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-(으)니까 vs -기 때문에

Beginner · TOPIK I

Both give reasons. -(으)니까 is conversational and subjective and can take commands/suggestions; -기 때문에 is objective, emphasises the cause, and is common in writing and formal speech, but does not go with commands or suggestions.

-(으)니까A connective ending used to emphasize that the preceding statement is the cause, reason, or premise for the following statement.-기 때문에An expression used to indicate that the preceding statement is the reason or cause for the following incident.

Rules of thumb

  • If the main clause is a command or suggestion, use -(으)니까, not -기 때문에.
  • For a clear, objective explanation (reports, essays, news), -기 때문에 sounds more natural.
  • With nouns: N 때문에 'because of N' (사고 때문에) or N(이)기 때문에 'because it is N' (학생이기 때문에).
  • At the end of a sentence, -기 때문이에요 means 'It's because…'.
  • Both can take the past -았/었 (늦었으니까, 늦었기 때문에).

Example sentences

  • -(으)니까

    We're short on time, so let's hurry.

  • 시간이 없기 때문에 빨리 가자.

    Incorrect

    Since there's no time, let's hurry. [Wrong: -gi ttaemune doesn't go with a suggestion; use -(eu)nikka]

  • -기 때문에

    Traffic was heavy because there had been an accident.

  • -기 때문에

    I couldn't go to school because of a cold.

  • -(으)니까

    It's cold, so dress warmly.

Often confused with

← All confused pairs