아직 (a-jik, ajik) · 벌써 (beol-sseo, beolsseo) · 이제 (i-je, ije)
아직 (ajik), 벌써 (beolsseo), and 이제 (ije) all relate to time, but 아직 indicates something not yet done by expected time, 벌써 shows earlier-than-expected completion, and 이제 emphasizes a changed current moment.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
Indicates something has not been completed by the expected time
When to use
Ongoing action, Negative incomplete emphasis, Asking questions
The nuance
아직 is mainly used in negative or interrogative sentences to emphasize that the expected time has not yet arrived.
Indicates something has been completed earlier than expected
When to use
Earlier-than-expected completion, Expressing surprise in affirmative, Emphasizing elapsed time
The nuance
벌써 is used in affirmative sentences to emphasize surprise or earlier-than-expected completion.
Indicates a changed current moment or new beginning
When to use
New beginning, Current moment after change, Emphasizing decision or change
The nuance
이제 emphasizes the current moment after a change, highlighting a new state contrasting with the past.
아직 숙제를 안 했어요.
a-jik suk-je-reul an haess-eo-yo., a jik suk je reul an haess eo yo.
아직 is appropriate in negative sentences to indicate incomplete action.
아직 숙제를 다 했어요.
a-jik suk-je-reul da haess-eo-yo., a jik suk je reul da haess eo yo.
아직 indicates incompletion, so it is unnatural in affirmative sentences; use 벌써 instead.
벌써 점심 시간이 지났어요.
beol-sseo jeom-sim si-gan-i ji-nass-eo-yo., beol sseo jeom sim si gan i ji nass eo yo.
벌써 is suitable to emphasize an earlier-than-expected or elapsed time.
벌써 숙제를 안 했어요.
beol-sseo suk-je-reul an haess-eo-yo., beol sseo suk je reul an haess eo yo.
벌써 is used in affirmative sentences, so it is awkward with negatives; use 아직 instead.
이제 출발해도 돼요.
i-je chul-bal-hae-do dwae-yo., i je chul bal hae do dwae yo.
이제 is appropriate to indicate a new beginning or changed current moment.
이제 숙제를 안 했어요.
i-je suk-je-reul an haess-eo-yo., i je suk je reul an haess eo yo.
이제 highlights new states or changes, so it is inappropriate with negative incomplete states.
아직도 기다리고 있어요.
a-jik-do gi-da-ri-go iss-eo-yo., a jik do gi da ri go iss eo yo.
아직도 is an emphatic form of 아직, indicating ongoing action.
벌써 다 끝났어요?
beol-sseo da kkeut-nass-eo-yo?, beol sseo da kkeut nass eo yo?
벌써 fits interrogative sentences expressing surprise at early completion.
Which word indicates 'earlier-than-expected completion'?
Which adverb fits 'I haven't done my homework yet'?
What does '이제' emphasize in 'I will leave now'?
What does it mean?
