Processing keyword: ~후에 [hue] (After)

Korean Grammar Point: ~후에 [hue] (After)

~후에 [hu-e] (After)

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we'll explore the Korean grammar point ~후에, which is used to express the meaning of "after" doing something. This structure is essential for talking about sequences of events and is commonly used in everyday Korean conversation.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

The suffix ~후에 is attached to the verb stem to indicate that one action occurs after another action has been completed. It's equivalent to "after doing" in English.

Meaning, Structure, Formation Diagram

Meaning

• ~후에: "after (doing something)"

Structure

1. Verb Stem + -은 후에 (when the verb stem ends with a consonant)
2. Verb Stem + -ㄴ 후에 (when the verb stem ends with a vowel)

Formation Diagram

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with Similar Grammar Points

• ~고 나서: Also means "after doing," but emphasizes the completion of the first action before starting the next.
  • Example: 일을 하고 나서 쉬세요. (Rest after you finish your work.)
• ~(으)면: Means "if/when," indicating a condition rather than a sequence.
  • Example: 시간이 있으면 만나요. (If you have time, let's meet.) Note: While ~후에 simply denotes that one action follows another, ~고 나서 stresses the completion, and ~(으)면 introduces a conditional scenario.

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

Formal Context

1. 회의가 끝난 후에 보고서를 제출하겠습니다.
   • After the meeting ends, I will submit the report.
2. 퇴근한 후에 친구를 만났어요.
   • After getting off work, I met a friend.

Informal Context

1. 점심을 먹은 후에 산책할래?
   • Do you want to take a walk after eating lunch?
2. 영화를 본 후에 커피 마실까?
   • Shall we drink coffee after watching the movie?

Written Context

1. 졸업한 후에 무엇을 할 예정입니까?
   • What do you plan to do after graduating?
2. 책을 읽은 후에 리뷰를 남겨주세요.
   • Please leave a review after reading the book.

Spoken Context

1. A: 언제 만날까요?
   • When shall we meet? B: 수업이 끝난 후에 만나요.
   • Let's meet after the class ends.
2. A: 저녁에 뭐 해?
   • What are you doing in the evening? B: 운동한 후에 집에 있을 거야.
   • After exercising, I'll be at home.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• In Korean culture, time and order of events are important, especially in professional and social settings. Using ~후에 helps to clearly communicate when activities or responsibilities will take place.

Levels of Politeness and Formality

• ~후에 is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
• Politeness is usually conveyed through verb endings and the context rather than the use of ~후에 itself.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 식사 후에: After the meal
  • Often used when suggesting activities post-meal.
• 업무 후에: After work
  • Commonly used among colleagues planning after-work activities.
• 수업 후에: After class
  • Used frequently by students.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Incorrect Attachment
   • Wrong: 먹다후에
   • Right: 먹은 후에
   • Explanation: Do not attach ~후에 directly to the dictionary form of the verb. Conjugate properly based on the verb stem ending.
2. Ignoring Consonant/Vowel Rule
   • Wrong: 가은 후에
   • Right: 간 후에
   • Explanation: For verb stems ending with a vowel, use -ㄴ 후에.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Think "후" as "who comes after" to remember it means "after."
• Practice Tip: When in doubt, identify the verb stem and check if it ends with a consonant or vowel to choose between -은 후에 and -ㄴ 후에.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~후에 is used to express "after doing something."
• Attach -은 후에 to verb stems ending with consonants and -ㄴ 후에 to those ending with vowels.
• It's a versatile grammar point suitable for various contexts.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you say "after studying" using ~후에?
   • a) 공부한 후에
   • b) 공부는 후에
   • c) 공부은 후에
2. Choose the correct form of ~후에 for the verb 만들다 (to make).
   • a) 만든 후에
   • b) 만들은 후에
   • c) 만들은 후에

Answers:

1. a) 공부한 후에
   • 공부하다 → 공부하 (verb stem ending with a vowel) + -ㄴ 후에 → 공부한 후에
2. a) 만든 후에
   • 만들다 → 만들 (verb stem ending with a consonant) + -은 후에 → 만든 후에

Continue practicing by creating sentences about your daily routine using ~후에. The more you use it, the more natural it will become!