Korean grammar patterns › Level 3
-자마자
as soon as
Level 3 · TOPIK II · intermediate
How to use it
Clause 2 happens right after clause 1. Tense goes at the end of the sentence; it can be followed by commands and suggestions.
Forming it
| 도착하다 | → 도착하자마자 |
| 먹다 | → 먹자마자 |
| 듣다 | → 듣자마자 |
| 끝나다 | → 끝나자마자 |
No -았/었- before it: ✗ 끝났자마자.
Examples
집에 도착하자마자 샤워를 했어요.
As soon as I got home, I took a shower.
수업이 끝나자마자 전화할게요.
I'll call you as soon as class is over.
Compared with similar patterns
-는 대로 (as soon as) is for future plans and requests, not past events. -자 is written style; -기가 무섭게 is more vivid and idiomatic.