Korean Dictionary
How to say "Now" in Korean
“Now” in Korean is 지금 (pronounced "jigeum").
지금
jigeum
Usage & Context
The word for now, the present moment. This is commonly used in urgent situations and immediate actions.
Example Sentence
지금 가야 해요.
I have to go now.
How to use 지금 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Now” is 지금, romanized as jigeum.
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 지금.
Pronunciation Guide
The first syllable, 지 (ji), sounds like 'jee' in 'jeep.' The second syllable, 금 (geum), sounds like 'goom' in 'groom,' but with a softer 'g' and a 'u' like in 'put.' Combine them for 'jee-goom.'
More Example Sentences
Asking someone to take immediate action or depart.
지금 바로 갈 수 있어요?
Can you go right now?
Asking for the current time in a casual setting.
지금 몇 시예요?
What time is it now?
Politely declining an immediate request due to current commitments.
지금은 좀 바빠요.
I'm a bit busy right now.
Cultural Context
지금 is a highly versatile word, often used to express urgency or the current state. It can be intensified by adding '바로' (baro, immediately) to form '지금 바로!' (Right now!). In K-dramas, you'll frequently hear characters exclaim '지금 와!' (Come now!) or '지금 말해!' (Tell me now!) when demanding immediate attention or information.
Editorial note
We review entries like 지금 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
지금 뭐 해요?
What are you doing now?
지금 갈게요.
I'll go now.
지금 괜찮아요?
Is now okay? / Are you okay now?
Related Expressions
나중에
najung-e
Later
곧
got
Soon
방금
banggeum
Just now
현재
hyeonjae
Present (more formal)
More Numbers and Time Words
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