Welcome to our guide on how to say “last year” in Korean! Whether you are learning Korean for your travels, work, or simply out of interest, knowing how to express time-related concepts like “last year” can greatly improve your language skills. In this guide, we will provide you with both formal and informal ways to express “last year” in Korean, while offering various tips, examples, and even touching upon regional variations if necessary. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Last Year” in Korean
When speaking in a formal context, it’s essential to use respectful language. To say “last year” formally in Korean, you can use the phrase “지난 해” (jinan hae). Here, “지난” (jinan) means “past” or “last,” while “해” (hae) means “year.” When combined, it becomes “last year.” Let’s see some examples:
지난 해에 한국을 여행했어요. (Jinan haee han-guk-eul yeohaenghaesseoyo.)
I traveled to Korea last year.
Remember, using formal language is crucial in professional settings or when speaking to someone who is significantly older or holds a higher social status. Using “지난 해” (jinan hae) in these contexts demonstrates respect and politeness.
Informal Ways to Say “Last Year” in Korean
When conversing with friends, family, or people of the same age or younger, you can use a more casual way to say “last year” in Korean. The informal equivalent is “작년” (jaknyeon). Let’s take a look at some examples:
작년에 함께 여행했었어. (Jaknyeon-e hamkke yeohaenghaesseosseo.)
We traveled together last year.
Notice that the phrase is simplified to “작년” (jaknyeon) and doesn’t include any honorifics. This form of expression is suitable when speaking comfortably with those close to you or in casual conversations.
Additional Tips and Examples
Now that you’ve learned the formal and informal ways to say “last year” in Korean, here are a few tips and additional examples to deepen your understanding:
1. Be Aware of Formality Levels
Korean culture places great emphasis on social hierarchy and politeness. Always consider the formality level needed when choosing your vocabulary. Using formal language might be necessary when interacting with strangers or individuals of higher authority.
2. Connect with Verb Endings
When discussing events that occurred last year using verbs, remember to add the appropriate verb endings such as “-았어요” (asseoyo) or “-었어요” (eosseoyo). These endings indicate the past tense and are used in formal speech, as shown in the examples earlier.
작년에 한국에 갔어요. (Jaknyeon-e han-guk-e gasseoyo.)
I went to Korea last year.
3. Context Matters
Understanding the context of a conversation is essential in determining the appropriate level of formality. Pay attention to the age and social status of the person you’re talking to, as well as the overall setting.
4. Recognize Regional Variations
Korea has dialectal variations across different regions. While “지난 해” (jinan hae) and “작년” (jaknyeon) are generally understandable throughout the country, specific regional terms may exist. However, for most learners, sticking to the standard phrases will suffice.
5. Practice Makes Perfect
As with any new language skill, practice is key! Repeat the phrases and try incorporating them into conversations or language exercises. The more you practice, the more natural it will feel.
So, in summary, we’ve covered the formal way of expressing “last year” as “지난 해” (jinan hae) and the informal way as “작년” (jaknyeon). Remember to choose the appropriate level of formality based on the context and your relationship with the person you’re speaking to. Keep in mind the verb endings, pay attention to the context, and practice regularly. With these tips and examples, you’re now equipped to confidently discuss events from “last year” while speaking Korean!
