-자
Used to describe an action occurring immediately after another, or when the first action triggers the second.
Summary
Equivalent
As soon as... / When...
Also: -자마자
Example
As soon as I opened the window, a cool breeze came in.
창문을 열자 시원한 바람이 들어왔다.
Grammar rules
- It implies 'The moment [X] happened, [Y] occurred.' Often used in written language or when telling a story.
- Unlike '-자마자', the two clauses are usually related (cause and effect or a sequential narrative), and it cannot be followed by commands or suggestions.
- Unlike '-자마자', '-자' implies a logical or narrative connection between the two events, often where the first triggers the second.
도둑이 경찰을 보자 도망갔다. (As soon as the thief saw the police, he ran away.)
- Cannot be used with imperative (-으세요) or propositive (-읍시다) endings.
비가 오자 우산을 쓰세요. (X) -> 비가 오자마자 우산을 쓰세요. (O)
Patterns
V (Verbs)
현재 (Present) · -자
Example sentences
As soon as I opened the window, a cool breeze came in.
창문을 열자 시원한 바람이 들어왔다.
As soon as the class ended, the students went outside.
수업이 끝나자마자 학생들은 밖으로 나갔다.
As soon as the sun set, the temperature dropped sharply.
해가 지자 기온이 뚝 떨어졌다.
Conversation
A: Why did people suddenly gather around?
왜 갑자기 사람들이 모여든 거예요?
B: As soon as a famous singer appeared, people flocked there in an instant.
유명한 가수가 나타나자 순식간에 사람들이 몰려들었어요.
Practice
Fill in the blank
Select the correct phrase indicating an immediate sequential narrative.
증거를 제시하자 그가 자백했어요.
노래가 끝나자 박수가 쏟아졌어요.