지금은 아니야
jigeumeun aniya
The English phrase "not now" is expressed in Korean as 지금은 아니야 (jigeumeun aniya).
This phrase is used to communicate that the current moment is not a convenient or appropriate time for a specific action or situation.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 지금은 아니야 is composed of 지금 (now), the topic marker 은 (as for/even) and 아니야 (is not).
Which one should you use?
The inclusion of the particle 은 in 지금은 serves to emphasize that while 'now' is not the right time, a different time might be.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For more polite situations, you can use the formal version 지금은 아니에요. If you are in a professional setting or delivering a public speech, the highly formal version 지금은 아닙니다 is used. Additionally, 지금은 좀 어려워요 is a formal way to convey that the present moment is inconvenient or challenging.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form 지금은 아닙니다 is the highly formal version used in professional settings or public speeches.
How do you pronounce it?
jigeumeun aniya
Did you know?
- While 지금은 아니야 translates to 'not now', Koreans often express the same sentiment by saying 나중에 meaning 'later'. This focuses on the future possibility rather than the current rejection.
- The phrase 지금은 아니야 can be used as a romantic trope in K-dramas to create tension, often signaling that a character is not yet ready to confess their feelings.
- In Korean culture, saying 지금은 아니야 directly can sometimes feel too blunt. People often add the word 좀 meaning 'a little' to soften the refusal and avoid sounding rude.
Examples in context
- 지금은 아니에요. 다른 시간에 알려드릴게요.Not now. I'll let you know at another time.
- 지금은 좀 어려워요. 다음에 연락 드릴게요.It's a bit difficult right now. I'll contact you later.
- 지금은 아니야. 좀 뒤에 알려줄 테니까.Not now. I'll let you know later.
- 지금은 좀 힘들어. 나중에 연락해 줄게.It's a bit tough right now. I'll contact you later.
- 지금은 아니야, 나중에 얘기하자.jigeum-eun aniya, najunge yaegihaja.Not now, let's talk later.
- 미안, 지금은 아니야.mian, jigeum-eun aniya.Sorry, not now.
- 그건 지금은 아니야.geugeon jigeum-eun aniya.That is not for right now.
Example conversation
Seoyeon is studying and Dohyun wants to play a game.
- 서연 Seo-yeon도현아, 같이 게임할래?Dohyeon-a, gachi geimhallae?Dohyun, do you want to play a game together?
- 도현 Do-hyeon지금은 아니야. 숙제하고 있어.jigeumeun aniya. sukjehago isseo.Not now. I'm doing my homework.
- 서연 Seo-yeon그럼 언제 가능해?geureom eonje ganeunghae?Then when are you free?
- 도현 Do-hyeon한 시간 뒤에 하자.han sigan dwie haja.Let's do it in an hour.
