“지금” (Jigeum) vs “이제” (Ije) – Key Differences and Usage in Korean

If you’re learning Korean, you may have come across “지금” and “이제”, both of which can be translated as “now” in English. However, they carry distinct nuances and are used in different contexts. Understanding the difference between these two words will help you sound more natural in Korean conversations.

1. “지금” (Jigeum) – “Right Now / At This Moment”

“지금” refers to what is happening at this exact moment in time. It does not imply any transition or change; rather, it emphasizes the present state or action.

Examples of “지금” in Sentences

1. 지금 뭐 해요? (Jigeum mwo haeyo?)
   • Translation: “What are you doing right now?”
   • → This asks about an action happening at this exact moment.
2. 지금 집에 있어요. (Jigeum jibe isseoyo.)
   • Translation: “I am at home right now.”
   • → The person is currently at home at this moment.
3. 지금 비가 와요. (Jigeum biga wayo.)
   • Translation: “It is raining right now.”
   • → The rain is falling at this moment in time.

2. “이제” (Ije) – “Now (After a Change) / From Now On”

“이제” is used when something has changed or a new phase is beginning. It often refers to what happens from this point forward or after something else has ended.

Examples of “이제” in Sentences

1. 이제 뭐 해요? (Ije mwo haeyo?)
   • Translation: “What are you going to do now (from now on)?”
   • → This asks about the next action after a change has occurred.
2. 이제 집에 갈게요. (Ije jibe galgeyo.)
   • Translation: “I will go home now (since it’s time to leave).”
   • → The person wasn’t going home before, but now they will.
3. 이제 비가 와요. (Ije biga wayo.)
   • Translation: “It is raining now (it wasn’t before, but now it started).”
   • → There was no rain before, but now it has begun.

3. Comparison Using the Same Sentence

Let’s compare “지금” and “이제” using the same phrase:

• 지금 비가 와요. → “It is raining right now (at this exact moment).”
• 이제 비가 와요. → “It is raining now (it wasn’t before, but it just started).”

This clearly shows how “지금” focuses on the present moment, while “이제” highlights a transition or change.

4. Final Thoughts

Understanding the difference between “지금” and “이제” is essential for mastering Korean fluency.

• Use “지금” when describing something happening at this very moment.
• Use “이제” when there has been a change or when talking about what happens from now on.

By comparing “지금 뭐 해요?” and “이제 뭐 해요?”, you can see that “지금” asks about the present, while “이제” asks about what comes next.

Now that you know the difference, try using “지금” and “이제” correctly in your own Korean conversations!