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A2 phrase #300 الأكثر شيوعاً 12 دقيقة للقراءة

~을/를 때

-eul/reul ttae الأكثر شيوعاً #300

تدرّب عليها أمثلة ملاحظات ونصائح ~을/를 때 في 30 ثانية

الشرح ~을/를 때 in your Level:

At the A1 level, learners should focus on the simplest use of this structure: attaching the word **때** directly to nouns. This is the easiest way to express 'when' or 'during' without worrying about complex verb conjugations. For example, you can say **방학 때** (during vacation), **점심 때** (at lunch time), or **크리스마스 때** (at Christmas). This allows you to set a time context for your sentences. You might also learn a few very common verb forms like **갈 때** (when going) or **올 때** (when coming) as fixed expressions. The main goal at this level is to understand that '때' refers to a point or period of time and to use it with basic nouns to describe when something happens in your daily life.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

At the A2 level, you move beyond nouns and start conjugating verbs and adjectives using the **-(으)ㄹ 때** pattern. This is a core requirement for A2. You should learn the rules for vowel stems (**-ㄹ 때**), consonant stems (**-을 때**), and the **ㄹ** irregular stems (**때**). You will use this to describe your habits, routines, and simple plans. For example, 'When I am tired, I sleep' (피곤할 때 자요). You also begin to distinguish between **-(으)ㄹ 때** and **언제** (the question word). At this stage, you should be able to form basic two-clause sentences where the first clause sets the time for the second clause.

By the B1 level, you should be comfortable using **-(으)ㄹ 때** with a wide variety of verbs and adjectives, including more complex irregulars (like **ㅂ** and **ㄷ** irregulars). You will also start using the past tense form **-었/았을 때** to talk about your childhood or past experiences with more precision. For example, 'When I lived in Korea, I ate Kimchi every day' (한국에 살았을 때 매일 김치를 먹었어요). You will also learn to use **때마다** (whenever) and start noticing the difference between **-(으)ㄹ 때** and other time-related connectors like **-는 동안** (while) and **-(으)면서** (while doing two things at once). Your sentences will become longer and more descriptive.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

At the B2 level, you use **-(으)ㄹ 때** fluently in both spoken and written Korean. You understand the subtle nuances of using the past tense vs. the present tense in the 'when' clause. You can use this structure to form complex noun phrases that act as subjects or objects, such as **-(으)ㄹ 때가 가장 행복해요** (The time when... is the happiest). You also start to encounter this structure in more formal settings, like news reports or literature, and you can distinguish it from more formal alternatives like **-시** (at the time of) or **-경** (around). You are able to use it to express abstract conditions, not just physical actions.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

At the C1 level, you have a sophisticated command of temporal markers. You use **-(으)ㄹ 때** naturally, often choosing it or its more formal/literary alternatives (like **-(으)ㄹ 무렵** or **-ㄴ/은 바**) based on the desired tone and register. You understand how to use this structure to create specific rhetorical effects in writing. You can also handle complex sentences where multiple time-related clauses are nested. Your usage reflects an understanding of how time is conceptualized in Korean culture, and you can use the structure to express subtle irony or nostalgia. You rarely make mistakes with irregular conjugations or spacing.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

At the C2 level, your use of **-(으)ㄹ 때** is indistinguishable from a native speaker. You use it effortlessly across all domains, from highly technical academic writing to the most casual slang. You are aware of historical usages and how the structure has evolved. You can analyze the use of this phrase in classical literature or modern poetry. For you, this is not just a grammar rule but a flexible tool for precise expression. You can use it to convey deep emotional nuances, and you are fully aware of how it interacts with other grammatical elements like honorifics and speech levels to create a perfect social fit for any context.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

تدرّب عليها أمثلة ملاحظات ونصائح

~을/를 때 في 30 ثانية

Used to express 'when' or 'during' a specific action or state.
Attaches to verb stems with -(으)ㄹ and noun stems directly with 때.
Essential for describing routines, memories, and time-based conditions.
Different from '언제' (interrogative when) and '-(으)면' (conditional if/when).

The Korean grammatical structure -(으)ㄹ 때 is one of the most essential tools for any learner transitioning from basic phrases to complex sentences. At its core, it functions as a temporal marker that translates to "when," "at the time of," or "during" in English. However, unlike the English word "when," which can be used to ask a question (e.g., "When are we leaving?"), -(으)ㄹ 때 is strictly a connective structure used to link two clauses or to describe a specific timeframe within a sentence. It allows speakers to establish a background or a specific moment in which the main action of the sentence occurs. This structure is incredibly versatile, appearing in everything from casual daily conversations about lunch plans to formal academic discussions about historical eras.

Grammatical Function: It acts as a postpositional phrase attached to verb stems or adjectives to indicate the time or duration of an action or state.

In Korean, time is often viewed as a container or a specific point on a line. When you use -(으)ㄹ 때, you are essentially saying "In the container of time defined by this action..." For example, if you say "When I eat," you are defining the specific window of time where the eating happens. This structure is used in various contexts: describing habits ("When I'm stressed, I listen to music"), recalling memories ("When I was a child, I lived in Busan"), or giving instructions ("When the light turns green, please cross the street"). Its frequency in the Korean language cannot be overstated; you will hear it in K-dramas, read it in news articles, and use it in almost every conversation you have.

한국에 갈 때 비행기 표를 샀어요. (When I went to Korea, I bought a plane ticket.)

Understanding the difference between using this with nouns versus verbs is crucial. When attached to a noun, you simply add 때 (e.g., 방학 때 - during vacation). When attached to a verb or adjective, you must use the modifier form -(으)ㄹ followed by the noun 때. This distinction is a common hurdle for beginners, but once mastered, it opens up the ability to describe complex sequences of events. Whether you are talking about the weather, your emotions, or your daily routine, this phrase is the glue that holds your temporal logic together. It is particularly common in storytelling, where setting the scene is vital. Without it, your Korean would sound like a series of disconnected facts rather than a cohesive narrative.

Usage Context: Commonly used in recipes, directions, personal anecdotes, and general observations about life.

기분이 좋을 때 노래를 불러요. (When I feel good, I sing a song.)

Furthermore, the nuance of -(으)ㄹ 때 can change slightly depending on the verb it's attached to. With active verbs like 'going' or 'eating,' it refers to the duration of that action. With descriptive verbs (adjectives) like 'busy' or 'happy,' it refers to the state of being. It is also important to distinguish this from -(으)면 (if/when). While -(으)면 focuses on a condition that might happen, -(으)ㄹ 때 focuses on the specific time that the action is definitely occurring or has occurred. This subtle difference is key to achieving natural-sounding Korean. As you progress, you will also learn to use the past tense version, -었/았을 때, which specifically points to a completed moment in the past, adding even more precision to your speech.

Social Nuance: Using this phrase correctly shows a good grasp of Korean sentence structure, making your speech sound more fluid and less like a list of simple sentences.

시간이 있을 때 연락주세요. (When you have time, please contact me.)

Using -(으)ㄹ 때 correctly requires an understanding of Korean verb conjugation and the concept of noun modification. The structure is formed by taking the verb or adjective stem and adding a specific ending based on whether the stem ends in a vowel or a consonant. This is a standard pattern in Korean grammar, often referred to as the 'future prospective modifier' form, although in this context, it doesn't necessarily imply the future tense; it simply creates a noun phrase meaning 'the time of [verb].'

Rule 1: Vowel Stems: If the verb or adjective stem ends in a vowel, add -ㄹ 때. For example, 가다 (to go) becomes 갈 때.

Let's look at some examples of vowel stems. The verb 자다 (to sleep) has the stem 자-. Since it ends in a vowel, we add -ㄹ 때 to get 잘 때. A sentence would be: "잘 때 창문을 닫아요" (I close the window when I sleep). Similarly, 공부하다 (to study) becomes 공부할 때. "공부할 때 음악을 들어요" (I listen to music when I study). This rule also applies to descriptive verbs like 크다 (to be big), which becomes 클 때, though this is less common than with action verbs.

Rule 2: Consonant Stems: If the verb or adjective stem ends in a consonant, add -을 때. For example, 먹다 (to eat) becomes 먹을 때.

For consonant stems, the extra vowel '으' is inserted to make the pronunciation smoother. Take the verb 읽다 (to read). The stem is 읽-, which ends in a double consonant. We add -을 때 to get 읽을 때. "책을 읽을 때 커피를 마셔요" (I drink coffee when I read a book). Another example is 웃다 (to laugh), which becomes 웃을 때. "그는 웃을 때 정말 예뻐요" (He is really pretty when he laughs). It is important to remember that some consonants might undergo changes (irregulars), which we will discuss later.

점심을 먹을 때 친구를 만났어요. (When I was eating lunch, I met a friend.)

Rule 3: ㄹ Irregular Stems: If the stem ends in the consonant ㄹ, you simply add 때. For example, 살다 (to live) becomes 살 때.

This is a specific rule for stems ending in ㄹ. Instead of adding -을 때, the existing ㄹ acts as the modifier. So, 만들다 (to make) becomes 만들 때, and 놀다 (to play) becomes 놀 때. "아이들이 놀 때 조용히 하세요" (Please be quiet when the children are playing). This is a common point of confusion for students who try to add -을 때 to these stems, resulting in incorrect forms like '살을 때'.

서울에 살 때 매일 지하철을 탔어요. (When I lived in Seoul, I took the subway every day.)

Finally, let's touch upon the past tense. If you want to emphasize that the 'when' clause happened in the past, you use -었/았을 때. This is very common when talking about childhood or specific past events. For example, "미국에 갔을 때" (When I went to America). While "미국에 갈 때" can mean "When I was on my way to America" or "Whenever I go to America," the past tense version specifically refers to the completed trip. Mastering these conjugations allows you to place your actions accurately on a timeline, which is essential for clear communication in Korean.

어렸을 때 우유를 싫어했어요. (When I was young, I hated milk.)

The phrase -(으)ㄹ 때 is ubiquitous in Korean society, appearing in nearly every register of speech. In daily life, you'll hear it most frequently when people are discussing their routines or making plans. For instance, a friend might ask, "언제 시간이 돼?" (When do you have time?), and you might respond, "퇴근할 때 연락할게" (I'll call you when I finish work). Here, 퇴근할 때 sets the specific timeframe for the future action. It's also very common in the workplace, where colleagues coordinate tasks: "회의할 때 이 자료를 사용하세요" (Please use this data when we have the meeting).

Daily Conversation: Used to coordinate schedules, describe habits, and share immediate plans with friends and family.

In the world of Korean media, such as K-dramas and movies, -(으)ㄹ 때 is a staple for emotional dialogue and nostalgic flashbacks. Characters often reflect on their past using the phrase 어렸을 때 (when I was young) or 처음 만났을 때 (when we first met). These phrases carry a lot of weight in storytelling, as they anchor the characters' current emotions to specific past experiences. In romantic scenes, you might hear lines like "너랑 같이 있을 때가 제일 행복해" (The time when I'm with you is when I'm happiest). This usage highlights how the structure can be turned into a noun phrase (-(으)ㄹ 때가) to act as the subject of a sentence.

힘들 때 항상 내 곁에 있어줘서 고마워. (Thank you for always being by my side when things are hard.)

Public announcements and instructional content also rely heavily on this structure. If you take the subway in Seoul, you will hear announcements like "내리실 때 조심하시기 바랍니다" (Please be careful when you get off). In cooking shows or YouTube tutorials, instructors will say, "물이 끓을 때 면을 넣으세요" (When the water boils, put in the noodles). This instructional use is very common because it clearly defines the condition under which the next step should be taken. It's precise, efficient, and polite.

Public & Media: Found in subway announcements, cooking recipes, and emotional K-drama monologues.

Furthermore, in more formal or literary contexts, -(으)ㄹ 때 is used to discuss historical periods or societal trends. A news anchor might say, "경제 위기가 있었을 때..." (When there was an economic crisis...). In this context, it functions as a formal temporal marker. Even in song lyrics, the phrase is used to create rhythm and evoke specific imagery. K-pop fans will notice it in many song titles and choruses, often used to describe a fleeting moment of love or a specific memory. Its versatility across these different domains—from the mundane to the poetic—makes it a cornerstone of Korean communication.

비가 올 때 파전이 생각나요. (When it rains, I think of pajeon/green onion pancakes.)

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is confusing the interrogative "when" (언제) with the connective "when" (-(으)ㄹ 때). In English, the word "when" serves both purposes, but in Korean, they are distinct. You cannot say "언제 내가 먹다" to mean "When I eat." Instead, you must use the -(으)ㄹ 때 structure. 언제 is used only for asking questions like "When is your birthday?" (생일이 언제예요?) or in indirect questions like "I don't know when he's coming" (그가 언제 오는지 몰라요).

Mistake 1: 언제 vs. -(으)ㄹ 때: Using '언제' as a conjunction to link two clauses. Correct: -(으)ㄹ 때.

Another common error involves the misuse of tense. Many learners feel the need to put the first verb in the past tense if the whole sentence is in the past. For example, to say "When I went to the park, I saw a dog," a learner might incorrectly say "공원에 갔을 때 개를 봤어요." While this is actually grammatically correct and emphasizes the completion of the action, often a simple "공원에 갈 때" is sufficient if the context is clear. However, the real mistake is using the present tense -(으)ㄹ 때 when the past tense -었/았을 때 is required for states that no longer exist, such as "When I was a student" (학생이었을 때). You cannot say "학생일 때" if you are emphasizing a finished period of your life in a nostalgic way.

❌ 점심 먹을 때 친구가 왔어요. (While technically okay, if the eating was finished: ⭕ 점심 먹었을 때...)

The spacing between the modifier and the word 때 is also a frequent orthographic error. In Korean, 때 is a dependent noun, meaning it must be preceded by a space after the modified verb. Many learners write it as one word (e.g., 갈때 instead of 갈 때). While this might be understood in casual texting, it is technically incorrect in standard Korean orthography. Additionally, learners often forget the ㄹ or 을 entirely, simply attaching 때 to the verb stem (e.g., 가 때), which is a major grammatical error that makes the sentence unintelligible.

Mistake 2: Spacing and Conjugation: Forgetting the space before '때' or failing to add the -(으)ㄹ modifier to the verb stem.

Finally, there is the confusion between -(으)ㄹ 때 and -(으)면. As mentioned before, -(으)면 is conditional (if/when), whereas -(으)ㄹ 때 is temporal (at the time of). If you say "비가 올 때 우산을 가져가세요," you are saying "Take an umbrella at the time it rains" (assuming it will rain). If you say "비가 오면 우산을 가져가세요," you are saying "If it rains, take an umbrella." Using the wrong one can change the certainty of your statement. Beginners often use -(으)ㄹ 때 for everything, making their speech sound slightly unnatural in conditional contexts.

❌ 학교 가 때 (Incorrect) -> ⭕ 학교 갈 때 (Correct)

While -(으)ㄹ 때 is the most common way to say "when," Korean offers several other structures that provide more specific nuances. Understanding these alternatives will help you sound more like a native speaker and allow you to express precise timing. The most common alternative is -는 동안, which translates to "while" or "during the time that." While -(으)ㄹ 때 can refer to a single point in time or a duration, -는 동안 explicitly emphasizes the continuous nature of the action.

-(으)ㄹ 때 vs. -는 동안: -(으)ㄹ 때 is 'when' (general time); -는 동안 is 'while' (emphasizing the duration of the action).

Another similar structure is -(으)면서, which also means "while." However, -(으)면서 is used specifically when one person is doing two actions simultaneously (e.g., "I eat while watching TV"). If the subjects of the two clauses are different, you cannot use -(으)면서; you must use -(으)ㄹ 때 or -는 동안. For example, "When my mom cooks, I sleep" would be "어머니가 요리하실 때 저는 자요." You cannot use -(으)면서 here because there are two different people involved.

밥을 먹으면서 TV를 봐요. (I watch TV while eating - same person doing both.)

For actions that happen immediately after another, you might use -자마자 (as soon as). While -(으)ㄹ 때 can sometimes imply an immediate reaction, -자마자 is much more forceful about the lack of time between the two events. For example, "집에 가자마자 잤어요" (I slept as soon as I got home) is more specific than "집에 갔을 때 잤어요" (I slept when I got home). The latter could mean you did a few things first, while the former implies no delay.

-(으)ㄹ 때 vs. -자마자: -(으)ㄹ 때 is 'when'; -자마자 is 'as soon as' (immediate sequence).

Lastly, there is the structure -(으)ㄹ 무렵, which means "around the time when." This is a more literary or poetic way to describe an approximate time. While -(으)ㄹ 때 is precise, -(으)ㄹ 무렵 is softer and often used in storytelling to set a vague timeframe, like "around sunset" (해질 무렵). In casual conversation, -(으)ㄹ 때쯤 is often used to mean "around the time when." These variations allow speakers to adjust the precision and tone of their time-related statements.

대학교를 졸업할 무렵 취직했어요. (I got a job around the time I graduated university.)

How Formal Is It?

حقيقة ممتعة

The word '때' can also mean 'dirt' or 'grime' on the skin, but the two words are homonyms with different origins. Context always makes it clear which one is being used!

دليل النطق

UK /-(ɯ)l t͈ɛ/

US /-(ɯ)l t͈eɪ/

The stress is generally even, but there is a slight emphasis on the '때' syllable as it is the head noun.

يتقافى مع

배 (bae - pear/stomach) 새 (sae - bird) 해 (hae - sun) 개 (gae - dog) 내 (nae - my) 네 (ne - your) 제 (je - my formal) 세 (se - three)

أخطاء شائعة

Pronouncing '때' as a soft 't' (like 'tae') instead of a tense 'tt'.
Failing to pronounce the 'ㄹ' clearly when it's attached to the verb stem.
Adding an extra vowel sound between the verb stem and '때' when not needed.

مستوى الصعوبة

القراءة 2/5

Easy to recognize in text due to the distinct '때' noun.

الكتابة 3/5

Requires correct conjugation of verb stems and proper spacing.

التحدث 3/5

Needs practice to use fluently without confusing it with '언제'.

الاستماع 2/5

The 'ㄹ' sound is a clear marker that is usually easy to hear.

ماذا تتعلّم بعد ذلك

المتطلبات الأساسية

시간 (time) 언제 (when - question) 가다 (to go) 먹다 (to eat) 있다 (to exist/have)

تعلّم لاحقاً

-(으)면 (if/when) -는 동안 (while) -(으)면서 (while - simultaneous) -기 전에 (before) -(으)ㄴ 후에 (after)

متقدم

-(으)ㄹ 무렵 (around the time) -(으)ㄹ 적에 (back when) -(으)ㄹ 시 (at the time of - formal) -(으)ㄹ 때를 기해서 (on the occasion of)

قواعد يجب معرفتها

Future Modifier -(으)ㄹ

할 일 (work to do)

Noun Modifier -(으)ㄴ/는/ㄹ

가는 사람 (person who goes)

Conditional -(으)면

가면 (if you go)

Simultaneous -(으)면서

먹으면서 (while eating)

Duration -는 동안

자는 동안 (while sleeping)

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

أمثلة حسب المستوى

방학 때 여행을 가요.

I go on a trip during vacation.

Noun + 때

점심 때 만나요.

Let's meet at lunch time.

Noun + 때

생일 때 선물을 받았어요.

I received a gift on my birthday.

Noun + 때

주말 때 뭐 해요?

What do you do during the weekend?

Noun + 때

학교 때 친구예요.

We were friends during school days.

Noun + 때

겨울 때 추워요.

It is cold during winter.

Noun + 때

저녁 때 전화하세요.

Please call me in the evening.

Noun + 때

고등학교 때 공부를 많이 했어요.

I studied a lot during high school.

Noun + 때

밥을 먹을 때 조용히 하세요.

Please be quiet when you eat.

Verb stem (먹-) + -을 때

집에 갈 때 사과를 샀어요.

I bought apples when I was going home.

Verb stem (가-) + -ㄹ 때

공부할 때 음악을 들어요.

I listen to music when I study.

Verb stem (공부하-) + -ㄹ 때

비가 올 때 우산이 필요해요.

When it rains, you need an umbrella.

Verb stem (오-) + -ㄹ 때

심심할 때 책을 읽어요.

When I am bored, I read a book.

Adjective stem (심심하-) + -ㄹ 때

시간이 있을 때 전화해 주세요.

Please call me when you have time.

Verb stem (있-) + -을 때

한국에 올 때 김치를 가져오세요.

When you come to Korea, please bring Kimchi.

Verb stem (오-) + -ㄹ 때

노래를 부를 때 행복해요.

I am happy when I sing a song.

Verb stem (부르-) + -ㄹ 때

어렸을 때 피아노를 배웠어요.

I learned the piano when I was young.

Past tense stem (어렸-) + -을 때

서울에 살 때 매일 남산에 갔어요.

When I lived in Seoul, I went to Namsan every day.

ㄹ irregular stem (살-) + 때

기분이 안 좋을 때 매운 음식을 먹어요.

When I don't feel good, I eat spicy food.

Adjective stem (좋-) + -을 때

길을 물어볼 때 친절하게 대답해 줬어요.

When I asked for directions, they answered kindly.

Verb stem (물어보-) + -ㄹ 때

버스를 기다릴 때 친구를 만났어요.

I met a friend while waiting for the bus.

Verb stem (기다리-) + -ㄹ 때

돈이 없을 때 힘들었어요.

It was hard when I didn't have money.

Verb stem (없-) + -을 때

요리할 때 손을 다쳤어요.

I hurt my hand when I was cooking.

Verb stem (요리하-) + -ㄹ 때

시험을 볼 때 너무 긴장됐어요.

I was so nervous when I took the exam.

Verb stem (보-) + -ㄹ 때

처음 한국에 왔을 때 모든 것이 낯설었어요.

When I first came to Korea, everything was unfamiliar.

Past tense stem (왔-) + -을 때

부모님께 거짓말을 했을 때 마음이 불편했어요.

When I lied to my parents, I felt uncomfortable.

Past tense stem (했-) + -을 때

어려운 결정을 내려야 할 때 조언을 구하세요.

When you have to make a difficult decision, seek advice.

Verb stem (내려야 하-) + -ㄹ 때

꿈을 이뤘을 때의 기분은 말로 표현할 수 없어요.

The feeling when I achieved my dream cannot be expressed in words.

Past tense stem (이뤘-) + -을 때 + 의 (possessive)

외국어를 배울 때 실수를 두려워하지 마세요.

Don't be afraid of making mistakes when learning a foreign language.

Verb stem (배우-) + -ㄹ 때

혼자 있고 싶을 때가 가끔 있어요.

There are times when I want to be alone.

Verb stem (싶-) + -을 때 + 가 (subject marker)

사고가 났을 때 바로 경찰에 신고했어요.

When the accident happened, I reported it to the police immediately.

Past tense stem (났-) + -을 때

중요한 일을 할 때 집중력이 필요해요.

Concentration is needed when doing important work.

Verb stem (하-) + -ㄹ 때

인생의 전환점에 섰을 때 용기가 필요합니다.

When standing at a turning point in life, courage is needed.

Past tense stem (섰-) + -을 때

사회적 갈등이 심화될 때 대화의 중요성이 커집니다.

When social conflicts intensify, the importance of dialogue grows.

Verb stem (심화되-) + -ㄹ 때

자신의 한계에 부딪혔을 때 비로소 성장할 수 있습니다.

Only when you hit your limits can you truly grow.

Past tense stem (부딪혔-) + -을 때

예술 작품을 감상할 때 작가의 의도를 파악하는 것이 중요해요.

When appreciating a work of art, it's important to understand the artist's intent.

Verb stem (감상하-) + -ㄹ 때

정체성의 혼란을 겪을 때 스스로에게 질문을 던져보세요.

When experiencing an identity crisis, try asking yourself questions.

Verb stem (겪-) + -을 때

경제적 불확실성이 높을 때 투자에 유의해야 합니다.

When economic uncertainty is high, one must be careful with investments.

Adjective stem (높-) + -을 때

전통 문화가 사라져 갈 때 우리는 무엇을 해야 할까요?

What should we do when traditional culture is disappearing?

Verb stem (사라져 가-) + -ㄹ 때

진실이 왜곡될 때 정의를 지키는 것은 쉽지 않습니다.

It is not easy to protect justice when the truth is distorted.

Verb stem (왜곡되-) + -ㄹ 때

역사의 소용돌이 속에 있을 때 개인의 선택은 더욱 무거워집니다.

When in the midst of a historical whirlpool, individual choices become even heavier.

Verb stem (있-) + -을 때

인간의 본성이 시험대에 오를 때 진정한 가치가 드러납니다.

When human nature is put to the test, true values are revealed.

Verb stem (오르-) + -ㄹ 때

문명이 쇠퇴할 때 나타나는 징조들을 경계해야 합니다.

We must be wary of the signs that appear when a civilization declines.

Verb stem (쇠퇴하-) + -ㄹ 때

언어의 장벽이 허물어질 때 비로소 진정한 소통이 가능해집니다.

Only when the language barrier is broken down does true communication become possible.

Verb stem (허물어지-) + -ㄹ 때

철학적 사유가 깊어질 때 우리는 존재의 의미를 묻게 됩니다.

When philosophical thought deepens, we come to ask the meaning of existence.

Verb stem (깊어지-) + -ㄹ 때

권력이 부패할 때 시민의 감시가 가장 강력한 무기가 됩니다.

When power corrupts, citizen oversight becomes the most powerful weapon.

Verb stem (부패하-) + -ㄹ 때

기술의 진보가 윤리적 기준을 앞지를 때 사회적 혼란이 야기됩니다.

When technological progress outpaces ethical standards, social chaos is caused.

Verb stem (앞지르-) + -ㄹ 때

자연의 섭리에 순응할 때 비로소 내면의 평화를 얻을 수 있습니다.

Only when conforming to the laws of nature can one obtain inner peace.

Verb stem (순응하-) + -ㄹ 때

تلازمات شائعة

어렸을 때

시간이 있을 때

비가 올 때

밥 먹을 때

잠잘 때

심심할 때

힘들 때

처음 만났을 때

공부할 때

여행 갈 때

العبارات الشائعة

그럴 때가 있어요.

— There are times like that. Used to empathize with someone's situation.

누구나 실수할 때가 있어요. (Everyone has times when they make mistakes.)

때가 되면

— When the time comes. Used to suggest patience.

때가 되면 다 알게 될 거야. (You'll know everything when the time comes.)

좋을 때다.

— That's a good time (in one's life). Often said by older people to younger people.

학생일 때가 좋을 때다. (Being a student is a good time in life.)

때를 놓치다

— To miss the right moment or opportunity.

때를 놓치면 후회해요. (If you miss the moment, you'll regret it.)

제 때에

— On time; at the right time.

제 때에 약을 드세요. (Take your medicine on time.)

때와 장소

— Time and place. Refers to appropriate behavior.

때와 장소를 가려야 해요. (You must consider the time and place.)

그 때 그 시절

— Those days; that time back then. Nostalgic phrase.

그 때 그 시절이 그리워요. (I miss those days.)

가는 날이 장날이다

— Bad timing. Literally: 'The day I go is market day' (when it's crowded).

백화점에 갔는데 휴일이었어요. 가는 날이 장날이네요. (I went to the department store but it was a holiday. Bad timing.)

때를 기다리다

— To wait for the right moment.

지금은 때를 기다려야 할 때입니다. (Now is the time to wait for the right moment.)

한창 ~할 때

— In the middle of doing something; at the peak of something.

한창 바쁠 때 전화가 왔어요. (A call came when I was at my busiest.)

يُخلط عادةً مع

~을/를 때 vs 언제

언제 is for questions; -(으)ㄹ 때 is for connecting clauses.

~을/를 때 vs -(으)면

-(으)면 is 'if' (conditional); -(으)ㄹ 때 is 'when' (temporal).

~을/를 때 vs -는 동안

-는 동안 emphasizes the length of time; -(으)ㄹ 때 is more general.

تعبيرات اصطلاحية

"나 때는 말이야"

— Back in my day... (Often used mockingly to describe older people lecturing younger ones).

나 때는 말이야, 이런 거 없었어.

Slang/Informal

"때가 묻다"

— To become stained or corrupted (often used for innocence).

그는 세상 때가 많이 묻었어요.

Literary

"철들 때가 됐다"

— It's time to grow up / become mature.

너도 이제 철들 때가 됐다.

Informal

"물 들어올 때 노 저어라"

— Strike while the iron is hot (Row when the tide comes in).

지금 인기가 많으니까 물 들어올 때 노 저으세요.

Proverb

"때가 어느 때인데"

— What kind of times are we living in? (Expressing disbelief at outdated behavior).

때가 어느 때인데 아직도 그런 소리를 해?

Informal

"죽을 때까지"

— Until death; forever.

죽을 때까지 사랑할게.

Romantic/Intense

"때가 타다"

— To get dirty (usually for clothes or objects).

흰 옷은 때가 잘 타요.

Neutral

"때를 밀다"

— To scrub off dead skin (common in Korean bathhouses).

목욕탕에서 때를 밀었어요.

Neutral

"어려울 때 친구가 진짜 친구다"

— A friend in need is a friend indeed.

어려울 때 도와준 그가 진짜 친구예요.

Proverb

"볼 때마다"

— Every time I see (it/you).

이 사진은 볼 때마다 웃음이 나요.

Neutral

سهل الخلط

~을/를 때 vs 언제 (When)

Both translate to 'when' in English.

언제 is an interrogative pronoun used in questions. -(으)ㄹ 때 is a grammatical structure used to link a time/action to a sentence.

언제 가요? (When are you going?) vs. 갈 때 전화하세요. (Call me when you go.)

~을/를 때 vs -(으)면 (If/When)

In English, 'when' and 'if' are sometimes interchangeable.

-(으)면 is conditional (if it happens). -(으)ㄹ 때 is temporal (at the time it happens).

비가 오면 안 가요. (If it rains, I won't go.) vs. 비가 올 때 우산을 써요. (I use an umbrella when it rains.)

~을/를 때 vs -는 동안 (While)

Both describe actions happening over time.

-는 동안 focuses on the duration of the action. -(으)ㄹ 때 focuses on the moment or the general timeframe.

내가 자는 동안 전화 왔어? (Did a call come while I was sleeping?) vs. 내가 잘 때 창문을 닫아. (Close the window when I sleep.)

~을/를 때 vs -(으)면서 (While)

Both describe simultaneous actions.

-(으)면서 requires the same subject for both actions. -(으)ㄹ 때 can have different subjects.

음악을 들으면서 공부해요. (I study while listening to music.) vs. 엄마가 요리할 때 나는 공부해요. (When mom cooks, I study.)

~을/를 때 vs 시 (Time/Hour)

Both refer to time.

시 is used for specific clock time (e.g., 3 o'clock). 때 is used for a general moment or period.

세 시에 만나요. (Let's meet at 3.) vs. 점심 때 만나요. (Let's meet at lunch time.)

أنماط الجُمل

N 때 + V

방학 때 여행해요.

V-(으)ㄹ 때 + V

밥 먹을 때 전화했어요.

A-(으)ㄹ 때 + V

피곤할 때 커피를 마셔요.

V-었/았을 때 + V

집에 갔을 때 동생이 있었어요.

V-(으)ㄹ 때마다 + V

볼 때마다 기분이 좋아요.

V-(으)ㄹ 때가 + A/V

혼자 있을 때가 편해요.

V-(으)ㄹ 때까지 + V

끝날 때까지 기다리세요.

V-(으)ㄹ 때의 + N

성공했을 때의 기쁨.

عائلة الكلمة

الأسماء

때 (time/moment)

때마다 (whenever)

때때로 (sometimes)

مرتبط

언제 (when - interrogative)

시간 (time)

동안 (during/while)

당시 (at that time)

시절 (days/era)

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كيفية الاستخدام

frequency

Extremely high in both spoken and written Korean.

أخطاء شائعة

Using '언제' as a conjunction. → -(으)ㄹ 때
'언제' is only for questions. You cannot say '언제 내가 학교에 가...', you must say '내가 학교에 갈 때...'.
Forgetting the 'ㄹ' or '을'. → -(으)ㄹ 때
You cannot just add '때' to a verb stem. '가 때' is wrong; it must be '갈 때'.
Adding '-(으)ㄹ' to nouns. → Noun + 때
Nouns take '때' directly. '방학할 때' is wrong if you mean 'during vacation'; it should be '방학 때'.
Incorrect spacing. → V-(으)ㄹ 때 (with space)
'때' is a dependent noun and needs a space before it. '할때' is wrong; '할 때' is correct.
Using the wrong tense for 'when young'. → 어렸을 때
While '어릴 때' is okay, '어렸을 때' is much more common when talking about childhood memories in the past tense.

نصائح

Check the Stem

Always look at the last letter of the verb stem. If it's a vowel, use -ㄹ 때. If it's a consonant, use -을 때. This is the most basic rule to get right.

Tense the 'T'

The 'ㄸ' in '때' is a double consonant. It should sound 'tight' and 'tense,' not like the soft 't' in 'tea.' Practice saying it sharply.

Don't Overuse '언제'

If you find yourself using '언제' in the middle of a sentence, stop! You probably need '-(으)ㄹ 때' instead. '언제' is almost always for questions.

Past Tense Nuance

Use '-었/았을 때' for specific past memories like '어렸을 때' (when I was young). It sounds more natural than '어릴 때' in many nostalgic contexts.

Mind the Space

In formal writing or exams like the TOPIK, forgetting the space in '할 때' will lose you points. Think of '때' as a separate word.

Noun + 때

Remember that nouns don't need the '-(으)ㄹ'. Just '방학 때,' '점심 때.' Adding '-(으)ㄹ' to a noun is a common beginner mistake.

Use with '가끔'

A great natural phrase is '-(으)ㄹ 때가 가끔 있어요' (There are times when... occasionally). It makes you sound very fluent.

Listen for the ㄹ

The 'ㄹ' sound at the end of a verb is like a 'hook' that tells you a time or description is coming. Train your ears to catch that hook.

When vs If

If you are 100% sure the event will happen, use '-(으)ㄹ 때'. If it's a possibility, use '-(으)면'. This helps clarify your meaning.

Nostalgia

Koreans love talking about the past. Mastering '어렸을 때' will allow you to participate in many deep and interesting conversations.

احفظها

وسيلة تذكّر

Think of '때' (Ttae) as 'Time'. They both start with a 'T' sound. '-(으)ㄹ 때' is the 'Time' when you do something.

ربط بصري

Imagine a clock (Time) with a 'ㄹ' hook catching a verb. The hook connects the action to the clock.

Word Web

시간 (Time) 방학 (Vacation) 어렸을 (Young) 기분 (Feeling) 날씨 (Weather) 공부 (Study) 여행 (Travel) 점심 (Lunch)

تحدٍّ

Try to write five sentences about your daily routine using -(으)ㄹ 때, such as what you do when you wake up, when you eat, and when you go to bed.

أصل الكلمة

The word '때' is a native Korean word (pure Korean) that has been used since the Middle Korean period to denote a specific point or period in time. It is not derived from Chinese characters (Hanja).

المعنى الأصلي: Time, moment, or season.

Koreanic

السياق الثقافي

Be careful when using '나 때는 말이야' as it can sound condescending if not used jokingly among friends.

English speakers often over-use '언제' because they are used to 'when' being a universal word. They need to consciously switch to '-(으)ㄹ 때' for statements.

The song '그때 그 사람' (That person at that time) by Sim Soo-bong. The K-drama '응답하라' (Reply) series, which focuses on '그 시절' (those days/times). The variety show '유 퀴즈 온 더 블럭' often asks guests about '힘들었을 때' (when things were hard).

تدرّب في الحياة الواقعية

سياقات واقعية

Daily Routine

일어날 때 (when waking up)
밥 먹을 때 (when eating)
출근할 때 (when going to work)
잘 때 (when sleeping)

Travel

비행기 탈 때 (when boarding a plane)
길을 잃었을 때 (when lost)
사진 찍을 때 (when taking photos)
호텔에 도착할 때 (when arriving at the hotel)

Emotions

슬플 때 (when sad)
기쁠 때 (when happy)
화날 때 (when angry)
외로울 때 (when lonely)

Weather

비 올 때 (when it rains)
눈 올 때 (when it snows)
더울 때 (when it's hot)
추울 때 (when it's cold)

Memories

어렸을 때 (when young)
학생이었을 때 (when a student)
처음 만났을 때 (when first met)
졸업했을 때 (when graduated)

بدايات محادثة

"어렸을 때 꿈이 뭐였어요? (What was your dream when you were young?)"

"스트레스 받을 때 보통 뭐 해요? (What do you usually do when you are stressed?)"

"비가 올 때 어떤 음식이 생각나요? (What food do you think of when it rains?)"

"시간이 있을 때 주로 어디에 가요? (Where do you usually go when you have time?)"

"한국에 처음 왔을 때 기분이 어땠어요? (How did you feel when you first came to Korea?)"

مواضيع للكتابة اليومية

내가 가장 행복할 때는 언제인가요? 그 이유를 써 보세요. (When is the time you are happiest? Write about the reason.)

어렸을 때 가장 기억에 남는 사건에 대해 써 보세요. (Write about the most memorable event from when you were young.)

화가 날 때 마음을 진정시키는 나만의 방법을 소개해 보세요. (Introduce your own way of calming down when you are angry.)

외국어를 배울 때 가장 힘든 점은 무엇인가요? (What is the hardest part when learning a foreign language?)

여행을 갈 때 꼭 챙기는 물건 세 가지와 그 이유를 써 보세요. (Write about three things you always pack when you go on a trip and why.)

الأسئلة الشائعة

10 أسئلة

No, '언제' is only for questions or indirect questions. For example, '언제 밥 먹어?' (When do you eat?) is correct, but '언제 밥 먹어 손 씻어' is wrong. You must say '밥 먹을 때 손 씻어' (Wash your hands when you eat).

'갈 때' usually refers to the process of going or a general habit. '갔을 때' refers to a completed action in the past. For example, '한국에 갈 때' could mean 'on the way to Korea,' while '한국에 갔을 때' means 'when I was already in Korea' or 'after I arrived.'

Yes, '때' is a dependent noun, so there should always be a space between the modifier (-(으)ㄹ) and '때'. For example, '할 때' is correct, while '할때' is technically incorrect.

Yes! With nouns, you don't need '-(으)ㄹ'. You just add '때' directly. For example: '방학 때' (during vacation), '회의 때' (during the meeting).

It is neutral and can be used in any setting. To make it more formal, you can change the verb to the honorific form, like '가실 때' instead of '갈 때'.

You can add '마다' (every) to '때' to form '-(으)ㄹ 때마다'. For example, '볼 때마다' means 'whenever I see it' or 'every time I see it'.

If the stem ends in 'ㄹ', like '살다' (to live), you just add '때'. So it becomes '살 때'. Do not add another 'ㄹ' or '을'.

Yes. For example, '내일 집에 갈 때 전화할게요' (I will call you when I go home tomorrow). The tense is usually determined by the final verb.

'-(으)ㄹ 적에' is an older, more colloquial expression. It's often used by older people or in stories about the past. In modern daily Korean, '-(으)ㄹ 때' is much more common.

Yes. For example, '바쁠 때' (when busy), '아플 때' (when sick), '행복할 때' (when happy). It works just like it does with verbs.

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