Dictionary — Entry No. 0903
이미
imi · adverb
이미
imi
[EE-mee]
adverbbeginner
Meaning
Already; by now; previously. An adverb indicating that an action or state has occurred before the present moment. Used to express completion, inevitability, or the passage of time. Essential for telling stories and describing past situations.
K-Pop & K-Drama Context
One of the most frequently used adverbs in K-Drama dialogue and K-Pop lyrics. Appears in nostalgic songs by BTS and in emotional drama scenes. The word is fundamental to Korean narrative structure, used when characters realize something has already happened or changed beyond their control.
Example Sentences
이미 늦었어.
imi neujeosseo.
It’s already too late. (common K-Drama breakup line)
그는 이미 떠났다.
geuneun imi tteonnatda.
He’s already left.
우리는 이미 그걸 알고 있었다.
ulineun imi geuggeol algo issyeossdda.
We already knew that. (past realization)
⚠️ Don’t use imi when…
1) ‘이미’ suggests irrevocability or an established fact—be careful not to use it when describing ongoing actions. 2) Don’t confuse with ‘다시’ (dashi—again); imi refers to past completion, not repetition.
🎵 Heard In
- K-Drama: My Love from the Star — Cheon Song-yi says ‘이미 늦었어’ to express how the past has irreversibly shaped her present situation.
- K-Pop: BTS — ‘Spring Day’ (lyrical theme: it’s already spring, time has already passed)
ℹ️ Editorial Note: The cultural context and example usage are for educational reference only. Artist names, song titles, and drama references are used descriptively to illustrate vocabulary in context. This content is AI-assisted and reviewed for accuracy. For official information, please refer to the respective artists’ or studios’ official channels.