지금까지
jigeumkkaji
The English phrase "so far" can be translated into Korean as 지금까지 (jigeumkkaji). Wiktionary also lists 여태 (yeotae).
Meaning: until now, previously, yet (adv)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 지금까지 | jigeumkkaji | |
| 여태 | yeotae | [jʌ̹tʰɛ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [jʌ̹tʰe̞] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
The phrase is used to mean "until now", "previously" or "yet".
What does it mean word for word?
지금까지 is a compound of 지금, meaning "now" and 까지, meaning "until" or "up to".
Which one should you use?
While 지금까지 is a neutral way to say "until now", 여태 often carries a nuance of surprise or frustration that something has continued in a certain state for a long time (e.g., 'Why are you still sleeping?').
How does it change in a sentence?
In a sentence, 지금까지 typically functions as an adverb and is placed before the verb or the clause it modifies.
How do you pronounce it?
jigeumkkaji
Did you know?
- The particle 까지 can also be used for physical distance, making it possible to use the same word for 'until now' and 'up to this point' on a map.
- In highly formal settings, 지금까지 may be replaced by 금일까지 when referring specifically to 'up until today' in a business or legal deadline context.
- The word 여태 is believed to be a native Korean term and is likely related to 이때, meaning 'this time'.
Examples in context
- 이 프로젝트는 현재까지 원활하게 진행되고 있습니다. (I peurojekteuneun hyeonjaekkaji wonhamhage jinhaengdoego isseumnida.)This project has been smoothly progressing so far.
- 여태까지 같이 여행하며 좋은 시간을 보내 왔어. (Yeotaekkaji gachi yeohaenghamyeo joheun siganeul bonaewasseo.)We've been having a great time together so far during the trip.
- 지금까지는 괜찮아요.So far, it is okay.
- 지금까지 아무 일도 없었어요.jigeumkkaji amu ildo eopseosseoyo.Nothing has happened so far.
- 지금까지 다 읽었어요?jigeumkkaji da ilgeosseoyo?Have you read everything so far?
Example conversation
Minji asks Dohyun about his progress on a project at work.
- 민지 Min-ji도현 씨, 지금까지 다 했어요?Dohyun-ssi, jigeumkkaji da haesseoyo?Dohyun, have you finished everything so far?
- 도현 Do-hyeon아니요, 아직 많이 남았어요.Aniyo, ajik mani namasseoyo.No, there is still a lot left.
- 민지 Min-ji힘들면 제가 도와줄까요?Himdeulmyeon jega dowajulkkayo?Shall I help you if it's difficult?
- 도현 Do-hyeon정말요? 도와주면 너무 고맙죠.Jeongmalyo? Dowajumyeon neomu gomtapjyo.Really? If you help me, I'd be so grateful.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “so far” translations and entries 여태, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 여태, CC BY-SA 4.0.
