意思
Expressing that the current time is past the suitable moment.
文化背景
In Korea, being late for work or a formal meeting is a serious sign of disrespect. However, for social gatherings among friends, a 'Korean Time' (10-15 mins late) used to be common, though this is disappearing with the younger generation. The phrase is a staple of 'melodrama'. It often marks the point where the second lead realizes they have no chance with the protagonist. When a project is delayed, managers will use '너무 늦어지고 있습니다' (It is becoming too late/delayed) to signal extreme dissatisfaction. Korea has a 24-hour culture, but '너무 늦었어요' is still used by taxi drivers or shop owners to indicate they are finally closing up.
Softening the blow
If you want to sound less harsh, add '좀' (a little) before '너무'. '좀 너무 늦었어요.'
Tense matters
Always use the past tense '늦었어요' when the deadline has already passed.
意思
Expressing that the current time is past the suitable moment.
Softening the blow
If you want to sound less harsh, add '좀' (a little) before '너무'. '좀 너무 늦었어요.'
Tense matters
Always use the past tense '늦었어요' when the deadline has already passed.
Texting style
Use '넘 늦음' with close friends to sound like a native texter.
Polite Refusal
Use this phrase to decline late-night calls; it's considered a valid and polite excuse.
自我测试
Fill in the blank to say 'It's too late now.'
지금은 ____ 늦었어요.
'너무' is the standard intensifier for 'too late'.
Which sentence is correct when you miss the last train?
기차가 떠났어요. 어떻게 말해요?
You use '늦었어요' for time-related lateness.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 우리 지금 영화 보러 갈까요? B: 아니요, 밤 12시예요. ________.
12 AM is too late for a movie.
Match the phrase to the situation.
사과하기에는 너무 늦었어요.
This is a figurative use of the phrase.
🎉 得分： /4
视觉学习工具
Late vs Slow
练习题库
4 练习지금은 ____ 늦었어요.
'너무' is the standard intensifier for 'too late'.
기차가 떠났어요. 어떻게 말해요?
You use '늦었어요' for time-related lateness.
A: 우리 지금 영화 보러 갈까요? B: 아니요, 밤 12시예요. ________.
12 AM is too late for a movie.
사과하기에는 너무 늦었어요.
This is a figurative use of the phrase.
🎉 得分： /4
常见问题
10 个问题Yes! Modern Koreans say '너무 좋아요' (It's too good/so good) all the time, though it was once considered wrong.
'늦다' is a general adjective for being late. '지각하다' is a verb specifically for being late to school or work.
Say '늦어서 죄송합니다' (Formal) or '늦어서 미안해' (Informal).
Not inherently, but it is very direct. Adding '죄송하지만' (I'm sorry but) makes it softer.
No, for a slow computer, use '컴퓨터가 너무 느려요'.
It means 'It's already late,' adding more emphasis to the fact that the time has passed.
Say '아직 안 늦었어요' (It's not late yet).
Yes, '에바야' (That's over the top/too much) is sometimes used if someone asks for something at a ridiculous hour.
It's better to use '지연되었습니다' (It has been delayed) for professional reports.
It's a 4-character idiom (Hanja) meaning 'lamenting the late hour'—a very formal version of this phrase.
相关表达
{이미|이미} {늦다|늦다}
similarAlready late
{지각|遲刻}하다
specialized formTo be late for school/work
{버스|버스} {떠났다|떠났다}
synonymThe bus has left
{시간|時間}이 {지나다|지나다}
builds onTime passes
