Level 4

예전

No base JSON record found for this token.

Meaning and Usage

"예전" refers to the past or former times, often translated as "old days" or "previously." It is commonly used to talk about how things were different before compared to now.

Common Contexts

You will hear "예전" in conversations about memories, changes over time, or when comparing past and present situations.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 예전에는: "in the old days" — used to start sentences describing past habits or conditions.
  • 예전 친구: "old friend" — referring to friends from the past.
  • 예전과 달리: "unlike before" — used to highlight differences between past and present.

Register and Politeness

"예전" is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

Common Mistake

Learners sometimes confuse "예전" with "옛날," which also means "old days." "예전" is more commonly used in spoken and written Korean, while "옛날" often appears in stories or fairy tales. Use "예전" for everyday conversation about the past.

Example Sentences

예전에는 사람들이 편지를 자주 썼어요.

Yejeoneneun saramdeuri pyeonjireul jaju sseosseoyo.

In the old days, people used to write letters often.

예전 친구를 오랜만에 만났어요.

Yejeon chingureul oraenman-e mannasseoyo.

I met an old friend after a long time.

예전과 달리 요즘은 스마트폰이 필수품이에요.

Yejeongwa dalli yojeumeun seumateuponi pilsupum-ieyo.

Unlike before, smartphones are essential these days.