Processing keyword: ~하자 [haja] (Upon doing, as soon as)
Korean Grammar Point: ~하자 [haja] (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:
- 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.
Grammar Point | Usage | Nuance |
---|---|---|
~자 | Verb Stem + 자 + [Clause] | Immediate action; often in written/formal. |
~자마자 | Verb Stem + 자마자 + [Clause] | More emphatic immediacy; common in speech. |
~자 vs. ~고 나서
- ~고 나서 means "after doing", indicating a sequence but without emphasizing immediacy.
Grammar Point | Usage | Nuance |
---|---|---|
~자 | Verb Stem + 자 + [Clause] | Immediate succession of actions. |
~고 나서 | Verb Stem + 고 나서 + [Clause] | One action completed before the next. |
4. Examples in Context
Example Sentences
- 집에 도착하자 비가 내리기 시작했어요.
- As soon as I arrived home, it started to rain.
- 수업이 끝나자 학생들이 교실에서 나갔어요.
- As soon as the class ended, the students left the classroom.
- 그 소식을 듣자 그녀는 눈물을 흘렸습니다. (Formal)
- Upon hearing the news, she shed tears.
- 버스가 멈추자 사람들이 내리기 시작했어요.
- As soon as the bus stopped, people started to get off.
- 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
- 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.
- 집에 도착하자마자 쉬자.
- Incorrect: 집에 도착하자 쉬자.
- 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
- How do you form a sentence using ~자?
- Is ~자 more commonly used in spoken or written Korean?
- Correct the mistake in the following sentence:
- 비가 오았자 우산을 썼어요. Answers:
- Attach ~자 to the action verb stem, followed by the second clause.
- Written Korean.
- Remove the tense marker 았:
- 비가 오자 우산을 썼어요.
- As soon as it rained, I used an umbrella.
- 비가 오자 우산을 썼어요.
Congratulations! You've learned how to use ~자 to express immediate sequential actions in Korean.