Processing keyword: 이미 [imi] (Already)

Korean Grammar Point: 이미 [imi] (Already)

1. Introduction

In Korean, 이미 means "already" and is used to indicate that an action or state has occurred or existed before the current time or before a certain point in time. It emphasizes that the information is known or that the event has happened prior to now.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning and Usage

이미 is an adverb used to express that something has occurred earlier than the time of speaking or reference. It often conveys that the speaker or listener is aware of the fact.

Structure

• Subject + 이미 + Verb
• 이미 + Adjective

Formation Diagram

[Subject] + [이미] + [Verb/Adjective]
예: 그는 이미 집에 갔어요.
(He already went home.)

Visual Aid: Timeline Illustration

| Past     이미 발생한 시점     Present |

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3. Comparative Analysis

이미 vs. 벌써

Both 이미 and 벌써 mean "already", but they have subtle differences: | | 이미 | 벌써 | |--------------|-----------------------------|---------------------------| | Usage | Known information, expected outcome | New information, unexpected | | Emphasis | Fact that something occurred | Surprise or realization | | Example | 그 소식은 이미 들었어요. | 벌써 5시예요? | | Translation| I already heard that news. | It's already 5 o'clock? |

4. Examples in Context

Formal Situations

• 회의는 이미 시작되었습니다.
  • The meeting has already started.
• 그 결정은 이미 내려졌습니다.
  • That decision has already been made.

Informal Situations

• 나는 이미 저녁을 먹었어.
  • I already ate dinner.
• 이미 끝난 일이야.
  • It's something that's already over.

Written Context

• 이 책은 이미 여러 번 읽었습니다.
  • I have already read this book several times.

Spoken Context

• 이미 알고 있었어?
  • Did you already know?

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5. Cultural Notes

Levels of Politeness

Korean language has different levels of formality. The use of 이미 remains consistent across these levels, but the verb endings change:

• Formal Polite: 이미 했습니다.
• Informal Polite: 이미 했어요.
• Casual: 이미 했어.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 이미 엎질러진 물이다.
  • It's already spilt water. (Meaning: It's no use crying over spilt milk.)

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistake: Confusing 이미 and 벌써

• Incorrect: 벌써 그 영화 봤어요. (If the speaker expected the listener not to have seen it.)
• Correct: 이미 그 영화 봤어요. Tip: Use 이미 when the action is known or expected; use 벌써 when expressing surprise.

Error Analysis

• Avoid using 이미 for surprising news:
  • Incorrect: 이미 비가 오고 있어! (Surprised it's raining.)
  • Correct: 벌써 비가 오고 있어!

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• 이미 means "already" and is used for known or expected actions.
• It emphasizes that the event occurred before now and is not surprising.
• Differentiate 이미 from 벌써, which is used for unexpected information.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Fill in the blank: 그는 _____ 집에 도착했어요. (He already arrived home.)
2. True or False: 이미 is used when expressing surprise.
3. Choose the correct word: It's already too late! (이미 / 벌써)

Answers:

1. 이미
2. False
3. 벌써

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Practice Sentences

Try translating these sentences using 이미:

1. I already finished my homework.
2. She already left the office.
3. They already know the truth.

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Feel free to ask any questions or for further clarification on using 이미!

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