Level 2

먼저

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Meaning and Usage

The adverb '먼저' means 'first' or 'before anything else.' It is used to indicate the first action or priority in a sequence of events. It often appears in daily conversations when suggesting the order of actions or emphasizing what should be done initially.

Common Collocations

  • 먼저 인사하다: to greet first
  • 먼저 하다: to do something first
  • 먼저 와서 기다리다: to come first and wait

These collocations show how '먼저' is combined with verbs to express priority or precedence.

Register and Politeness

'먼저' is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It fits well in polite requests, instructions, and casual conversations.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse '먼저' with '처음' (the first time) or '우선' (priority). '먼저' focuses on the order of actions, while '처음' refers to the first occurrence, and '우선' emphasizes priority or preference. Use '먼저' when you want to say 'do this first' in a sequence.

Example Sentences

먼저 인사부터 합시다.

Meonjeo insa buteo hapsida.

Let's greet first.

먼저 할 일을 정리해야 해요.

Meonjeo hal il-eul jeongrihaeya haeyo.

You need to organize the tasks first.

먼저 와서 기다리고 있었어요.

Meonjeo waseo gidarigo isseosseoyo.

I came first and was waiting.