Processing keyword: ~할 때마다 [hal ttaemada] (Every time when)

Korean Grammar Point: ~할 때마다 [hal ttaemada] (Every time when)

1. Introduction

The Korean grammar pattern ~할 때마다 is used to express "every time when" or "whenever". It indicates that whenever a particular action or event occurs, another action consistently happens as a result. This structure is essential for emphasizing repeated or habitual experiences in Korean.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• ~할 때마다: "Every time when [verb/action]" This pattern links an action with a repeated occurrence, highlighting that something happens consistently whenever the first action takes place.

Structure

To form this pattern, attach ~(으)ㄹ 때마다 to the verb stem.

Formation Diagram

[Verb Stem] + ~(으)ㄹ 때마다

• For verb stems ending with a vowel or the consonant 'ㄹ': Add -ㄹ 때마다
• For verb stems ending with other consonants: Add -을 때마다

Conjugation Table

Verb Stem Ending	Attachment	Example Verb	Conjugated Form	Translation
Vowel or 'ㄹ'	-ㄹ 때마다	가다 (to go)	갈 때마다	Every time (I) go
Consonant	-을 때마다	먹다 (to eat)	먹을 때마다	Every time (I) eat
Vowel	-ㄹ 때마다	보다 (to see)	볼 때마다	Every time (I) see/watch
Consonant	-을 때마다	듣다 (to hear)	들을 때마다	Every time (I) hear

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3. Comparative Analysis

Comparing ~할 때마다 with Similar Grammar Points

• ~할 때: Means "when [verb/action]", indicating a single occurrence.
  • 예: 집에 갈 때 전화를 해요. (I call when I go home.)
• ~할 때마다: Means "every time when [verb/action]", emphasizing repetition.
  • 예: 집에 갈 때마다 전화를 해요. (I call every time I go home.) Key Difference: The inclusion of 마다 adds the sense of "every time", highlighting habitual or repeated actions.

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4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. 수업이 끝날 때마다 도서관에 가요.
   • Romanization: Sueobi kkeutnal ttaemada doseogwane gayo.
   • Translation: I go to the library every time class ends.
2. 그 노래를 들을 때마다 기분이 좋아져요.
   • Romanization: Geu noraereul deureul ttaemada gibuni joajyeoyo.
   • Translation: Every time I listen to that song, I feel better.
3. 사진을 볼 때마다 추억이 떠올라요.
   • Romanization: Sajineul bol ttaemada chueogi tteoollayo.
   • Translation: Memories come back every time I look at the photos.
4. 그 음식을 먹을 때마다 매워서 힘들어요.
   • Romanization: Geu eumsigeul meogeul ttaemada maewoseo himdeureoyo.
   • Translation: It's tough every time I eat that food because it's spicy.
5. 비가 올 때마다 우산을 잊어버려요.
   • Romanization: Biga ol ttaemada usaneul ijeobeoryeoyo.
   • Translation: I forget my umbrella every time it rains.

Formal and Informal Contexts

• Informal Speech:
  • 친구를 만날 때마다 재미있어.
    • Translation: It's fun every time I meet my friend.
• Formal Speech:
  • 회의를 할 때마다 긴장됩니다.
    • Translation: I get nervous every time we have a meeting.

Spoken vs. Written Language

• In spoken Korean, ~할 때마다 is frequently used to share personal experiences.
• In written Korean, especially in essays or journals, it can express habitual observations.

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• Emphasis on Routine: Korean culture often highlights routines and repeated actions, and ~할 때마다 is a grammatical reflection of this.
• Expression of Feelings: This pattern is commonly used to express recurring emotions tied to specific events, showcasing a cultural tendency to associate feelings with experiences.

Levels of Politeness and Formality

• Adjust the verb ending after ~할 때마다 to match the appropriate politeness level:
  • Informal: -아/어 (해요)
  • Formal: -습니다 Example:
• 갈 때마다 만나요. (Polite Informal)
• 갈 때마다 만납니다. (Formal Polite)

Idiomatic Expressions Using ~마다

While ~할 때마다 itself is straightforward, 마다 is used in various idiomatic expressions:

• 사람마다 의견이 달라요.
  • Translation: Opinions differ from person to person.
• 집집마다 꽃이 피었어요.
  • Translation: Flowers have bloomed at every house.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Incorrect Attachment of Suffixes
   • Mistake: 먹다마다
     • Missing (으)ㄹ 때 component.
   • Correction: 먹을 때마다
2. **Confusing with ~마다
   • Mistake: Using ~마다 without ~할 때
     • 주말마다 means "every weekend", not "every time when".
   • Tip: Remember that ~할 때마다 is about actions/events, while ~마다 alone refers to time periods or units.

Learning Strategies

• Practice with Common Verbs: Create sentences using verbs you frequently use.
• Flashcards: Write verbs on one side and their ~할 때마다 forms on the other.
• Mnemonic: Think of 마다 as "every" to associate it with repetition.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~할 때마다 expresses "every time when [action/event]".
• Formed by attaching ~(으)ㄹ 때마다 to the verb stem.
• Highlights repeated or habitual actions associated with a particular event.
• Politeness levels are adjusted through the verb endings following ~할 때마다.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Fill in the blank: "Whenever I read a book, I feel relaxed."
   책을 ____ 기분이 편안해요.
   • Answer: 읽을 때마다
2. True or False: 놀 때마다 means "when I play".
   • Answer: False (It means "every time I play")
3. Choose the Correct Form:
   "Every time I learn Korean, it gets more interesting."
   • a) 한국어를 배울 때마다 더 재미있어져요.
   • b) 한국어를 배울 때 더 재미있어져요.
   • Answer: a) 한국어를 배울 때마다 더 재미있어져요.

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By mastering ~할 때마다, you enhance your ability to describe habitual actions and repeated experiences, making your Korean communication more nuanced and expressive.

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