Example Sentences#

1. 두 시간이 지나고, 세 시간이 지나자 젊은 스님은 더 이상 참을 수 없었다.¹
   Two hours passed, and when three hours had passed, the young monk couldn’t endure it any longer.

   • 지나다 means ‘to pass’.
   • -자 is a clause ending that means ‘as soon as’, connecting actions that happen in quick succession.

2. 엄마가 곶감을 주자 아기는 바로 울음을 멈췄습니다.²
   As soon as the mother gave the baby the dried persimmon, the baby stopped crying immediately.

   • 주다 means ‘to give’.
   • -자 is a clause ending that means ‘as soon as’, connecting actions that happen in quick succession.