Processing keyword: ~하자마자 [hajamaja] (As soon as)

Korean Grammar Point: ~하자마자 [hajamaja] (As soon as)

1. Introduction

In Korean, the grammatical expression ~하자마자 is used to indicate that one action occurs immediately after another action. It translates to "as soon as" or "immediately after" in English. This structure emphasizes the immediacy between two events, highlighting that there is no delay between them.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

~하자마자 expresses that the action in the main clause happens immediately after the action in the preceding clause without any lapse of time.

Structure

To form this grammatical structure:

1. Verb Stem + 자마자

Formation Diagram

Verb (Dictionary Form)	Verb Stem	+ 자마자	Result	Meaning
일어나다 (to get up)	일어나	자마자	일어나자마자	As soon as I got up
먹다 (to eat)	먹	자마자	먹자마자	As soon as I eat
끝나다 (to finish)	끝나	자마자	끝나자마자	As soon as it ends
도착하다 (to arrive)	도착하	자마자	도착하자마자	As soon as I arrive

Note: Do not add any tense markers (e.g., 았/었) before 자마자.

3. Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar Points

1. ~고 나서 (After doing)

• Usage: Indicates one action occurs after another, but there's no emphasis on immediacy.
• Example: 일을 하고 나서 쉽니다.
  • "I rest after working."

2. ~(으)면 바로 (If/When... immediately)

• Usage: Highlights immediate action upon a condition being met.
• Example: 집에 가면 바로 잘 거예요.
  • "If I go home, I will sleep immediately."

3. ~자 (As soon as)

• Usage: Similar to ~자마자, but slightly more formal/literary.
• Example: 비가 오자 사람들이 뛰기 시작했다.
  • "As soon as it rained, people started running."

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4. Examples in Context

Informal Speech

1. 집에 도착하자마자 잤어.
   • "I slept as soon as I arrived home."
2. 친구를 보자마자 웃었어.
   • "I laughed as soon as I saw my friend."

Formal Speech

1. 회의가 끝나자마자 보고서를 작성했습니다.
   • "I drafted the report as soon as the meeting ended."
2. 손님이 떠나자마자 청소를 시작했어요.
   • "I started cleaning as soon as the guests left."

Written Context

1. 태양이 뜨자마자 새들이 노래를 부르기 시작했다.
   • "As soon as the sun rose, the birds began to sing."
2. 시험이 끝나자마자 학생들은 교실을 나갔다.
   • "As soon as the exam ended, the students left the classroom."

Spoken Context

1. 수업이 끝나자마자 뭐 할 거예요?
   • "What will you do as soon as class ends?"
2. 영화를 보자마자 리뷰를 쓸 거예요.
   • "I will write a review as soon as I watch the movie."

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• Punctuality and Promptness: Korean culture places value on being prompt and efficient. Using ~하자마자 reflects a sense of immediacy and responsibility in actions.
• Politeness Levels: Ensure that the verbs used with ~하자마자 match the appropriate speech level for the context (informal, polite, formal).

Idiomatic Expressions

• 눈을 뜨자마자: "As soon as I opened my eyes."
  • Example: 눈을 뜨자마자 휴대폰을 확인했어요.
    • "As soon as I opened my eyes, I checked my phone."
• 집에 오자마자: "As soon as I came home."
  • Example: 집에 오자마자 샤워를 했어요.
    • "As soon as I came home, I took a shower."

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Using Tense Markers Before 자마자
   • Incorrect: 먹었자마자 (❌)
   • Correct: 먹자마자 (✔️) Explanation: Do not add past tense markers (았/었) before 자마자. The tense is shown in the main verb of the sentence.
2. Attaching 자마자 to the Conjugated Verb
   • Incorrect: 먹어요자마자 (❌)
   • Correct: 먹자마자 (✔️) Explanation: Attach 자마자 directly to the verb stem without any conjugation.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Think of "Verb + Immediately", reminding you to attach 자마자 directly after the verb stem to indicate immediate action.
• Practice Makes Perfect: Create your own sentences using verbs you commonly use to become familiar with the structure.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~하자마자 means "as soon as" and emphasizes immediacy between two actions.
• Attach 자마자 directly to the verb stem without tense markers.
• The tense of the sentence is indicated in the main clause, not before 자마자.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you attach ~자마자 to a verb?
   • Answer: Attach 자마자 directly to the verb stem without any tense markers.
2. Translate the following sentence:
   • 회의가 시작되자마자 참석자들이 집중했어요.
     • "As soon as the meeting started, the participants focused."
3. Is the following sentence correct? If not, correct it:
   • 나는 영화를 봤자마자 친구에게 이야기했어요.
   • Answer: Incorrect.
     • Correct Sentence: 나는 영화를 보자마자 친구에게 이야기했어요.
       • "As soon as I watched the movie, I talked to my friend."

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By understanding and practicing the use of ~하자마자, you'll be able to express immediate actions naturally in Korean. Keep practicing with different verbs to become more comfortable with this grammar point!

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