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A2 adverb #1,500 most common 10 min read

얼른

eolleun Top 1,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 얼른 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 얼른 in your Level:

At the A1 level, '얼른' is one of the most useful adverbs you can learn for basic daily interactions. It is primarily used to mean 'quickly' or 'right now' in simple commands. You will most often hear it from teachers or parents. For example, '얼른 먹어' (Eat quickly) or '얼른 와' (Come quickly). At this stage, you don't need to worry about the deep nuances; just think of it as a way to say 'Hurry up' in a friendly way. It's a great word to use when you want to show you are ready to do something. If a friend says '가자' (Let's go), you can reply '응, 얼른 가자!' (Yes, let's go quickly!). It's a simple, two-syllable word that is easy to pronounce and immediately makes your Korean sound more natural and proactive. Focus on using it with simple verbs like '먹다' (eat), '가다' (go), '오다' (come), and '하다' (do).

At the A2 level, you begin to see '얼른' used in more varied sentence structures, such as those with reasons or conditions. You might see sentences like '비가 오니까 얼른 집에 가요' (Since it's raining, let's go home quickly). Here, '얼른' is used to respond to a situation. You also start to distinguish '얼른' from '빨리'. While '빨리' is about speed, '얼른' is about not wasting time. At A2, you should practice using '얼른' to make suggestions to your friends. It shows a level of comfort with the language. You might also notice it in simple stories or cartoons where characters are in a rush. It's important to notice that '얼른' is usually followed by a positive action. You are encouraging someone to *do* something, not to *stop* doing something. Practice pairing it with the polite '-아/어/여요' ending to sound respectful yet urgent.

At the B1 level, you should understand the social nuances of '얼른'. It carries a sense of 'without hesitation'. You will encounter it in more complex narratives and dialogues. For instance, '그는 얼른 화제를 돌렸다' (He quickly changed the subject). This shows '얼른' being used to describe social maneuvering or emotional reactions. You should also be able to use '얼른' in the middle of sentences to connect ideas, like '얼른 숙제를 끝내고 영화를 보고 싶어요' (I want to finish my homework quickly and watch a movie). At this level, you can start comparing '얼른' with more specific adverbs like '금방' (soon) or '당장' (immediately). You'll notice that '얼른' is the 'warmest' of these words, often used when there is a sense of mutual benefit or care. It's less about a cold command and more about a shared sense of urgency.

At the B2 level, you are expected to use '얼른' with a high degree of naturalness, including its use in idiomatic expressions and specific registers. You will notice '얼른' used in persuasive speech or in situations where a speaker is trying to be helpful but firm. For example, in a business setting that isn't overly formal, a colleague might say, '얼른 확인해 보고 연락드릴게요' (I'll check it quickly and get back to you). This conveys a sense of efficiency and reliability. You should also be aware of the dialectal variations like '얼릉' and how they affect the tone of a conversation, making it sound more regional or 'ahjumma-like'. At this stage, you should also be able to explain the difference between '얼른' and Sino-Korean alternatives like '신속히' to other learners, demonstrating your grasp of the language's layers.

At the C1 level, you explore the subtle psychological implications of '얼른'. It can be used to describe a character's internal state—someone who is '얼른' doing something might be hiding something, or they might be extremely eager. You will see it in high-level literature where the author chooses '얼른' over '빨리' to create a specific rhythm or to emphasize the 'initiation' of an action. You should also be able to use '얼른' in rhetorical questions or in sarcastic ways, though this is rare. For example, '얼른도 하겠다' (as if you'd do it quickly/anytime soon). Understanding these 'flipped' meanings is a sign of advanced fluency. You will also encounter '얼른' in historical contexts or older literature where its usage might slightly differ from modern colloquial speech, providing a window into the evolution of the Korean language.

At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of '얼른' and its place within the entire spectrum of Korean temporal adverbs. You can appreciate the phonetic quality of the word—the liquid 'ㄹ' sounds followed by the nasal 'ㄴ'—and how this contributes to its sense of smooth, quick movement. You can use '얼른' in creative writing to evoke a sense of domesticity or urgency. You understand its relationship to the Korean 'Pali-Pali' culture on a sociological level. You can effortlessly switch between '얼른', '냉큼', '후딱', and '신속히' depending on the exact nuance of power, intimacy, and urgency you wish to convey. At this level, '얼른' is no longer just a vocabulary word; it is a tool for precise emotional and situational expression, used with the same nuance as a native speaker.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

얼른 in 30 Seconds

Means 'quickly' or 'promptly' with a focus on starting an action immediately.
Commonly used in commands like 'Eat quickly' or 'Come quickly'.
Differs from '빨리' (speed) by focusing on the lack of delay (immediacy).
Carries a warm, often domestic nuance, used frequently by parents and friends.

The Korean adverb 얼른 (eol-leun) is a cornerstone of daily communication, primarily functioning to urge an action to happen immediately or without any hesitation. While often translated as 'quickly' or 'promptly,' its core essence lies in the elimination of delay rather than the physical speed of the movement itself. When a mother tells her child to eat, using 얼른 suggests that the child should start eating right now, rather than dawdling or playing with their food. It is a word that bridges the gap between thought and action, serving as a linguistic catalyst.

Temporal Immediacy: 얼른 focuses on the 'starting point' of an action. It demands that the transition from a state of rest or distraction to a state of activity happens instantaneously.

In the hierarchy of Korean adverbs related to speed, 얼른 occupies a unique space. It is less clinical than 신속히 (shinsok-hi) and more focused on the 'now' than 빨리 (ppalli), which can refer to the overall velocity of a process. For example, if you are running a race, you run 빨리, but if you are standing at the starting line and the gun goes off, you must 얼른 start running.

비가 오니까 얼른 들어오세요. (It's raining, so please come inside quickly/without delay.)

This word is ubiquitous in domestic settings. It carries a nuance of care and urgency, often used by superiors to subordinates or within close-knit relationships to ensure safety, efficiency, or politeness. In professional contexts, while '빨리' might sound demanding or even rude if used incorrectly, '얼른' can sometimes soften the command by implying that the urgency is for the benefit of the listener or the shared goal.

Social Dynamics: The use of 얼른 often implies a level of intimacy. It is the sound of a grandmother telling a grandchild to eat while the soup is hot, or a friend telling another to hurry up so they don't miss the bus.

Understanding '얼른' requires recognizing that Korean culture places a high value on '정' (jeong - social bonding) and efficiency. '얼른' facilitates both by ensuring things move forward smoothly.

숙제 얼른 끝내고 놀자. (Let's finish the homework quickly and then play.)

In this sentence, '얼른' isn't just about speed; it's about clearing the obstacle of work to reach the reward of play. It creates a sense of momentum.

Comparison with '어서': While '어서' (eoseo) also means 'quickly/welcome,' it is more formal and welcoming. '얼른' is more direct and action-oriented. You say '어서 오세요' to welcome someone, but '얼른 와' to tell a friend to hurry to your location.

약 얼른 먹어, 그래야 안 아프지. (Take your medicine quickly, so you won't be in pain.)

This highlights the protective nuance often found in '얼른'. It is a word of movement, transition, and care.

Using 얼른 effectively requires understanding its placement and the grammatical structures it typically accompanies. As an adverb, it most frequently precedes the verb it modifies. However, its flexibility allows it to appear at the beginning of a sentence for emphasis.

Imperative Mood: The most common use of 얼른 is with commands or suggestions. It adds a layer of 'no-nonsense' urgency. For example, '얼른 가세요' (Please go quickly) or '얼른 해라' (Do it now/quickly).

When using '얼른' in a sentence, the speaker is often trying to resolve a situation. If someone is hesitant to try a new food, you might say, '얼른 먹어봐' (Go ahead and try it quickly). Here, '얼른' serves to push the listener past their hesitation.

늦었으니까 얼른 준비해. (Since we're late, get ready quickly.)

Notice how '얼른' works with the reason ('늦었으니까' - because we're late). It justifies the urgency. In narrative or descriptive sentences, '얼른' describes how an action was performed. '그는 얼른 대답했다' (He answered promptly). This usage is common in literature to show a character's readiness or nervousness.

With Negative Constructions: Interestingly, '얼른' is rarely used with negative verbs like '안' or '못'. You wouldn't typically say '얼른 안 가요'. Instead, you would say '빨리 안 가요?'. '얼른' is almost exclusively reserved for positive actions that should start.

질문에 얼른 대답하세요. (Please answer the question promptly.)

This sentence might be heard in a classroom or an interview. It sets a standard for the expected response time.

Colloquial Shortening: In very casual speech, people might just say '얼른!' as a standalone exclamation to mean 'Hurry up!' or 'Go on!'.

추우니까 얼른 옷 입어. (It's cold, so put your clothes on quickly.)

This illustrates the 'care' aspect again. The urgency is for the listener's comfort.

맛있는 냄새가 나니까 얼른 먹고 싶어요. (It smells delicious, so I want to eat quickly.)

Here, '얼른' expresses the speaker's own desire to start an action without delay. It conveys eagerness.

If you spend a day in South Korea, you will likely hear 얼른 dozens of times in various contexts. It is the soundtrack of a society that values speed and punctuality.

The Morning Rush: In Korean households, '얼른' is the most used word between 7:00 AM and 8:30 AM. '얼른 일어나' (Wake up quickly), '얼른 씻어' (Wash up quickly), '얼른 밥 먹어' (Eat quickly).

It is the linguistic oil that keeps the family machine running on time. Beyond the home, you'll hear it in the service industry. While '어서 오세요' is the standard greeting in shops, a busy restaurant owner might tell a waiter, '얼른 3번 테이블에 물 갖다 드려' (Quickly take water to table 3).

손님 오시기 전에 얼른 청소하자. (Let's clean up quickly before the guests arrive.)

This usage highlights the 'pre-emptive' nature of '얼른'—doing something now to be ready for what comes next. On public transport, though less common as a direct command to strangers, you might hear a parent telling a child to '얼른 타' (Get on quickly) as the subway doors are about to close.

Digital Communication: On KakaoTalk (Korea's primary messaging app), '얼른' is frequently used in its full form or sometimes as '얼릉' (a more cute/dialectal variation). '얼른 와~' (Come quickly!) is a standard text when waiting for a friend.

보고 싶으니까 얼른 와. (I miss you, so come quickly.)

This adds an emotional weight to the word. It's not just about the clock; it's about the feeling of wanting to see someone.

Traditional Markets: Vendors might use '얼른' to encourage a sale. '얼른 가져가세요, 싸게 드릴게' (Take it quickly/now, I'll give it to you for cheap).

불 꺼지기 전에 얼른 지나가자. (Let's pass through quickly before the light goes out.)

This highlights the situational awareness required when using '얼른'. It's about reacting to the environment. Whether in a high-tech office in Gangnam or a quiet village in Jeolla-do, '얼른' is the word that moves Korean life forward.

For English speakers, the most common mistake is overusing 얼른 in contexts where 빨리 (ppalli) or 일찍 (iljjik) would be more appropriate. While they all relate to time, their functions are distinct.

Confusing '얼른' with '빨리': '빨리' refers to the speed of an action (velocity). '얼른' refers to the promptness of starting an action (immediacy). If you say '얼른 달려요', it sounds like 'Start running now'. If you say '빨리 달려요', it means 'Run at a high speed'.

Another mistake is using '얼른' in formal writing. '얼른' is primarily a spoken word or used in informal/semi-formal writing like emails or texts. In a formal report or a news broadcast, '신속히' (shinsok-hi) or '즉시' (jeuk-si) are the professional choices.

Incorrect: 얼른 보고서를 제출했습니다. (Formal context)
Correct: 신속히 보고서를 제출했습니다.

Using '얼른' in a formal report makes the writer sound slightly childish or overly casual.

Confusing '얼른' with '일찍': '일찍' means 'early' in terms of the clock (e.g., waking up at 5 AM). '얼른' means 'quickly' in terms of the moment. You wake up '일찍' (early), but you get out of bed '얼른' (without delay).

Incorrect: 내일 얼른 오세요. (Meaning: Come early tomorrow)
Correct: 내일 일찍 오세요.

Learners also sometimes struggle with the 'social permission' aspect of '얼른'. Using '얼른' toward a much older person or a high-ranking boss can sometimes come across as too pushy or informal, even with polite endings. It's safer to use '어서' or '부디' in those cases.

Misunderstanding '얼릉': You will hear '얼릉' (eol-leung) in movies or from older people. This is a dialectal or cute variation. While good to recognize, stick to '얼른' in your own speech to remain standard.

배고프니까 얼른 주문하자. (I'm hungry, so let's order quickly.)

In this case, '얼른' is perfect because it's a suggestion among equals. If you used '빨리', it might sound slightly more impatient or annoyed. '얼른' keeps it light.

Korean has a rich vocabulary for speed and time. Choosing the right one depends on the context, the speaker's intent, and the relationship between the speakers.

빨리 (Ppalli): The most general word for 'fast' or 'quickly'. It covers both the speed of the action and the promptness. Use this when you want to emphasize high velocity.
어서 (Eoseo): Often used in welcoming or encouraging someone to do something. It is softer and more polite than '얼른'. Common in '어서 오세요' (Welcome) or '어서 드세요' (Please, eat/help yourself).

비교:
1. 얼른 먹어 (Eat now, don't wait!)
2. 빨리 먹어 (Eat at a fast speed!)
3. 어서 먹어 (Please, go ahead and eat.)

금방 (Geumbang): Means 'soon' or 'in a moment'. It refers to a point in the near future. '금방 갈게요' (I'll be there soon). Unlike '얼른', it doesn't urge someone else to act; it describes when something will happen.
당장 (Dangjang): Means 'right now' or 'immediately'. It is much stronger and more forceful than '얼른'. It often carries a sense of authority or emergency. '당장 나가!' (Get out right now!).

냉큼 (Naengkeum): A more emphatic version of '얼른', often used when someone is being told to do something they might be reluctant to do. It has a slightly playful or stern nuance. '냉큼 대답 못 해?' (Can't you answer me right away?).

그는 얼른 고개를 끄덕였다. (He quickly nodded his head.)

In this literary context, '얼른' shows a reflexive, immediate reaction. Using '빨리' here would feel slightly mechanical.

Summary Table: - 얼른: Start now (Casual/Warm)
- 빨리: High speed (General)
- 어서: Please go ahead (Polite/Welcoming)
- 당장: Right this second (Forceful)
- 신속히: Promptly (Formal/Business)

Choosing between these words allows you to fine-tune your tone and perfectly match the social atmosphere of your conversation.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word '얼른' is often used by Korean parents as a 'magic word' to get children to do anything from eating vegetables to doing homework. It's one of the first adverbs a Korean child learns.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ʌl.lɯn/

US /ʌl.lʌn/

The stress is generally even, but the first syllable may be slightly emphasized in commands.

Rhymes With

서른 (seoreun - thirty) 마흔 (maheun - forty - slant rhyme) 부른 (bureun - called)

Common Errors

Pronouncing it as '어른' (eo-reun), which means 'adult'. Make sure to double the 'l' sound.
Pronouncing the 'ㅡ' like 'u' in 'blue'. It should be a flat sound like the 'u' in 'pull' but without rounded lips.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The word is short and easy to recognize in text.

Writing 3/5

Spelling is simple, but knowing when to use it over '빨리' takes practice.

Speaking 2/5

Very easy to pronounce and integrate into basic sentences.

Listening 2/5

Commonly used and clearly articulated in most contexts.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

가다 (to go) 오다 (to come) 먹다 (to eat) 빨리 (fast)

Learn Next

당장 (immediately) 금방 (soon) 신속히 (promptly)

Advanced

냉큼 (at once) 후딱 (in a flash)

Grammar to Know

Imperative Ending -(으)세요

얼른 앉으세요. (Please sit down quickly.)

Suggestive Ending -자

얼른 가자. (Let's go quickly.)

Reason Ending -니까

늦었으니까 얼른 해. (Since you're late, do it quickly.)

Intentional Ending -ㄹ게요

얼른 다녀올게요. (I'll be back quickly.)

Desire Ending -고 싶다

얼른 보고 싶어요. (I want to see you quickly/soon.)

Examples by Level

얼른 먹어.

Eat quickly.

Simple imperative form.

얼른 와요.

Come quickly.

Polite ending '-요'.

얼른 가자!

Let's go quickly!

Suggestive ending '-자'.

얼른 해.

Do it quickly.

Informal command.

얼른 자요.

Go to sleep quickly.

Polite command.

얼른 주세요.

Please give it to me quickly.

Request with '주세요'.

얼른 일어나!

Wake up quickly!

Exclamatory command.

얼른 앉아.

Sit down quickly.

Informal command.

비가 오니까 얼른 들어가자.

Since it's raining, let's go inside quickly.

'-니까' (because) + '-자' (let's).

추우니까 얼른 옷을 입으세요.

It's cold, so please put on your clothes quickly.

Honorific imperative '-(으)세요'.

배고파서 얼른 밥을 먹었어요.

I was hungry, so I ate quickly.

'-아서' (because/so) + past tense.

숙제를 얼른 끝내고 싶어요.

I want to finish my homework quickly.

'-고 싶다' (want to).

얼른 준비하고 나오세요.

Get ready quickly and come out.

'-고' (and) connecting two actions.

버스가 오니까 얼른 뛰어!

The bus is coming, so run quickly!

Present continuous + imperative.

얼른 대답해 보세요.

Try to answer quickly.

'-아/어 보다' (try doing).

이거 얼른 치워 줘.

Please clean this up quickly for me.

'-아/어 주다' (do something for someone).

그는 내 질문에 얼른 대답했다.

He answered my question promptly.

Adverb modifying a past tense verb.

얼른 확인해 보고 다시 전화할게요.

I'll check it quickly and call you back.

Future intention '-ㄹ게요'.

상황이 안 좋으니 얼른 피하자.

The situation isn't good, so let's avoid it quickly.

'-으니' (since/so) + suggestive.

그녀는 얼른 화제를 다른 곳으로 돌렸다.

She quickly turned the subject elsewhere.

Descriptive narrative use.

얼른 낫기를 바랍니다.

I hope you get well soon/quickly.

'-기를 바라다' (to hope that).

기회가 왔을 때 얼른 잡아야 해요.

When an opportunity comes, you must grab it quickly.

'-을 때' (when) + '-아야 하다' (must).

얼른 가서 확인해 보는 게 좋겠어요.

It would be good to go and check quickly.

'-는 게 좋겠다' (it would be better to).

그 소식을 듣고 얼른 달려갔어요.

After hearing the news, I ran there quickly.

'-고' (after) + past tense.

부모님 걱정하시니까 얼른 연락드려.

Your parents are worried, so contact them quickly.

Honorific '-(으)시' + informal command.

잘못을 깨달았다면 얼른 사과해야지.

If you realized your mistake, you should apologize quickly.

'-다면' (if) + '-아야지' (should/ought to).

얼른 해결하지 않으면 큰일 날 거예요.

If we don't solve it quickly, there will be big trouble.

'-지 않으면' (if not) + future probability.

그는 얼른 눈치를 채고 자리를 비켜 주었다.

He quickly took the hint and made way.

Idiom '눈치를 채다' (to take a hint).

얼른 다녀올 테니까 여기서 기다려.

I'll be back quickly, so wait here.

'-ㄹ 테니까' (because I will).

좋은 소식이 있으면 얼른 알려 주세요.

If there is good news, please let me know quickly.

Conditional '-면' + polite request.

얼른 짐을 싸서 출발할 준비를 했다.

He quickly packed his bags and prepared to depart.

Sequential actions with '-아서'.

그는 얼른 마음을 가다듬고 다시 시작했다.

He quickly composed himself and started again.

Reflexive action description.

그는 위기의 순간에 얼른 기지를 발휘했다.

He quickly displayed his wit in a moment of crisis.

Advanced vocabulary '기지' (wit).

얼른 봐서는 누가 누구인지 알 수 없었다.

At a quick glance, it was impossible to tell who was who.

'-아서는' (from the standpoint of).

그녀는 얼른 표정을 고치고 웃어 보였다.

She quickly fixed her expression and managed a smile.

Subtle emotional description.

얼른 결론을 내리기에는 아직 이릅니다.

It is still too early to reach a conclusion quickly.

'-기에는' (for doing something).

그는 얼른 대화를 마무리하고 방을 나갔다.

He quickly wrapped up the conversation and left the room.

Formal narrative style.

얼른 생각나는 대로 말해 보세요.

Try saying whatever comes to mind quickly.

'-는 대로' (as soon as/as).

그는 얼른 손을 저으며 부인했다.

He quickly waved his hand and denied it.

Physical description of denial.

얼른 눈을 붙이고 내일 일찍 일어나자.

Let's get some quick sleep and wake up early tomorrow.

Idiom '눈을 붙이다' (to sleep).

그는 얼른 화제를 돌려 어색한 분위기를 깼다.

He quickly changed the subject to break the awkward atmosphere.

Complex sentence with metaphor '분위기를 깨다'.

얼른 보기에 그럴싸해 보이지만 실상은 다르다.

It looks plausible at first glance, but the reality is different.

Contrastive structure '실상은 다르다'.

그는 얼른 평정심을 되찾고 대응책을 마련했다.

He quickly regained his composure and prepared a countermeasure.

Advanced Sino-Korean vocabulary.

얼른 짐작하기 어려운 깊은 뜻이 담겨 있다.

It contains a deep meaning that is difficult to guess quickly.

Adverb modifying an infinitive phrase.

그는 얼른 고개를 숙여 인사를 하고 지나갔다.

He quickly bowed his head in greeting and passed by.

Nuanced social interaction description.

얼른 손을 쓰지 않으면 걷잡을 수 없게 된다.

If we don't take measures quickly, it will become uncontrollable.

Idiom '손을 쓰다' (to take action).

그는 얼른 자신의 실수를 인정하고 사과했다.

He quickly admitted his mistake and apologized.

Ethical/Professional context.

얼른 봐도 그가 범인임을 알 수 있었다.

Even at a quick glance, one could tell he was the culprit.

'-ㅁ을 알 수 있다' (can know that).

Common Collocations

얼른 먹다

얼른 오다

얼른 가다

얼른 자다

얼른 대답하다

얼른 준비하다

얼른 끝내다

얼른 낫다

얼른 확인하다

얼른 일어나다

Common Phrases

얼른 와~

— A friendly way to tell someone to hurry to your location.

친구야, 얼른 와!

얼른 해 버려

— Just get it over with quickly.

귀찮은 일은 얼른 해 버려.

얼른 봐서는

— At a quick glance / From what I can see right now.

얼른 봐서는 잘 모르겠어.

얼른 다녀와

— Go and come back quickly.

심부름 얼른 다녀와.

얼른 먹고 가자

— Let's eat quickly and leave.

시간 없으니까 얼른 먹고 가자.

얼른 씻어

— Go wash up quickly (usually said to children).

밖에서 놀았으니 얼른 씻어.

얼른 말해 봐

— Go ahead and tell me (don't hesitate).

궁금하니까 얼른 말해 봐.

얼른 들어가세요

— Please go inside quickly (often said when it's cold or late).

밤이 늦었으니 얼른 들어가세요.

얼른 치워

— Clean this up quickly.

방이 어지러우니 얼른 치워.

얼른 잡아

— Grab it quickly (before it's gone).

세일하니까 얼른 잡아.

Often Confused With

얼른 vs 빨리

'빨리' is about speed (velocity), '얼른' is about starting immediately (no delay).

얼른 vs 일찍

'일찍' means 'early' (clock time), '얼른' means 'quickly' (momentary time).

얼른 vs 금방

'금방' means 'soon' (future point), '얼른' means 'now/without delay' (action focus).

Idioms & Expressions

"얼른 눈을 붙이다"

— To take a quick nap or get some sleep immediately.

피곤하면 얼른 눈 좀 붙여.

Informal

"얼른 손을 쓰다"

— To take measures or handle a situation before it gets worse.

문제가 생기면 얼른 손을 써야 해.

Neutral

"얼른 자리를 잡다"

— To quickly settle into a position or find a seat.

식당에 사람이 많으니 얼른 자리를 잡자.

Neutral

"얼른 꼬리를 내리다"

— To quickly back down or admit defeat (metaphorical).

그는 불리해지자 얼른 꼬리를 내렸다.

Informal

"얼른 고개를 돌리다"

— To quickly look away, often out of embarrassment or to hide something.

그녀는 부끄러워서 얼른 고개를 돌렸다.

Neutral

"얼른 입을 씻다"

— To pretend something didn't happen or to take all the profit for oneself (context dependent).

그는 돈을 받자마자 얼른 입을 씻었다.

Slangy/Informal

"얼른 발을 빼다"

— To quickly withdraw from a situation or involvement.

위험해 보이자 그는 얼른 발을 뺐다.

Informal

"얼른 낯을 고치다"

— To quickly change one's facial expression (e.g., from angry to smiling).

그는 손님이 오자 얼른 낯을 고쳤다.

Literary

"얼른 귀를 기울이다"

— To quickly pay attention or start listening intently.

그는 비밀 이야기에 얼른 귀를 기울였다.

Neutral

"얼른 자리를 뜨다"

— To leave a place quickly, often to avoid something.

분위기가 이상해서 얼른 자리를 떴다.

Neutral

Easily Confused

얼른 vs 어른

Similar pronunciation.

'어른' means 'adult' (noun), '얼른' means 'quickly' (adverb).

어른이 얼른 오라고 하셨어. (The adult told me to come quickly.)

얼른 vs 얼음

Similar spelling/sound.

'얼음' means 'ice' (noun).

얼음이 얼른 녹았어요. (The ice melted quickly.)

얼른 vs 얼마

Both start with '얼'.

'얼마' means 'how much' (pronoun/adverb).

이게 얼마예요? 얼른 알려주세요. (How much is this? Please tell me quickly.)

얼른 vs 얼굴

Both start with '얼'.

'얼굴' means 'face' (noun).

얼굴을 얼른 씻으세요. (Wash your face quickly.)

얼른 vs 얼른 vs 어서

Both mean 'quickly'.

'어서' is more polite/welcoming; '얼른' is more direct/action-oriented.

어서 오세요 vs 얼른 와.

Sentence Patterns

얼른 + Verb (Informal)

얼른 먹어.

얼른 + Verb-요 (Polite)

얼른 와요.

얼른 + Verb-자 (Suggestive)

얼른 가자.

Reason-니까 얼른 + Verb

추우니까 얼른 입어.

얼른 + Verb-고 싶다

얼른 가고 싶어요.

얼른 + Verb-아/어 보다

얼른 확인해 보세요.

얼른 + Verb-아/어 버리다

얼른 끝내 버리자.

얼른 + Verb-기에는

얼른 결정하기에는 일러요.

Word Family

빨리 (fast)

어서 (quickly/welcomingly)

냉큼 (immediately)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in daily spoken Korean.

Common Mistakes

Using '얼른' for 'early'. → 일찍
'얼른' means quickly/now, '일찍' means early in time.
Using '얼른' in a formal business report. → 신속히
'얼른' is too casual for professional written documents.
Pronouncing it as '어른'. → 얼른
'어른' means adult; the double 'ㄹ' is crucial for 'quickly'.
Using '얼른' with negative commands like 'Don't do'. → 천천히 하세요 (Do it slowly)
'얼른' is almost always used to encourage a positive action.
Confusing '얼른' with '금방' for future events. → 금방
'금방' is for 'soon', '얼른' is for 'immediately/without delay'.

Tips

Start with Commands

The easiest way to learn '얼른' is to use it in simple commands like '얼른 먹어' or '얼른 와'.

Immediacy vs. Speed

Remember that '얼른' is about the 'now'. If you want someone to start, use '얼른'. If you want them to move faster, use '빨리'.

Politeness Matters

Always add '-요' or '-(으)세요' when using '얼른' with people you aren't close to.

Listen for the 'L'

If you hear a strong 'L' sound followed by 'N', it's likely '얼른'. This distinguishes it from '어른' (adult).

Texting Style

In texts, '얼른 와~' is a very friendly and common way to tell a friend you are waiting for them.

Adverb Placement

Always place '얼른' right before the verb it modifies for the most natural sound.

Pali-Pali Culture

Understand that '얼른' is a key part of the Korean mindset of efficiency and care.

Early Run

Associate 'Eol-leun' with 'Early Run' to remember it means to start moving quickly.

Try '후딱'

Once you are comfortable with '얼른', try using '후딱' for a more colorful, native-like expression.

Domestic Setting

Practice using '얼른' at home for daily tasks like waking up or eating.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Early' + 'Run'. If you want to be 'Early', you must 'Run' '얼른' (Eol-leun).

Visual Association

Imagine a person standing at a starting line, and the moment the whistle blows, they '얼른' start moving.

Word Web

Action No Delay Hurry Start Now Prompt Immediate

Challenge

Try to use '얼른' three times today: once when you start a task, once when you ask a friend to do something, and once when you describe how you answered a message.

Word Origin

The word '얼른' is a native Korean adverb. It has been used for centuries to denote speed and promptness.

Original meaning: To act without delay or hesitation.

Koreanic

Cultural Context

While generally safe, avoid shouting '얼른!' at people much older than you, as it can sound like you are bossing them around.

English speakers often use 'Hurry up', which can sound rude. '얼른' is often more encouraging and less aggressive than 'Hurry up'.

Commonly heard in K-Dramas during scenes of urgency. Used in the lyrics of many upbeat K-Pop songs to encourage listeners to 'come quickly' to the singer.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At Home

얼른 일어나.
얼른 씻어.
얼른 밥 먹어.
얼른 자.

With Friends

얼른 와!
우리 얼른 가자.
얼른 말해 봐.
얼른 준비해.

At a Restaurant

얼른 주문하자.
음식 얼른 주세요.
얼른 먹고 나가자.
이거 얼른 치워 주세요.

At Work (Casual)

얼른 확인해 볼게요.
얼른 끝내고 퇴근합시다.
얼른 다녀오세요.
얼른 보고해 주세요.

In an Emergency

얼른 피해!
얼른 도와주세요!
얼른 전화해!
얼른 도망가!

Conversation Starters

"영화 시작하겠어요, 얼른 갈까요? (The movie is about to start, shall we go quickly?)"

"배 안 고파요? 얼른 뭐 좀 먹으러 가요. (Aren't you hungry? Let's go eat something quickly.)"

"그 소식 들었어요? 얼른 확인해 보세요! (Did you hear the news? Check it quickly!)"

"비가 올 것 같아요. 얼른 들어갈까요? (It looks like it's going to rain. Shall we go inside quickly?)"

"준비 다 됐어요? 얼른 출발해요! (Are you all ready? Let's depart quickly!)"

Journal Prompts

오늘 내가 '얼른' 해야 했던 일은 무엇인가요? (What was something I had to do 'quickly' today?)

누군가 나에게 '얼른' 하라고 말했을 때 기분이 어땠나요? (How did I feel when someone told me to do something 'quickly'?)

내가 가장 '얼른' 끝내고 싶은 일은 무엇인가요? (What is the task I want to finish most 'quickly'?)

'얼른'과 '천천히' 중 어떤 삶의 방식을 더 선호하나요? (Do you prefer a 'quick' or 'slow' lifestyle?)

한국의 '빨리빨리' 문화에 대해 어떻게 생각하나요? (What do you think about Korea's 'hurry-hurry' culture?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It's better to use '어서' or '신속히' unless you have a very close, casual relationship. '얼른' can sound a bit like you are ordering them around.

No, '얼릉' is just a dialectal or cute way of saying '얼른'. It's very common in spoken Korean but not used in formal writing.

'빨리' is about how fast you do something (speed). '얼른' is about doing it right now without waiting (promptness).

Sometimes it is translated as 'soon' in sentences like '얼른 나으세요' (Get well soon), but it literally means 'Get well quickly/without delay'.

Yes, it is used in narrative descriptions to show a character's immediate reaction or a sense of urgency in the story.

Hold the 'l' sound slightly longer, like the 'll' in 'fully'. It's a smooth transition from the first syllable to the second.

It's grammatically possible but sounds very unnatural. Usually, '얼른' is used for positive actions you want to happen.

No, it is strictly an adverb. It cannot be the subject or object of a sentence.

No, it is a pure Korean (native) word.

Use '당장' when you are very angry or when something is a life-or-death emergency. '얼른' is much softer.