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Lv 4Grammar expressionSeen on past TOPIK papersIntermediate · TOPIK II

-은 탓이다

is because of (blame) ~

Attaches to a verb or adjective stem (-은/ㄴ) to attribute a bad result to a cause, usually placing blame on it; carries a more negative nuance than plain -기 때문이다.

Examples

  • 이번 실패는 준비가 부족한 탓이다.

    This failure is because of insufficient preparation.

  • 길이 막힌 것은 사고가 난 탓이었다.

    The traffic jam was because of an accident.

  • 요즘 자주 피곤한 것은 잠을 제대로 못 잔 탓이다.

    Being tired often these days is because I haven't been sleeping properly.

Examples written by Korea TOPIK Center.

Quick check

  1. 1. What does ‘-은 탓이다’ mean?

  2. 2. Which form means “is because of (blame) ~”?