Processing keyword: ~이미 [imi] (Already)
Korean Grammar Point: ~이미 [imi] (Already)
1. Introduction
In Korean, the adverb 이미 (imi) translates to "already" in English. It is used to indicate that an action or state has occurred before the current time or earlier than expected. Mastering the use of 이미 will help you express past actions and states more precisely and enhance your fluency in Korean.
2. Core Grammar Explanation
Detailed Explanation
이미 is an adverb placed before verbs or adjectives to emphasize that an action has already taken place or a state is already in effect. It often conveys a sense of prior completion or foregone conclusion.
- Meaning: Already
- Usage: Used to express that something has happened before now or earlier than expected.
Structure
The basic structure using 이미 is:
[Subject] + [이미] + [Verb/Adjective]
Formation Diagram
| Component | Role | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Subject | The doer of the action | 저는 (I) |
| 이미 | Adverb meaning "already" | 이미 |
| Verb/Adjective | Describes the action or state | 먹었어요 (ate) |
| Example Sentence: |
저는 이미 먹었어요.
(I already ate.)
3. Comparative Analysis
이미 vs. 벌써
While both 이미 and 벌써 mean "already," they are used in slightly different contexts.
- 이미 (imi): Used when the speaker is stating a known fact or when both the speaker and listener are aware of the situation.
- 벌써 (beolsseo): Used when the speaker expresses surprise or when something occurs sooner than expected. Comparison Table:
| 이미 | 벌써 | |
|---|---|---|
| Usage | Known facts, emphasis on prior occurrence | Surprise, earlier than expected |
| Example | 그 영화는 이미 끝났어요. (The movie has already ended.) |
벌써 5시예요? (Is it already 5 o'clock?) |
4. Examples in Context
Sentence Examples
Formal Context
- 회의는 이미 시작했습니다.
- The meeting has already started.
- 그 문제는 이미 해결되었습니다.
- That issue has already been resolved.
Informal Context
- 나 이미 집에 왔어.
- I already came home.
- 우리는 이미 만났잖아.
- We already met, remember?
Written Language
- 그들은 이미 떠난 후였다.
- They had already left.
Spoken Language
- 이미 늦었으니까 다음에 하자.
- Since it's already late, let's do it next time.
5. Cultural Notes
Cultural Relevance
In Korean culture, time management and punctuality are highly valued. Using 이미 in contexts such as "이미 시작했습니다" (It has already started) underscores the importance of being on time and may convey subtle messages about expectations.
Idiomatic Expressions
- 이미 엎질러진 물이다.
- It's already spilt water. (Meaning: What's done is done.)
6. Common Mistakes and Tips
Error Analysis
Common Mistake 1: Using 이미 and 벌써 interchangeably without considering context.
- Incorrect: 너 이미 왔어? (Are you already here?)
- Correct: 너 벌써 왔어? (Are you already here?)
- Explanation: Use 벌써 to express surprise at someone's early arrival. Common Mistake 2: Confusing 이미 with 아직 (still/not yet).
- Incorrect: 그는 아직 떠났어요. (He still left.)
- Correct: 그는 이미 떠났어요. (He already left.)
Learning Strategies
- Tip 1: Associate 이미 with established facts or information known to both parties.
- Tip 2: When expressing surprise or unexpectedness, consider using 벌써 instead.
- Mnemonic Device:
- 이 comes from 이전 (before), reminding you that 이미 refers to something that happened "before" now.
7. Summary and Review
Key Takeaways
- 이미 means "already" and is used to denote actions or states that occurred prior to the current moment.
- It is used before verbs and adjectives.
- Distinguish 이미 from 벌써 by remembering that 이미 states known facts, whereas 벌써 often expresses surprise.
Quick Recap Quiz
Question 1: Choose the correct word (이미 or 벌써) to complete the sentence. a) 영화가 ____ 시작했어요. 우리는 서둘러야 해요.
b) 뭐? 너 ____ 집에 갔어? Question 2: True or False?
- 이미 is typically used when both the speaker and listener are aware of the action.
Answers:
Answer 1: a) 이미
- 영화가 이미 시작했어요. 우리는 서둘러야 해요.
- The movie has already started. We need to hurry. b) 벌써
- 뭐? 너 벌써 집에 갔어?
- What? You already went home? Answer 2:
- True
By understanding and practicing the use of 이미, you can express past actions more naturally and accurately in Korean.