Korean word

직전

Pronunciation

Romanizationchikjjeon

Meaning

  • nounright before

Example

회의 직전인데 자료가 없다.hoe ui chik jjeo nin de cha ryo ga eop tta

It's right before the meeting, but there are no materials.

Illustration for 직전 (right before)

More examples

퇴근 직전에 메일을 확인했다.toe geun chik jjeo ne me i reul hwa gin haet tta

I checked my email right before leaving work.

Core concept

A narrow time point with an event immediately ahead, like standing at the edge just before it begins.

Common phrases

  • 퇴근 직전toe geun chik jjeon

    the time immediately before leaving work

  • 수업 직전su eop chik jjeon

    the time immediately before class

Similar words

바로 전paro cheon: The very short time just before something starts.
전cheon: An earlier time counted back from now or another reference point.
직후chiku: The time immediately after an event ends.

Definition in Korean

어떤 일이나 사건이 시작되기 바로 직전의 상태나 시점을 가리키는 명사.eo tteon i ri na sa geo ni si jak ttoe gi pa ro chik jjeo nui sang tae na si jeo meul ka ri ki neun myeong sa

Word origin

It is a Sino-Korean compound whose components mean directly and before, pointing to the moment immediately before an event.

Usage tips

  • Unlike at the last minute in English, this word marks timing and does not by itself suggest poor planning or a rushed action.

Other meanings

  • at the last minutenoun

Opposites

Word lists with this word