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A1 noun 8 min read

모레

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 모레 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 모레 in your Level:

At the A1 level, '모레' is taught as a basic vocabulary word for time. Learners focus on its literal meaning, 'the day after tomorrow.' It is used in simple sentences to make plans, such as '모레 만나요' (Let's meet the day after tomorrow). The goal is to distinguish it from '오늘' (today) and '내일' (tomorrow). Learners should be able to identify which day of the week '모레' refers to if given today's date. For example, if today is Monday, the student should know '모레' is Wednesday. At this stage, grammar is kept simple, usually pairing the word with basic present or future tense polite endings like '-아요/어요' or '-ㄹ 거예요.'

A2 learners begin to use '모레' in more varied contexts, such as describing schedules or simple sequences of events. They learn to combine it with other time markers like '모레 아침' (the day after tomorrow morning) or '모레 저녁' (the day after tomorrow evening). They also start to understand the use of particles like '-부터' (from) and '-까지' (until) with '모레.' For instance, '모레부터 시험이에요' (The exams start from the day after tomorrow). The distinction between '모레' and '내일모레' is introduced, helping students understand that '내일모레' can be used more loosely to mean 'very soon.'

At the B1 level, students use '모레' in complex sentences and narrative contexts. They can discuss hypothetical situations or reasons for choosing '모레' over another day. For example, '내일은 바쁘니까 모레 만나는 게 어때요?' (Since I'm busy tomorrow, how about meeting the day after tomorrow?). Learners are expected to handle various speech levels (formal, polite, casual) when using this word. They also become more comfortable with the word's role as a noun in subject positions, such as '모레는 공휴일이라서 학교에 안 가요' (Since the day after tomorrow is a public holiday, I don't go to school).

B2 learners understand the nuanced and idiomatic uses of '모레.' They can use '내일모레' to express the feeling of time passing quickly or the proximity of a life stage (e.g., '내일모레면 마흔이에요' - I'll be forty before I know it). They are also aware of the less common Hanja-based synonyms like '후명일' and can understand them in formal reading materials. At this level, students can participate in detailed planning discussions, using '모레' as a precise tool for project management or social coordination, and can explain the logic of their timing using advanced connectors like '-다 보니' or '-느라고.'

C1 learners have a near-native grasp of '모레.' they can use it in professional, academic, and literary contexts. They understand how the word functions in various dialects and its historical evolution. In literature, they can interpret the use of '모레' as a symbol of hope or impending doom, depending on the narrative. They are also adept at using the word in persuasive speech, such as '모레까지는 반드시 해결해야 할 문제입니다' (This is a problem that must be resolved by the day after tomorrow). Their usage is characterized by perfect tense agreement and a natural sense of when to use the word versus a specific date.

At the C2 level, the learner's use of '모레' is indistinguishable from a native speaker. They can discuss the linguistic nuances of temporal expressions in Korean compared to other languages. They are familiar with archaic or highly specialized terms for days even further in the future (like '나흘') and how they relate to '모레.' They can use '모레' in high-level wordplay, puns, or complex metaphors. Their understanding includes the cultural weight of time in Korean society, and they can navigate the most subtle social nuances involving scheduling and politeness related to future commitments.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

모레 in 30 Seconds

모레 means 'the day after tomorrow' and is a native Korean word used for planning and scheduling.
It acts as both a noun and an adverb, usually placed at the beginning of a sentence.
It is essential for A1 learners to master basic time-related conversations and social interactions.
Commonly confused with '내일모레', which can mean 'very soon' or 'around that time'.

The Korean word 모레 (more) is a fundamental temporal noun and adverb that translates to "the day after tomorrow" in English. In the rhythmic cycle of Korean daily life, where scheduling and social harmony are paramount, understanding the sequence of days is essential. Unlike English, which often relies on the three-word phrase "day after tomorrow," Korean utilizes this concise, two-syllable native word to pinpoint the second day from the present. It functions as a temporal anchor, allowing speakers to project plans, deadlines, and expectations into the immediate future without ambiguity. Whether you are booking a hair appointment in Seoul, planning a study session with classmates, or anticipating a package delivery, 모레 is the word that bridges the gap between the immediate tomorrow and the upcoming week.

Temporal Position: It represents the day that follows 내일 (tomorrow). If today is Monday, 모레 is Wednesday.
Syntactic Versatility: It acts as both a noun (the subject of a sentence) and an adverb (modifying the timing of an action), often appearing without particles like '에' in casual speech.

우리 모레 점심 같이 먹을까요? (Shall we have lunch together the day after tomorrow?)

In Korean culture, time is often perceived through the lens of relationships. Using 모레 instead of a specific date (like "March 15th") can feel more personal and immediate in conversational contexts. It suggests a proximity that keeps the momentum of a conversation going. Furthermore, the word is part of a larger linguistic set: 오늘 (today), 내일 (tomorrow), 모레 (day after tomorrow), and 글피 (two days after tomorrow). While 글피 is becoming less common among younger generations, 모레 remains a pillar of the language. It is also frequently combined into 내일모레, which literally means "tomorrow or the day after," but is colloquially used to mean "very soon" or "in the very near future."

From a grammatical standpoint, 모레 is straightforward. It does not require complex conjugation changes to the surrounding words, but it does dictate the tense of the verb. Since it refers to a future time, the verb following it should typically be in the future tense (-(으)ㄹ 거예요) or the present continuous used as a future (하고 있어요). Understanding this word is a significant milestone for A1 learners because it allows for the transition from simple "today" statements to more complex scheduling and planning, which is the heart of functional communication in any language.

Using 모레 correctly involves placing it within the sentence to establish a clear future timeframe. In Korean, temporal adverbs like 모레 usually appear at the beginning of a sentence or right before the verb to emphasize when the action will occur. Unlike English, where "the day after tomorrow" often trails at the end of a sentence, Korean preferences usually place time markers early to set the scene. This structural difference is key for English speakers to master for natural-sounding speech.

Sentence Starter: Starting with 모레 sets the context immediately. Example: "모레는 제 생일이에요." (The day after tomorrow is my birthday.)
Adverbial Use: Using it to modify a verb without particles. Example: "모레 부산에 가요." (I am going to Busan the day after tomorrow.)

시험이 모레 시작됩니다. (The exam begins the day after tomorrow.)

One of the most common ways to see 모레 in action is in the context of appointments. Koreans value punctuality and clear communication regarding time. You might hear a receptionist say, "모레 오후 두 시는 어떠세요?" (How about 2 PM the day after tomorrow?). In this instance, 모레 provides a specific window. It can also be used with the particle '-부터' (from) to indicate a starting point: "모레부터 방학이에요" (Vacation starts from the day after tomorrow). This shows how the word acts as a concrete point on a timeline. It is also important to note that while '모레에' (at/on the day after tomorrow) is grammatically acceptable, native speakers almost always drop the '에' for brevity and flow.

In more complex sentences, 모레 can be combined with other time markers. For example, "모레 아침 일찍" (early the day after tomorrow morning). This stacking of time descriptors allows for precise logistical planning. As you progress in your Korean studies, you will notice that 모레 is a versatile building block for discussing itineraries, project timelines, and social gatherings. It is a word that appears in every register of speech, from the most formal business meetings to the most casual text messages between friends. Mastery of this word ensures that you are never lost in the sequence of the week.

The word 모레 is ubiquitous in Korean life. You will hear it in subway announcements regarding maintenance schedules, in K-Dramas when a protagonist makes a promise to meet their love interest, and in bustling office environments where deadlines are discussed. In a professional setting, a manager might say, "모레까지 보고서를 제출하세요" (Please submit the report by the day after tomorrow). Here, the word sets a clear expectation and a sense of urgency that is slightly less immediate than "tomorrow" but still requires prompt attention. It is the language of efficiency.

택배가 모레 도착할 예정입니다. (The courier is scheduled to arrive the day after tomorrow.)

Socially, 모레 is the cornerstone of making plans. In Korea's fast-paced "Pali-Pali" (hurry-hurry) culture, schedules fill up quickly. If someone is busy today and tomorrow, suggesting a meeting for 모레 is the logical next step. You will often hear this in cafes or over the phone. Interestingly, the phrase "내일모레" is frequently used as a metaphor for being very close to a milestone. For instance, someone in their late twenties might say, "나도 이제 서른이 내일모레야" (I'm almost thirty now; literally: My thirties are tomorrow or the day after). This shows how the temporal meaning of the word extends into a psychological feeling of impending change.

Furthermore, in the world of shopping and services, 모레 is a standard timeframe. If a store is out of stock, a clerk might tell you, "모레 물건이 들어와요" (The items will come in the day after tomorrow). In restaurants, if you are making a reservation, the staff will confirm the date by saying, "네, 모레 저녁 일곱 시로 예약해 드릴게요" (Yes, I will make a reservation for you for 7 PM the day after tomorrow). Because the word is so common, its pronunciation is often quick and clipped, so listening for that distinctive 'mo-re' sound is a great exercise for developing your Korean ear. It is one of those words that, once you learn it, you will suddenly start hearing everywhere.

For English speakers, the most common mistake when using 모레 is not linguistic but mathematical. Because many people struggle to keep track of the day of the week, they might accidentally say 모레 when they actually mean 내일 (tomorrow) or 글피 (three days from now). In Korean, these distinctions are very sharp. Another frequent error is the unnecessary addition of the time particle '-에'. While "모레에" is technically correct, it sounds slightly stiff or non-native in most casual conversations. Native speakers prefer the bare form "모레" when it acts as an adverb.

Tense Mismatch: Using 모레 with a past tense verb like "모레 갔어요" (I went the day after tomorrow) is a logical impossibility and a common slip for beginners. Always pair it with future or present-future forms.
Confusing with '내일모레': Using "내일모레" when you mean exactly two days from now can lead to confusion. "내일모레" can mean "very soon" or "around that time," whereas "모레" is precise.

Incorrect: 모레에 만나요.
Correct: 모레 만나요. (Let's meet the day after tomorrow.)

Another subtle mistake is forgetting that 모레 is a relative term. If you are writing an email that might be read several days later, using 모레 can be confusing for the recipient. In written correspondence, it is often safer to use the specific date (e.g., 5월 12일) or the day of the week (e.g., 이번 주 수요일). However, in real-time communication like texting or talking, 모레 is the standard. Beginners also sometimes confuse 모레 with 모래 (sand), which has a very similar pronunciation. Pay attention to the vowel difference: 'ㅔ' (e) vs 'ㅐ' (ae). While the sounds are merging in modern Seoul dialect, context usually prevents confusion, but in writing, the spelling is distinct.

While 모레 is the most common way to say "the day after tomorrow," there are other words and phrases that occupy the same semantic space. Understanding these alternatives will help you navigate different levels of formality and regional variations. The most frequent variant is 내일모레, which is often used interchangeably in casual speech but can also carry the broader meaning of "soon." In very formal or academic contexts, you might encounter Sino-Korean terms derived from Hanja, though these are rare in daily conversation.

내일모레 (Naeil-more): Literally "tomorrow and the day after." Used to mean "soon" or to refer vaguely to the next few days.
후명일 (Humyeong-il): A formal, Hanja-based term (後明日) for the day after tomorrow. You might see this in legal documents or historical dramas.
글피 (Geulpi): The day after 모레 (three days from now). It is good to know to understand the sequence, even if you use it less often.

우리 내일모레쯤 한번 볼까? (Shall we see each other around the day after tomorrow?)

Comparing 모레 with its antonym 그저께 (the day before yesterday) helps solidify the temporal map in your mind. Just as 어제 (yesterday) and 내일 (tomorrow) are a pair, 그저께 and 모레 form the next layer of the timeline. In English, the word "overmorrow" exists but is obsolete, making "the day after tomorrow" the only standard option. In contrast, Korean keeps its native 모레 alive and well. When choosing between 모레 and a specific date, consider the relationship: use 모레 for friends and colleagues to sound natural, and use dates for formal scheduling or when clarity over a long distance is required.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

While many Korean time words are borrowed from Chinese (Hanja), '모레' is a pure native word, showing how fundamental the concept is to the Korean language's original roots.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /moʊ.reɪ/

US /moʊ.reɪ/

Equal stress on both syllables, though the first syllable might be slightly longer in careful speech.

Rhymes With

노래 (norae - song) 모래 (morae - sand) 오래 (orae - long time) 고래 (gorae - whale) 거래 (georae - transaction) 차례 (charye - turn/order) 사례 (sarye - case/example) 나래 (narae - wing)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 're' like the English word 'ray' with a long diphthong.
Confusing the vowel 'ㅔ' (e) with 'ㅐ' (ae).
Adding an 'r' sound to the end of 'mo'.
Over-stressing the second syllable.
Pronouncing the 'm' too softly.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy to read; two simple syllables.

Writing 2/5

Easy to write, but don't confuse 'ㅔ' with 'ㅐ'.

Speaking 1/5

Simple pronunciation for English speakers.

Listening 2/5

Can be missed in fast speech due to its brevity.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

오늘 내일 어제

Learn Next

글피 그저께 이번 주 다음 주

Advanced

후명일 명후일 차후

Grammar to Know

Future Tense -(으)ㄹ 거예요

모레 갈 거예요.

Time Particle -에 (Optional for 모레)

모레(에) 만나요.

Starting point -부터

모레부터 시작입니다.

Deadline -까지

모레까지 오세요.

Contrastive Particle -는

오늘은 안 되지만 모레는 돼요.

Examples by Level

모레 만나요.

See you the day after tomorrow.

Simple future/present polite ending.

오늘이 월요일이면 모레는 수요일이에요.

If today is Monday, the day after tomorrow is Wednesday.

The particle '는' emphasizes the subject '모레'.

모레 학교에 가요.

I go to school the day after tomorrow.

Adverbial use without a particle.

모레 생일 파티를 해요.

I am having a birthday party the day after tomorrow.

Present tense used for a fixed future plan.

모레 날씨가 좋아요?

Is the weather good the day after tomorrow?

Standard question form.

모레는 집에서 쉬어요.

I will rest at home the day after tomorrow.

Topic particle '-는' used for contrast.

모레 친구가 와요.

A friend is coming the day after tomorrow.

Subject particle '-가' used with '친구'.

모레 영화를 봐요.

I am watching a movie the day after tomorrow.

Object particle '-를' with '영화'.

모레 아침에 전화할게요.

I will call you the day after tomorrow morning.

Future promise ending '-(으)ㄹ게요'.

택배가 모레 도착할 거예요.

The package will arrive the day after tomorrow.

Standard future tense '-(으)ㄹ 거예요'.

모레부터 시험 공부를 시작해요.

I start studying for exams from the day after tomorrow.

The particle '-부터' indicates the starting time.

모레 오후에 시간이 있어요?

Do you have time the day after tomorrow afternoon?

Combining '모레' with a specific time of day.

우리는 모레 부산으로 여행을 가요.

We are going on a trip to Busan the day after tomorrow.

The particle '-으로' indicates direction.

모레까지 숙제를 끝내야 해요.

I have to finish my homework by the day after tomorrow.

The particle '-까지' indicates a deadline.

모레는 비가 올 것 같아요.

It looks like it will rain the day after tomorrow.

Expression of probability '-(으)ㄹ 것 같다'.

내일은 안 되고 모레는 어때요?

Tomorrow doesn't work; how about the day after tomorrow?

Contrastive use of the topic particle '-는'.

모레 열리는 회의에 참석해 주세요.

Please attend the meeting being held the day after tomorrow.

Relative clause '열리는' modifying '회의'.

모레가 제 결혼기념일이라서 외식할 거예요.

Since the day after tomorrow is my wedding anniversary, we will eat out.

Causative connector '-(이)라서'.

오늘 주문하시면 모레까지는 받으실 수 있습니다.

If you order today, you can receive it by the day after tomorrow.

Honorific form '-(으)실 수 있습니다'.

모레 이사를 가야 해서 아주 바빠요.

I'm very busy because I have to move the day after tomorrow.

Reasoning connector '-아서/어서'.

모레 있을 축제가 벌써부터 기대돼요.

I'm already looking forward to the festival that will be the day after tomorrow.

Future relative clause '있을' modifying '축제'.

일정이 변경되어 모레 다시 연락드리겠습니다.

The schedule has changed, so I will contact you again the day after tomorrow.

Formal humble future '-(으)리겠습니다'.

모레는 평소보다 일찍 출근해야 합니다.

I have to go to work earlier than usual the day after tomorrow.

Comparative '평소보다' (than usual).

그 일은 모레쯤이면 다 마무리될 거예요.

That work will probably be all finished around the day after tomorrow.

Approximation particle '-쯤' with '모레'.

모레 발표할 자료를 검토해 주시겠어요?

Could you review the materials I'm going to present the day after tomorrow?

Polite request form '-어 주시겠어요?'.

내일모레면 벌써 마흔이라니 믿기지 않아요.

I can't believe I'll be forty in just a few days.

Idiomatic use of '내일모레' to mean 'very soon'.

모레가 마감인데 아직 시작도 못 했어요.

The deadline is the day after tomorrow, but I haven't even started yet.

Adversative connector '-ㄴ데/은데'.

모레 열리는 포럼에서 기조 연설을 맡게 되었습니다.

I have been assigned to give the keynote speech at the forum held the day after tomorrow.

Passive/Resultative form '-게 되다'.

기상 악화로 인해 모레 출발하는 비행기가 취소될 수도 있습니다.

Due to worsening weather, the flight departing the day after tomorrow might be canceled.

Reasoning phrase '-로 인해' (due to).

모레는 중요한 손님이 오시니 각별히 신경 써 주세요.

An important guest is coming the day after tomorrow, so please pay extra attention.

Causative connector '-(으)니' and honorific '오시니'.

모레 있을 인터뷰를 위해 정장을 새로 샀어요.

I bought a new suit for the interview taking place the day after tomorrow.

Benefactive structure '-(으)를 위해' (for the sake of).

내일모레가 추석이라서 시장이 사람들로 붐비네요.

Since Chuseok is just around the corner, the market is crowded with people.

Exclamatory ending '-네요'.

모레까지 제출하지 않으면 불이익을 당할 수 있음을 유의하십시오.

Please note that you may face disadvantages if you do not submit by the day after tomorrow.

Formal imperative '-(으)십시오' and nominalized clause '있음을'.

모레 예정된 수술이 성공적으로 끝나기를 기원합니다.

I pray that the surgery scheduled for the day after tomorrow ends successfully.

Nominalized wish '끝나기를 기원합니다'.

그 계획은 모레 열리는 이사회에서 최종 확정될 방침입니다.

The plan is intended to be finalized at the board of directors meeting held the day after tomorrow.

Formal expression '-(으)ㄹ 방침이다'.

내일모레가 환갑이신 부모님을 위해 잔치를 준비하고 있습니다.

I am preparing a feast for my parents, who are turning sixty very soon.

Honorific '-이신' and idiomatic '내일모레'.

모레 있을 경기가 팀의 운명을 결정짓는 중요한 분수령이 될 것입니다.

The match the day after tomorrow will be a major turning point that decides the team's fate.

Metaphorical use of '분수령' (watershed/turning point).

모레부터 실시되는 새로운 규정에 대해 숙지하시기 바랍니다.

We hope you familiarize yourself with the new regulations being implemented from the day after tomorrow.

Formal request '-(으)시기 바랍니다'.

정부의 공식 발표가 모레로 예정되어 있어 귀추가 주목됩니다.

The government's official announcement is scheduled for the day after tomorrow, drawing much attention.

Idiomatic expression '귀추가 주목되다' (to draw attention/interest).

모레는 역사적으로 큰 의미를 지닌 날이라 기념 행사가 다채롭게 열립니다.

The day after tomorrow is a day of great historical significance, so various commemorative events are held.

Adjectival clause '의미를 지닌' (possessing meaning).

모레라는 시간의 간극은 때로 누군가에게는 영겁처럼 느껴질 수도 있다.

The gap of time called 'the day after tomorrow' can sometimes feel like an eternity to someone.

Philosophical subject '모레라는 시간의 간극'.

내일모레가 죽음인 양 하루하루를 치열하게 살아가는 태도가 필요하다.

One needs an attitude of living each day fiercely as if death were just around the corner.

Simile '양' (as if) and idiomatic '내일모레'.

모레 있을 담판에서 어떠한 결론이 도출될지는 여전히 미지수이다.

It remains an unknown what conclusion will be drawn in the negotiations the day after tomorrow.

Complex noun phrase '어떠한 결론이 도출될지'.

작가는 모레라는 시점을 통해 도래하지 않은 희망을 역설적으로 표현했다.

The author paradoxically expressed unarrived hope through the timeframe of 'the day after tomorrow'.

Literary analysis using '역설적으로' (paradoxically).

모레까지 기한을 연장해 달라는 요청은 원칙상 수용하기 어렵습니다.

The request to extend the deadline until the day after tomorrow is difficult to accept in principle.

Formal refusal '원칙상 수용하기 어렵습니다'.

인류의 운명이 모레 있을 실험 결과에 달려 있다고 해도 과언이 아니다.

It is no exaggeration to say that the fate of humanity depends on the results of the experiment the day after tomorrow.

Double negative/Emphasis '해도 과언이 아니다'.

내일모레가 마감인 프로젝트의 진척 상황이 우려스러운 수준입니다.

The progress of the project, which is due very soon, is at a concerning level.

Advanced vocabulary '진척 상황' (progress) and '우려스러운' (concerning).

모레의 태양은 오늘과는 다른 빛을 발하며 우리를 맞이할 것이다.

The sun of the day after tomorrow will greet us, radiating a different light than today.

Personification of '태양' (sun) and future '-(으)ㄹ 것이다'.

Common Collocations

모레 아침

모레 오후

모레 저녁

모레 밤

모레 새벽

모레까지

모레부터

모레쯤

모레 만나요

모레 봐요

Common Phrases

모레 봐요

— See you the day after tomorrow. Used when parting ways.

오늘 고마웠어. 모레 봐요!

모레가 생일이에요

— The day after tomorrow is my birthday. A common way to announce a date.

모레가 제 생일이라 파티를 하려고요.

모레까지 부탁해요

— Please do it by the day after tomorrow. Used for requests.

이 서류 모레까지 부탁해요.

모레는 어때요?

— How about the day after tomorrow? Used for suggesting a time.

내일은 바빠서요. 모레는 어때요?

모레 도착해요

— It arrives the day after tomorrow. Used for delivery or travel.

주문하신 물건은 모레 도착해요.

모레부터 시작이에요

— It starts from the day after tomorrow. Used for events.

축제는 모레부터 시작이에요.

모레 일찍

— Early the day after tomorrow. Used for scheduling.

모레 일찍 출발합시다.

모레 늦게

— Late the day after tomorrow. Used for scheduling.

모레 늦게라도 괜찮으세요?

모레 다시

— Again the day after tomorrow. Used for follow-ups.

모레 다시 이야기합시다.

모레 중에

— Sometime during the day after tomorrow. Used for flexibility.

모레 중에 연락드릴게요.

Often Confused With

모레 vs 모래

Means 'sand'. The spelling and vowel sound are different but often confused by learners.

모레 vs 내일모레

Can mean exactly 'day after tomorrow' or vaguely 'very soon'.

모레 vs 글피

Means 'three days from now'. People often forget this word exists and use '모레' incorrectly.

Idioms & Expressions

"내일모레가 마흔이다"

— To be nearly forty years old. Used to express that a milestone is approaching fast.

나도 이제 내일모레가 마흔인데 건강 챙겨야지.

Informal

"내일모레면"

— Very soon; before you know it. Used to emphasize the speed of time.

내일모레면 벌써 졸업이야.

Neutral

"어제가 다르고 모레가 다르다"

— Things change very rapidly day by day. (A variation of 어제가 다르고 오늘이 다르다).

기술 발전이 빨라서 어제가 다르고 모레가 달라요.

Neutral

"모레를 기약하다"

— To promise to meet or do something in the future (not necessarily exactly the day after tomorrow).

오늘은 아쉽지만 모레를 기약합시다.

Formal

"내일모레가 환갑이다"

— To be close to one's 60th birthday. Used for older adults.

우리 형님도 내일모레가 환갑이시네.

Informal

"오늘 내일 모레"

— In the very near future; any day now. Used for things about to happen.

그 일은 오늘 내일 모레 사이에 결정될 거야.

Neutral

"모레의 태양"

— A metaphor for a hopeful future or a new beginning.

절망하지 마세요. 모레의 태양은 뜹니다.

Literary

"모레 죽어도 오늘 먹는다"

— Live for today; don't worry too much about the future (humorous/slang-adjacent).

다이어트는 무슨, 모레 죽어도 오늘 먹어야지.

Slang

"내일모레 글피"

— Sometime in the next few days. Used vaguely.

내일모레 글피쯤 시간 날 때 봐.

Informal

"모레가 구만리다"

— The day after tomorrow is a long way off (used sarcastically when someone is being too impatient).

급하게 굴지 마. 모레가 구만리다.

Informal

Easily Confused

모레 vs 내일

Both refer to the future.

내일 is 1 day from now; 모레 is 2 days from now.

내일은 월요일, 모레는 화요일.

모레 vs 어제

Beginners mix up past and future time words.

어제 is 1 day ago; 모레 is 2 days in the future.

어제 먹었고, 모레 또 먹을 거야.

모레 vs 그저께

Both are '2 days' away from today.

그저께 is 2 days ago; 모레 is 2 days in the future.

그저께 샀는데 모레 도착해.

모레 vs 나흘

Sounds vaguely similar to some learners.

나흘 means four days, not the day after tomorrow.

나흘 동안 여행 가요.

모레 vs 며칠

Both relate to 'days'.

며칠 means 'how many days' or 'a few days'; 모레 is a specific day.

며칠 뒤에 봐? 모레 봐.

Sentence Patterns

모레 [Noun]이에요.

모레 생일이에요.

모레 [Verb]-아요/어요.

모레 만나요.

모레 [Verb]-(으)ㄹ 거예요.

모레 갈 거예요.

모레 [Time]에 [Verb].

모레 오후에 봐요.

모레까지 [Verb]-아야/어야 해요.

모레까지 숙제해야 해요.

모레 [Verb]-는 게 어때요?

모레 만나는 게 어때요?

내일모레면 [Event/Age]이다.

내일모레면 서른이다.

모레 예정된 [Noun]...

모레 예정된 회의...

Word Family

Nouns

모레 (the day after tomorrow)

오늘 (today)

내일 (tomorrow)

어제 (yesterday)

글피 (three days from now)

그저께 (day before yesterday)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in daily conversation.

Common Mistakes

Using '모레' for two days ago. → 그저께
모레 is always future. 그저께 is always past.
Spelling it as '모래'. → 모레
모래 means sand. 모레 refers to time.
Saying '모레 만났어요'. → 모레 만날 거예요.
You cannot use past tense with a future day.
Overusing '모레에' in casual speech. → 모레
It sounds unnatural to use the particle '에' every time.
Confusing '모레' with '글피'. → 모레 (2 days), 글피 (3 days)
Learners often mix up the number of days.

Tips

Particle Omission

Don't stress about particles. '모레' works perfectly fine on its own as a time marker in almost every sentence.

The 'R' Sound

The 'r' in 'more' is a flap, similar to the 'tt' in 'better' in American English. Don't roll it like Spanish or curl it like English 'r'.

Planning

When making plans in Korea, '모레' is the 'golden day'. It's not too soon and not too far away.

The Sequence

Memorize the set: 어제-오늘-내일-모레. Learning them together makes them much harder to forget.

Pali-Pali

In a culture that moves fast, '모레' is often the latest someone wants to wait for an answer or a meeting.

Spelling Check

Always check if you wrote '모레' (time) or '모래' (sand). A birthday party on 'sand' sounds very different!

Verb Clues

If you miss the word '모레', listen for future tense endings like '-(으)ㄹ 거예요' to know the speaker is talking about a future day.

Politeness

When suggesting '모레', use the polite form '모레 어떠세요?' to be respectful of the other person's schedule.

Visualizing

Keep a small calendar on your desk and point to the day after tomorrow while saying '모레' out loud.

Hanja Variants

If you see '後明日' in a document, don't panic. It's just the formal version of '모레'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine you need 'MORE' time. Tomorrow isn't enough, so you wait for 'MO-RE' (the day after tomorrow).

Visual Association

Imagine a calendar with today and tomorrow crossed out, and a bright 'MO-RE' written on the third day.

Word Web

Time Future Calendar Schedule Appointment Wednesday (if today is Mon) Next-next day Sequence

Challenge

Try to use '모레' in three different sentences today: one for a friend, one for a teacher, and one in your diary.

Word Origin

A native Korean word (Pure Korean). It has been used since the Middle Korean period.

Original meaning: The day following tomorrow.

Koreanic.

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities; it is a neutral temporal term.

English speakers often find it easier to say 'Wednesday' or 'Thursday,' whereas Koreans frequently use relative terms like '모레'.

The movie 'The Day After Tomorrow' is translated in Korea as '투모로우' (Tomorrow), interestingly, rather than '모레'. Many K-pop songs use '내일모레' to describe waiting for a lover. The term appears in countless historical dramas (Sageuk) in its more formal variants.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Scheduling

모레 시간 돼요?
모레로 예약할게요.
모레 다시 봐요.
모레 일정 확인해 보세요.

Deadlines

모레까지 주세요.
모레가 마감이에요.
모레면 늦어요.
모레 제출하겠습니다.

Weather

모레 비 온대요.
모레는 맑을 거예요.
모레 날씨 어때요?
모레 기온이 낮아요.

Shopping

모레 배송돼요.
모레 물건 들어와요.
모레 다시 오세요.
모레 세일 끝나요.

Travel

모레 출발해요.
모레 도착입니다.
모레 비행기 타요.
모레 호텔 예약했어요.

Conversation Starters

"모레 특별한 계획 있으세요?"

"우리 모레 점심 같이 먹을까요?"

"모레 날씨가 아주 좋다고 하던데, 등산 갈까요?"

"모레가 제 생일인데, 파티에 오실 수 있나요?"

"모레까지 이 일을 끝낼 수 있을까요?"

Journal Prompts

모레 내가 꼭 해야 할 일 세 가지를 적어보세요.

모레의 날씨는 어떨 것 같나요? 기대되는 점을 써보세요.

모레 친구와 만나기로 했다면, 어디에서 무엇을 하고 싶은가요?

내일모레면 내가 이루고 싶은 목표는 무엇인가요?

오늘부터 모레까지의 짧은 여행 계획을 세워보세요.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, '모레에' is grammatically correct, but in natural conversation, the '에' is usually omitted. Saying '모레 만나요' is much more common than '모레에 만나요'.

'모레' specifically means the day after tomorrow. '내일모레' can mean the same thing, but it is often used figuratively to mean 'very soon' or 'any day now'.

It is both. It can be the subject of a sentence ('모레는 휴일입니다') or modify a verb ('모레 갈게요').

The word for three days from now is '글피' (geulpi). However, many people simply say '3일 뒤' (sam-il dwi).

The 'e' in '모레' is slightly more closed (like 'bed'), while the 'ae' in '모래' (sand) is slightly more open (like 'bad'). In modern Seoul speech, they sound very similar, so rely on context!

Yes, it is used in news reports and business emails, though specific dates are often preferred for total clarity.

No, '모레' refers to the future. Pairing it with past tense is a grammatical error. Use '그저께' for two days ago.

If today is Friday, tomorrow is Saturday, and '모레' is Sunday.

No, '모레' is a native Korean word. The Hanja equivalent is '후명일' (後明日), but it's rarely used.

Yes, this is a very common collocation meaning 'the day after tomorrow morning'.