Korean · Time, Numbers & Colors
"Now" in Korean: 지금
지금jigeum
Now in Korean is 지금 (jigeum). 지금 is now; 이제 often describes a changed stage such as now that something has happened.
Now: starting the exchange
지금 출발해요.jigeum chulbalhaeyo.
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How to pronounce 지금
Say it
jigeum
/tɕikɯm/
지금 is read jigeum. In 지금 바로, read the full phrase as jigeum baro.
"Now" in Korean: quick reference
| Korean | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| 지금jigeum | Now The inventory form for now. | The inventory form for now. |
| 지금 바로jigeum baro | right now 지금 is now; 이제 often describes a changed stage such as now that something has happened. | 지금 is now; 이제 often describes a changed stage such as now that something has happened. |
How to use 지금 in real life
- 1Now: starting the exchange
지금 출발해요.
jigeum chulbalhaeyo.
I am leaving now.
지금 is now; 이제 often describes a changed stage such as now that something has happened.
- 2Now: adding useful context
지금 어디에 있어요?
jigeum eodie isseoyo?
Where are you now?
This sentence places 지금 in a complete exchange.
- 3Now: a different conversation
지금 바로 할게요.
jigeum baro halgeyo.
I will do it right now.
This sentence places 지금 in a complete exchange.
Mistakes English speakers make with 지금
Incorrect: 지금 출발해요이에요.
Correct: 지금 출발해요.
When practicing now, a conjugated predicate already finishes this sentence; do not append the noun copula 이에요. Keep the complete form 지금 출발해요.
Incorrect: 지금 출발해요습니다.
Correct: 지금 출발해요.
When practicing now, do not append a formal sentence ending to a predicate that already has its polite ending. Keep the complete form 지금 출발해요.
Good to know
지금 is now; 이제 often describes a changed stage such as now that something has happened.
Read this practice conversation aloud
Tutor-led time numbers and colors study exercise: two sentences with 지금
Partner
이 표현을 사용해서 한 문장 말해 볼까요?
i pyohyeoneul sayonghaeseo han munjang malhae bolkkayo?
Shall we say a sentence using this expression?
You
지금 출발해요.
jigeum chulbalhaeyo.
I am leaving now.
Partner
좋아요. 다른 문장으로도 연습해 볼까요?
joayo. dareun munjangeurodo yeonseupae bolkkayo?
Good. Shall we practice with another sentence too?
You
지금 어디에 있어요?
jigeum eodie isseoyo?
Where are you now?
This is a sample dialogue for reading aloud. Try both parts, then replace a detail with one from your own life.
Explore ChatPal"Now" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Now" in Korean
What does 지금 mean?
Now in Korean is 지금 (jigeum). 지금 is now; 이제 often describes a changed stage such as now that something has happened.
When should I say 지금 바로?
지금 is now; 이제 often describes a changed stage such as now that something has happened.
How does 지금 바로 differ from the basic expression?
지금 바로 means “right now”. 지금 is now; 이제 often describes a changed stage such as now that something has happened.
Can I use 지금 in a full sentence?
지금 출발해요. means “I am leaving now.” 지금 is now; 이제 often describes a changed stage such as now that something has happened.
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