어제 (eo-je, eoje)
어제 (eoje) means 'yesterday,' the day before today. It's very common in daily Korean.
Core meaning and shades learners miss.
어제 (eoje) means 'yesterday,' referring to the day immediately before today.
Nuances
When to use
daily conversation, writing diary, news reporting
In context
어제 functions as a time adverb in sentences, specifying when an action or state occurred. It is used naturally in both formal and informal contexts.
어제 친구를 만났어요.
eo-je chin-gu-reul man-nass-eo-yo., eo je chin gu reul man nass eo yo.
'어제' correctly indicates the day before today and fits naturally with the past tense verb 'met'.
어제는 날씨가 정말 좋았어요.
eo-je-neun nal-ssi-ga jeong-mal joh-ass-eo-yo., eo je neun nal ssi ga jeong mal joh ass eo yo.
'어제' clearly marks the time for the past weather condition.
내일 어제 갈 거예요.
nae-il eo-je gal geo-ye-yo., nae il eo je gal geo ye yo.
'어제' means past day, so it cannot be used with future time '내일'.
어제 밥을 먹어요.
eo-je bap-eul meok-eo-yo., eo je bap eul meok eo yo.
'먹어요' is present tense but '어제' refers to past, so tense mismatch.
What time does 어제 refer to?
Which sentence is correct?
