곧 (got) · 머지않아 (meo-ji-an-a, meojiana)
Both 곧 and 머지않아 indicate the near future, but 곧 implies more immediacy while 머지않아 suggests some time remains before the event.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
Indicates something happening very soon or immediately in the near future
When to use
Immediate occurrence, Urgent notification, Scheduled imminent arrival
The nuance
곧 points to a very near future from the present moment, emphasizing immediacy or urgency.
Indicates that something will happen after a short while, with slightly more time than 곧
When to use
Near future prediction, Time allowance exists, Relatively relaxed notification
The nuance
머지않아 is used when there is slightly more time left than 곧, but still refers to the near future.
곧 비가 올 거예요.
got bi-ga ol geo-ye-yo., got bi ga ol geo ye yo.
Expresses that rain will come very soon, emphasizing immediacy.
머지않아 비가 올 거예요.
meo-ji-an-a bi-ga ol geo-ye-yo., meo ji an a bi ga ol geo ye yo.
Indicates rain will come in the near future but with slightly more time than 곧.
곧 점심 먹으러 갈 거예요.
got jeom-sim meok-eu-reo gal geo-ye-yo., got jeom sim meok eu reo gal geo ye yo.
Clearly indicates plans to eat lunch immediately soon.
머지않아 점심 먹으러 갈 거예요.
meo-ji-an-a jeom-sim meok-eu-reo gal geo-ye-yo., meo ji an a jeom sim meok eu reo gal geo ye yo.
Naturally expresses that lunch time is a bit later than 곧.
곧 머지않아 도착할 거예요.
got meo-ji-an-a do-chak-hal geo-ye-yo., got meo ji an a do chak hal geo ye yo.
Using both consecutively is redundant and unnatural.
머지않아 곧 끝낼게요.
meo-ji-an-a got kkeut-nael-ge-yo., meo ji an a got kkeut nael ge yo.
The order is unnatural and confusing.
곧 출발할 준비를 하세요.
got chul-bal-hal jun-bi-reul ha-se-yo., got chul bal hal jun bi reul ha se yo.
Suitable for requesting immediate readiness to depart.
머지않아 출발할 준비를 하세요.
meo-ji-an-a chul-bal-hal jun-bi-reul ha-se-yo., meo ji an a chul bal hal jun bi reul ha se yo.
머지않아 implies some time remains; not suitable for immediate readiness demand.
Which expresses stronger immediacy, 곧 or 머지않아?
Which word best fits 'after a short time has passed'?
Why is '곧 출발할 준비를 하세요' natural?
What does it mean?
