🚨 Korean Emergency Numbers and What to Do

Have you ever wondered why native Koreans say “학교에 갔을 때” instead of “학교에 간 동안”? Or what exactly is the difference between “회의 중” and “회의하는 동안”? You're not alone! 😲

This post will help you clearly understand the differences between 때 (ttae), 동안 (dongan), and 중 (jung) and use them naturally in real conversations. Designed for intermediate to advanced learners. ✨

🧠 Core Differences

때 (ttae): Refers to a specific moment or situation in time. (When something happens)

동안 (dongan): Refers to the whole duration of an event or state. (For how long)

중 (jung): Refers to something currently ongoing. (In the middle of)

⏲ 1. Examples with '때'

• 저녁을 먹을 때 전화가 왔어요.
  (jeonyeogeul meogeul ttae jeonhwaga wasseoyo)
  📞 I got a call while eating dinner.
• 대학교에 다닐 때 한국어를 처음 배웠어요.
  (daehakgyoe danil ttae hangugeoreul cheoeum baeweosseoyo)
  🎓 I first learned Korean when I was in college.

⏳ 2. Examples with '동안'

• 1시간 동안 공부했어요.
  (han sigan dongan gongbuhesseoyo)
  📚 I studied for one hour.
• 휴가 동안 푹 쉬었어요.
  (hyuga dongan puk swieosseoyo)
  🌴 I rested well during my vacation.

🔄 3. Examples with '중'

• 지금 회의 중이에요.
  (jigeum hoeui jung-ieyo)
  📊 I'm in a meeting now.
• 수업 중에는 핸드폰을 꺼 주세요.
  (sueop jung-eneun haendeupon-eul kkeo juseyo)
  📵 Please turn off your phone during class.

❌ Common Mistakes

• ❌ 학교에 가는 동안 친구를 만났어요.
  ✅ 학교에 갔을 때 친구를 만났어요.
• ❌ 회의 동안입니다.
  ✅ 회의 중입니다.

📝 Mini Quiz

Choose the correct word (때, 동안, 중) for each sentence:

1. 저는 식사 ( ) 전화를 받았어요. → 때
2. 휴가 ( ) 한국을 여행했어요. → 동안
3. 지금 시험 ( )이니 조용히 해 주세요. → 중

💬 Real-Life Dialogue

A: 한국에 처음 왔을 때 어땠어요?

B: 날씨도 좋았고 사람들도 친절했어요.

A: 지금도 여행 중이에요?

B: 네, 일주일 동안 서울에 머물 거예요!

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💌 Final Thoughts

It’s totally normal to be confused about 때, 동안, and 중. Even Korean people sometimes mix them up in complex situations. 😅 But you’re doing great!

I hope that while reading various posts on my blog, you’ll learn Korean and grow to love Korea. As a Korean, I sincerely wish for that. Please come back anytime to discover new expressions and cultural insights! 😊

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