Meaning and Usage
The Korean word '이제' means 'now' or 'from now on'. It is used to indicate the present moment or a change starting at the present time. It often marks a transition or a new phase.
Common Contexts
- To express the current moment: "이제 시작해도 될까요?" (Can we start now?)
- To indicate completion or a state at present: "이제 다 끝났어요." (It's all finished now.)
- To show a change or new beginning from this point: "이제부터 열심히 공부할 거예요." (From now on, I will study hard.)
Collocations and Patterns
- 이제부터: means "from now on" and is used to express a new start or change in behavior.
- 이제 곧: means "soon now" or "any moment now," used to indicate something will happen shortly.
- 이제야: means "only now" or "finally," often expressing relief or delay.
Notes
'이제' is a very common adverb in everyday Korean and is neutral in politeness, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Learners sometimes confuse '이제' with '지금' (also meaning 'now'), but '이제' often implies a change or new phase starting now, whereas '지금' simply refers to the current moment without that nuance.