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

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

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

Introduction

The grammar structure "~했을 때" is used in Korean to refer to a time when an action was completed in the past. It effectively captures the idea of 'when something happened' or 'at the time when something was done.'

Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning and Usage

• When: The phrase indicates a specific point in time when a past action occurred.
• Completed Action: The verb form "했" implies that the action is completed.

Structure

• The structure of this grammar point is as follows:

  [Verb in Past Tense (했)] + [을 때 (eul ttae)]

Formation Diagram:

[Action Verb] + 했(haess) + 을 때(eul ttae)
                   |
                Past Tense

Examples:

• 가다 (gada) → 갔을 때 (gasseul ttae) - "When (someone) went"
• 하다 (hada) → 하였을 때 (hayasseul ttae) - "When (someone) did"

Comparative Analysis

• Similar Structure:
  • ~했을 때 vs. ~할 때 [hal ttae]:
    • ~했을 때 refers to completed actions in the past.
    • ~할 때 refers to actions that are intended or planned for the future.

Example Comparison:

• ~했을 때: "내가 집에 갔을 때, 비가 왔어요." (When I went home, it rained.)
• ~할 때: "내가 집에 갈 때, 비가 올 거예요." (When I go home, it will rain.)

Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Formal:
   • "회의가 끝났을 때, 우리는 점심을 먹었습니다."
     • Translation: "When the meeting was over, we had lunch."
2. Informal:
   • "학교에 갔을 때, 친구를 만났어."
     • Translation: "When I went to school, I met a friend."
3. Spoken:
   • "저는 그날 폭설이 왔을 때 집에 있었어요."
     • Translation: "I was at home when it snowed heavily that day."
4. Written:
   • "회사가 힘들었던 시기에 일을 했을 때, 많은 것을 배웠습니다."
     • Translation: "When I worked during the difficult time at the company, I learned a lot."

Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Korea, past experiences and the context of actions are often discussed, reflecting value on learning from past events. Using appropriate tense and structure is essential to convey the correct time frame and respect toward the listener.

Levels of Politeness

The ending "-었을 때" (eoss-eul ttae) can be adjusted for levels of politeness depending on the context and audience.

Idiomatic Expressions

• "너무 힘들었을 때" (When (I) was very tired) can often lead to stories or anecdotes shared in conversations, reflecting cultural emphasis on relatability and personal stories.

Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Frequent Mistake: Confusing ~했을 때 with ~할 때. Remember that ~했을 때 applies to past situations only.
• Misusing Tense: Using present or future tense verbs incorrectly in this structure.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Remember "했" (done) implies something is finished; therefore, “~했을 때” relates strictly to completed past events.

Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~했을 때 is used for past actions that were completed.
• It emphasizes specific moments in the past.
• Be aware of the distinction between this and future tense forms (e.g. "할 때").

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you say "When I ate" using this grammar point?

   • Answer: 먹었을 때 (meogeosseul ttae)

2. What is the difference between ~했을 때 and ~할 때?

   • Answer: ~했을 때 refers to completed past actions, while ~할 때 refers to planned future actions.

3. Provide an example sentence using ~했을 때.

   • Answer: "그 영화를 봤을 때 너무 감동적이었어요." (When I watched that movie, it was very touching.) Processing keyword: ~했을 때 [haesseul ttae] (When someone did)

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

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

1. Introduction

The Korean phrase "~했을 때" translates to "when (someone) did" in English. It is used to talk about a specific time or context in the past when an action was completed.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

• Meaning: The phrase is used to indicate a past event or situation that occurred at a specific point in time. It typically relates to actions that have been completed before another action or event.

• Structure:

  • The formula for forming "~했을 때" consists of:
    • Verb (past tense) + "을 때"

Formation Diagram

[Verb in past tense] + 했을 때
→ Example: 가다 (to go) → 갔을 때 (when (someone) went)

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with Similar Grammar Points:

• ~했을 때 vs. ~할 때

  • ~했을 때: Used for actions completed in the past.
  • ~할 때: Indicates a time for actions to happen in the future or present (when (someone) will do).

• Example:

  • ~했을 때: 나는 어제 그를 만났을 때 매우 행복했다. (I was very happy when I met him yesterday.)
  • ~할 때: 나는 다음 주에 그를 만날 때 매우 행복할 것이다. (I will be very happy when I meet him next week.)

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples:

1. Formal Context:
   • 발표했을 때 모든 사람이 박수를 쳤습니다.
   • (When I presented, everyone applauded.)
2. Informal Context:
   • 친구를 만났을 때 재밌는 얘기를 많이 했어.
   • (When I met my friend, we had a lot of fun talking.)
3. Written Context:
   • 지난 여름에 여행을 갔을 때 많은 것을 배웠습니다.
   • (When I traveled last summer, I learned a lot.)
4. Spoken Context:
   • 그 영화를 봤을 때 진짜 감동적이었어.
   • (When I watched that movie, it was really touching.)

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

The use of specific verb forms in Korean reflects the nuances of politeness and formality in speech. It is important to match the level of formality with the context and the audience you address.

Idiomatic Expressions

• "힘들었을 때" (when it was hard)
• "행복했을 때" (when I was happy) These expressions often accompany personal stories or reflections about the past.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Common Mistake: Confusing the usage of "했을 때" with "했을 때는".
  • Correct: "그를 만났을 때" (When I met him)
  • Incorrect: "그를 만났을 때는" (This form is unnecessary unless specifically contrasting or emphasizing something else.)

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Remember that "했" signifies something has been completed (past tense) and "을 때" indicates the context of "when."

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• "~했을 때" expresses a completed action in specific past contexts.
• Used in various forms: written, spoken, formal, and informal.
• Key differences with similar phrases like "~할 때".

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What does "~했을 때" mean?
2. What is the structure for forming this grammar point?
3. Give an example sentence using "~했을 때".

Feel free to use this guide to understand and practice the grammar point "~했을 때"!