원인 (won-in, wonin) · 과정 (gwa-jeong, gwajeong) · 결과 (gyeol-gwa, gyeolgwa)
원인 refers to the reason something starts, 과정 is how it unfolds, and 결과 is the final outcome.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
The reason or cause that makes something happen
When to use
starting reason of event, problem cause analysis, scientific cause identification
The nuance
Use 원인 to indicate the fundamental reason why an event or phenomenon occurs. It is often used in the form ‘~의 원인이다’ and should not be confused with 결과 or 과정.
The stages or method by which something progresses
When to use
work progress stages, learning method explanation, flow of change
The nuance
Use 과정 to describe the flow or stages between the start and end of something. It sits between 원인 and 결과 and is used in expressions like ‘과정을 거치다’.
The final state or effect of an action or event
When to use
exam results, project completion, effect of actions
The nuance
Use 결과 to refer to the final state after an event or action has finished. It is used in the form ‘~의 결과이다’ and unlike 원인 or 과정, it indicates the finished state.
비가 많이 온 것이 홍수의 원인이다.
bi-ga man-i on geos-i hong-su-ui won-in-i-da., bi ga man i on geos i hong su ui won in i da.
‘원인’ correctly indicates the starting reason of the event.
홍수가 발생한 과정은 강물이 점점 불어난 것이다.
hong-su-ga bal-saeng-han gwa-jeong-eun gang-mul-i jeom-jeom bul-eo-nan geos-i-da., hong su ga bal saeng han gwa jeong eun gang mul i jeom jeom bul eo nan geos i da.
‘과정’ properly describes the stages of how something unfolds.
시험을 잘 본 것이 좋은 결과이다.
si-heom-eul jal bon geos-i joh-eun gyeol-gwa-i-da., si heom eul jal bon geos i joh eun gyeol gwa i da.
‘결과’ correctly refers to the final outcome.
원인은 시험을 잘 본 것이다.
won-in-eun si-heom-eul jal bon geos-i-da., won in eun si heom eul jal bon geos i da.
Doing well on the exam is a result, not a cause. Use ‘결과’ instead.
프로젝트의 결과는 진행하는 과정이다.
peu-ro-jek-teu-ui gyeol-gwa-neun jin-haeng-ha-neun gwa-jeong-i-da., peu ro jek teu ui gyeol gwa neun jin haeng ha neun gwa jeong i da.
The roles of ‘결과’ and ‘과정’ are reversed, making the sentence incorrect.
문제의 과정을 찾는 것은 의미가 없다.
mun-je-ui gwa-jeong-eul chaj-neun geos-eun ui-mi-ga eop-da., mun je ui gwa jeong eul chaj neun geos eun ui mi ga eop da.
‘과정’ is about stages, so ‘문제의 원인’ is the correct phrase.
비가 온 결과 강물이 불어났다.
bi-ga on gyeol-gwa gang-mul-i bul-eo-nass-da., bi ga on gyeol gwa gang mul i bul eo nass da.
‘결과’ refers to the final state; here ‘원인’ or ‘이유’ is appropriate.
학습 과정에서 많은 어려움을 겪었다.
hak-seup gwa-jeong-e-seo man-eun eo-ryeo-um-eul gyeokk-eoss-da., hak seup gwa jeong e seo man eun eo ryeo um eul gyeokk eoss da.
‘과정’ correctly describes the stages during which something happens.
Which sentence correctly uses ‘원인’?
When is ‘과정’ appropriate?
Which sentence should use ‘결과’?
