이번
ibeon[ibʌ̹n]
In Korean, "this time" is expressed as 이번 (ibeon).
이번 is used to refer to the present occasion, the current moment or a specific current period. It is also used to refer to the current period, such as 'this week' (이번 주) or 'this month' (이번 달).
Meaning: now, today, on this occasion (noun)
Which one should you use?
Additionally, adding the particle 는 to 이번 creates the form 이번에는, which is frequently used to contrast 'this time' with previous times.
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding the particle 는 to 이번 creates the form 이번에는. This version is frequently used to contrast 'this time' with previous times.
How do you pronounce it?
ibeon
Did you know?
- The syllable 번 in 이번 comes from the Chinese character 番, which originally described a rotation of duty. This historical link to a sequence or 'turn' is why it is used to count occurrences.
- Koreans use 이번 to define large blocks of time, such as 'this spring' (이번 봄) or 'this year' (이번 해), which is a broader application than the English 'this time'.
- In certain contexts, 이번 can refer to the very next item on a schedule, acting as a synonym for 'the upcoming' rather than just 'the present'.
Examples in context
- 보통 영화를 볼 때 팝콘이랑 코카콜라를 먹는데 이번엔 사탕을 먹으려해.Normally I eat popcorn and drink Coke when I watch a movie, but this time I'll eat candy.This sentence shows how to contrast your normal habits with a different choice made 이번.Tatoeba #3718363 by Eunhee, translation #4590004 by LeeSooHa
- 이번 회의에서 중요한 결정을 내릴 것입니다.We will make an important decision at this meeting.
- 이번 차례에는 당신이 할 일이 있습니다.This time, you have something to do.
- 이번에 영화 볼까요?Shall we watch a movie this time?
- 이번 시험은 정말 어려웠어요.ibeon siheomeun jeongmal eoryeowosseoyo.This exam was really difficult.
- 이번 여행은 아주 즐거웠습니다.ibeon yeohaeng-eun aju jeulgeowotseumnida.This trip was very enjoyable.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their recent vacation.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo이번 여행은 어땠어요?ibeon yeohaeng-eun eottaesseoyo?How was this trip?
- 서연 Seo-yeon정말 최고였어요, 현우 씨.jeongmal choegoyeosseoyo, hyeon-u ssi.It was truly the best, Hyunwoo.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo서연 씨도 즐거웠다니 다행이네요.seoyeon ssido jeulgeowatdani dahaeng-ineyo.I'm glad you enjoyed it too, Seoyeon.
- 서연 Seo-yeon네, 다음에 또 가고 싶어요.ne, da-eume tto gago sipeoyo.Yes, I want to go again next time.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “this time” translations and entries 이번, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 이번, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
