Processing keyword: ~후에 [hue] (After)

Korean Grammar Point: ~후에 [hue] (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.

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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

Verb Ending Type	Suffix	Example Verb	Conjugated Form	Translation
Verb stem ending with a consonant	-은 후에	먹다 (to eat)	먹은 후에	after eating
Verb stem ending with a vowel	-ㄴ 후에	가다 (to go)	간 후에	after going

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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

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

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