Processing keyword: 지금 [jigeum] (Now)

Korean Grammar Point: 지금 [jigeum] (Now)

1. Introduction

지금 (jigeum) is a fundamental Korean adverb meaning "now" or "at this moment". It's widely used in daily conversations to indicate actions or states occurring at the present time. Understanding how to use 지금 is essential for expressing current events and engaging in real-time discussions in Korean.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• 지금: Now, right now, at this moment.

Usage

• As an Adverb: Modifies verbs to indicate that the action is happening now.
• Position in a Sentence: Typically placed before the verb or at the beginning of a sentence for emphasis.

Sentence Structure

Basic Structure:

• [Subject] + 지금 + [Verb] Examples:
• 저는 지금 먹어요.
  • jeoneun jigeum meogeoyo.
  • "I am eating now."

Formation Diagram

    A[Subject] --> B[지금];
    B --> C[Verb];

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3. Comparative Analysis

지금 vs. 이제 vs. 현재

Word	Pronunciation	Meaning	Usage
지금	jigeum	Now	Immediate present moment
이제	ije	Now (from now on)	Transition from past to present/future
현재	hyeonjae	Currently, Present	Formal contexts, reports, presentations

• 지금 focuses on the exact current moment.
• 이제 implies a change or transition, often used when something has just changed.
• 현재 is used in formal or written contexts to denote the present time.

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4. Examples in Context

Informal Speech

1. 지금 뭐 해?
   • jigeum mwo hae?
   • "What are you doing now?"
2. 나 지금 가야 돼.
   • na jigeum gaya dwae.
   • "I have to go now."

Formal Speech

1. 지금 시간 있으세요?
   • jigeum sigan isseuseyo?
   • "Do you have time now?"
2. 회의는 지금 시작합니다.
   • hoe-ui-neun jigeum sijakhamnida.
   • "The meeting starts now."

Written Context

1. 현재 우리는 중요한 시기에 있습니다.
   • hyeonjae urineun jung-yo-han sigie isseumnida.
   • "We are currently at an important time."
2. 지금까지 감사합니다.
   • jigeumkkaji gamsahamnida.
   • "Thank you until now."

Conversational Phrases

1. 지금 바로 갈게요.
   • jigeum baro galgeyo.
   • "I will go right now."
2. 지금은 힘들어요.
   • jigeumeun himdeureoyo.
   • "It's difficult at the moment."

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5. Cultural Notes

Levels of Politeness

• Informal: Used among friends or peers.
  • 지금 올래?
    • jigeum ollae?
    • "Want to come over now?"
• Formal: Used in respectful situations or with strangers.
  • 지금 통화 가능하십니까?
    • jigeum tonghwa ganeunghasipnika?
    • "Are you available to talk now?"

Idiomatic Expressions

• 지금 이 순간 (jigeum i sungan)
  • "At this very moment."
  • Used to emphasize the importance of the present.
• 지금을 즐기다 (jigeumeul jeulgi-da)
  • "Enjoy the moment."
  • Encourages living in the present.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Overusing 지금: In Korean, it's often unnecessary to use 지금 if the present tense verb already implies current action.
   • Incorrect: 저는 지금 먹고 있어요.
     • jeoneun jigeum meokgo isseoyo.
     • "I am eating now."
   • Correct but Simplified: 저는 먹고 있어요.
     • jeoneun meokgo isseoyo.
     • "I am eating."
2. Confusing 지금 with 이제:
   • 이제 signifies a change or "from now on," not just the current moment.

Learning Strategies

• Tip: Associate 지금 with "immediate action." If something is happening right as you speak, 지금 is appropriate.
• Mnemonic: Remember 지 in 지금 as "G" for "Go" — things are happening "Go-time" now.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• 지금 means "now" and is used to describe actions or states occurring at the present moment.
• It is an adverb placed before verbs or at the sentence's beginning for emphasis.
• Distinguish 지금 from 이제 and 현재 based on context and formality.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Translate to Korean: "I am studying now."
   • Answer: 저는 지금 공부하고 있어요.
     • jeoneun jigeum gongbuhago isseoyo.
2. True or False: 지금 can be used interchangeably with 현재 in formal writing.
   • Answer: False. 현재 is preferred in formal writing.
3. Fill in the Blank: "If not now, when?" translates to 지금 아니면 ___?
   • Answer: 언제
     • eonje

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Now you have a solid understanding of 지금 and how to use it naturally in Korean sentences. Practice incorporating 지금 into your daily conversations to become more fluent and express present actions effectively!

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