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A2 noun #100 most common 11 min read

~을 때

Top 100

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips ~을 때 in 30 Seconds

Explanation ~을 때 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you learn the most basic way to say 'when' in Korean using the structure ~을 때. This is used to connect two simple actions. For example, 'When I eat, I am happy' or 'When I go home, I sleep.' At this stage, you focus on the present tense conjugation. If the verb stem ends in a vowel, you add 'ㄹ 때' (like 가다 -> 갈 때). If it ends in a consonant, you add '을 때' (like 먹다 -> 먹을 때). This allows you to describe your daily routine and simple habits. You also learn that you can use it with nouns directly, like '방학 때' (during vacation) or '점심 때' (at lunch). It is a vital tool for building longer sentences beyond just subject-object-verb. You will practice identifying the verb stem and choosing the correct ending based on the final consonant. This level focuses on concrete, everyday actions that happen at specific times.

At the A2 level, you expand your use of ~을 때 to include the past tense and more complex verbs. You learn that to say 'When I was a child' or 'When I went to the park,' you must use the past tense marker before the suffix, resulting in ~았/었을 때. For example, '갔을 때' (when I went) or '어렸을 때' (when I was young). This is crucial for storytelling and sharing personal history. You also begin to encounter irregular verbs, such as those ending in 'ㄷ' (듣다 -> 들을 때) or 'ㅂ' (춥다 -> 추울 때). At this level, you start to distinguish between ~을 때 and ~으면 (if/when). You learn that ~을 때 is for things that actually happen or definite times, while ~으면 is more for conditions. You will also practice using it with adjectives to describe states of being, like '바쁠 때' (when I am busy) or '기쁠 때' (when I am happy).

At the B1 level, you use ~을 때 with greater precision and in more varied contexts. You learn how to use particles like ~는 or ~가 with '때' to change the emphasis of the sentence. For instance, '비가 올 때는' (When it rains [as opposed to other times]) or '그럴 때가 있어요' (There are times like that). You also start to use it in more formal settings, such as workplace instructions or public announcements. You become more comfortable with the nuance of 'time' as a noun, using it in phrases like '그때' (at that time) or '이때' (at this time). You also learn to compare ~을 때 with more specific markers like ~는 동안 (while/during) and ~면서 (while doing two things at once). This level focuses on moving from simple 'when' to expressing more complex temporal relationships and nuances in conversation and writing.

At the B2 level, you master the use of ~을 때 in formal and academic contexts. You learn to use it with honorifics, such as ~으실 때, which is common in professional communication or when speaking to superiors. For example, '사장님께서 오실 때' (When the CEO comes). You also explore its use in more abstract ways, such as '기회가 왔을 때' (When an opportunity comes) or '위기에 처했을 때' (When faced with a crisis). At this stage, you are expected to handle all irregular conjugations perfectly and understand the subtle differences between ~을 때 and formal alternatives like ~시 (時) or ~경우 (in case of). You also use it to structure arguments or explanations in written essays, setting the temporal context for complex social or scientific phenomena. Your ability to use ~을 때 correctly in different registers becomes a key indicator of your fluency.

At the C1 level, you use ~을 때 with a high degree of sophistication, often in literary or poetic ways. You understand how it can be used to create specific atmospheres in storytelling or to express deep philosophical reflections. For example, '죽을 때까지' (until the moment I die) or '영원히 기억될 때' (when it is remembered forever). You also learn to use it with complex grammatical structures, such as double negatives or highly nuanced auxiliary verbs. You can analyze how authors use ~을 때 to manipulate the flow of time in a narrative. Furthermore, you are comfortable using it in high-level debates to define the specific conditions or timeframes of an argument. You also recognize archaic or dialectal variations of the structure and understand their historical context. At this level, ~을 때 is not just a grammar point but a tool for nuanced, high-level expression.

At the C2 level, you have a native-like command of ~을 때 and all its related structures. You can use it effortlessly in any context, from legal documents to classical literature. You understand the historical evolution of the structure and how it relates to other temporal markers in Middle Korean. You can use it to express extremely subtle nuances of timing, such as the exact split second an action occurs or a time that exists only in a hypothetical, metaphysical sense. You are also able to critique the use of ~을 때 in others' speech or writing, identifying even the slightest unnaturalness. You can use it in complex wordplay, puns, or sophisticated rhetorical devices. For a C2 learner, ~을 때 is a fully integrated part of their linguistic repertoire, used with the same precision and variety as a highly educated native speaker.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

~을 때 in 30 Seconds

Used to mean 'when' or 'at the time of' with verbs and adjectives.
Conjugates as ~ㄹ 때 (vowel) or ~을 때 (consonant).
Can be used with past tense (~았/었을 때) for past events.
Nouns use '때' directly without the '을' modifier (e.g., 방학 때).

The grammatical structure ~을 때 is one of the most fundamental and frequently used temporal markers in the Korean language. At its core, it functions similarly to the English word 'when' or the phrase 'at the time of.' However, linguistically, it is composed of two distinct parts: the future/prospective attributive ending (으)ㄹ and the dependent noun 때, which literally means 'time' or 'moment.' When combined with a verb or an adjective, it creates a subordinate clause that sets the temporal stage for the main action of the sentence. This structure is essential for narrating daily routines, describing past experiences, and setting conditions for future events.

Temporal Scope: It covers a broad range of time, from a specific second to a general period of life, such as childhood or university years.

In Korean society, clarity regarding 'when' something happens is crucial for social harmony and coordination. Whether you are discussing when you felt a certain emotion or when a specific event occurred, ~을 때 provides the necessary context. It is used in every register of speech, from the most formal news broadcasts to the most casual conversations between friends. Unlike some other temporal markers that imply a sequence (like ~고 나서) or a duration (like ~는 동안), ~을 때 focuses specifically on the point or period in time itself.

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

One of the most interesting aspects of this structure is its versatility with adjectives. In English, we might say 'When I am busy,' but in Korean, the adjective 'busy' (바쁘다) is conjugated directly with ~을 때 to form 바쁠 때. This allows for a very concise way of expressing states of being as temporal markers. It is also used extensively with the past tense to talk about 'When I was...' or 'When I did...', which requires the addition of the past tense marker before the ~을 때 ending.

Daily Usage: You will hear this when people ask for advice: 'What do you do when you are stressed?' (스트레스 받을 때 뭐 해요?)

어렸 을 때 우유를 많이 마셨어요. (When I was young, I drank a lot of milk.)

Finally, it is important to distinguish ~을 때 from ~으면 (if/when). While they can sometimes overlap in English translation, ~을 때 specifically refers to the time something happens, whereas ~으면 focuses on the condition. If the event is certain to happen or has already happened, ~을 때 is the more appropriate choice. This nuance is key to achieving natural-sounding Korean and avoiding common learner errors that can lead to confusion in communication.

Formal Contexts: In formal presentations, it is used to define specific phases of a project or historical periods.

회의를 할 때 질문해 주세요. (Please ask questions when we have the meeting.)

Using ~을 때 correctly requires an understanding of Korean verb conjugation rules, specifically how to attach the attributive ending to different types of stems. The basic rule is simple: if the verb or adjective stem ends in a vowel, you add ~ㄹ 때. If it ends in a consonant (batchim), you add ~을 때. This phonetic adjustment ensures that the transition between the stem and the suffix is smooth and easy to pronounce, a hallmark of Korean phonology.

Vowel Stems: 가다 (to go) becomes 갈 때. 자다 (to sleep) becomes 잘 때. 보다 (to see) becomes 볼 때.

However, the Korean language is famous for its irregular verbs, and ~을 때 is no exception. For stems ending in ㄹ, you simply add 때 without adding another ㄹ (e.g., 만들다 becomes 만들 때). For ㄷ irregulars like 듣다 (to listen), the ㄷ changes to ㄹ before adding ~을 때, resulting in 들을 때. Similarly, ㅂ irregulars like 춥다 (to be cold) change to 추울 때. Understanding these patterns is essential for moving beyond basic sentences to more complex communication.

음악을 들을 때 행복해요. (I am happy when I listen to music.)

Tense management is another critical aspect. When describing an action that happened in the past, you must use the past tense marker ~았/었/였 before adding ~을 때. For example, 'When I went' is 갔을 때. This is different from English, where we often use the simple present 'when I go' to refer to a habitual past action. In Korean, the tense of the ~을 때 clause should generally reflect the time of that specific action, though the final verb of the sentence ultimately determines the overall tense of the statement.

Consonant Stems: 먹다 (to eat) becomes 먹을 때. 입다 (to wear) becomes 입을 때. 읽다 (to read) becomes 읽을 때.

책을 읽을 때 커피를 마셔요. (I drink coffee when I read a book.)

Furthermore, ~을 때 can be followed by various particles to add nuance. Adding the subject particle ~가 (때가) can emphasize the specific moment, while the topic particle ~는 (때는) can contrast one time with another. For instance, 'When it's raining (unlike other times)...' would be 비가 올 때는.... This flexibility allows speakers to precisely control the focus of their sentence, making ~을 때 a powerful tool for sophisticated expression.

Past Tense Usage: 공부했을 때 (When I studied), 봤을 때 (When I saw), 먹었을 때 (When I ate).

어제 친구를 만났을 때 정말 반가웠어요. (I was really glad when I met my friend yesterday.)

The beauty of ~을 때 lies in its omnipresence. In South Korea, you will hear this structure from the moment you wake up until you go to sleep. It is the backbone of daily scheduling and storytelling. On the subway, you might hear announcements like '내리실 때 조심하세요' (Please be careful when you get off), which uses the honorific form ~실 combined with ~때. This demonstrates how the structure integrates seamlessly with Korean's complex system of politeness and social hierarchy.

Public Announcements: Commonly heard in subways, buses, and elevators to provide safety warnings or instructions.

In the realm of K-Dramas and K-Pop, ~을 때 is a staple for expressing emotional timing. Song lyrics often use it to describe the exact moment someone fell in love or the time they felt the most pain. Phrases like '너를 처음 봤을 때' (When I first saw you) are ubiquitous in romantic ballads. Because it anchors an emotion to a specific event, it helps create a vivid narrative that resonates with listeners. In dramas, characters use it to recount pivotal backstory elements, often starting sentences with '그때...' (At that time...) or '내가 학생이었을 때...' (When I was a student...).

사랑을 할 때 세상이 아름다워 보여요. (When you are in love, the world looks beautiful.)

In professional settings, ~을 때 is used to define operational parameters. A manager might say, '문제가 생길 때 바로 보고하세요' (Report immediately when a problem arises). Here, it acts as a trigger for a specific protocol. It is also common in instructional content, such as cooking shows or DIY videos. A chef will say, '고기가 다 익었을 때 채소를 넣으세요' (When the meat is fully cooked, add the vegetables). This usage highlights its role in providing clear, sequential instructions that are easy for the audience to follow.

News and Weather: Weather forecasters use it to predict when rain will start or when temperatures will drop.

내일 비가 올 때 우산을 챙기세요. (Take an umbrella when it rains tomorrow.)

Socially, Koreans use ~을 때 to reminisce and build rapport. Asking someone '한국에 처음 왔을 때 어땠어요?' (How was it when you first came to Korea?) is a classic icebreaker. It invites the other person to share a specific memory and emotion. This structure is not just a grammatical tool; it is a social bridge that connects individual experiences through the shared dimension of time. Whether in a textbook or a bustling street in Myeongdong, ~을 때 is the key to understanding the 'when' of Korean life.

Social Media: Captions often use it: '여행 갈 때 찍은 사진' (Photo taken when I went on a trip).

기분이 좋을 때 춤을 춰요. (I dance when I feel good.)

While ~을 때 is relatively straightforward, English speakers often encounter specific pitfalls due to the differences in how 'when' is used in both languages. The most common mistake is confusing ~을 때 with ~으면 (if/when). In English, we often say 'When you arrive, call me,' which implies a condition. In Korean, if the arrival is a condition for the call, ~으면 is preferred. If you use ~을 때, you are focusing purely on the timing of the call, which can sometimes sound slightly unnatural in a conditional context.

Confusion with ~으면: Use ~을 때 for definite times; use ~으면 for conditions or uncertain future events.

Another frequent error involves the misuse of tense. Many learners forget to use the past tense marker when referring to a past event. For example, saying '어렸을 때' (when I was young) is correct, but saying '어릴 때' (which is also common) can sometimes be confused with a general state if not used carefully. More importantly, saying '한국에 갈 때' when you actually mean 'When I went to Korea' (한국에 갔을 때) changes the meaning significantly. '갈 때' implies the process of going or the time before arrival, while '갔을 때' refers to the time after you arrived or the completed action of going.

❌ 점심을 먹을 때 친구를 만났어요. (Incorrect if you mean 'after' eating)
✅ 점심을 먹었을 때 친구를 만났어요. (Correct for past completion)

A third mistake is overusing ~을 때 with nouns. Beginners often try to say '크리스마스일 때' (when it is Christmas) by turning the noun into a verb with 이다. While grammatically possible, it is much more natural to simply say '크리스마스 때'. Remember that '때' is a noun itself, so it can attach directly to other nouns to mean 'during [noun]' or 'at the time of [noun]'. This shortcut is a hallmark of native-level fluency and helps avoid clunky, over-conjugated sentences.

Irregular Conjugation Errors: Learners often forget to change '듣다' to '들을 때' or '춥다' to '추울 때', leading to '듣을 때' or '춥을 때'.

❌ 고등학생 일 때 공부를 안 했어요.
✅ 고등학생 때 공부를 안 했어요. (More natural)

Lastly, be careful with the particle ~에. While '때' is a time noun, adding ~에 (때에) is often redundant in spoken Korean, though it is used in formal writing. Using '때' alone is almost always sufficient and sounds more natural in daily conversation. Over-relying on '때에' can make your speech sound overly stiff or like you are reading from a legal document. Focus on the simple '때' to keep your Korean fluid and engaging.

Redundancy: Avoid '때에' in casual speech. '때' alone is perfect for 99% of situations.

❌ 집에 올 때에 전화해.
✅ 집에 올 때 전화해. (Standard casual usage)

To truly master Korean temporal expressions, one must understand how ~을 때 compares to its synonyms and alternatives. While ~을 때 is the general 'when,' other structures offer more specific nuances. For instance, ~는 동안 means 'while' or 'during' and emphasizes the duration of an action rather than a specific point in time. If you want to say 'While I was sleeping, the phone rang,' 자고 있는 동안 is more precise than 잘 때, though both are grammatically correct.

~는 동안 vs ~을 때: ~는 동안 focuses on the entire duration; ~을 때 focuses on the moment or general period.

Another important alternative is ~면서, which also means 'while' but specifically refers to two actions being performed simultaneously by the same person. For example, 'I listen to music while studying' is 공부하면서 음악을 들어요. Using 공부할 때 in this context would mean 'When I study (in general), I listen to music,' which has a slightly different focus. ~면서 is more about the multitasking aspect, whereas ~을 때 is about the temporal setting.

밥을 먹으면서 TV를 봐요. (I watch TV while eating - simultaneous action.)

For more formal or literary contexts, you might encounter ~시 (時), which is the Hanja-derived version of 'time.' It is often used in compound words or formal notices, such as 비상시 (in case of emergency/emergency time). In everyday speech, however, ~을 때 remains the dominant choice. Additionally, ~자마자 means 'as soon as,' providing a much more immediate temporal connection than the general ~을 때. If you want to emphasize that one action happened immediately after another, ~자마자 is the better option.

~적 (時節/時期): Used for long periods like 'childhood' (어릴 적) or 'youth'. It's more nostalgic than '때'.

수업이 끝나자마자 집에 갔어요. (I went home as soon as class ended.)

Lastly, consider ~ㄹ 경우 (in the case of). This is often used in more formal or conditional settings where 'when' implies a specific scenario. For example, 'When/In the case that you lose your passport...' would be 여권을 잃어버릴 경우.... This sounds more professional and precise than 잃어버릴 때. By choosing between these various options, you can tailor your Korean to be more descriptive, professional, or emotive depending on your needs.

Summary Table: 1. ~을 때: General when. 2. ~으면: Conditional if/when. 3. ~는 동안: Duration while. 4. ~면서: Simultaneous while.

도움이 필요할 경우 연락주세요. (Please contact us in case you need help.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In Middle Korean, '때' was often written as 'ᄠᅢ' (with a cluster of consonants), which eventually simplified into the modern tense 'ㄸ' sound.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /-ɯl t͈ɛ/

US /-ul tɛ/

The stress is typically on the 'ttae' (때) syllable as it is the noun carrying the meaning.

Rhymes With

배 (bae - boat/stomach) 새 (sae - bird) 해 (hae - sun) 개 (gae - dog) 내 (nae - my) 네 (ne - your) 대 (dae - large) 래 (rae - future)

Common Errors

Pronouncing '때' as a soft 't' instead of a tense 'tt'.
Omitting the 'ㄹ' sound when it is attached to a vowel stem.
Pronouncing the 'u' in 'ul' like the 'oo' in 'food'.
Confusing the vowel 'ae' (ㅐ) with 'e' (ㅔ), though they sound similar in modern Korean.
Not pausing slightly after '때' to mark the end of the clause.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in text as it usually appears at the end of a clause.

Writing 3/5

Requires knowledge of batchim and irregular conjugations.

Speaking 3/5

Needs practice to use fluently without confusing it with ~으면.

Listening 2/5

The 'ttae' sound is distinct and easy to catch.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

가다 (to go) 먹다 (to eat) 시간 (time) 있다 (to be/have) 하다 (to do)

Learn Next

~으면서 (while) ~는 동안 (during) ~기 전에 (before) ~은 후에 (after) ~자마자 (as soon as)

Advanced

~ㄹ 무렵 (around the time) ~ㄹ 즈음 (about the time) ~ㄴ/는 마당에 (under the circumstances) ~ㄹ라치면 (whenever one tries to)

Grammar to Know

Future Attributive -(으)ㄹ

갈 사람 (person who will go)

Past Tense -았/었-

먹었다 (ate)

Dependent Noun (의존 명사)

것, 곳, 분, 때

Topic Particle -는/은

때는 (as for the time)

Honorific -시-

하실 때 (when you do)

Examples by Level

밥을 먹을 때 물을 마셔요.

I drink water when I eat.

먹다 (to eat) + 을 때 (when).

집에 갈 때 친구를 만나요.

I meet a friend when I go home.

가다 (to go) + ㄹ 때 (when).

잠을 잘 때 꿈을 꿔요.

I dream when I sleep.

자다 (to sleep) + ㄹ 때 (when).

공부할 때 음악을 들어요.

I listen to music when I study.

공부하다 (to study) + ㄹ 때 (when).

비가 올 때 우산을 써요.

I use an umbrella when it rains.

오다 (to come/rain) + ㄹ 때 (when).

심심할 때 책을 읽어요.

I read a book when I am bored.

심심하다 (to be bored) + ㄹ 때 (when).

더울 때 아이스크림을 먹어요.

I eat ice cream when it is hot.

덥다 (to be hot) -> 더울 때 (irregular).

아침에 일어날 때 기분이 좋아요.

I feel good when I wake up in the morning.

일어나다 (to wake up) + ㄹ 때 (when).

어렸을 때 피아노를 배웠어요.

I learned piano when I was young.

어리다 (to be young) + 었을 때 (past when).

한국에 갔을 때 김치를 먹었어요.

I ate kimchi when I went to Korea.

가다 (to go) + 았을 때 (past when).

노래를 들을 때 행복해요.

I am happy when I listen to songs.

듣다 (to listen) -> 들을 때 (ㄷ irregular).

피곤할 때 일찍 자요.

I go to bed early when I am tired.

피곤하다 (to be tired) + ㄹ 때 (when).

요리할 때 조심하세요.

Please be careful when you cook.

요리하다 (to cook) + ㄹ 때 (when).

날씨가 좋을 때 산책해요.

I take a walk when the weather is good.

좋다 (to be good) + 을 때 (when).

시험을 볼 때 긴장돼요.

I get nervous when I take an exam.

보다 (to see/take) + ㄹ 때 (when).

영화를 봤을 때 많이 울었어요.

I cried a lot when I watched the movie.

보다 (to see/watch) + 았을 때 (past when).

스트레스를 받을 때 어떻게 해요?

What do you do when you are stressed?

받다 (to receive) + 을 때 (when).

시간이 있을 때 같이 영화 봐요.

Let's watch a movie together when you have time.

있다 (to have/exist) + 을 때 (when).

돈을 벌 때 저축을 많이 하세요.

Save a lot of money when you earn it.

벌다 (to earn) -> 벌 때 (ㄹ irregular).

외국어를 배울 때 단어가 중요해요.

Vocabulary is important when learning a foreign language.

배우다 (to learn) + ㄹ 때 (when).

길을 잃었을 때 지도를 보세요.

Look at the map when you get lost.

잃다 (to lose) + 었을 때 (past when).

심심할 때는 유튜브를 봐요.

When I'm bored (specifically), I watch YouTube.

때 + 는 (topic particle for contrast).

부모님을 만날 때 선물을 사요.

I buy a gift when I meet my parents.

만나다 (to meet) + ㄹ 때 (when).

어려운 일이 생길 때 도와줄게요.

I will help you when a difficult thing happens.

생기다 (to happen/occur) + ㄹ 때 (when).

면접을 볼 때 단정한 옷을 입으세요.

Wear neat clothes when you have an interview.

보다 (to see/take) + ㄹ 때 (when).

발표를 할 때 목소리를 크게 하세요.

Speak loudly when you give a presentation.

하다 (to do) + ㄹ 때 (when).

문제가 발생했을 때 즉시 보고하세요.

Report immediately when a problem occurs.

발생하다 (to occur) + 았을 때 (past when).

운전할 때 휴대폰을 사용하지 마세요.

Do not use your phone when driving.

운전하다 (to drive) + ㄹ 때 (when).

결정을 내릴 때 신중해야 합니다.

You must be careful when making a decision.

내리다 (to make/lower) + ㄹ 때 (when).

여행을 계획할 때 예산을 확인하세요.

Check your budget when planning a trip.

계획하다 (to plan) + ㄹ 때 (when).

외로울 때 친구에게 전화해요.

I call a friend when I feel lonely.

외롭다 (to be lonely) -> 외로울 때 (ㅂ irregular).

도움이 필요하실 때 언제든지 말씀하세요.

Please tell me anytime when you need help (honorific).

필요하다 (to need) + 시 (honorific) + ㄹ 때.

인생의 전환점에 섰을 때 용기가 필요합니다.

Courage is needed when standing at a turning point in life.

서다 (to stand) + 었을 때 (past when).

진실을 마주했을 때 비로소 자유로워집니다.

You finally become free when you face the truth.

마주하다 (to face) + 였을 때 (past when).

어둠이 깊어질 때 별은 더 빛납니다.

Stars shine brighter when the darkness deepens.

깊어지다 (to deepen) + ㄹ 때 (when).

침묵이 흐를 때 서로의 진심을 알 수 있습니다.

You can know each other's true feelings when silence flows.

흐르다 (to flow) + ㄹ 때 (when).

고난을 겪을 때 인간은 성장합니다.

Humans grow when they experience hardships.

겪다 (to experience) + 을 때 (when).

꿈을 이뤘을 때의 기쁨은 말로 다 할 수 없습니다.

The joy when achieving a dream is beyond words.

이루다 (to achieve) + 었을 때 (past when) + 의 (possessive).

사랑이 떠날 때 비로소 그 소중함을 깨닫습니다.

You finally realize its preciousness when love leaves.

떠나다 (to leave) + ㄹ 때 (when).

정의가 무너질 때 침묵해서는 안 됩니다.

One must not remain silent when justice collapses.

무너지다 (to collapse) + ㄹ 때 (when).

역사의 소용돌이 속에 있을 때 개인은 무력해지기 쉽습니다.

Individuals tend to become powerless when in the vortex of history.

있다 (to be) + 을 때 (when).

만물이 소생할 때 자연의 경이로움을 느낍니다.

One feels the wonder of nature when all things come back to life.

소생하다 (to revive) + ㄹ 때 (when).

권력이 부패할 때 사회의 근간이 흔들립니다.

The foundation of society shakes when power becomes corrupt.

부패하다 (to rot/be corrupt) + ㄹ 때 (when).

영혼이 메마를 때 예술은 단비와 같습니다.

Art is like a sweet rain when the soul is parched.

메마르다 (to be parched) + ㄹ 때 (when).

시대가 변할 때 가치관의 충돌은 불가피합니다.

Conflicts of values are inevitable when the era changes.

변하다 (to change) + ㄹ 때 (when).

죽음이 임박했을 때 비로소 삶의 의미를 묻게 됩니다.

One finally asks the meaning of life when death is imminent.

임박하다 (to be imminent) + 였을 때 (past when).

지식이 지혜로 승화될 때 비로소 완성됩니다.

It is finally completed when knowledge is sublimated into wisdom.

승화되다 (to be sublimated) + ㄹ 때 (when).

인간성이 상실될 때 문명은 위기를 맞이합니다.

Civilization faces a crisis when humanity is lost.

상실되다 (to be lost) + ㄹ 때 (when).

Common Collocations

어렸을 때

시간 있을 때

심심할 때

비 올 때

밥 먹을 때

공부할 때

잠잘 때

화날 때

기쁠 때

힘들 때

Common Phrases

그럴 때가 있어요.

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

가끔은 울고 싶을 때가 있어요.

때가 되면

— When the time comes. Used to suggest waiting for the right moment.

때가 되면 다 알게 될 거야.

때를 놓치다

— To miss the opportunity/time. Used when someone is too late.

치료 때를 놓치면 안 됩니다.

좋을 때다

— You are at a good age/time. Often said by elders to youth.

학생 때가 좋을 때야.

어느 때보다

— More than ever/any other time. Used for emphasis.

어느 때보다 행복해요.

제 때에

— On time/at the right time. Used for punctuality.

약은 제 때에 먹어야 해요.

그때 그 시절

— Those days/that time. Used nostalgically.

그때 그 시절이 그립네요.

때와 장소

— Time and place. Used regarding etiquette (TPO).

때와 장소를 가려야 합니다.

때마침

— Just in time/coincidentally. Used when something happens perfectly.

때마침 비가 그쳤어요.

매 때마다

— Every single time. Used for repeated occurrences.

매 때마다 같은 실수를 해요.

Often Confused With

~을 때 vs ~으면

English 'when' can be both. Korean '~을 때' is for time, '~으면' is for condition.

~을 때 vs ~는 동안

Focuses on the entire duration, whereas '~을 때' is a general point.

~을 때 vs ~면서

Requires the same subject doing two things at once.

Idioms & Expressions

"때가 묻다"

— To become stained or corrupted. Often used for losing innocence.

세상 때가 묻지 않은 아이.

Literary

"물 들어올 때 노 저어라"

— Row when the tide is in. Similar to 'strike while the iron is hot'.

지금 인기가 많으니 물 들어올 때 노 저으세요.

Common

"때를 기다리다"

— To wait for the right moment/opportunity.

성공을 위해 때를 기다리고 있어요.

Neutral

"머리털 나고 처음"

— First time since I was born (literally 'since hair grew'). Often used with '때'.

머리털 나고 이런 일은 처음일 때가 많아요.

Informal

"가는 날이 장날"

— The day you go is market day. Bad timing/coincidence.

도서관에 갈 때마다 문이 닫혀 있네요. 가는 날이 장날이에요.

Common

"범 잡을 때가 있다"

— There is a time to catch a tiger. Everything has its right time.

서두르지 마세요. 범 잡을 때가 따로 있습니다.

Proverb

"때가 약이다"

— Time is medicine. Time heals all wounds.

지금은 힘들지만 때가 약일 거예요.

Common

"호랑이도 제 말 하면 온다"

— Speak of the devil (literally 'even a tiger comes when spoken of'). Often used when someone appears 'when' mentioned.

철수 이야기할 때 철수가 왔어요.

Common

"쇠뿔도 단김에 빼라"

— Pull the bull's horn in one breath. Do it immediately when the chance arises.

시작할 때 바로 끝내세요.

Proverb

"때를 잘 타고나다"

— To be born at the right time/lucky era.

그는 때를 잘 타고나서 성공했어요.

Neutral

Easily Confused

~을 때 vs 시간

Both mean 'time'.

'시간' is the general noun for time (e.g., 'I have time'), while '때' is used for specific moments or grammatical 'when'.

시간이 없어요. (I don't have time.) vs. 갈 때 전화해. (Call when you go.)

~을 때 vs 시절

Both refer to a period of time.

'시절' refers to a long, nostalgic era (like childhood or a dynasty), while '때' is more general.

학창 시절 (School days) vs. 공부할 때 (When studying).

~을 때 vs 시기

Both mean 'period/timing'.

'시기' is more formal and often refers to a critical timing or stage in a process.

중요한 시기 (Important period) vs. 바쁠 때 (When busy).

~을 때 vs 동안

Both relate to time during an action.

'동안' emphasizes the length of time, while '때' marks the occasion.

방학 동안 (Throughout the vacation) vs. 방학 때 (At some point during the vacation).

~을 때 vs 중

Both mean 'during/middle'.

'중' emphasizes being in the middle of a process.

회의 중 (In the middle of a meeting) vs. 회의 때 (At the time of the meeting).

Sentence Patterns

V-(으)ㄹ 때 V-아요/어요

밥 먹을 때 TV를 봐요.

V-았/었을 때 V-았/었어요

학교에 갔을 때 선생님을 만났어요.

A-(으)ㄹ 때 V-(으)세요

피곤할 때 좀 쉬세요.

V-(으)ㄹ 때마다 V-아요/어요

그 노래를 들을 때마다 눈물이 나요.

N 때 V-(으)ㄹ 수밖에 없다

위기 때 단결할 수밖에 없어요.

V-(으)ㄹ 때를 기점으로 V-ㄴ다

그 사건이 일어날 때를 기점으로 역사가 바뀐다.

Mixed

V-(으)ㄹ 때도 있고 V-(으)ㄹ 때도 있다

좋을 때도 있고 나쁠 때도 있어요.

Mixed

V-(으)ㄹ 때까지

올 때까지 기다릴게요.

Word Family

Nouns

때 (time/moment)

그때 (that time)

이때 (this time)

접때 (the other day)

여태 (until now)

시간 (time - general)

시절 (season/days/era)

시기 (period/timing)

동안 (duration)

중 (middle/during)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely High - used in almost every conversation.

Common Mistakes

Using '을 때' with nouns (e.g., 방학을 때). → 방학 때
Nouns do not take the '을' modifier. They attach directly to '때'.
Confusing '~을 때' with '~으면' for conditions. → 돈이 있으면 살게요. (If I have money, I'll buy it.)
'~을 때' is for time, not for conditional 'if'.
Forgetting irregular conjugations (e.g., 듣을 때). → 들을 때
Irregular verbs like '듣다' change their stem before '을 때'.
Using present tense for past memories (e.g., 한국에 갈 때 김치를 먹었어요). → 한국에 갔을 때 김치를 먹었어요.
Use past tense '았/었' to clarify the action is finished.
Overusing '때에' in casual speech. → 공부할 때 전화해.
The '에' is usually dropped in spoken Korean for better flow.

Tips

Batchim Rule

Remember: No batchim? Add ㄹ 때. Batchim? Add 을 때. This is the golden rule for conjugation.

Natural Flow

In casual speech, drop the '에'. Just say '갈 때' instead of '갈 때에'. It sounds much more like a native speaker.

Past Tense

If you are talking about a specific memory, use the past tense marker (았/었). It makes your story clearer.

Noun Shortcut

Don't over-conjugate! For nouns like '방학' or '생일', just add '때'. No need for '이다' or '을'.

When vs If

If the event is 100% going to happen (like 'when the sun rises'), use '때'. If it's a condition (like 'if I win the lottery'), use '으면'.

Tense 'T'

Make sure to double that 't' sound in '때'. It's not 'tae', it's 'ttae'!

Topic Particle

Use '때는' to contrast. '평소에는 안 마시는데, 피곤할 때는 커피를 마셔요.' (I don't usually drink it, but when I'm tired, I do.)

End of Clause

When you hear '때', expect the main action to follow. It's a signal that the background info is finished.

TPO

Koreans value 'timing'. Using '~을 때' correctly shows you understand the importance of context in Korean culture.

Every Time

Add '마다' to '때' to say 'whenever'. It's a great way to describe habits: '술 마실 때마다'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'ttae' as 'time'. Both start with a 'T' sound. 'ㄹ/을' is like the 'L' in 'Until'. So, 'Until the time of...'

Visual Association

Imagine a clock (time) with a hook (ㄹ/을) attaching a verb to it. The hook pulls the action into a specific time frame.

Word Web

때 (Time) 방학 때 (Vacation) 점심 때 (Lunch) 어릴 때 (Childhood) 그때 (Then) 이때 (Now) 갈 때 (When going) 먹을 때 (When eating)

Challenge

Try to write three sentences about your childhood starting with '어렸을 때...' and three about your future starting with '나중에 ...할 때...'

Word Origin

The word '때' is a native Korean word (pure Korean) meaning 'time' or 'occasion'. It has been used since Middle Korean in various forms to denote temporal points.

Original meaning: A specific point or period in time.

Koreanic

Cultural Context

Be careful when using '때' to refer to sensitive historical periods; ensure the context is respectful.

English speakers often use 'when' for both conditions and time. In Korean, be careful to use '~을 때' only for time, not for logical conditions (use ~으면 for those).

The song '너를 처음 만났을 때' (When I First Met You) by various artists. The movie '그때 그 사람들' (The President's Last Bang). Common K-drama trope: '우리가 처음 만났을 때...' (When we first met...)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Daily Routine

일어날 때
밥 먹을 때
출근할 때
잘 때

Weather

비 올 때
눈 올 때
더울 때
추울 때

Emotions

슬플 때
기쁠 때
화날 때
외로울 때

Travel

비행기 탈 때
길 찾을 때
사진 찍을 때
주문할 때

Work/Study

회의할 때
공부할 때
시험 볼 때
발표할 때

Conversation Starters

"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?)"

"기분이 안 좋을 때 어떤 음악을 들어요? (What music do you listen to when you feel bad?)"

"한국에 처음 왔을 때 어땠어요? (How was it when you first came to Korea?)"

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

Journal Prompts

내가 가장 행복했을 때의 기억에 대해 써 보세요. (Write about a memory of when you were most happy.)

비가 올 때 하고 싶은 일 세 가지를 적어 보세요. (List three things you want to do when it rains.)

고등학생 때와 지금의 나를 비교해 보세요. (Compare yourself now with when you were a high school student.)

화가 날 때 마음을 다스리는 나만의 방법을 써 보세요. (Write your own way of controlling your mind when you are angry.)

미래에 성공했을 때의 나의 모습을 상상해 보세요. (Imagine yourself when you have succeeded in the future.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, but you don't use the '을' modifier. Simply attach '때' to the noun. For example, '방학 때' (during vacation) or '점심 때' (at lunch). Using '방학을 때' is incorrect.

'갈 때' usually refers to the process of going or a future/general time. '갔을 때' refers to the time after you have arrived or a completed past action. For example, '공항에 갈 때' (on the way to the airport) vs. '공항에 갔을 때' (when I arrived at the airport).

Yes, it is grammatically correct, but the '에' is often omitted in spoken Korean. '때에' sounds more formal or literary. In daily conversation, just '때' is much more common.

For 'ㄹ' stems (살다), just add '때' -> '살 때'. For 'ㄷ' irregulars (듣다), change 'ㄷ' to 'ㄹ' -> '들을 때'. For 'ㅂ' irregulars (춥다), change 'ㅂ' to '우' -> '추울 때'.

No, '~을 때' is strictly for time. For conditional 'if', use '~으면'. If the event is uncertain, '~으면' is better. If the event is a certain time, '~을 때' is better.

Yes! It works perfectly with adjectives. '바쁠 때' (when busy), '예쁠 때' (when pretty), '추울 때' (when cold). It describes the time when that state exists.

It means 'every time' or 'whenever'. For example, '한국에 갈 때마다 비가 와요' means 'Every time I go to Korea, it rains'.

Usually, it's a connective, but in spoken Korean, you can end a sentence with it to imply 'It was when...' or in response to a 'When?' question. E.g., '언제요?' '밥 먹을 때요.'

Both mean 'when I was young'. '어렸을 때' is more common when reminiscing about the past, while '어릴 때' is a bit more general. Most native speakers use them interchangeably.

Yes. '학생일 때' (when I was a student). However, for nouns, it's often more natural to just say '학생 때'.