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

Part of Speech	Ending Condition	Conjugation	Example
Verb/Adjective	Stem ends with consonant	-을 때	먹을 때
Verb/Adjective	Stem ends with vowel	-ㄹ 때	갈 때
Noun		때	방학 때

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.

---

© Hanabira.org