이때 (i-ttae, ittae)
이때 (ittae) points to a specific moment or situation. It's common in everyday speech and writing.
Core meaning and shades learners miss.
이때 (ittae) refers to a specific moment or situation, functioning as an adverb or noun. It means 'at this time' or 'then' in English.
Nuances
When to use
Describing past events, Everyday conversation, Report writing
In context
이때 is used in sentences indicating time or situation, placed at the beginning or middle. It fits naturally in both casual and formal contexts.
이때 나는 집에 있었어요.
i-ttae na-neun jip-e iss-eoss-eo-yo., i ttae na neun jip e iss eoss eo yo.
The sentence naturally uses 이때 to indicate a specific moment.
이때는 맛있어요.
i-ttae-neun mas-iss-eo-yo., i ttae neun mas iss eo yo.
이때 refers to time or situation, so pairing with 'delicious' is incorrect.
시험 이때 긴장했어요.
si-heom i-ttae gin-jang-haess-eo-yo., si heom i ttae gin jang haess eo yo.
이때 correctly marks the exam time, making the sentence natural.
이때 친구가 학교에 갔어요.
i-ttae chin-gu-ga hak-gyo-e gass-eo-yo., i ttae chin gu ga hak gyo e gass eo yo.
이때 properly points to a specific time, making the sentence correct.
What is the best meaning of 이때?
Which sentence correctly uses 이때?
