지금 당장
jigeum dangjang
The English phrase "right now" can be translated into Korean as 지금 당장 (jigeum dangjang).
지금 당장 is used to express urgency, a command or a strict limitation on time. While the common and versatile term for "now" is 지금, adding 당장 emphasizes that an action must happen immediately.
Meaning: at this precise moment (adv)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 지금, meaning "now" and 당장, meaning "immediately" or "at once".
Which one should you use?
지금 당장 is more urgent than the simpler 지금 (now), as it emphasizes the immediate necessity of an action.
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding the topic marker '는' to the phrase creates 지금 당장은, which translates to "as for right now". This form is often used to imply that while a certain situation is true at this precise moment, it may change in the future.
How do you pronounce it?
jigeum dangjang
Did you know?
- The word 당장 is rooted in the concept of being 'at the proper place' or 'at the scene'.
- In a social context, using 지금 당장 to ask someone to do something can make a request sound like a strict command or an order.
Examples in context
- 지금 당장은 대화할 시간이 없네.I really can't talk right now.This sentence shows how to express that one lacks the time to talk using 지금 당장.Tatoeba #8358077 by Eunhee, translation #2390796 by CK
- 지금 당장 밖으로 나가는 것은 위험하다.It's dangerous to go outside right now.This sentence uses 지금 당장 to describe a dangerous situation regarding going outside.Tatoeba #5526642 by raining211, translation #3821947 by CK
- 난 지금 당장은 톰한테 물어볼 수 없어.I can't ask Tom right now.This sentence uses 지금 당장 to explain an inability to ask someone a question at the moment.Tatoeba #8360539 by Eunhee, translation #2301876 by CK
- 네, 지금 확인해보겠습니다.Yes, let me check right now.
- 네, 지금 읽고 있어.Yes, I'm reading it right now.
Example conversation
A colleague asks for help with a task in the office.
- 도현 Do-hyeon서연 씨, 이것 좀 도와줄 수 있어요?Seoyeon ssi, igeot jom dowa-jul su isseoyo?Seoyeon, can you help me with this?
- 서연 Seo-yeon미안해요, 지금 당장 회의에 가야 해요.Mian-haeyo, jigeum dangjang hoeie gaya haeyo.I'm sorry, I have to go to a meeting right now.
- 도현 Do-hyeon그럼 언제쯤 가능할까요?Geureom eonje-jjeum ganeung-halkkayo?Then when might you be available?
- 서연 Seo-yeon한 시간 뒤에 다시 오세요.Han sigan dwie dasi oseyo.Please come back in an hour.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 당장, 지금, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
