Korean Dictionary
How to say "Later" in Korean
“Later” in Korean is 나중에 (pronounced "najung-e").
나중에
najung-e
Usage & Context
The word for later, a time in the future. This is commonly used in postponing actions and making plans.
Example Sentence
나중에 만나요.
I will meet you later.
How to use 나중에 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Later” is 나중에, romanized as najung-e.
Usage tip
Learn this word together with a complete Korean sentence. Meaning often depends on particles, politeness level, and word order.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 나중에.
Pronunciation Guide
The first syllable, 나 (na), sounds like 'nah' in 'nah-nah.' The second syllable, 중 (jung), sounds like 'joong' in 'moon' but with a 'j' sound. The final syllable, 에 (e), sounds like 'eh' in 'meh.' Combine them for 'nah-joong-eh.'
More Example Sentences
Promising to return a call when currently busy.
나중에 다시 전화할게요.
I'll call you back later.
Suggesting to postpone a conversation to a more suitable time.
나중에 얘기해요.
Let's talk later.
Warning someone about potential future consequences of their actions.
나중에 후회하지 마세요.
Don't regret it later.
Cultural Context
나중에 is a common and polite way to defer an action or conversation without outright refusing. It implies 'sometime in the future' rather than a specific, immediate time. You'll often hear it in daily interactions, such as '나중에 밥 먹자' (Let's eat later) or '나중에 봐' (See you later), especially among friends and family. It can also refer to a later stage in life or a process.
Editorial note
We review entries like 나중에 for pronunciation, example sentence fit, and learner mistakes so the page answers more than a direct dictionary lookup.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
나중에 봐요.
See you later.
나중에 만나요.
Let's meet later.
나중에 알려줄게요.
I'll let you know later.
Related Expressions
지금
jigeum
Now
곧
got
Soon
이따가
ittaga
A little later / In a bit
다음에
daeum-e
Next time
More Numbers and Time Words
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