벌써 (beol-sseo, beolsseo) · 이미 (i-mi, imi) · 벌써부터 (beol-sseo-bu-teo, beolsseobuteo)
벌써, 이미, 벌써부터 all indicate something happened sooner than expected, but differ in timing and nuance.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
Indicates something happened earlier than expected
When to use
early completion, expressing surprise, emphasizing current time
The nuance
Used when something happened earlier than expected at past or present time, often expressing surprise or slight shock.
Indicates that something is already completed and unchangeable
When to use
completed fact, objective statement, unchangeable state
The nuance
Used to objectively state that something was completely finished in the past, with minimal emotional nuance, suitable for factual statements.
Indicates something has started or is expected to start even before the actual event
When to use
future expected action, pre-event feeling, preparation or worry
The nuance
Used when an action or feeling appears before the event starts at future or present time, often implying expectation, worry, or preparation.
벌써 영화를 다 봤어?
beol-sseo yeong-hwa-reul da bwass-eo?, beol sseo yeong hwa reul da bwass eo?
Expresses surprise that the movie was finished earlier than expected in the past.
이미 영화를 다 봤어?
i-mi yeong-hwa-reul da bwass-eo?, i mi yeong hwa reul da bwass eo?
Appropriate for objectively stating that the movie is already finished.
벌써부터 준비를 시작했어?
beol-sseo-bu-teo jun-bi-reul si-jak-haess-eo?, beol sseo bu teo jun bi reul si jak haess eo?
Indicates preparation started early before the actual event.
이미부터 준비를 시작했어?
i-mi-bu-teo jun-bi-reul si-jak-haess-eo?, i mi bu teo jun bi reul si jak haess eo?
'이미부터' is unnatural; '이미' and '부터' are not used together.
벌써 도착했어?
beol-sseo do-chak-haess-eo?, beol sseo do chak haess eo?
Expresses surprise that arrival was earlier than expected.
이미 도착했어?
i-mi do-chak-haess-eo?, i mi do chak haess eo?
Suitable for objectively confirming arrival.
벌써부터 걱정이 돼.
beol-sseo-bu-teo geok-jeong-i dwae., beol sseo bu teo geok jeong i dwae.
Indicates worry started before the event happened.
이미부터 걱정이 돼.
i-mi-bu-teo geok-jeong-i dwae., i mi bu teo geok jeong i dwae.
'이미부터' is grammatically incorrect.
Which is appropriate to express worry or preparation before an event starts?
Which word is best to objectively state a completed fact?
Which word expresses surprise at something happening earlier than expected?
What does it mean?
