Formal Methodology: -을/를 통하여 (Through, Via)

At its heart, this grammar describes a medium. You have a starting point and a result. In the middle, there is the "how." That middle part is the noun you attach 을/를 통하여 to. In English, we often just say "through" or "via." In Korean, we specify that this noun was the channel. It’s like saying, "By using this specific channel, I achieved this." It works beautifully with abstract things. You can use it for news, lessons, or even experiences. It makes your Korean sound much more sophisticated instantly. Yes, even native speakers use it to sound more authoritative! It’s the difference between saying "I heard it" and "I received the information through a formal source."

1. 1Setting this up is easier than ordering spicy rice cakes! You just need a noun.
2. 2Pick your noun (the medium).
3. 3Check if the noun ends in a consonant or a vowel.
4. 4If it ends in a consonant, add 을 통하여. For example: 인터넷 (Internet) becomes 인터넷을 통하여.
5. 5If it ends in a vowel, add 를 통하여. For example: 친구 (Friend) becomes 친구를 통하여.
6. 6Note: In casual speech or fast writing, you’ll often see it shortened to 을/를 통해. They mean the exact same thing!

Use this when you want to sound professional. It’s perfect for job interviews or writing reports. Use it when describing how you learned a skill. "I learned Korean through YouTube" sounds great with this. It’s also ideal for talking about media. News, broadcasts, and social media are all perfect candidates. If you are discussing a middleman in a deal, this is your go-to. It clarifies that a third party was involved. Think of real-world scenarios like business meetings. Or when you’re explaining how you found a great new restaurant via a blog. It’s the formal bridge for your sentences.

Stop right there! Don't use this for physical movement. If you are walking through a door, this grammar is too heavy. It would sound like the door is a medium for your spiritual growth. For physical paths, use (으)로 or 을/를 지나서 instead. Also, avoid it in very casual text messages. Sending 을/를 통하여 to your best friend is like wearing a tuxedo to a pajama party. It’s just too much. Stick to simpler particles for your daily life. Keep this one in your pocket for when you need to impress someone or provide formal information.

The biggest trap is the physical movement one. Learners often say 문을 통하여 (through the door). This sounds like you’re starring in a philosophical movie. Use 문을 통해 only if the door is a metaphor! Another mistake is forgetting the object particle. You must have 을 or 를. Without it, the sentence falls apart like a bad sandwich. Also, don't confuse it with 때문에. 때문에 means "because of," while 통하여 means "through the medium of." One is a reason; the other is a channel. Get these right, and you’ll sound like a pro.

How is it different from (으)로? Good question! (으)로 is the Swiss Army knife of Korean. it means "by," "to," or "with." It’s very general. 을/를 통하여 is much more specific. It highlights the *process* or the *channel*. While (으)로 focuses on the tool, 통하여 focuses on the pathway. Then there is 서. 서 is used for location or reason. It doesn't show a "medium" like our star grammar point does. Think of 통하여 as the most formal, specific way to track the flow of information or results.