현재형 (hyeon-jae-hyeong, hyeonjaehyeong) · 과거형 (gwa-geo-hyeong, gwageohyeong)
Present tense describes actions happening now or habitual actions, while past tense indicates completed actions.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
Verb form expressing actions or states happening now or habitually
When to use
Current action, Habitual action, General fact
The nuance
Use present tense to express actions occurring at the current moment, habitual actions, or general truths.
Verb form indicating actions or states completed in the past
When to use
Completed action, Past event, Finished state
The nuance
Use past tense to describe actions or events that happened and finished in the past.
나는 지금 밥을 먹어요.
na-neun ji-geum bap-eul meok-eo-yo., na neun ji geum bap eul meok eo yo.
Present tense '먹어요' properly indicates an action happening now.
나는 지금 밥을 먹었어요.
na-neun ji-geum bap-eul meok-eoss-eo-yo., na neun ji geum bap eul meok eoss eo yo.
Past tense '먹었어요' cannot describe an action happening right now.
매일 아침에 운동해요.
mae-il a-chim-e un-dong-hae-yo., mae il a chim e un dong hae yo.
Present tense suits habitual actions like daily exercise.
매일 아침에 운동했어요.
mae-il a-chim-e un-dong-haess-eo-yo., mae il a chim e un dong haess eo yo.
Past tense cannot describe habitual actions without a specific past timeframe.
어제 친구를 만났어요.
eo-je chin-gu-reul man-nass-eo-yo., eo je chin gu reul man nass eo yo.
Past tense '만났어요' correctly describes an event that happened yesterday.
어제 친구를 만나요.
eo-je chin-gu-reul man-na-yo., eo je chin gu reul man na yo.
Present tense '만나요' cannot describe a past event.
물이 100도에서 끓어요.
mul-i 100do-e-seo kkeul-eo-yo., mul i 100do e seo kkeul eo yo.
Present tense expresses unchanging facts like scientific truths.
물이 100도에서 끓었어요.
mul-i 100do-e-seo kkeul-eoss-eo-yo., mul i 100do e seo kkeul eoss eo yo.
Past tense cannot express general facts, only specific past events.
Which sentence should use present tense?
Which sentence requires past tense?
Which form fits '물이 100도에서 끓___'?
