Processing keyword: ~을/ㄹ 때 [eul/l ttae] (When)

Korean Grammar Point: ~을/ㄹ 때 [eul/l ttae] (When)

1. Introduction

In Korean, expressing the timing of events is essential for clear communication. The grammar point ~을/ㄹ 때 (~eul/~l ttae), which translates to "when", is used to indicate the time when an action or state occurs. Mastering this grammar pattern will allow you to describe when things happen in various contexts.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

The pattern ~을/ㄹ 때 is used to express "when" or "at the time of" something happening. It connects two clauses by specifying the timing of an action or state.

Structure

• Verb Stem + 을/ㄹ 때

Formation Diagram

Verb Ending	Ending to Add	Example Verb	Conjugation
Ends with a consonant (except ㄹ)	-을 때	먹다 (to eat)	먹을 때
Ends with a vowel or ㄹ	-ㄹ 때	가다 (to go)	갈 때
		살다 (to live)	살 때

Detailed Explanation

1. Identify the verb stem by removing -다 from the dictionary form.
   • 먹다 → 먹
   • 가다 → 가
   • 살다 → 살
2. Determine the appropriate ending:
   • If the verb stem ends with a consonant (except ㄹ), add -을 때.
   • If the verb stem ends with a vowel or the consonant ㄹ, add -ㄹ 때.
3. Attach the ending to the verb stem.
   • 먹 + 을 때 → 먹을 때
   • 가 + ㄹ 때 → 갈 때
   • 살 + ㄹ 때 → 살 때

3. Comparative Analysis

~을/ㄹ 때 vs. ~(으)면서 (while)

• ~을/ㄹ 때 focuses on the time when an action occurs.
  • 음악을 들을 때 공부해요.
    • I study when I listen to music.
• ~(으)면서 indicates two actions happening simultaneously.
  • 음악을 들으면서 공부해요.
    • I study while listening to music.

~을/ㄹ 때 vs. ~자마자 (as soon as)

• ~을/ㄹ 때 means "when" in general.
  • 집에 갈 때 전화를 해요.
    • I call when I go home.
• ~자마자 emphasizes immediacy, meaning "as soon as".
  • 집에 가자마자 전화를 해요.
    • I call as soon as I go home.

4. Examples in Context

Formal Speech

1. 회의가 끝날 때 말씀해 주세요.
   • Please tell me when the meeting ends.
2. 한국에 올 때 연락하십시오.
   • Please contact me when you come to Korea.

Informal Speech

1. 시간 있을 때 영화 보자.
   • Let's watch a movie when you have time.
2. 집에 갈 때 뭐 사 줄까?
   • What should I buy you when I go home?

Written Context

1. 학생들은 수업을 들을 때 조용해야 합니다.
   • Students must be quiet when attending class.
2. 봄이 올 때 꽃이 핍니다.
   • When spring comes, flowers bloom.

Spoken Context

1. 너무 바쁠 때 어떻게 해요?
   • What do you do when you're very busy?
2. 추울 때 따뜻한 커피를 마셔요.
   • I drink hot coffee when it's cold.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

Understanding and using time expressions like ~을/ㄹ 때 is important in Korean culture, which values punctuality and proper timing in social interactions. It reflects respect for others' time and schedules.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 안 될 때 되게 하라.
  • Make it work when it doesn't.
  • An expression encouraging perseverance.
• 힘들 때 친구가 진짜 친구다.
  • A friend during hard times is a true friend.
  • Highlights the value of friendship in difficult times.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Using the Wrong Ending
   • Incorrect: 먹다 때
   • Correct: 먹을 때
   • Attach -을 때 to the verb stem when it ends with a consonant (except ㄹ).
2. Confusing with Past Tense
   • Incorrect: 갔을 때 to mean "when I go"
   • Correct: 갈 때
   • Use the verb stem, not the past tense form.

Learning Strategies

• Remember the Consonant/Vowel Rule: If the verb stem ends with a consonant (except ㄹ), use -을 때. If it ends with a vowel or ㄹ, use -ㄹ 때.
• Practice with Common Verbs: Create sentences using verbs you frequently use to become comfortable with the pattern.
• Visualize Timing: Associate the action with a specific time to reinforce the meaning of "when."

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~을/ㄹ 때 means "when" and is used to indicate the time an action or state occurs.
• Attach -을 때 to verb stems ending with consonants (except ㄹ) and -ㄹ 때 to stems ending with vowels or ㄹ.
• Be mindful of similar grammar patterns to avoid confusion.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Fill in the blank: 학교에 _____ 친구를 만났어요. (만나다)
   • 만날 때
   • I met my friend when I went to school.
2. Choose the correct form: 놀다 → 놀을 때 or 놀 때?
   • 놀 때
   • Because the verb stem ends with ㄹ, add -ㄹ 때.
3. Translate into Korean: "When it's raining, I read a book."
   • 비가 올 때 책을 읽어요.

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