Korean language has various ways to express time and dates, and knowing how to say “last month” can help you effectively communicate when discussing past events or making plans. In this guide, we will explore the formal and informal ways to express “last month” in Korean, along with useful tips, examples, and variations. Let’s dive in!
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Formal Ways to Say “Last Month” in Korean
When it comes to formal situations or polite conversations, there are two common expressions to say “last month” in Korean.
1. 지난 달 (jinan dal)
The formal phrase for “last month” in Korean is “지난 달” (jinan dal). It is widely used in formal settings, official documents, and written materials. This expression is suitable for professional environments, interviews, or when addressing someone of higher authority or age.
Example:
회의는 지난 달에 열렸습니다.
(회의는 jinan dal-e yeollyeossseumnida.)
“The meeting took place last month.”
2. 전월 (jeon-wol)
Another formal way to say “last month” is “전월” (jeon-wol). This term is commonly used in legal documents or official reports. It is more specific and often preferred in formal writing rather than casual conversation.
Example:
전월 이익은 기대 이상으로 증가했습니다.
(jeon-wol iig-eun gidae isang-euro jeung-gahae-ssseumnida.)
“The profits of last month increased beyond expectations.”
Informal Ways to Say “Last Month” in Korean
In casual conversations or when addressing friends, family, or colleagues of similar age or lower authority, Koreans often use more colloquial expressions to say “last month.”
1. 지난달 (jinan-dal)
In informal settings, Koreans tend to omit the space between “지난” (jinan) and “달” (dal), creating the phrase “지난달” (jinan-dal). This is a commonly used expression among friends and acquaintances in everyday conversations.
Example:
지난달에 좋은 장소를 발견했어요!
(jinan-dal-e joheun jangsoreul balgyeonhaess-eoyo!)
“I discovered a great place last month!”
2. 지난달의 (jinan-dal-ui)
Using the possessive particle “의” (ui), the term “지난달” (jinan-dal) can be transformed into “지난달의” (jinan-dal-ui), which means “of last month.” This expression adds emphasis while maintaining an informal tone.
Example:
지난달의 날씨 어땠어?
(jinan-dal-ui nalssi eottaess-eo?)
“How was the weather last month?”
Tips for Using “Last Month” in Korean
Here are a few helpful tips to ensure accurate and appropriate usage of “last month” in Korean:
- Consider the situation and use the appropriate level of formality. “지난 달” (jinan dal) and “전월” (jeon-wol) are more suitable for formal contexts, while “지난달” (jinan-dal) and “지난달의” (jinan-dal-ui) are more common in casual conversations.
- Pay attention to the context of the conversation. Understanding whether you’re discussing a past event or asking about someone’s experience can help you choose the right phrase.
- Practice the correct pronunciation to ensure better communication. Listen to native speakers or utilize pronunciation guides to develop a natural sound.
- Remember to conjugate verbs and adjectives according to the past tense if needed. This ensures accurate sentence structure and grammar.
By utilizing these tips, you will be able to effectively express “last month” in Korean in various situations.
In Summary
In Korean, “last month” can be expressed in formal and informal ways, depending on the context and level of formality. In formal settings, “지난 달” (jinan dal) or “전월” (jeon-wol) are appropriate. Informally, “지난달” (jinan-dal) or “지난달의” (jinan-dal-ui) can be used among friends or acquaintances. Remember to consider the situation, context, and your relationship with the person you are speaking to. Practice correct pronunciation and conjugation to enhance your Korean language skills.
By mastering the various ways to say “last month” in Korean, you’ll ensure effective communication and be one step closer to fluency. Enjoy your language learning journey!
