TOPIK · Level 255
15 words
Korean word
일찍이
Pronunciation
Romanizationiljjigi
Meaning
- adverbonce
Example
그는 일찍이 그곳에 머문 적이 있다.keu neun il jji gi keu go se meo mun cheo gi it tta
He once stayed there.
More examples
그는 일찍이 음악을 배웠다.keu neun il jji gi eu ma geul pae wot tta
He once studied music.
Core concept
A past event viewed as already in place before the time being discussed.
Similar words
예전에yejeone: Points to a past period in which an event occurred or a state existed.
이미imi: Shows that an earlier event has left a result or state that remains at the time in question.
전에cheone: Indicates a time before a particular event or reference point.
Definition in Korean
과거의 어느 시점보다 앞서서 이미 어떤 일이 일어나거나 존재했음을 나타내는 부사.kwa geo ui eo neu si jeom bo da ap sseo seo i mi eo tteon i ri i reo na geo na chon jae hae sseu meul na ta nae neun pu sa
Word origin
It is formed from the native Korean adverb for early plus an adverbial suffix, extending the idea of being early to an earlier time in the past.
Usage tips
- This word often sounds formal or literary, so it is especially useful for understanding biographies, history, and reflective writing.