At the A1 level, you learn '이번' (i-beon) as a simple way to talk about 'this week' or 'this month'. It is one of the first time-related words you will encounter. You will mostly use it in very short sentences to talk about your schedule. For example, '이번 주에 친구를 만나요' (I meet a friend this week). At this stage, you don't need to worry about complex grammar; just remember that '이번' goes before words like '주' (week), '달' (month), and '주말' (weekend). It's like a label that tells people you are talking about the current time. You might also hear it on the bus when the announcement says '이번 정류장' (this stop). Just think of it as the word that points to the 'now' version of a recurring time or place. It is very helpful for survival Korean because it helps you clarify when you want to meet someone or where you want to get off the bus. You should also learn the basic phrase '이번에' which means 'this time' and can be used to start many sentences about your current activities.
At the A2 level, you begin to use '이번' in more varied contexts beyond just the calendar. You will use it to talk about specific events or opportunities, such as '이번 시험' (this exam) or '이번 기회' (this opportunity). You will also start to contrast '이번' with '저번' (last time) and '다음' (next time). This allows you to describe sequences of events: '저번 시험은 어려웠지만, 이번 시험은 쉬웠어요' (The last exam was hard, but this exam was easy). You will also encounter '이번' in more natural conversational phrases like '이번에 새로 산 옷이에요' (These are clothes I bought recently/this time). You'll notice that '이번' is often used to introduce a new topic of conversation that is currently relevant. At this level, you should be careful with spacing, ensuring you write '이번 주' with a space. You also begin to understand that '이번' is a determiner, meaning it always needs to modify a noun or be followed by a particle like '-에' or '-만'.
At the B1 level, you use '이번' to handle more complex social and professional situations. You might use it in a workplace context to discuss '이번 프로젝트' (this project) or '이번 회의' (this meeting). You understand the nuance of using '이번' to focus the listener's attention on a specific matter at hand, as in '이번 일은 좀 복잡해요' (This matter is a bit complicated). You also start to use '이번' with more abstract nouns like '이번 결정' (this decision) or '이번 조치' (this measure). At this level, you can also use '이번' to express exceptions or emphasis, such as '이번만큼은 양보할 수 없어요' (I cannot yield just this once). You are becoming more aware of the difference between '이번' and '지금' or '요즘', and you can choose the correct word based on whether you are talking about a sequential turn, the immediate moment, or a general trend. Your sentences become longer and more descriptive, integrating '이번' into complex structures like '이번에 한국에 가게 되면 꼭 연락할게요' (If I go to Korea this time, I will definitely contact you).
At the B2 level, you have a sophisticated grasp of '이번' and its role in discourse. You can use it to structure arguments or narratives, referring back to the current topic with '이번 사례' (this case/example) or '이번 논의' (this discussion). You are also familiar with the formal alternative '금번' and when it is appropriate to use it, such as in business correspondence or formal presentations. You understand that '이번' can sometimes carry a subtle emotional weight, such as in '이번에도 또 늦었어?' (Are you late again this time?), where it highlights a repetitive behavior. You can also handle idiomatic uses and more complex particles, such as '이번이야말로' (this time for sure). You are able to distinguish between '이번' as a simple time marker and '이번' as a way to categorize an event within a larger series. Your use of '이번' contributes to the overall flow and cohesion of your speech and writing, making you sound much more like a native speaker who understands the rhythm of Korean communication.
At the C1 level, you use '이번' with high precision in academic, professional, and literary contexts. You understand the historical and linguistic roots of the word and how it functions as a Sino-Korean compound (此番). You can analyze how '이번' is used in legal texts or official government announcements to specify the scope of a new regulation or law ('이번 개정안' - this amendment). You are also sensitive to the stylistic choices between '이번', '금번', and '본' (this - formal) in high-level writing. You can use '이번' to create sophisticated rhetorical effects, such as contrasting the current era with the past in a philosophical discussion. You are also aware of regional variations or extremely casual slang variants like '요번'. At this level, '이번' is no longer just a vocabulary word; it is a tool for precise temporal and sequential indexing in complex discourse. You can also explain the nuances of the word to others, including its role in the Korean 'turn-taking' culture and how it reflects the speaker's perspective on time.
At the C2 level, your mastery of '이번' is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker. You use the word instinctively and perfectly in every possible context, from the most casual slang-filled conversation to the most formal academic lecture. You understand the deepest nuances of its usage, such as how it can be used to imply a sense of 'the last' or 'the final' in certain dramatic contexts ('이번이 마지막이야' - this is the last time). You are adept at using '이번' in creative writing to ground a story in a specific moment or to create a sense of recurring fate. You can navigate the subtle social hierarchies involved in choosing between '이번', '금번', and other synonyms in a corporate or diplomatic setting. You also understand how '이번' interacts with Korean prosody—how the stress and intonation on the word can change its meaning or emphasis. For you, '이번' is a versatile and essential component of the Korean language's architecture, used with effortless accuracy and stylistic flair.

이번 in 30 Sekunden

  • 이번 means 'this time' or 'the current occurrence'.
  • It is a determiner used with time nouns like week (주) and month (달).
  • It refers to the current turn in a sequence, like a bus stop.
  • It is often used as '이번에' to mean 'this time' as an adverb.

The Korean word 이번 (i-beon) is a fundamental determiner that translates to 'this' or 'this time' in English, specifically when referring to the current or immediate occurrence of an event, period, or sequence. Unlike the general demonstrative '이' (this), which can point to physical objects like '이 책' (this book), 이번 is strictly temporal or sequential. It anchors the speaker and listener in the present moment or the most relevant upcoming instance of a recurring cycle. Understanding 이번 is crucial for navigating daily schedules, making plans, and discussing current events in Korean society. It is the linguistic bridge between the past and the future, focusing entirely on the 'now' of a specific context.

Temporal Scope
It refers to the current cycle of time, such as this week (이번 주), this month (이번 달), or this year (이번 해/올해). It indicates that the period has either just started or is currently in progress.
Sequential Turn
In a series of events, it denotes the current turn or instance. For example, '이번 정류장' refers to the station the bus is currently approaching.
Immediate Future
Often used to describe plans that are about to happen, such as '이번 주말' (this weekend), even if the weekend hasn't arrived yet.

이번 시험은 정말 중요해요. (This exam is really important.)

In a broader sense, 이번 acts as a pointer. Imagine a line of people waiting for a turn; 이번 points to the person currently standing at the front. In a calendar, it circles the current block of time. It is versatile enough to be used in formal business meetings ('이번 프로젝트' - this project) and casual conversations among friends ('이번에 뭐 해?' - what are you doing this time/now?). The word is composed of '이' (this) and '번' (number/time/turn), literally meaning 'this number' or 'this turn'. This literal meaning helps learners understand why it is used for buses, trains, and sequential tasks. It is not just about time; it is about the current slot in a sequence.

이번 정류장은 강남역입니다. (This stop is Gangnam Station.)

Social Context
Using 이번 correctly shows a grasp of Korean temporal logic. It creates a shared focus between speakers on the immediate present.

Furthermore, 이번 is often used with the particle '-에' to function as an adverbial phrase meaning 'this time' or 'on this occasion'. For instance, '이번에 한국에 가요' means 'I am going to Korea this time'. Without the '-에', it functions purely as a determiner modifying the following noun. It is one of the most frequently used words in the Korean language because human interaction is so deeply rooted in the present moment and the immediate schedule.

이번 기회를 놓치지 마세요. (Don't miss this opportunity.)

Grammatically, 이번 functions as a determiner (관형사). This means its primary role is to precede and modify a noun. It cannot stand alone as a subject or object without a noun following it, or without being turned into a noun phrase via particles. Understanding the syntactic placement of 이번 is the key to natural-sounding Korean.

Modifying Time Nouns
The most common usage is modifying units of time. Examples: 이번 주 (this week), 이번 달 (this month), 이번 학기 (this semester), 이번 주말 (this weekend). Note that a space is typically required between '이번' and the noun.
As an Adverbial Phrase
When followed by the particle '에', it becomes '이번에' (this time). This is used to indicate the time when an action occurs. '이번에 새로 이사했어요' (I moved recently/this time).

이번 여름 휴가는 어디로 가요? (Where are you going for this summer vacation?)

Another important usage is in sequential contexts. When you are waiting for a bus or a subway, the announcement will say '이번 역' (this station) or '이번 열차' (this train). This refers to the one arriving right now. If you are talking about a sequence of events, like a series of games or matches, '이번 경기' refers to the current match. It is also used in abstract sequences, such as '이번 기회' (this opportunity) or '이번 일' (this matter/incident).

이번 일은 제가 책임지겠습니다. (I will take responsibility for this matter.)

In formal settings, 이번 can be replaced by '금번' (geum-beon), which has the same meaning but carries a much more professional and literary tone. However, in 95% of daily life, 이번 is the standard choice. It is also common to see 이번 used with the particle '-만' to say '이번만' (just this once/only this time). This is a very frequent expression when asking for a favor or making an exception.

이번만 도와주세요. (Please help me just this once.)

Sequential Contrast
Pairing 이번 with '저번' (last time) and '다음' (next time) allows for complete temporal navigation. '저번에는 졌지만 이번에는 이길 거예요' (We lost last time, but we will win this time).

You will hear 이번 almost everywhere in Korea, from the moment you step onto public transportation to the casual chats in a cafe. It is a 'high-frequency' word that acts as a focal point for shared attention. In the public sphere, the most iconic use is in transportation announcements. Whether on the Seoul Subway or a local bus, the voice will announce the current stop using 이번. This usage is so ubiquitous that it becomes background noise to locals, yet it is a vital piece of information for travelers.

이번 정류소는 남대문시장입니다. (This stop is Namdaemun Market.)

In the workplace, 이번 is used to delineate current projects, meetings, and deadlines. Managers might ask about '이번 주 업무' (this week's work) or '이번 분기 실적' (this quarter's performance). It helps keep the team focused on the immediate goals. In marketing and sales, you will see it on posters for '이번 달의 혜택' (this month's benefits) or '이번 기획전' (this special exhibition). It creates a sense of urgency and relevance.

Media and News
News anchors frequently use 이번 to introduce current events. '이번 사고' (this accident), '이번 선거' (this election), or '이번 태풍' (this typhoon). It distinguishes the current news from past occurrences.
Social Media
On Instagram or KakaoTalk, people use it to share what they are doing 'this time'. '이번 여행 사진' (photos from this trip) or '이번 주말 뭐해?' (what are you doing this weekend?).

이번 노래 진짜 좋다! (This song is really good! - referring to a new release)

In educational settings, teachers use it to refer to the current lesson or exam. '이번 장에서는...' (In this chapter...), '이번 시험 범위는...' (The scope for this exam is...). Students also use it to discuss their current grades or semester plans. It is deeply embedded in the rhythm of academic life. Even in sports, commentators will shout '이번 공격!' (this attack!) when a team makes a move toward the goal. The word is the ultimate 'now' marker in any sequential activity.

While 이번 is a relatively straightforward word, English speakers often make specific errors due to how 'this' is used differently in English. The most common mistake is trying to use 이번 as a general demonstrative pronoun or adjective for physical objects. In English, you can say 'this apple' or 'this person', but in Korean, you cannot say '이번 사과' or '이번 사람' unless you are specifically talking about a sequence of apples or people being presented one by one.

Mistake: Using it for objects
Incorrect: 이번 책이 재미있어요. (This book is fun - unless you mean 'the book of this series/time'). Correct: 이 책이 재미있어요.
Mistake: Confusing with '지금'
'지금' means 'now' (the exact moment). '이번' means 'this time' (the broader current instance). You can't say '이번 가요' for 'I'm going now'; you say '지금 가요'. Use '이번' when modifying a noun like '이번 주' (this week).

Wrong: 이번 커피 맛있어요. (This coffee is tasty.) -> Correct: 이 커피 맛있어요.

Another nuance involves the word for 'today' (오늘) and 'this year' (올해). While '이번 주' (this week) and '이번 달' (this month) are the standard ways to say those phrases, saying '이번 일' for 'today' is incorrect. You must use '오늘'. Similarly, while '이번 해' is technically correct, '올해' is far more common in natural speech. Using '이번 해' too often can make you sound like a textbook or a non-native speaker.

Finally, learners often forget the space between 이번 and the following noun. In Korean orthography, determiners are usually separated from the nouns they modify. Writing '이번주' without a space is technically incorrect, though very common in casual texting. For formal writing or exams like TOPIK, always include the space: '이번 주'. This reflects the word's status as an independent determiner rather than a prefix.

Correct Spacing: 이번 학기 (This semester) vs Incorrect: 이번학기.

Confusion with '저번'
Sometimes learners use '이번' when they mean 'last time'. '저번' (jeo-beon) is 'last time'. If you are talking about something that already happened in a previous turn, use '저번'.

To truly master 이번, it helps to see how it compares to its relatives and alternatives. Korean has a rich system of temporal markers that vary by formality and specific context. The most direct formal alternative is 금번 (geum-beon). While '이번' is used in daily conversation, '금번' is found in official documents, formal business emails, and news reports. It sounds very professional and slightly stiff.

금번 (Geum-beon)
The formal, Sino-Korean equivalent. Used in contexts like '금번 회의' (this meeting) in a corporate setting. It emphasizes the importance of the current instance.
요번 (Yo-beon)
A more casual, sometimes 'cute' or emphasized version of 이번. It's common in spoken Korean among close friends or family. It often carries a nuance of 'this specific time' with more emphasis.

요번에는 내가 살게! (This time, I'll pay! - casual)

Comparing 이번 with other 'this' words is also helpful. is the general demonstrative (this object), while 현재 (hyeon-jae) means 'the present' as a noun. If you want to say 'the current situation', you'd say '현재 상황' rather than '이번 상황', because '현재' refers to the state of things now, while '이번' refers to a specific instance in a sequence of situations.

이번 vs. 요즘
요즘 (yo-jeum) means 'lately' or 'these days'. Use 이번 for a specific block of time (this week) and 요즘 for a general trend (lately, I'm busy).
이번 vs. 올해/오늘
As mentioned, 올해 and 오늘 are specific nouns for this year and today. 이번 is a determiner that needs another noun (or '-에') to function.

금번 사태에 대해 깊은 유감을 표합니다. (We express deep regret regarding this current incident. - very formal)

Beispiele nach Niveau

1

이번 주에 영화를 봐요.

I watch a movie this week.

'이번 주' means 'this week'.

2

이번 달은 바빠요.

This month is busy.

'이번 달' means 'this month'.

3

이번 주말에 뭐 해요?

What are you doing this weekend?

'이번 주말' means 'this weekend'.

4

이번 역은 서울역입니다.

This station is Seoul Station.

'이번 역' means 'this station/stop'.

5

이번에 한국에 가요.

I am going to Korea this time.

'이번에' means 'this time' (adverbial).

6

이번 시험은 쉬워요.

This exam is easy.

'이번 시험' means 'this exam'.

7

이번 휴가는 짧아요.

This vacation is short.

'이번 휴가' means 'this vacation'.

8

이번 노래가 좋아요.

This song is good.

'이번 노래' means 'this song' (current one).

1

이번 기회를 놓치지 마세요.

Don't miss this opportunity.

'이번 기회' means 'this opportunity'.

2

이번에는 제가 낼게요.

This time, I will pay.

'-에는' adds emphasis to 'this time'.

3

이번 학기 성적이 좋아요.

The grades for this semester are good.

'이번 학기' means 'this semester'.

4

이번 주말에 같이 등산 가요.

Let's go hiking together this weekend.

A suggestion for 'this weekend'.

5

이번 일은 정말 죄송합니다.

I am truly sorry about this matter.

'이번 일' refers to a specific current incident.

6

이번 여행은 어디로 가고 싶어요?

Where do you want to go for this trip?

'이번 여행' means 'this trip'.

7

이번 겨울은 작년보다 추워요.

This winter is colder than last year.

Comparing 'this winter' with the past.

8

이번 프로젝트가 성공했어요.

This project was successful.

'이번 프로젝트' means 'this project'.

1

이번 결정은 신중하게 내려야 합니다.

This decision must be made carefully.

'이번 결정' refers to the current decision.

2

이번에 새로 나온 스마트폰을 샀어요.

I bought the smartphone that recently came out.

'이번에' implies 'recently/this time'.

3

이번 기회에 담배를 끊기로 했어요.

I decided to quit smoking this time (on this occasion).

'이번 기회에' means 'taking this opportunity'.

4

이번 사고의 원인은 아직 모릅니다.

The cause of this accident is not yet known.

'이번 사고' refers to the specific recent accident.

5

이번만 도와주시면 다음엔 제가 도울게요.

If you help me just this once, I'll help you next time.

'이번만' means 'just this once'.

6

이번 회의는 비대면으로 진행됩니다.

This meeting will be held virtually.

'이번 회의' means 'this meeting'.

7

이번 일로 많은 것을 배웠습니다.

I learned a lot from this matter.

'이번 일로' means 'through this incident'.

8

이번 선거에 참여하는 것이 중요합니다.

It is important to participate in this election.

'이번 선거' means 'this election'.

1

이번 조치가 경제에 미칠 영향이 큽니다.

This measure will have a significant impact on the economy.

'이번 조치' refers to a specific policy measure.

2

이번이야말로 꼭 성공하고 싶습니다.

This time for sure, I want to succeed.

'이번이야말로' adds strong emphasis on 'this time'.

3

이번 행사의 취지는 환경 보호입니다.

The purpose of this event is environmental protection.

'이번 행사' means 'this event'.

4

이번 논란은 쉽게 가라앉지 않을 것 같아요.

It seems this controversy will not die down easily.

'이번 논란' refers to the current controversy.

5

이번 연구 결과는 학계에서 주목받고 있습니다.

The results of this study are receiving attention in academia.

'이번 연구' means 'this research/study'.

6

이번에도 역시 그가 우승을 차지했습니다.

Once again this time, he took the championship.

'이번에도 역시' means 'this time as well, as expected'.

7

이번 계약을 통해 시장 점유율을 높일 것입니다.

Through this contract, we will increase our market share.

'이번 계약' means 'this contract'.

8

이번 작품은 그의 최고작으로 평가받습니다.

This work is evaluated as his masterpiece.

'이번 작품' refers to the current piece of work.

1

이번 개정안은 소상공인 보호에 초점을 맞추고 있습니다.

This amendment focuses on protecting small business owners.

'이번 개정안' refers to the current legislative amendment.

2

이번 사태의 본질을 파악하는 것이 급선무입니다.

Grasping the essence of this situation is the first priority.

'이번 사태' refers to the current situation or crisis.

3

이번 강연은 인공지능의 윤리적 문제를 다룹니다.

This lecture deals with the ethical issues of AI.

'이번 강연' means 'this lecture'.

4

이번 조사는 표본 오차 범위 내에 있습니다.

This survey is within the margin of sampling error.

'이번 조사' means 'this survey/investigation'.

5

이번 기획의 핵심은 고객 경험의 혁신입니다.

The core of this plan is the innovation of customer experience.

'이번 기획' means 'this planning/project'.

6

이번 협상은 양측의 이해관계가 첨예하게 대립하고 있습니다.

In this negotiation, the interests of both sides are sharply conflicting.

'이번 협상' means 'this negotiation'.

7

이번 판결은 향후 유사한 사건의 선례가 될 것입니다.

This ruling will serve as a precedent for similar cases in the future.

'이번 판결' means 'this court ruling'.

8

이번 전시회는 현대 미술의 흐름을 한눈에 보여줍니다.

This exhibition shows the flow of modern art at a glance.

'이번 전시회' means 'this exhibition'.

1

금번 사안은 국가 안보와 직결된 중대한 문제입니다.

This current matter is a serious issue directly linked to national security.

'금번' is a formal synonym for '이번' used in high-level contexts.

2

이번 참사의 재발 방지를 위한 근본적인 대책이 시급합니다.

Fundamental measures to prevent the recurrence of this tragedy are urgent.

'이번 참사' refers to the specific current tragedy.

3

이번 담론의 핵심은 기술 발전과 인간 소외의 상관관계입니다.

The core of this discourse is the correlation between technological progress and human alienation.

'이번 담론' means 'this discourse'.

4

이번 발굴된 유물은 삼국 시대 연구에 귀중한 자료입니다.

The artifacts excavated this time are valuable materials for the study of the Three Kingdoms period.

'이번 발굴된' describes the current excavation.

5

이번 개편을 통해 조직의 효율성을 극대화하고자 합니다.

Through this reorganization, we intend to maximize organizational efficiency.

'이번 개편' means 'this reorganization'.

6

이번 사태가 장기화될 경우 심각한 타격이 예상됩니다.

If this situation is prolonged, a serious blow is expected.

'이번 사태' refers to the current crisis.

7

이번 수상은 그동안의 노고를 인정받은 결과입니다.

This award is the result of recognition for past hard work.

'이번 수상' means 'this winning of an award'.

8

이번 시도는 기존의 틀을 깨는 혁신적인 접근입니다.

This attempt is an innovative approach that breaks existing frameworks.

'이번 시도' means 'this attempt'.

Häufige Kollokationen

이번 주
이번 달
이번 기회
이번 시험
이번 정류장
이번 학기
이번 일
이번 주말
이번 경기
이번 노래

Häufige Phrasen

이번에

— This time (used as an adverbial phrase). It often introduces a new current action.

이번에 새로 이사했어요. (I moved recently/this time.)

이번만

— Just this once. Used when asking for a favor or making an exception.

이번만 봐주세요. (Please let it slide just this once.)

이번에도

— This time as well. Used when something happens again in the current turn.

이번에도 그가 1등을 했어요. (He took first place this time too.)

이번이야말로

— This time for sure. Expresses strong determination.

이번이야말로 다이어트에 성공할 거예요. (This time for sure, I will succeed in my diet.)

이번만큼은

— At least this time. Similar to '이번만' but with slightly more emphasis on contrast.

이번만큼은 제 말을 들어주세요. (Please listen to me at least this time.)

이번 기회에

— Taking this opportunity. Used when deciding to do something because the chance arose.

이번 기회에 영어를 배우기로 했어요. (I decided to learn English taking this opportunity.)

이번 주 중으로

— Sometime during this week. Used for deadlines or appointments.

이번 주 중으로 연락드릴게요. (I will contact you sometime this week.)

이번 일로 인해

— Due to this matter/incident. Used to explain the cause of a situation.

이번 일로 인해 계획이 변경되었습니다. (The plan was changed due to this matter.)

이번 차례

— This turn. Used in games or when waiting in line.

이번 차례는 누구예요? (Whose turn is it this time?)

이번 해

— This year. A less common but correct alternative to '올해'.

이번 해에는 목표를 꼭

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