V + -는 통에, N + 통에 (In the commotion/chaos of..., because of)
Meaning: Because of / in the midst of the commotion of... (leads to an unintended negative result).
Conjugation & Pattern
- Verb stem (V) + -는 통에
- Nouns of turmoil (전쟁, 난리, 소동) + 통에
Detailed Usage
Indicates that a noisy, hectic, or chaotic situation in the preceding clause caused a negative outcome or prevented something in the main clause.
Example Sentences
- 1
갑자기 손님들이 들이닥치는 통에 쉴 틈이 없었다.
Gapjagi sonnimdeuri deuridakchineun tonge swil teumi eopseotda.
Because customers suddenly rushed in all at once, I had no time to rest.
- 2
아이가 옆에서 자꾸 우는 통에 집중할 수가 없었다.
Aiga yeopeseo jakku uneun tonge jipjunghal suga eopseotda.
Because the child kept crying next to me, I couldn't concentrate at all.
- 3
그 사람은 전쟁 통에 다리를 다쳤다.
Geu sarameun jeonjaeng tonge darireul dachyeotda.
That person injured their leg in the chaos of war.
Important Notes
The main clause must be a negative past result (similar to -는 바람에, but emphasizes commotion or turmoil).
