B2 noun Neutral

원인

[wʌnin]

A person or thing that gives rise to an action, phenomenon, or condition. It is the starting point in a causal chain.

Examples

3 of 5
1

비만은 여러 성인병의 주요 원인이 된다.

Obesity is a major cause of many adult diseases.

2

매출 감소의 원인을 분석해 봅시다.

Let's analyze the cause of the sales decrease.

3

스트레스는 만병의 원인이라고 해요.

They say stress is the cause of all diseases.

Word Family

Noun
원인
Verb
기인하다
Adjective
원인 불명의
💡

Memory Tip

Won-in: The 'One' (Won) thing that started 'In' the situation.

Quick Quiz

화재의 ______은 전기 합선으로 밝혀졌다. (cause)

Correct!

The correct answer is: 원인

Examples

1

비만은 여러 성인병의 주요 원인이 된다.

academic

Obesity is a major cause of many adult diseases.

2

매출 감소의 원인을 분석해 봅시다.

business

Let's analyze the cause of the sales decrease.

3

스트레스는 만병의 원인이라고 해요.

everyday

They say stress is the cause of all diseases.

4

지구 온난화의 원인에 대해 논의하겠습니다.

formal

We will discuss the causes of global warming.

5

너 때문에 싸운 거잖아, 네가 원인이야!

informal

We fought because of you, you are the cause!

Word Family

Noun
원인
Verb
기인하다
Adjective
원인 불명의

Common Collocations

주요 원인 major cause
근본적인 원인 fundamental cause
원인을 규명하다 to identify the cause
원인이 되다 to be the cause
직접적인 원인 direct cause

Common Phrases

원인과 결과

cause and effect

원인 파악

identifying the cause

원인 제공

providing the cause

Often Confused With

원인 vs 이유

I-yu is a general reason (often personal), while won-in is a more scientific or objective cause.

📝

Usage Notes

Essential for 'Cause and Solution' type essays in IELTS Writing Task 2.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes use 'won-in' when they mean 'reason' (i-yu) for a personal decision.

💡

Memory Tip

Won-in: The 'One' (Won) thing that started 'In' the situation.

📖

Word Origin

From Hanja: 原 (source/origin) + 因 (cause).

Grammar Patterns

~의 원인 ~이/가 원인이 되다

Quick Quiz

화재의 ______은 전기 합선으로 밝혀졌다. (cause)

Correct!

The correct answer is: 원인

More academic words

반등하다

B1

To rebound or bounce back after a period of decline. It is very useful for describing a change in trend where a downward line starts to go back up.

환언하다

B1

To express the same thing in different words. It is the direct equivalent of 'to paraphrase' or 'in other words'.

비유

B1

The act of comparing one object or idea to another to explain it more vividly. Includes metaphors and similes.

결부되다

B2

To be connected, linked, or associated with something else. It is often used to describe the relationship between two phenomena or issues.

실시하다

B1

To carry out, implement, or conduct a plan, survey, or experiment. It is the standard academic verb for 'to do' or 'to perform' a study.

뒷받침하다

B2

To support or provide evidence for a theory, argument, or claim. It is essential for academic writing to link one's ideas with objective data.

역효과

B2

An effect that is opposite to what was intended or expected. It is commonly used when discussing the failure of certain policies or treatments.

과대평가

B2

The act of estimating something as being greater, more important, or better than it actually is. It is often used when critiquing data or social perceptions.

심각하다

B1

To be very serious, severe, or grave in nature. It is often used to describe social issues, environmental problems, or health conditions.

방법론

B2

A system of methods used in a particular area of study or activity. It describes the theoretical analysis of the methods applied to a field of study.

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