언제든지요
eonjedeunji-yo
The English phrase "anytime" is translated into Korean as 언제든지요 (eonjedeunji-yo).
Meaning: at any time (adv)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of 언제, meaning "when" and the suffix –든지, which means "regardless of" or "no matter".
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding the polite particle –요 to the end of 언제든지 makes the phrase suitable for use with people you are not close to or those older than you.
How do you pronounce it?
eonjedeunji-yo
Did you know?
- While 언제든지요 is perfectly grammatical, if you use it to accept an invitation or a favor, it can sound more like 'it doesn't matter when' rather than a warm 'anytime'. In a social setting, Koreans often prefer using the phrase 편하실 때 which means 'when it is comfortable for you'.
- Koreans may use the phrase 아무 때나, which also means 'anytime', but it carries a slightly more indifferent or careless tone than 언제든지.
- If you are speaking to someone very much higher in social status, you might even extend the phrase to 언제든지 말씀하십시오, which means 'please speak to me at any time'.
Examples in context
- 언제나 도움이 필요하시면 연락해 주세요.Anytime you need help, please contact me.
- 저는 수시로 강의를 진행합니다.I conduct lectures at any time.
- 언제든 놀러와. 항상 기다릴게!Come over anytime. I'll always be waiting!
- 언제든지 도와줄게, 친구야.I'll help you anytime, my friend.
- 언제든지요.eonjedeun-is-yo.Anytime.
- 필요하면 언제든지요.pillyohamyeon eonjedeun-is-yo.Anytime you need it.
- 도움이 필요하면 언제든지요.doumi pil-yohamyeon eonjedeun-is-yo.Anytime you need help.
Example conversation
Ji-eun thanks Do-hyeon for helping her with a task.
- 지은 Ji-eun도현 씨, 도와줘서 정말 고마워요.Dohyeon ssi, dowajwoseo jeongmal gomawoyo.Do-hyeon, thank you so much for helping me.
- 도현 Do-hyeon아니에요. 언제든지요.anieyo. eonjedeunji-yo.Not at all. Anytime.
- 지은 Ji-eun다음에 제가 커피 살게요.da-eume jega keopi salgeyo.I'll buy you coffee next time.
- 도현 Do-hyeon좋아요, 기대할게요.joayo, gidaehalgeyo.Sounds good, I'll look forward to it.
