V + -자 / N + (이)자 / V + -아/어 봤자 – As Soon As (-자) / Both N1 and N2 ((이)자) / Even If You Try (-아/어 봤자)
Meaning: As soon as (-자); simultaneously N1 and N2 ((이)자); no matter how much you try, it's no use (-아/어 봤자)
Conjugation & Pattern
- Immediate sequence (Written): V + -자 + Past main clause (e.g., 수업이 끝나자)
- Dual identity/role: N1 + (이)자 + N2 (e.g., 친구이자 선생님)
- Futility despite trying: V/A + -아/어 봤자 (or -았/었자)
- Dilemma: V1 + -자니 ... -고, V2 + -자니 ... (If I do V1..., yet if I do V2...)
Detailed Usage
Core '자' patterns in Lesson 15: (1) 'V + -자': Written equivalent of '-자마자' ('as soon as X happened, Y occurred'); (2) 'N1(이)자 N2': Having two roles or titles simultaneously ('both N1 and N2'); (3) 'V + -아/어 봤자': Even if one tries doing X, it will be futile; (4) '-자니 ~ -고, -자니 ~': Expressing a dilemma between two options.
Example Sentences
- 1
수업이 끝나자 학생들이 모두 교실 밖으로 뛰어나갔습니다.
Sueobi kkeunnaja haksaengdeuri modu gyosil bakkeuro ttwieonagatseumnida.
As soon as the class ended, all the students ran out of the classroom.
- 2
그분은 저의 존경하는 스승이자 인생의 멘토입니다.
Geubuneun jeoui jongyeonghaneun seuseungija insaengui mentoimnida.
That person is both my respected teacher and my life mentor.
- 3
지금 출발해 봤자 길이 막혀서 제시간에 도착하기는 어려울 거예요.
Jigeum chulbalhae bwatja giri makhyeoseo jesigane dochakhagineun eoryeoul geoyeyo.
Even if you leave now, traffic is jammed, so it will be hard to arrive on time.
Important Notes
When 'V + -자' means 'as soon as', the first clause takes no tense marker, and the main clause must be a past declarative sentence (never imperative or future).
