때(ttae)
Refers to a specific moment or point in time, or the situation at that time
When to use
specific moment focus, conditional situation, past experience recall
The nuance
때 refers to a specific point or moment in time and is used to describe events or states occurring then. It is commonly used in the form ‘~할 때’ (when ~).
동안(dong-an, dongan)
Indicates an entire period or continuous duration of time
When to use
continuous period, ongoing action, emphasis on time span
The nuance
동안 denotes a whole period from start to finish and is used to express states or actions continuing throughout that time. It is typically used as ‘~하는 동안’ (during ~).