아까 (a-kka, akka) · 방금 (bang-geum, banggeum) · 조금 전 (jo-geumjeon, jogeumjeon)
아까 (akka), 방금 (bang-geum), and 조금 전 (jogeum jeon) all refer to the past but differ in how recent or distant the event was.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
Refers to a somewhat earlier time today, not immediate past but still recent
When to use
earlier today, hours ago, after lunchtime
The nuance
아까 refers to a past time somewhat earlier than now but not immediately before; it usually indicates a past event earlier today but not just moments ago.
Refers to the immediate past, just a moment ago
When to use
seconds ago, minutes ago, immediate past event
The nuance
방금 indicates something that happened just moments ago, immediately before the current time; the event is very recent.
Between 방금 and 아까; more past than 방금 but closer than 아까
When to use
a few minutes ago, just before a meeting, recent past event
The nuance
조금 전 refers to a time slightly earlier than 방금 but more recent than 아까, typically a few to several minutes ago.
아까 점심 먹었어.
a-kka jeom-sim meok-eoss-eo., a kka jeom sim meok eoss eo.
아까 correctly refers to a past event earlier today but not immediately before now.
방금 점심 먹었어.
bang-geum jeom-sim meok-eoss-eo., bang geum jeom sim meok eoss eo.
방금 means just moments ago, so it fits eating lunch very recently.
조금 전 점심 먹었어.
jo-geum jeon jeom-sim meok-eoss-eo., jo geum jeon jeom sim meok eoss eo.
조금 전 fits a past event a few minutes ago, between 방금 and 아까.
아까 몇 초 전에 전화 왔어.
a-kka myeoch cho jeon-e jeon-hwa wass-eo., a kka myeoch cho jeon e jeon hwa wass eo.
For a few seconds ago, 방금 is correct, not 아까.
방금 몇 시간 전에 도착했어.
bang-geum myeoch si-gan jeon-e do-chak-haess-eo., bang geum myeoch si gan jeon e do chak haess eo.
방금 means immediate past, not hours ago; 아까 is correct.
조금 전 몇 초 전에 그 사람이 떠났어.
jo-geum jeon myeoch cho jeon-e geu sa-ram-i tteo-nass-eo., jo geum jeon myeoch cho jeon e geu sa ram i tteo nass eo.
For a few seconds ago, 방금 is correct, not 조금 전.
아까 몇 분 전에 회의가 끝났어.
a-kka myeoch bun jeon-e hoe-ui-ga kkeut-nass-eo., a kka myeoch bun jeon e hoe ui ga kkeut nass eo.
A few minutes ago can be 아까 or 조금 전; 아까 is natural here.
방금 몇 시간 전에 이메일을 보냈어.
bang-geum myeoch si-gan jeon-e i-me-il-eul bo-naess-eo., bang geum myeoch si gan jeon e i me il eul bo naess eo.
방금 means immediate past, not hours ago; 아까 is correct.
Which fits best? 'I met a friend ___ ago.' (a few minutes ago)
Which is incorrect? 'The call came ___ ago.' (a few seconds ago)
Which expression indicates the most recent time?
What does it mean?
