (It's raining, so take an umbrella) is a natural suggestion. '비가 오므로 우산을 가져가십시오' is a very formal, announcement-style instruction.
- -므로 vs. -기 때문에: These two are very similar in meaning and formality. Both express a clear cause-and-effect relationship. -기 때문에 is very common in both formal speech and writing. -므로 often carries a slightly more literary or academic tone.
Tense:
To express a reason that occurred in the past, you can attach -았/었- to the stem before -으므로.
• e.g., 열심히 공부했으므로 시험에 합격할 것입니다. (Because he studied hard, he will pass the exam.)
Examples (4)
- 오늘은 공휴일이므로 모든 관공서가 문을 닫습니다.
Today is a public holiday, therefore all government offices are closed.
Word by Word: Today public holiday-because all government offices door close.
This is a typical example of a formal announcement. The reason (공휴일이다) is an objective fact.
- 본 제품은 방수 기능이 없으므로 물에 닿지 않도록 주의하십시오.
This product is not waterproof, so please be careful to keep it away from water.
Word by Word: This product waterproof function does not exist-because water-to touch-not so that be careful-please (formal).
This is a common usage in product manuals or warnings, where the tone is formal and instructive.
- 그는 오랫동안 성실히 일했으므로 승진할 자격이 있습니다.
He has worked diligently for a long time, therefore he is qualified for a promotion.
Word by Word: He for a long time diligently worked-because promotion-to be qualified exists.
Here, the past tense -했- is combined with -으므로 to show a past reason for a present conclusion.
- 모든 인간은 존엄하므로 차별받아서는 안 된다.
All human beings are dignified, and therefore should not be discriminated against.
Word by Word: All humans are dignified-because discrimination-receive must not.
This example shows -므로 used to state a fundamental principle or logical basis for a rule or belief, common in legal or philosophical texts.
Common Mistakes
Using -므로 in casual, everyday conversation.
Not Quite날씨가 좋으므로 공원에 가자!Better날씨가 좋으니까 공원에 가자!-므로 is too formal and stiff for a casual suggestion between friends. -니까 is the natural choice for giving a reason for a suggestion like 'let's go'.
Using -므로 for simple emotional reasons or greetings.
Different Meaning당신을 만나게 되었으므로 정말 기쁩니다.Better당신을 만나게 되어서 정말 기쁩니다.For expressing personal feelings as a result of something, -아/어서 is much more natural. -므로 makes the sentence sound overly logical and detached, which is awkward for expressing emotion.
Learn This First
To express 'because/since' formally, you need verb conjugation.
Related Patterns
- -아/어서Because of, Therefore
Both mean 'because'. -아/어서 is used for general reasons in everyday speech and writing, but cannot be followed by commands or suggestions. -므로 is more formal and objective.
- -(으)니까So, Because
Both mean 'because'. -니까 is often used for subjective reasons and is the standard way to provide a reason for a command or suggestion. -므로 is for objective, logical reasons in formal contexts.
- -기 때문에Because
A very similar pattern for expressing a clear reason. -기 때문에 is widely used in both formal speech and writing, whereas -므로 has a slightly more literary and official feel.
- -로 인해Due to, Because of
Another formal pattern meaning 'due to' or 'because of'. -로 인해 is often used to state the cause of a specific event or result, particularly in news reporting, and is similar in formality to -므로.