과거 (gwa-geo, gwageo) · 현재 (hyeon-jae, hyeonjae) · 미래 (mi-rae, mirae)
과거(gwageo), 현재(hyeonjae), 미래(mirae) indicate time flow but differ by reference point and usage context.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
Refers to time or events that have already passed.
When to use
Talking about past events, Historical events, Recollections
The nuance
Use 과거 to talk about events or states that happened before the current moment. Do not confuse with present or future.
Indicates the current moment or state in time.
When to use
Describing current situation, Expressing current state, Ongoing actions now
The nuance
Use 현재 to indicate the exact moment of speaking. It contrasts with past and future.
Refers to future time or events that have not yet occurred.
When to use
Predictions or plans, Upcoming events, Mentioning future time
The nuance
Use 미래 to talk about events or states that will happen after the present moment, distinct from past and present.
나는 어제 과거의 사진을 봤다.
na-neun eo-je gwa-geo-ui sa-jin-eul bwass-da., na neun eo je gwa geo ui sa jin eul bwass da.
과거 is appropriate for referring to events that already happened.
나는 과거에 지금 공부하고 있다.
na-neun gwa-geo-e ji-geum gong-bu-ha-go iss-da., na neun gwa geo e ji geum gong bu ha go iss da.
The sentence confuses past and present time; 현재 should be used.
현재 우리는 회의 중이다.
hyeon-jae u-ri-neun hoe-ui jung-i-da., hyeon jae u ri neun hoe ui jung i da.
현재 correctly indicates the current moment.
미래에 나는 어제 여행을 갈 것이다.
mi-rae-e na-neun eo-je yeo-haeng-eul gal geos-i-da., mi rae e na neun eo je yeo haeng eul gal geos i da.
Mixing future and past times makes the sentence incorrect.
미래에는 기술이 더 발전할 것이다.
mi-rae-e-neun gi-sul-i deo bal-jeon-hal geos-i-da., mi rae e neun gi sul i deo bal jeon hal geos i da.
미래 is suitable for talking about future events.
과거는 지금 일어나고 있다.
gwa-geo-neun ji-geum il-eo-na-go iss-da., gwa geo neun ji geum il eo na go iss da.
과거 cannot be used with present continuous actions.
현재 기분이 좋다.
hyeon-jae gi-bun-i joh-da., hyeon jae gi bun i joh da.
현재 properly describes the current state.
나는 미래에 친구를 만났다.
na-neun mi-rae-e chin-gu-reul man-nass-da., na neun mi rae e chin gu reul man nass da.
Confusing future with past tense makes the sentence wrong.
Which sentence correctly uses 과거?
When is it correct to use 현재?
Which sentence correctly uses 미래?
