Because of (Unexpected) (-는 바람에)
-는 바람에
Expresses an unexpected cause that led to a negative result ('because of / due to').
Pattern
Verb stem + -는 바람에
Explanation
-는 바람에 indicates that an unexpected event caused a (usually negative) result: 비가 오는 바람에 소풍을 못 갔어요 (Because it rained unexpectedly, we couldn't go on the picnic). The result is typically undesirable or unplanned.
This pattern uses the present tense modifier -는 even when referring to past events, because it captures the moment of the unexpected cause: 갑자기 비가 오는 바람에 (because it suddenly rained). For past events that led to current results, -ㄴ 바람에 is also possible.
Compared to -아/어서 and -(으)니까, -는 바람에 specifically conveys that the cause was unexpected and the result was unfortunate. It cannot be used for positive outcomes or planned events.
Examples
알람이 안 울리는 바람에 늦었어요.
Allami an ullineun barame neujeosseoyo.
I was late because my alarm didn't go off.
차가 고장 나는 바람에 회의에 못 갔어요.
Chaga gojang naneun barame hoeui-e mot gasseoyo.
I couldn't go to the meeting because my car broke down.
갑자기 비가 오는 바람에 우산을 못 가져왔어요.
Gapjagi biga oneun barame usaneul mot gajyeowasseoyo.
Because it suddenly rained, I couldn't bring an umbrella.
Common Mistakes
Wrong
열심히 공부하는 바람에 합격했어요.
Correct
열심히 공부해서 합격했어요.
-는 바람에 is for unexpected/negative causes. For positive planned results, use -아/어서.
Wrong
비가 온 바람에 못 갔어요.
Correct
비가 오는 바람에 못 갔어요.
Use present modifier -는 before 바람에, not past -(으)ㄴ, even for past events.
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