A2 · Élémentaire Chapitre 5

Talking About Time and Habits

5 Règles totales
54 exemples
6 min
Règles dans ce chapitre Pratique rapide

Chapter in 30 Seconds

Master the flow of time and daily routines to speak Korean with natural confidence.

  • Describe ongoing actions and long-term habits.
  • Specify durations for activities and events.
  • Sequence your daily life using before and after markers.
Master your schedule, own your story.

Ce que tu vas apprendre

Hey there, language explorer! You've already built a solid foundation in Korean, and now it's time to supercharge your conversations. This chapter is all about giving you the tools to express yourself like a native speaker when talking about time, ongoing actions, and your daily habits. We'll dive deep into ~고 있다, which isn't just for saying

I am doing X right now
(like "I'm eating lunch!"). It's also perfect for describing current life habits and longer-term ongoing actions – think "I've been studying Korean these days or I'm working at a new company." You'll sound so natural! Next, you'll master 동안, the duration particle. This handy little word lets you clearly state for how long something happened or during what period. Imagine saying
I studied for two hours
or
I traveled during my vacation.
And to truly tell your story, you'll learn how to perfectly sequence events. With ~기 전에, you can smoothly express before doing something (e.g.,
Before going to sleep, I brush my teeth
). Then, ~(으)ㄴ 후에 comes in to help you clearly state after doing something (like "After work, I'll go home"). Picture this: you're chatting with a Korean friend, effortlessly telling them about your day. "I'm studying right now, and after I finish, I'll go to a cafe! or Before I go to work, I always have breakfast." These skills are essential for sharing your experiences and making plans. By the end of this chapter, you'll be able to describe your entire routine, talk about how long activities take, and easily connect events in your life, unlocking a whole new level of conversational fluency. Ready to tell your Korean story with confidence? Let's go!

Learning Objectives

By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

  1. 1
    By the end you will be able to: describe your current daily routine and sequence your morning activities.

Guide du chapitre

Overview

Welcome, language explorer, to an essential chapter in your Korean grammar A2 journey! You've mastered the basics, and now it's time to unlock a new level of conversational fluency by discussing time and habits in Korean. This guide is designed to equip you with the tools to express ongoing actions, durations, and sequences of events, making your conversations much richer and more natural.
Understanding these patterns is crucial for describing your daily routine, sharing experiences, and making plans, which are fundamental aspects of everyday communication.
At the A2 level, learners are expected to talk about their daily life and simple past/future events. This chapter directly addresses that need by focusing on present progressive actions, duration expressions, and sequencing actions. By mastering ~고 있다 for currently doing and ongoing habits, 동안 for for how long, and ~기 전에 / ~(으)ㄴ 후에 for
before/after doing something,
you'll be able to articulate complex ideas with ease.
This isn't just about memorizing rules; it's about gaining the ability to tell your story, understand others, and truly engage in speaking Korean with confidence.
You'll discover that these grammar points are incredibly versatile and frequently used by native speakers. Imagine effortlessly telling a friend, "I'm studying Korean these days, and after I finish, I'll go to the gym! or I worked for eight hours today, and before I go to sleep, I'll read a book." These are the kinds of practical sentences you'll be able to form. Get ready to elevate your Korean language skills and sound more like a native speaker!

How This Grammar Works

Let's break down the core grammar points that will help you talk about time and habits in Korean. We'll start with Present Progressive: -ing (고 있다). This versatile pattern, attached to a verb stem, has two main uses.
First, it signifies an action happening *right now*, similar to the English -ing form. For example, 저는 지금 밥을 먹고 있어요. (I am eating rice right now.) Second, and crucially for A2 learners, it describes ongoing actions or habits that are happening over a longer period, not just at this very moment. Think of it as "I'm currently doing X or I've been doing X these days." For instance, 저는 요즘 한국어를 공부하고 있어요. (I am studying Korean these days.) or 저는 회사에서 일하고 있어요. (I am working at a company [these days/currently]).
Next, we have the Duration Particle: 동안 (For/During). This handy particle is used to express for how long an action takes or during which period something occurs. It can attach directly to nouns indicating a period of time, like 두 시간 동안 (for two hours), or to verb stems (often in the present progressive form or with -(으)ㄴ when describing a state).
For example, 저는 두 시간 동안 책을 읽었어요. (I read a book for two hours.) or 방학 동안 여행했어요. (I traveled during vacation.) When used with verbs, it often takes the form [Verb stem]는 동안, as in 공부하는 동안 음악을 들었어요. (I listened to music while studying.)
To sequence your actions perfectly, you'll master Doing Something Before Another: ~기 전에. This pattern, attached to a verb stem, means before doing [verb]. It's perfect for describing preparatory actions. For example, 자기 전에 이를 닦아요. (Before sleeping, I brush my teeth.) or 밥을 먹기 전에 손을 씻으세요. (Before eating, please wash your hands.) This helps you clearly state the order of events.
Finally, we have After doing something: ~(으)ㄴ 후에. This pattern signifies after doing [verb] and is essential for connecting completed actions to subsequent ones. It attaches to the verb stem after it has been conjugated into its past tense adjectival form (-(으)ㄴ).
For example, 숙제를 한 후에 쉴 거예요. (After doing homework, I will rest.) or 영화를 본 후에 저녁을 먹었어요. (After watching a movie, I ate dinner.) Remember to use ~은 후에 if the verb stem ends in a consonant and ~ㄴ 후에 if it ends in a vowel. Together, these patterns will transform your ability to tell your story in Korean!

Common Mistakes

  1. 1✗ Wrong: 저는 한국어를 공부하고 있어요. (Meaning: I am studying Korean right now, and that's all.)
✓ Correct: 저는 요즘 한국어를 공부하고 있어요. (I am studying Korean these days/currently.)
*Explanation:* While ~고 있다 *can* mean right now, A2 learners often miss its broader usage for ongoing situations or habits. Adding 요즘 (these days) or context clarifies that it's a longer-term activity, not just happening at this exact second.
  1. 1✗ Wrong: 저는 세 시간 동안 공부했어요. 그리고 영화를 봤어요. (I studied for three hours. And then I watched a movie.)
✓ Correct: 세 시간 동안 공부한 후에 영화를 봤어요. (After studying for three hours, I watched a movie.)
*Explanation:* Learners often break sentences into simpler, separate clauses. While not strictly wrong, using ~(으)ㄴ 후에 creates a much more natural and cohesive flow, clearly linking the two actions in sequence and demonstrating good A2-level Korean sentence structure.
  1. 1✗ Wrong: 영화를 보기 후에 밥을 먹었어요.
✓ Correct: 영화를 본 후에 밥을 먹었어요. (After watching a movie, I ate dinner.)
*Explanation:* The ~(으)ㄴ 후에 pattern requires the verb stem to be in its past adjectival form (-(으)ㄴ). Simply attaching ~기 is incorrect here. 보다 (to see/watch) becomes 본 (the ㄴ is added as the stem ends in a vowel), so 본 후에 is correct.

Real Conversations

A

A

민수 씨, 뭐 하고 있어요? (Minsu, what are you doing?)
B

B

저는 지금 책을 읽고 있어요. 이 책을 다 읽은 후에 커피 마시러 갈 거예요. (I am reading a book right now. After I finish reading this book, I will go to drink coffee.)
A

A

어제 저녁에 뭐 했어요? (What did you do last night?)
B

B

저는 두 시간 동안 운동했어요. 운동하기 전에 저녁을 먹었어요. (I exercised for two hours. Before exercising, I ate dinner.)
A

A

요즘 어떻게 지내세요? (How have you been these days?)
B

B

저는 새 회사에서 일하고 있어요. 회사에 가기 전에 항상 아침을 먹어요. (I am working at a new company. Before going to work, I always eat breakfast.)

Quick FAQ

Q

How can I tell if ~고 있다 means right now or these days?

A: Context is key! If there's a time expression like 지금 (now) or 방금 (just now), it's immediate. If you see 요즘 (these days), 최근에 (recently), or no specific time, it usually implies an ongoing habit or situation.

Q

Can 동안 be used with both nouns and verbs, and how does it change?

A: Yes! With nouns (like 방학 - vacation, 두 시간 - two hours), it attaches directly: 방학 동안, 두 시간 동안. With verbs, it usually takes the form [Verb stem]는 동안 (e.g., 공부하는 동안 - while studying).

Q

Is ~기 전에 only for verbs? What about nouns?

A: ~기 전에 is specifically for verbs, meaning before *doing* something. For nouns, you'd typically use [Noun] 전에 (e.g., 식사 전에 - before a meal) or [Time] 전에 (e.g., 두 시간 전에 - two hours ago).

Q

What's the main difference between ~(으)ㄴ 후에 and just saying two separate sentences?

A: ~(으)ㄴ 후에 seamlessly connects two actions, indicating that the first action is completed *before* the second one begins, creating a more natural and sophisticated flow. It shows a clear cause-and-effect or sequential relationship, which is common in A2 Korean grammar.

Cultural Context

Koreans frequently use these grammar patterns to describe their daily routines, work schedules, and personal projects, reflecting a culture that values diligence and planning. When discussing habits or ongoing work, using ~고 있다 (e.g., 회사에서 일하고 있어요 - I'm working at a company) is a common way to introduce oneself or explain one's current life stage. Sequencing events with ~기 전에 and ~(으)ㄴ 후에 is essential for making plans and explaining daily activities in a clear, polite manner, whether you're talking about chores, study, or social gatherings.

Exemples clés (6)

1

지금 뭐 하고 있어요?

Qu'est-ce que tu fais maintenant ?

Présent Progressif : Être en train de (고 있다)
2

친구를 기다리고 있어요.

J'attends un ami.

Présent Progressif : Être en train de (고 있다)
3

지금 뭐 `하고 있어요`?

Tu fais quoi en ce moment ?

Être en train de faire quelque chose (-고 있다)
4

저는 넷플릭스를 `보고 있어요`.

Je suis en train de regarder Netflix.

Être en train de faire quelque chose (-고 있다)
5

자기 전에 유튜브를 봐요.

Je regarde YouTube avant de dormir.

Avant de faire quelque chose : ~기 전에
6

밥을 먹기 전에 손을 씻으세요.

Lavez-vous les mains avant de manger, s'il vous plaît.

Avant de faire quelque chose : ~기 전에

Conseils et astuces (4)

💡

Laisse respirer les mots

N'oublie pas de mettre un espace entre le '고' et le '있어요', c'est comme deux amis qui se tiennent la main : «지금 집에서 공부를 하고 있어요.»
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Présent Progressif : Être en train de (고 있다)
🎯

Action vs État

Pour des verbes comme 'porter' (입다) ou 'monter' (타다), ça peut vouloir dire que tu es déjà dans l'état. Si tu dis «지하철을 타고 있어요», ça veut dire que tu es déjà dans le métro.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Être en train de faire quelque chose (-고 있다)
💬

L'astuce du 'petit moment'

Tu entendras souvent «잠깐 동안» pour dire 'pendant un court instant'. Mais les Coréens adorent raccourcir ! On dit souvent juste «잠깐만». Pour être super poli, utilise : «잠깐 동안만 기다려 주세요.»
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Particule de Durée : 동안 (Pendant/Durant)
⚠️

Le piège du passé

Ne mets jamais de passé sur le verbe avant '기 전에'. Même pour un souvenir, on dit toujours : «먹기 전에».
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Avant de faire quelque chose : ~기 전에

Vocabulaire clé (6)

공부하다(gongbuhada) to study 운동하다(undonghada) to exercise 자다(jada) to sleep 먹다(meokda) to eat 시간(sigan) time/hour 일하다(ilhada) to work

Real-World Preview

coffee

Morning Routine Chat

Review Summary

  • Stem + 고 있다
  • Time + 동안
  • Verb stem + 기 전에
  • Verb stem + (으)ㄴ 후에

Erreurs courantes

You must use the past tense modifier form when using 후에 for actions.

Wrong: 먹기 후에
Correct: 먹은 후에

The particle 기 must be added to the noun-verb to connect it to 전에.

Wrong: 공부 전에
Correct: 공부하기 전에

Do not add the location particle 에 to 동안; it is redundant.

Wrong: 3시간 동안에
Correct: 3시간 동안

Next Steps

You're becoming a true storyteller in Korean! Keep practicing and don't be afraid to make mistakes.

Write a diary entry for yesterday

Continue to: Conditions and Step-by-Step Actions

Pratique rapide (9)

Quelle phrase dit correctement 'Ne mange pas pendant que tu étudies' ?

Choisis la bonne phrase en coréen :

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 공부하는 동안 먹지 마세요.
Avec un verbe (공부하다), tu dois ajouter ~는 pour décrire la durée de l'action.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Particule de Durée : 동안 (Pendant/Durant)

Trouve et corrige l'erreur dans la phrase.

오늘 날씨가 춥고 있어요. (Il fait froid aujourd'hui.)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 오늘 날씨가 추워요.
Les adjectifs comme '춥다' (froid) ne peuvent pas être utilisés avec le progressif -고 있다.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Être en train de faire quelque chose (-고 있다)

Complète la phrase pour dire 'pendant 1 heure'.

저는 ___ 운동했어요. (J'ai fait du sport pendant 1 heure.)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 1시간 동안
Pour exprimer une durée ('pendant'), on utilise 동안. 에 marque un moment précis, et 때 signifie 'quand'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Particule de Durée : 동안 (Pendant/Durant)

Quelle phrase est grammaticalement correcte ?

Choisis la bonne phrase pour 'J'écoute de la musique' :

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 음악을 듣고 있어요.
La racine du verbe '듣다' est '듣'. En ajoutant -고 있다, on obtient '듣고 있어요'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Être en train de faire quelque chose (-고 있다)

Trouve l'erreur bizarre.

Find and fix the mistake:

Identifie la phrase incorrecte.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 저는 예쁘고 있어요. (Je suis en train d'être belle)
On ne peut pas utiliser -고 있다 avec des adjectifs comme 예쁘다 (être belle). On dit juste 예뻐요.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Présent Progressif : Être en train de (고 있다)

Trouve l'erreur dans la phrase.

Find and fix the mistake:

Cherche l'erreur : 방학 때 저는 여행을 갔어요. (Pendant les vacances, je suis parti en voyage.)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Change 방학 때 en 방학 동안 pour insister sur la durée
Les deux peuvent être corrects, mais si tu veux souligner la continuité des vacances, 동안 est le meilleur choix.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Particule de Durée : 동안 (Pendant/Durant)

Quelle phrase signifie 'Je rentre à la maison' ?

Choisis la bonne traduction pour : 'Je rentre à la maison en ce moment.'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 집에 가고 있어요.
가요 est le présent général. 갔어요 est le passé. 가고 있어요 est spécifiquement pour maintenant.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Présent Progressif : Être en train de (고 있다)

Complète la phrase pour dire 'Je suis en train de manger'.

저는 밥을 ___ 있어요. (먹다)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 먹고
Pour créer la forme progressive, on prend la racine 먹 et on ajoute 고.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Présent Progressif : Être en train de (고 있다)

Complète la phrase avec la forme correcte de '먹다' (manger) au présent continu poli.

저는 지금 사과를 ____.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 먹고 있어요
Pour dire 'suis en train de manger', attache -고 à la racine '먹' et ajoute '있어요'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Être en train de faire quelque chose (-고 있다)

Score: /9

Questions fréquentes (6)

Non. En français, on utilise parfois le présent pour le futur, mais en coréen, -고 있다 est strictement réservé à ce qui se passe *maintenant*. Pour demain, utilise le futur : «내일 학교에 갈 거예요.»
자요 peut signifier 'je dors (en général)'. 자고 있어요 signifie 'je suis en train de dormir' : «동생은 지금 방에서 자고 있어요.»
Non, en général on ne peut pas. Les adjectifs décrivent un état, pas une action en cours. Au lieu de 'être en train d'être heureux', dis juste «행복해요».
«먹어요» peut vouloir dire 'je mange' (en général) ou 'je mange' (là). «먹고 있어요» insiste vraiment sur le fait que c'est en train de se passer maintenant.
때 désigne un moment précis ou général (comme un point sur une ligne), alors que 동안 désigne toute la durée continue. Utilise 동안 quand la longueur du temps compte, comme dans «방학 동안».
En général, non. On utilise 에 pour dire 'le lundi'. Mais tu peux dire «월요일 동안» si tu veux dire 'tout au long de la journée de lundi', même si «하루 종일» est plus courant.
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