-자마자 in Korean: “as soon as”
-자마자
-jamaja
as soon as
Intermediate · Linking ideas
-자마자 (-jamaja) means "as soon as" and shows that one thing happens right after another. Attach it to a verb stem with no other changes.
How to form it
| When | Add | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Verb stem (vowel) | + 자마자 | 오다 → 오자마자, 일어나다 → 일어나자마자 |
| Verb stem (consonant) | + 자마자 | 먹다 → 먹자마자, 듣다 → 듣자마자 |
| 하다 verb | + 자마자 | 도착하다 → 도착하자마자 |
How to use it
A-자마자 B means B happens immediately after A. The stem never changes, and it is used with verbs only.
No past tense goes on the first verb; the tense goes at the end. The two parts can have different people: 수업이 끝나자마자 비가 왔어요.
It works for past events, future plans and requests: 도착하자마자 전화해 (call me as soon as you arrive). The final ending sets the politeness.
Examples
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A long day
Before a friend's trip
Bad timing
A song that hits hard
Don’t mix it up with
-는 대로: Also "as soon as", but mostly used for future plans and promises (도착하는 대로 연락할게요). -자마자 is common for both past and future.
-고 나서: Just "after finishing", with no sense of speed. -자마자 means right away.
Common mistakes
Adding past tense: 왔자마자 is wrong. Say 오자마자.
Questions learners ask
What is the difference between -자마자 and -는 대로?
Both mean "as soon as". -자마자 is used for past and future, while -는 대로 is mostly for future plans, promises and requests.
Can -자마자 be used with adjectives?
No, only with verbs.