곧 (got) · 나중에 (na-jung-e, najunge)
곧 indicates the near future, while 나중에 refers to the distant or unspecified future.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
Indicates something happening in the near future, soon.
When to use
Immediate upcoming event, Soon-to-happen incident, Near-future appointment
The nuance
Use 곧 when referring to an event that will happen soon from the current time, usually within minutes, hours, or a few days.
Refers to something happening later, in the distant or unspecified future, not immediately.
When to use
Unspecified future, Distant future plans, Not immediate
The nuance
Use 나중에 when referring to a time later than now but not soon, often unspecified or distant future, implying 'some time after'.
곧 도착할 거예요.
got do-chak-hal geo-ye-yo., got do chak hal geo ye yo.
‘곧’ fits for arrival in the near future.
나중에 도착할 거예요.
na-jung-e do-chak-hal geo-ye-yo., na jung e do chak hal geo ye yo.
‘나중에’ is appropriate when arrival time is uncertain or distant.
곧 나중에 만나요.
got na-jung-e man-na-yo., got na jung e man na yo.
‘곧’ and ‘나중에’ differ in time frame and should not be combined.
나중에 바로 시작할게요.
na-jung-e ba-ro si-jak-hal-ge-yo., na jung e ba ro si jak hal ge yo.
‘나중에’ does not fit immediate start; ‘곧’ is correct.
회의는 곧 시작합니다.
hoe-ui-neun got si-jak-hap-ni-da., hoe ui neun got si jak hap ni da.
‘곧’ suits when the meeting starts soon.
회의는 나중에 시작합니다.
hoe-ui-neun na-jung-e si-jak-hap-ni-da., hoe ui neun na jung e si jak hap ni da.
‘나중에’ fits when meeting starts later or uncertain.
곧 나중에 전화할게요.
got na-jung-e jeon-hwa-hal-ge-yo., got na jung e jeon hwa hal ge yo.
‘곧’ and ‘나중에’ contradict in time; only one should be used.
나중에 천천히 이야기해요.
na-jung-e cheon-cheon-hi i-ya-gi-hae-yo., na jung e cheon cheon hi i ya gi hae yo.
‘나중에’ suits talking slowly at a later time.
Which word indicates the near future, 곧 or 나중에?
Which word fits best: ‘회의는 ___ 시작합니다.’?
Which word means calling immediately in ‘___ 전화할게요.’?
Which word fits ‘지금은 바쁘니 ___ 이야기해요.’?
What does it mean?
