I'm learning
한국어
이유 — meaning in English: Reason
iyu · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.
Guess the translation for
reason
인덱스
indegseu
지난
jinan
이유
iyu
제약
jeyag
드라이브
deulaibeu
Skip this question
🎓
Learn Korean for free
Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.
Start learning →
neutral
common
Usage
Native Korean speakers use the word '이유' in various contexts, such as explaining their motivations during conversations or discussions. For example, someone might say '이유가 뭐예요?' ('What’s the reason?') when trying to understand why a friend made a certain decision, making it a common term in both casual and semi-formal settings.
Synonyms & nuances
'이유' is often compared to '원인' (wonin), which translates to 'cause.' While '이유' emphasizes the rationale behind a decision or behavior, '원인' focuses on the underlying cause of an event. You would choose '이유' when discussing motivations rather than scientific explanations.
Culture
'이유' finds its roots in the Sino-Korean word '理由' (liyu in Mandarin), which combines '이' (meaning 'this') and '유' (meaning 'existence'). This connection reflects the importance of reasoning in Korean culture, where understanding the 'why' behind actions is often valued in social interactions, revealing a deeper layer of communication.
FAQ
