The difference between 이제 and 지금

Now (지금jigeum) we are going to learn the difference between these two very similar words.

Before I continue, it's important to bear in mind that often these two words can be used interchangeably and only sometimes is just one of them approriate. Also a dictionary will not help you to understand these words, you need to look at them in context.

• 지금 쓰고 있어요jigeum sseugo isseo-yo: I'm writing now (alt. at this point in time)
• 지금 집 있어jigeum jip isseo: I'm at home now (alt. at the moment)
• 지금 목요일이에요jigeum mog-yo-irr-i-ye-yo: It's Thursday today (alt. now)

In these sentences, now means a specific point in time, and 지금jigeum can be translated alternatively as at the moment or at this point or presently or even this year, today, this month in order to show that we are in/at a period or time.

이제ij-ae on the other hand, shows that something has started (now) and it's effects will continue in to the future. That's a little bit complicated, so have a look below:

• 이제 수업 끝났어요ij-ae su-ob ggeud-nasseo-yo: I've finished my class now (alt. from now on, my class is finished)
• 이제 더 열심히 중국어 공부 해요ij-ae deo yeol-shim-hi jung-guk-eo kong-bu hae-yo: I've been studying Chinese more studiously these days (alt. I've decided to work harder on my Chinese now)
• 이제 술 안 맛일게!i-jae sul an-mashilke!: I won't drink any more alcohol! (alt. From now on I won't drink any more alcohol)

So here 이제ij-ae adds a dimension of something continuing from the present into the future, so a consistently good translation would be: from now

And there you have it. Now (이제ijae) you understand what they mean!