Processing keyword: ~하자 [haja] (Upon doing, as soon as)

Korean Grammar Point: ~하자 [haja] (Upon doing, as soon as)

Korean Grammar Lesson: ~자 [ja] (Upon Doing, As Soon As)

1. Introduction

The grammar point ~자 is a connective ending in Korean used to express that one action occurs immediately after another. It translates to "as soon as", "upon doing", or "the moment". Understanding ~자 enables you to describe sequential actions effectively, enhancing the fluency and coherence of your speech and writing.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• ~자 indicates that the action in the second clause happens immediately after the action in the first clause.
• It emphasizes the promptness and immediacy between two actions.

Structure

The structure for using ~자 is as follows:

1. Verb Stem + 자 + [Second Clause]

Formation Diagram

[Action Verb Stem] + 자 + [Second Clause]

Explanation

• Action Verb Stem: Remove -다 from the dictionary form of the verb.
• Add 자 directly to the verb stem.
• Follow with the second clause that occurs immediately after.

3. Comparative Analysis

~자 vs. ~자마자

• ~자 and ~자마자 both mean "as soon as", but ~자마자 is slightly more emphatic.
• ~자마자 can be used in both spoken and written language, while ~자 is more common in written or formal contexts.

~자 vs. ~고 나서

• ~고 나서 means "after doing", indicating a sequence but without emphasizing immediacy.

4. Examples in Context

Example Sentences

1. 집에 도착하자 비가 내리기 시작했어요.
   • As soon as I arrived home, it started to rain.
2. 수업이 끝나자 학생들이 교실에서 나갔어요.
   • As soon as the class ended, the students left the classroom.
3. 그 소식을 듣자 그녀는 눈물을 흘렸습니다. (Formal)
   • Upon hearing the news, she shed tears.
4. 버스가 멈추자 사람들이 내리기 시작했어요.
   • As soon as the bus stopped, people started to get off.
5. 친구를 보자마자 달려가서 안았어요.
   • As soon as I saw my friend, I ran and hugged them. (Using ~자마자 for comparison)

Context Variations

• Formal Written: Often used in narratives, reports.
• Informal Spoken: Less common; speakers might prefer ~자마자.

5. Cultural Notes

Levels of Politeness and Formality

• ~자 is neutral but often leans towards formal or written language.
• In spoken Korean, especially informal contexts, ~자마자 is more commonly used.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 눈 깜짝할 사이에 일이 끝나자 모두 놀랐어요.
  • Everyone was surprised as the work was done in the blink of an eye.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Using ~자 with Imperative or Propositive Sentences
   • Incorrect: 집에 도착하자 쉬자.
     • Let's rest as soon as we arrive home.
   • Correction: Use ~자마자 or change the sentence structure.
     • 집에 도착하자마자 쉬자.
       • Let's rest as soon as we arrive home.
2. Attaching ~자 to Adjectives
   • ~자 is only used with action verbs, not adjectives (descriptive verbs).

Tips

• Remember that ~자 connects two actions where the second happens immediately after the first.
• Do not use tense markers (like 았/었) before ~자.
  • Correct: 끝나자, Incorrect: 끝났자

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~자 is used to express that one action occurs immediately after another.
• Formed by attaching ~자 to the verb stem of an action verb.
• Commonly used in formal and written contexts.
• Do not use with adjectives or in imperative/propositive sentences.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you form a sentence using ~자?
2. Is ~자 more commonly used in spoken or written Korean?
3. Correct the mistake in the following sentence:
   • 비가 오았자 우산을 썼어요. Answers:
4. Attach ~자 to the action verb stem, followed by the second clause.
5. Written Korean.
6. Remove the tense marker 았:
   • 비가 오자 우산을 썼어요.
     • As soon as it rained, I used an umbrella.

Congratulations! You've learned how to use ~자 to express immediate sequential actions in Korean.