Processing keyword: ~일 때 [il ttae] (When, while)

Korean Grammar Point: ~일 때 [il ttae] (When, while)

Understanding ~일 때 [il ttae]: "When, While"

1. Introduction

In Korean, expressing "when" or "while" is essential for describing events occurring at specific times or simultaneously. The grammar pattern ~일 때 [il ttae] is commonly used to indicate "when" something happens or "while" doing something. This lesson will delve into the usage of ~일 때, its formation, and its nuances.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

The suffix ~일 때 attaches to the noun form of verbs and adjectives to mean "when" or "while" in English. It specifies the time when an action occurs or a condition exists.

Structure

The structure of ~일 때 varies depending on whether it's attached to an action verb, descriptive verb (adjective), or noun.

Formation:

Formation Diagram

1. For Action/Descriptive Verbs:
   • Verb/Adjective Stem + -을 때 (if stem ends in consonant)
   • Verb/Adjective Stem + -ㄹ 때 (if stem ends in vowel)
2. For Past Tense Verbs/Adjectives:
   • Past Tense Form + -을 때
3. For Nouns:
   • Noun + -일 때

Examples:

• Action Verb (Present):
  • 가다 (to go) → 갈 때
    • 학교에 갈 때 버스를 타요.
      • I take the bus when I go to school.
• Descriptive Verb:
  • 바쁘다 (to be busy) → 바쁠 때
    • 바쁠 때 전화를 못 받아요.
      • I can't answer the phone when I'm busy.
• Action Verb (Past):
  • 먹다 (to eat) → 먹었을 때
    • 아침을 먹었을 때 뉴스를 봤어요.
      • I watched the news when I ate breakfast.
• Noun:
  • 학생 (student) → 학생일 때
    • 제가 학생일 때 서울에 살았어요.
      • When I was a student, I lived in Seoul.

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparing ~일 때 with ~(으)면서

• ~(으)면서 means "while" and is used when two actions happen simultaneously by the same subject.
  • 음악을 들으면서 공부해요.
    • I study while listening to music.
• ~일 때 focuses on the time "when" an action or state occurs, not necessarily simultaneous actions.
  • 공부할 때 음악을 들어요.
    • I listen to music when I study. Key Difference:
• Use ~(으)면서 for simultaneous actions.
• Use ~일 때 to specify the time of an action or state.

4. Examples in Context

Formal Situations

• 회의가 끝났을 때 연락해 주십시오.
  • Please contact me when the meeting ends.
• 문제가 있을 때 도와드리겠습니다.
  • I will help when there is a problem.

Informal Situations

• 시간 있을 때 만나요.
  • Let's meet when you have time.
• 길을 걸을 때 음악을 들어요.
  • I listen to music while walking.

Spoken Language

• 집에 갈 때 뭐 사 줄까?
  • When I go home, should I buy you something?
• 졸릴 때 커피를 마셔요.
  • I drink coffee when I'm sleepy.

Written Language

• 어렸을 때 꿈이 뭐였어요?
  • What was your dream when you were young?
• 비가 올 때는 운전을 조심하세요.
  • Be careful driving when it rains.

5. Cultural Notes

Levels of Politeness and Formatility

The usage of ~일 때 remains consistent across different politeness levels, but verb endings change to reflect the appropriate level.

• Formal Polite:
  • 손님이 오실 때 알려 주세요.
    • Please let me know when the guest arrives.
• Informal Polite:
  • 심심할 때 뭐 해요?
    • What do you do when you're bored?

Cultural Relevance

In Korean culture, emphasizing timing and conditions is crucial in communication. Using ~일 때 appropriately shows awareness of context and respect for proper timing.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 때를 놓치다
  • To miss the timing/opportunity.
  • 좋은 때를 놓치지 마세요.
    • Don't miss a good opportunity.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Using Future Tense with ~일 때
   • Incorrect: 갈 거일 때 연락하세요.
     • Do not combine future tense ~(으)ㄹ 거 with 일 때.
   • Correct: 갈 때 연락하세요.
     • Contact me when you go.
2. Confusing ~일 때 with ~때문에 (because of)
   • Incorrect: 바쁠 때문에 못 가요.
   • Correct: 바빠서 못 가요 or 바쁘기 때문에 못 가요.
     • I can't go because I'm busy.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device:
  • Think of ~일 때 as attaching to the base form to indicate "at the time of."
• Practice Sentences:
  • Create your own sentences using daily routines to become familiar with the structure.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~일 때 is used to express "when" or "while" indicating the time an action or state occurs.
• Attach ~을/ㄹ 때 to the verb or adjective stem.
• For past events, use the past tense form ~았/었 + 을 때.
• With nouns, use ~일 때.
• Do not use future tense markers with ~일 때.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you say "When I am tired, I rest" using ~일 때?
   • Answer: 피곤할 때 쉬어요.
2. Is the following sentence correct? Why or why not?
   • 미국에 갔을 거일 때 친구를 만났어요.
   • Answer: Incorrect. Do not use the future tense ~(으)ㄹ 거 with ~일 때. Correct form: 미국에 갔을 때 친구를 만났어요.
3. Translate to Korean: "I read books when it rains."
   • Answer: 비가 올 때 책을 읽어요.

By understanding and practicing the usage of ~일 때, you'll be able to express timing and conditions more naturally in Korean conversations.