Korean word

먼저

Pronunciation

Romanizationmeonjeo

Meaning

  • adverbfirst

Example

먼저 질문해도 돼요?meon jeo chil mun hae do twae yo

May I ask a question first?

Illustration for 먼저 (first)

More examples

문제가 생기면 먼저 확인해 주세요.mun je ga saeng gi myeon meon jeo hwa gin hae chu se yo

If a problem arises, please check it first.

Core concept

A person or event comes ahead of others in time or order.

Common phrases

  • 먼저 확인하다meon jeo hwa gin ha da

    check first

  • 먼저 말씀하다meon jeo mal sseum ha da

    speak first

  • 먼저 끝내다meon jeo kkeun nae da

    finish first

Similar words

우선useon: Putting one task at the top of the plan for now.
미리miri: Completing a task beforehand to prepare for what comes later.
앞서apsseo: Being earlier in time or sequence, including a recent past moment.

Definition in Korean

다른 것보다 앞서서 행동하거나 일이 일어남을 나타내는 부사로, 순서를 정하거나 먼저 시작함을 말할 때 씀.ta reun keot ppo da ap sseo seo haeng dong ha geo na i ri i reo na meul na ta nae neun pu sa ro sun seo reul cheong ha geo na meon jeo si ja ka meul mal hal ttae sseum

Word origin

The exact origin of this adverb is uncertain, so it is best remembered as the word for being ahead in time or order.

Usage tips

  • In conversation, context shows whether the speaker is announcing an early action or politely letting another person take the first turn.

Other meanings

  • beforeadverb

Opposites

Word lists with this word