Processing keyword: ~했을 때 [haesseul ttae] (When someone did)

Korean Grammar Point: ~했을 때 [haesseul ttae] (When someone did)

1. Introduction

In Korean, expressing the timing of actions is essential for conveying clear and precise meanings. The grammar point ~했을 때 [haesseul ttae] is used to indicate "when someone did" something in the past. This structure helps speakers discuss past events and situations that occurred at a specific time.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

The structure ~했을 때 combines the past tense of a verb with -을 때, which means "when" or "at the time". It is used to describe the time when a particular action or event happened in the past.

Formation:

1. Verb Stem: Remove -다 from the dictionary form of the verb.
2. Add Past Tense Suffix: Attach -았/었 to the verb stem.
   • If the verb stem ends with ㅏ or ㅗ, use -았.
   • For other vowels, use -었.
3. **Add -을 때: Attach -을 때 to indicate "when".

Formation Diagram:

[Verb Stem] + 았/었 + 을 때

Example:

• 가다 (to go) → 가 (verb stem) + 았 + 을 때 = 갔을 때 (when [someone] went)

Visual Aids

Conjugation Table:

Verb	Verb Stem	Past Tense Suffix	Final Form	Meaning
가다 (to go)	가	았	갔을 때	When [someone] went
먹다 (to eat)	먹	었	먹었을 때	When [someone] ate
배우다 (to learn)	배우	었	배웠을 때	When [someone] learned
읽다 (to read)	읽	었	읽었을 때	When [someone] read

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3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with ~할 때 (When someone does)

• ~할 때 is used for present or habitual actions, meaning "when someone does".
• ~했을 때 refers specifically to past actions, meaning "when someone did". Example:
• 집에 갈 때 전화하세요.
  Call me when you go home. (Present/future action)
• 집에 갔을 때 전화했어요.
  I called when I went home. (Past action)

Comparison with ~하고 나서 (After doing)

• ~하고 나서 means "after doing" and emphasizes the sequence of actions.
• ~했을 때 focuses on the specific time an action occurred. Example:
• 숙제를 하고 나서 텔레비전을 봤어요.
  I watched TV after doing homework.
• 숙제를 했을 때 너무 피곤했어요.
  When I did my homework, I was very tired.

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4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. 친구를 만났을 때 사진을 찍었어요.
   When I met my friend, I took a photo.
2. 한국에 처음 왔을 때 한국어를 몰랐어요.
   When I first came to Korea, I didn't know Korean.
3. 어렸을 때 꿈은 의사가 되는 것이었어요.
   When I was young, my dream was to become a doctor.
4. 비가 왔을 때 우산이 없었어요.
   When it rained, I didn't have an umbrella.
5. 영화를 봤을 때 정말 감동적이었어요.
   When I watched the movie, it was really touching.

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• In Korean, specifying the timing of past events is crucial for storytelling and sharing experiences.
• Politeness levels are maintained by using appropriate verb endings, especially in past tense narratives.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 나라를 떠났을 때 마음이 아팠어요.
  When I left the country, my heart hurt.
  (An expression showing emotional difficulty in leaving one's homeland.)

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Forgetting the Past Tense Suffix:
   • Incorrect: 집에 갈 때 비가 왔어요.
     (When I go home, it rained.)
     (Mixes present and past tenses.)
   • Correct: 집에 갔을 때 비가 왔어요.
     (When I went home, it rained.)
2. Misusing -을 때 with Adjectives:
   • Remember that -았/었을 때 is generally used with verbs. When using adjectives, ensure proper conjugation.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device:
  "Action in the past meets '-았/었을 때' at last."
• Tip:
  Always check the verb stem and tense before adding -을 때 to ensure correct timing is conveyed.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~했을 때 is used to express "when someone did" an action in the past.
• Formed by adding -았/었을 때 to the verb stem.
• Important for discussing past events and their timing.
• Different from ~할 때 (present/future actions) and ~하고 나서 (after doing).

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you say "When I ate breakfast" using ~했을 때?
   • Answer: 아침을 먹었을 때
2. Identify the error: 영화를 볼 때 울었어요 when intending past tense.
   • Answer: Should be 영화를 봤을 때 울었어요.
3. Use ~했을 때 to complete the sentence: 처음 한국어를 ____ 너무 어려웠어요.
   • Answer: 배웠을 때 (When I first learned Korean, it was very difficult.)

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By mastering ~했을 때, you can more accurately describe past experiences and share stories in Korean. Remember to pay attention to verb tenses and practice with various verbs to become more comfortable with this grammar point.

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