곧 (got)
곧 (got) is an adverb indicating something happening soon or nearby. Common in daily speech and writing.
Core meaning and shades learners miss.
곧 (got) is an adverb meaning 'soon', 'directly', or 'immediately', indicating temporal or spatial closeness.
Nuances
When to use
daily conversation, business email, news article
In context
곧 usually appears at the beginning or middle of a sentence to emphasize temporal or spatial proximity. It is natural in both formal and informal contexts.
곧 비가 올 거예요.
got bi-ga ol geo-ye-yo., got bi ga ol geo ye yo.
Correct use indicating near future in time.
그는 곧 집에 갔어요.
geu-neun got jip-e gass-eo-yo., geu neun got jip e gass eo yo.
‘곧’ is properly used to mean ‘immediately’.
곧 옆에 앉아 있어요.
got yeop-e an-a iss-eo-yo., got yeop e an a iss eo yo.
Natural expression showing spatial closeness.
나는 곧바로 출발했어요.
na-neun got-ba-ro chul-bal-haess-eo-yo., na neun got ba ro chul bal haess eo yo.
‘곧바로’ similarly expresses immediate action.
곧바로 내일 만나요.
got-ba-ro nae-il man-na-yo., got ba ro nae il man na yo.
‘곧바로’ is unnatural combined with ‘tomorrow’ in time.
곧이 아니고 멀어요.
got-i a-ni-go meol-eo-yo., got i a ni go meol eo yo.
‘곧이’ is a non-existent expression.
곧 전화해 주세요.
got jeon-hwa-hae ju-se-yo., got jeon hwa hae ju se yo.
Natural request indicating near future.
What is the correct meaning of '곧'?
What does ‘곧’ mean in this sentence? ‘곧 비가 올 거예요.’
Which sentence uses ‘곧’ incorrectly?
