-는 바람에
Used to explain that an unexpected or sudden event (the cause) led to a negative unintended result. Emphasizes the abrupt, often uncontrollable nature of what happened.
Summary
Equivalent
Because of (sudden event)... / Due to an unexpected...
Also: -느라고 (Due to doing... - but subject must be the same; '-는 바람에' allows different subjects) · -(으)ㄴ 탓에 (Due to... - can assign blame; '-는 바람에' emphasizes suddenness)
Example
Because there was a car accident, the roads were heavily congested.
자동차 사고가 나는 바람에 길이 많이 막혔어요.
Grammar rules
- Only used with verb stems.
- The first clause describes the sudden cause; the second clause is always a negative outcome.
- Unlike '-느라고', the subject of each clause CAN be different.
- It cannot be used with voluntary or planned actions. The first clause must be something unexpected or abrupt.
갑자기 비가 오는 바람에 옷이 다 젖었어요. (Because it suddenly rained, my clothes got soaked.) ✓ / 공부하는 바람에 늦었어요 (X - studying is voluntary)
Patterns
Verbs
Present/Past (Sudden Unexpected Event) · Verb Stem + 는 바람에
Example sentences
Because there was a car accident, the roads were heavily congested.
자동차 사고가 나는 바람에 길이 많이 막혔어요.
Because I lost my phone, I wasn't able to get in touch.
핸드폰을 잃어버리는 바람에 연락을 못 했어요.
Because guests suddenly showed up, I had to cancel our appointment.
갑자기 손님이 오는 바람에 약속을 취소해야 했어요.
Conversation
A: Why couldn't you make it to the gathering?
왜 모임에 못 왔어요?
B: Because the subway suddenly stopped, I ended up being late.
지하철이 갑자기 멈추는 바람에 늦어 버렸어요.
Practice
Fill in the blank
Select the most natural expression for an unexpected event causing a negative result.
Phone ringing suddenly.
Computer crash.