요즘
yojeum[jod͡ʑɯm]
The English phrase "these days" is translated into Korean as 요즘 (yojeum).
요즘 is used to refer to the current period. It is versatile because it can function as an adverb meaning "these days" or as a noun meaning "the recent period".
Meaning: currently (adv)
What does it mean word for word?
요즘 is a contraction of 요사이. In this contraction, 요 means "this" and 사이 means "interval" or "period".
How does it change in a sentence?
To add emphasis or contrast, you can use the form 요즘에는. This is often used when contrasting the current period with the past, such as saying "In the past it was X, but these days it is Y".
How do you pronounce it?
yojeum
Did you know?
- In Korean, you can use 요즘 as a stand-alone answer to a question about how you have been. Simply saying 요즘… with a trailing voice implies that things have been complicated or stressful recently.
- While 요즘 and 요새 both mean 'these days', 요새 can also mean 'fortress' or 'stronghold' in a completely different context.
- While 요즘 is common, Koreans also use 요새 to mean 'these days'. It is an even shorter contraction of 요사이 and is often perceived as slightly more casual or colloquial.
Examples in context
- 톰은 요즘 들어 꽤 바빴다.Tom has been rather busy these days.This sentence shows how to use 요즘 to describe someone's recent state of being busy.Tatoeba #6820066 by yesjustryan, translation #6254152 by CK
- 당신의 아버님은 요즘 어떠십니까?How is your father doing these days?This sentence uses 요즘 to ask about someone's father's current well-being.Tatoeba #8355517 by Eunhee, translation #8861380 by alpucca
- 요즘에는 운동을 별로 안 해요.I don't exercise a lot these days.This sentence uses the emphatic form 요즘에는 to describe current habits.Tatoeba #961615 by Eevee, translation #1256117 by stb
- 최근에 야구를 많이 보는데, 너는 좋아해?These days, I watch a lot of baseball. Do you like it?
- 요즘은 새로운 음악 장르를 탐색하는 것에 빠져 있어.These days, I'm immersed in exploring new music genres.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are catching up over coffee.
- 도현 Do-hyeon민지 씨, 요즘 어떻게 지내요?Minji ssi, yojeum eotteoke jinaeyo?Minji, how have you been these days?
- 민지 Min-ji요즘 회사 일이 너무 많아요.yojeum hoesa iri neomu manayo.I have too much work at the office these days.
- 도현 Do-hyeon정말 힘들겠네요.jeongmal himdeulgetneyo.That must be really tough.
- 민지 Min-ji네, 그래서 주말에 쉬려고요.ne, geuraeseo jumare swiryeogoyo.Yes, so I'm planning to rest this weekend.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 요즘, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
