늦은
neujeun
The English word 'late' can be expressed in Korean as 늦은 (neujeun) when used as an adjective.
The adjective 늦은 describes something that is not arriving until after an expected time. A common way to use this is in the phrase 늦은 시간, which refers to a late hour or late at night.
Meaning: not arriving until after an expected time (adj)
Which one should you use?
While 늦다 is a general term for being late, 지각하다 is used specifically when someone is late for a scheduled event, such as school, work or an appointment. Related to being late, the term 늦잠자다 specifically refers to oversleeping or being late because one slept in.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The form 늦은 is the adjectival form of the verb 늦다, which is used to modify a noun. The dictionary form 늦다 itself functions as a descriptive verb meaning 'to be late'.
How do you pronounce it?
neujeun
Did you know?
- In some contexts, 늦다 can be used to describe a person's reaction time, implying they are slow to grasp a concept or slow to respond.
- While 'late' in English is often an adjective, in Korean the verb 늦다 acts as a 'descriptive verb', meaning it functions like an adjective but follows verb conjugation rules.
- The phrase 늦은 시간 (late time) is frequently used to add a layer of politeness when apologizing for contacting someone outside of standard hours.
Examples in context
- 이런 늦은 시간에 미안해. 목소리 듣고 싶어서 전화를 걸어버렸네.I'm sorry for calling so late. I just wanted to hear your voice.This sentence shows how to use 늦은 when apologizing for a late-night call.Tatoeba #8399341 by Eunhee, translation #3612977 by CK
- 저는 지각했습니다. 정말 죄송합니다.I'm late. I'm truly sorry.
- 오늘 늦잠 잤어.I overslept today.
- 늦은 밤이라서 조용해요.neujeun bamiraseo joyonghaeyo.It is quiet because it is a late night.
Example conversation
Jieun and Hyunwoo are talking about a meeting time.
- 지은 Ji-eun현우 씨, 너무 늦은 시간 아니에요?Hyeon-u ssi, neomu neujeun sigan anieyo?Hyunwoo, isn't it too late?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo죄송해요. 제가 시간을 잘못 봤어요.joesonghaeyo. jega siganeul jalmot bwasseoyo.I'm sorry. I misread the time.
- 지은 Ji-eun다음부터는 늦지 말고 빨리 오세요.daeumbuteoneun neutji malgo ppalli oseyo.Please come early and don't be late next time.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo네, 다음에는 절대 안 늦을게요.ne, da-eumeneun jeoldae an neujeulgeyo.Yes, I will definitely not be late next time.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
