Learning how to express the concept of “last time” in Korean is essential for effective communication. Whether you’re sharing your past experiences or discussing recent events with a Korean friend, knowing the proper vocabulary is crucial. In this guide, we will cover various ways to say “last time” in Korean, including formal and informal expressions, while offering useful tips and examples along the way.
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Formal Expressions for “Last Time” in Korean
In formal contexts, such as business settings or respectful conversations with elders, it is important to be aware of the appropriate language to use. Here are a few formal ways to express “last time” in Korean:
1. 저번에 (jeobeon-e)
One commonly used phrase is “저번에 (jeobeon-e),” which translates to “last time” or “the previous time.” It is widely understood in both written and spoken Korean. Let’s see an example:
시내에서 저번에 만난 친구를 다시 만났어요. (Sinae-eseo jeobeon-e mannan chingureul dasi mannasseoyo.)
I met the friend I saw last time in the city again.
2. 지난번에 (jinanbeon-e)
Another formal expression is “지난번에 (jinanbeon-e),” which is quite similar to “저번에.” This phrase is more commonly used in writing or formal speeches. Here’s an example sentence:
지난번에 면접을 보는데 너무 긴장되었어요. (Jinanbeon-e myeonjeop-eul boneunde neomu ginjangdoeeosseoyo.)
I was so nervous during the interview last time.
Informal Expressions for “Last Time” in Korean
When talking to friends, peers, or people of the same age group, it’s common to use more informal expressions. Here are a few informal ways to convey the idea of “last time” in Korean:
1. 저번에 (jeobeon-e)
Just like in formal language, “저번에” can also be used informally. However, take note that the level of politeness should match your relationship with the person you are conversing with. Here’s an example:
너 저번에 영화 본 게 어때? (Neo jeobeon-e yeonghwa bon ge eottae?)
How was the movie you saw last time? (casual tone)
2. 이전에 (ijeone)
“이전에 (ijeone)” can be used informally to mean “previously” or “before.” While it is less commonly used in spoken language, it is frequently encountered in written forms. Let’s look at an example:
이전에 봤던 드라마 정말 재미있더라! (Ijeone bwassdeon deurama jeongmal jaemiissdeora!)
The drama I watched last time was really fascinating! (casual tone)
Using Time Markers with “Last Time”
When talking about events that took place “last time,” it can be useful to pair the expressions mentioned above with time markers. Here is a list of commonly used time markers in Korean:
- 어제 (eoje) – Yesterday
- 지난 주 (jinan ju) – Last week
- 지난 달 (jinan dal) – Last month
- 작년 (jaknyeon) – Last year
By combining these time markers with the expressions for “last time,” you can provide a clearer indication of when an event occurred. For instance:
저번 주에 파티에 왔었던 사람을 다시 만난 거 같아. (Jeobeon juae pati-e wasseossdeon saram-eul dasi mannan geo gata.)
I think I met the person who came to the party last week again.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have learned different ways to say “last time” in Korean. Remember to adjust your language choice based on the context and level of formality required. Utilizing expressions like “저번에” and “지난번에” can help you communicate clearly in formal situations, while “저번에” and “이전에” are more suitable for informal conversations. By incorporating time markers, you can provide further clarity regarding the timeframe of the event you are referring to. Practice using these expressions in various contexts to become more comfortable and enhance your Korean language skills. Happy learning!
