언제부터
eonjebuteo
The English phrase 'since when' is translated into Korean as 언제부터 (eonjebuteo).
언제부터 is used to ask about the starting point of a situation or state. Like in English, it can be used to ask a genuine question about when something began or it can be used to express skepticism and disbelief.
Meaning: from what time (adv)
What does it mean word for word?
This phrase is composed of 언제, meaning 'when' and the particle 부터, which means 'from' or 'since'.
How does it change in a sentence?
To use 언제부터 in a complete sentence as a question, you must attach a verb or a polite ending, such as -예요? (is it?). For instance, 언제부터예요? means 'Since when is it?'
How do you pronounce it?
eonjebuteo
Did you know?
- The particle 부터 can be used to prioritize people or things over time, such as saying 나부터 to mean 'me first' or 'starting with me'.
- The word 언제 can function as both 'when' and 'anytime'. Depending on the context, it can shift from a specific question in 언제부터 to a general statement meaning 'whenever'.
- If you want to sound more rhythmic or emphatic when expressing disbelief, you can stretch out the syllable 부 in 언제부터, creating a longer, flatter sound that signals sarcasm more effectively than a quick question.
Examples in context
- 언제부터 한국어를 배우셨어요?Since when have you been learning Korean?
- 언제부터인지 전혀 기억이 안 나요.I can't recall since when exactly.
- 얼마나 됐어?Since when (did this happen)?
- 얼마 전부터야?Since when (have you known)?
- 언제부터 한국어를 배웠어요?Since when (how long) have you been learning Korean?
- 언제부터 비가 오기 시작했죠?eonje-buteo biga ogi sijak-haetjyo?Since when did it start raining?
- 언제부터 여기 있었어요?eonje-buteo yeogi isseosseoyo?Since when have you been here?
Example conversation
Minjun and Jieun are discussing a new hobby.
- 민준 Min-jun지은 씨, 한국어 공부해요?Jieun ssi, hangugeo gongbuhaeyo?Jieun, are you studying Korean?
- 지은 Ji-eun네, 요즘 공부하고 있어요.ne, yojeum gongbuhago isseoyo.Yes, I am studying these days.
- 민준 Min-jun언제부터 공부하기 시작했어요?eonjebuteo gongbuhagi sijakaesseoyo?Since when did you start studying?
- 지은 Ji-eun지난달부터 시작했어요.jinandalbuteo sijakaesseoyo.I started from last month.
