이르다
ireuda[iɾɯda̠]
To say early in Korean, meaning before the expected time, use 이르다 (ireuda). If unsure, use 이르다. Wiktionary also lists 빠르다 (ppareuda).
Meaning: arriving at a time before expected (adj)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 이르다 | ireuda | [iɾɯda̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 빠르다 | ppareuda | [p͈a̠ɾɯda̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
이르다 describes something that happens earlier than the expected or usual time.
Which one should you use?
빠르다 (ppareuda) is mainly about speed, so it means fast rather than early. For the adverb, use 일찍 to say early in time, as in arriving early and 빨리 to say fast or quickly.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
이르다 works like a verb. To describe a noun, as in early morning, it becomes 이른.
How do you pronounce it?
It is romanized as ireuda.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often say 빨리 when they mean early. Use 일찍 for doing something early and keep 빨리 for doing it quickly.
When do people say it?
In Korea, arriving early is generally seen as a sign of respect and good manners.
Did you know?
- The word 이르다 is a homonym that can mean 'to be early', 'to reach a destination' or 'to tell on someone'.
- The term pali pali (derived from 빨리) is a recognized cultural phenomenon that describes the systemic Korean drive for speed and efficiency in everything from internet delivery to construction.
- The Middle Korean form of 이르다 was once written as 니르다 (niluta), showing how the pronunciation of certain initial sounds has shifted over centuries.
Examples in context
- 이른 아침Early morningHere 이른 describes the noun 아침 to give early morning.
- 이른 약속Early appointment
- 이번 주에 일찍 퇴근할 계획이 있으세요?Do you have any plans to get off work early this week?
- 오늘은 일찍 자서 내일 일에 집중할 거예요.I will sleep early tonight to focus on work tomorrow.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “early” translations and entries 이르다, 빠르다, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 빠르다, 이르다, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
