Processing keyword: (으)ㄹ 때 [(eu)l ttae] (When)

Korean Grammar Point: (으)ㄹ 때 [(eu)l ttae] (When)

1. Introduction

The Korean grammar point (으)ㄹ 때 is used to express "when" in temporal contexts. It's a fundamental structure that helps indicate the time when an action occurs or a state exists. Mastering (으)ㄹ 때 will enhance your ability to describe actions and events in relation to time.

---

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

(으)ㄹ 때 translates to "when" in English. It is used to describe the time when something happens or happened.

Structure

The attachment of (으)ㄹ 때 depends on whether the verb stem ends with a consonant or a vowel.

Formation Rules

1. Verb stem ending with a consonant:
   • Attach -을 때
   • 먹다 (to eat) ➔ 먹을 때 (when eating)
2. Verb stem ending with a vowel:
   • Attach -ㄹ 때
   • 가다 (to go) ➔ 갈 때 (when going)
3. Verb stem ending with 'ㄹ':
   • Attach - 때 (since the 'ㄹ' is already present)
   • 팔다 (to sell) ➔ 팔 때 (when selling)

Formation Diagram

Let's visualize the formation: | Verb Stem Ending | Attach | Example Verb | Combined Form | Meaning | |------------------|-----------|--------------|---------------|--------------| | Consonant | -을 때 | 먹다 (to eat)| 먹을 때 | when eating | | Vowel | -ㄹ 때 | 가다 (to go) | 갈 때 | when going | | Ends with 'ㄹ' | - 때 | 살다 (to live)| 살 때 | when living |

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparing (으)ㄹ 때 with 았/었을 때

• (으)ㄹ 때: Refers to the present or future time when an action occurs.
  • 집에 갈 때 전화를 해요.
    I call when I go home.
• 았/었을 때: Refers to a past time when an action occurred.
  • 집에 갔을 때 전화를 했어요.
    I called when I went home. Nuance Difference:
• Use (으)ㄹ 때 for present or habitual actions.
• Use 았/었을 때 for completed past actions.

---

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

Formal Context

1. 비가 올 때 운전을 조심하세요.
   Please be careful when driving in the rain.
2. 회의할 때 휴대폰을 끄십시오.
   Please turn off your phone when in a meeting.

Informal Context

1. 시간 날 때 같이 영화 보자.
   Let's watch a movie together when you have time.
2. 너 집에 올 때 우유 좀 사 올래?
   Can you buy some milk when you come home?

Written Context

1. 어렸을 때 꿈은 의사가 되는 것이었다.
   When I was young, my dream was to become a doctor.
2. 책을 읽을 때 집중이 잘 된다.
   I can concentrate well when I read a book.

Spoken Context

1. 피곤할 때 어떻게 해?
   What do you do when you're tired?
2. 한국어를 공부할 때 재미있어.
   It's fun when studying Korean.

---

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Korean culture, discussing events in relation to time is common, and using (으)ㄹ 때 appropriately reflects one’s grasp of the language's temporal nuances.

Levels of Politeness

Selecting the correct speech level is vital. Combining (으)ㄹ 때 with polite endings conveys respect.

• 할머니를 뵐 때 항상 인사드려요.
  I always greet my grandmother when I see her.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 심심할 때 뭐 해요?
  What do you do when you're bored?
• 시간이 없을 때일수록 침착하세요.
  Especially when you have no time, stay calm.

---

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Incorrect attachment after consonant-ending verb stems
   • Incorrect: 먹다 ➔ 먹ㄹ 때
   • Correct: 먹다 ➔ 먹을 때
2. Using (으)면 instead of (으)ㄹ 때
   • (으)면 means "if", which changes the meaning.
   • Incorrect: 아플 면 약을 드세요. (If you're sick, take medicine.)
   • Correct: 아플 때 약을 드세요. (When you're sick, take medicine.)

Learning Strategies

• Associate with Time: Remember that 때 itself means "time". So (으)ㄹ 때 relates to "when (at the time of)".
• Consonant/Vowel Rule: If the verb stem ends with a consonant, it's heavier (을 때). If it ends with a vowel, it's lighter (ㄹ 때).

---

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• (으)ㄹ 때 is used to express "when" an action or state occurs.
• Attach -을 때 after consonant-ending verb stems and -ㄹ 때 after vowel-ending verb stems.
• Be mindful of the differences between (으)ㄹ 때 and similar grammar points like (으)면 and (으)면서.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Fill in the blank: 공부___ 집중이 잘 돼요. (When studying, I can concentrate well.) Answer: 공부할 때 집중이 잘 돼요.
2. Correct the mistake: 놀다 ➔ 놀을 때 Answer: 놀다 ends with 'ㄹ', so it becomes 놀 때.
3. Translate to Korean: "When it's cold, I drink hot tea." Answer: 추울 때 뜨거운 차를 마셔요.

---

By understanding and practicing (으)ㄹ 때, you'll be able to express time-related actions more fluently in Korean. Remember to pay attention to verb endings and context to use this grammar point correctly.

---

© Hanabira.org