📝 Grammar B2

-는 바람에

-neun barame

Because of (unexpected negative cause)

What it means

Expresses that an unexpected or sudden event caused an undesirable result. The clause before -는 바람에 describes the cause, and what follows describes the (usually negative) consequence. Used only with action verbs.

Nuance & when to use

Always implies the cause was unexpected and the result was undesirable or inconvenient. Cannot be used for positive outcomes.

⚠ Common mistake

Using it for positive results (×비가 오는 바람에 기분이 좋아졌어요) is unnatural. The result should be negative or problematic.

Example sentences

버스를 놓치는 바람에 지각했어요. Beoseureul nochineun barame jigakhaesseoyo. I was late because I missed the bus.

갑자기 비가 오는 바람에 옷이 다 젖었어요. Gapjagi biga oneun barame osi da jeojeosseoyo. My clothes got soaked because it suddenly rained.

전화가 오는 바람에 집중이 끊겼어요. Jeonhwaga oneun barame jipjungi kkeunkyeosseoyo. My concentration broke because a call came in.

FAQ

When is this used?

Always implies the cause was unexpected and the result was undesirable or inconvenient. Cannot be used for positive outcomes.

What's a common mistake?

Using it for positive results (×비가 오는 바람에 기분이 좋아졌어요) is unnatural. The result should be negative or problematic.

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