Korean word

이미

Pronunciation

Romanizationimi

Meaning

  • adverbalready

Example

그는 이미 집에 갔어요.keu neun i mi chi be ka sseo yo

He already went home.

Illustration for 이미 (already)

More examples

우리는 그 영화를 이미 봤어요.u ri neun keu yeong hwa reul i mi pwa sseo yo

We already saw that movie.

Core concept

An event happened earlier, and its result or state is still present at the time being discussed.

Common phrases

  • 이미 알고 있었다i mi al go i sseot tta

    already knew

  • 이미 봤다i mi pwat tta

    already saw

Similar words

벌써peolsseo: Something has happened by now, earlier than expected and often to the speaker's surprise.
아직ajik: An expected event or change has not occurred by now, while the current situation continues.
이제ije: A new phase or action starts at the present time and continues from this point onward.

Definition in Korean

어떤 일이 기준 시점보다 먼저 끝나거나 발생하여 그 영향이나 상태가 지금에 남아 있음을 나타내는 부사.eo tteon i ri ki jun si jeom bo da meon jeo kkeun na geo na pal saeng ha yeo keu yeong hyang i na sang tae ga chi geu me na ma i sseu meul na ta nae neun pu sa

Word origin

The exact origin of this adverb is uncertain, so it is best learned as a long-established Korean word rather than split into smaller parts.

Usage tips

  • In everyday Korean, this adverb usually comes before the action or state it describes, making its time meaning easy to spot.

Opposites

Word lists with this word