Processing keyword: 때 [ttae] (When, time)

Korean Grammar Point: 때 [ttae] (When, time)

1. Introduction

In Korean, 때 [ttae] is a versatile noun that means "time" or "when". It's commonly used to indicate the time when an action occurs or to describe a specific moment or period. Mastering the use of 때 is essential for expressing time-related concepts and creating complex sentences in Korean.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• 때 [ttae]: Refers to "the time when...", "at the time of...", or simply "when...".

Structure

The basic structure for using 때 is as follows:

For Verbs and Adjectives

[Verb/Adjective Stem] + -을/ㄹ 때

• If the stem ends with a consonant, add -을 때.
• If the stem ends with a vowel, add -ㄹ 때.

For Nouns

[Noun] + 때

Formation Diagram

Conjugation Rules

For Verbs and Adjectives

1. Stem Ending with a Vowel: Add -ㄹ 때
   • 가다 (to go) ⇒ 가 + -ㄹ 때 ⇒ 갈 때 (when [someone] goes)
   • 자다 (to sleep) ⇒ 자 + -ㄹ 때 ⇒ 잘 때 (when [someone] sleeps)
2. Stem Ending with a Consonant: Add -을 때
   • 먹다 (to eat) ⇒ 먹 + -을 때 ⇒ 먹을 때 (when [someone] eats)
   • 읽다 (to read) ⇒ 읽 + -을 때 ⇒ 읽을 때 (when [someone] reads)

For Nouns

• Simply add 때 after the noun without any changes.
  • 시험 (exam) + 때 ⇒ 시험 때 (during the exam)
  • 어렸을 (when [someone] was young) ⇒ 어렸을 때 (when [someone] was young)

3. Comparative Analysis

때 vs. 동안

• 때 emphasizes the specific moment or period when an action occurs.
• 동안 means "during" or "for a duration of time", highlighting the length of time. Examples:
• 일할 때 전화하지 마세요.
  • Don't call me when I'm working.
• 일하는 동안 전화하지 마세요.
  • Don't call me during work.

때 vs. (으)면서

• 때 is used for one action happening at a specific time.
• (으)면서 indicates two actions happening simultaneously. Examples:
• 저녁을 먹을 때 뉴스를 봐요.
  • I watch the news when I eat dinner.
• 저녁을 먹으면서 뉴스를 봐요.
  • I watch the news while eating dinner.

4. Examples in Context

Formal Situations

1. 출근할 때 지하철을 탑니다.
   • I take the subway when commuting to work.
2. 회의가 시작될 때 모두 자리에 앉아 주세요.
   • Please be seated when the meeting starts.

Informal Conversations

1. 집에 올 때 빵 좀 사와.
   • Bring some bread when you come home.
2. 시간 날 때 영화 보자.
   • Let's watch a movie when we have time.

Written Language

1. 졸업할 때 많은 감정을 느꼈다.
   • I felt many emotions when I graduated.
2. 비가 올 때를 대비하여 우산을 챙겼습니다.
   • I prepared an umbrella in case it rains.

Spoken Language

1. 너 웃을 때 정말 예뻐!
   • You look really pretty when you smile!
2. 시험 볼 때 긴장돼?
   • Do you get nervous when taking exams?

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• Respect for Time: In Korean culture, punctuality is important. Using 때 properly shows respect for others' time.
• Age and Experience: Phrases like 어렸을 때 (when I was young) are frequently used to share experiences.

Levels of Politeness and Formality

• The politeness level is adjusted through the verb endings, not 때 itself.
• Formal endings: -습니다, -세요, -ㅂ니다
• Informal endings: -아/어, -해 Examples:
• Formal: 떠날 때 말씀해 주세요.
  • Please let me know when you leave.
• Informal: 떠날 때 말해 줘.
  • Tell me when you leave.

Idiomatic Expressions Using 때

1. 때를 놓치다 - To miss the timing/opportunity.
   • 좋은 때를 놓쳤어요.
     • I missed a good opportunity.
2. 때가 되다 - It's time (to do something).
   • 이제 갈 때가 됐네요.
     • It's time to go now.
3. 때와 장소 - Time and place.
   • 적절한 때와 장소에서 이야기합시다.
     • Let's talk at an appropriate time and place.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Forgetting to Conjugate the Verb/Adjective Correctly
   • ❌ 먹다 때 instead of 먹을 때
   • Tip: Always check the ending of the stem and add -을 때 or -ㄹ 때 accordingly.
2. **Confusing 때 with 동안
   • Using 때 when 동안 is appropriate.
   • Incorrect: 나는 두 시간 때 공부했어요.
   • Correct: 나는 두 시간 동안 공부했어요.
     • I studied for two hours.
3. Misplacing 때 in the Sentence
   • Remember that 때 structures often come before the main clause.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic for Conjugation:
  • Consonant + 을 때: Think of Consonant with Eul (을).
  • Vowel + ㄹ 때: Vowel flows smoothly into ㄹ 때.
• Practice with Common Verbs:
  • Write sentences using 때 with verbs you use frequently.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• 때 is used to express "when" or "the time of" an action or state.
• Conjugate verbs and adjectives correctly by adding -을 때 or -ㄹ 때.
• Use 때 after nouns without additional conjugation.
• Be aware of similar expressions like 동안 and (으)면서 to convey time-related nuances.
• Politeness levels are adjusted with verb endings, not with 때.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you conjugate 보다 (to see) with 때?
   • Answer: 볼 때
2. Which expression emphasizes the duration of time: 때 or 동안?
   • Answer: 동안
3. Translate to Korean: "I listen to music when I study."
   • Answer: 공부할 때 음악을 들어요.
4. What's the difference between 갈 때 and 가는 동안?
   • Answer: 갈 때 means "when going", focusing on the time of departure, while 가는 동안 means "while going", emphasizing the duration of the journey.

By understanding and practicing the use of 때, you'll be able to express time-related ideas more naturally and accurately in Korean. Remember to pay attention to the verb stems and the context in which 때 is used.