Dictionary
English - Korean

Ago

əˈɡoʊ
Extremely common
500 - 600
500 - 600
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

전에 (jeon-e), 이전 (ijon), 그 전에 (geu jeon-e), 한참 전에 (hancham jeon-e)

Ago meanings in Korean

전에 (jeon-e)

Example:
I saw her two days ago.
나는 이틀 전에 그녀를 봤다.
He left an hour ago.
그는 한 시간 전에 떠났다.
Usage: informalContext: Used to indicate a specific time in the past relative to the present.
Note: Commonly used in everyday conversation to refer to a time period that has passed.

이전 (ijon)

Example:
The meeting was scheduled for a week ago.
회의는 일주일 전에 예정되어 있었다.
They arrived here three months ago.
그들은 여기 세 달 전에 도착했다.
Usage: formalContext: Used in written or formal contexts when referring to a point in the past.
Note: More suitable for formal writing, such as reports or academic papers.

그 전에 (geu jeon-e)

Example:
I had never seen that movie before.
나는 그 영화를 그 전에 본 적이 없다.
She was happy long ago.
그녀는 오래 전에 행복했다.
Usage: informalContext: Used to refer to a time that was before another past event.
Note: Indicates a more distant past in relation to another event.

한참 전에 (hancham jeon-e)

Example:
I told him that a long time ago.
나는 그에게 한참 전에 말했다.
They moved away ages ago.
그들은 한참 전에 이사갔다.
Usage: informalContext: Used to emphasize that a long time has passed since an event.
Note: Conveys a sense of nostalgia or significant time lapse.

Ago's synonyms

before

Before refers to a time earlier than the present or a specified point in time.
Example: He left five minutes before.
Note: Before can be used to indicate a point in time that is earlier than another point in time, whereas 'ago' is used to indicate a time period that has passed since the event.

previously

Previously means at an earlier time or before the present time.
Example: I saw her previously at the store.
Note: Previously is more formal and is often used in written language or formal speech.

earlier

Earlier means at a time before now or before a particular time.
Example: She called me earlier today.
Note: Earlier can be used to refer to a time that is closer to the present compared to 'ago'.

Ago expressions, common phrases

A while ago

A period of time in the past, not specified exactly.
Example: I saw her a while ago at the store.
Note: Adds emphasis on the unspecified nature of the time frame.

Long ago

Refers to a distant point in the past.
Example: Long ago, dinosaurs roamed the Earth.
Note: Emphasizes the far-reaching distance in time.

Not long ago

A recent period of time in the past.
Example: I visited Paris not long ago.
Note: Contrasts with 'long ago' to indicate a more recent timeframe.

Years ago

Refers to a specific number of years in the past.
Example: She moved to this city years ago.
Note: Specifies the number of years passed since the event.

Months ago

Indicates a period of time in the past, measured in months.
Example: We last met months ago.
Note: Specifies the time frame in months rather than years or days.

Decades ago

Refers to a period of ten years, often emphasizing a long time.
Example: The building was constructed decades ago.
Note: Conveys a longer period than just years, usually implying several decades.

Weeks ago

Describes a recent past period, measured in weeks.
Example: I completed the project weeks ago.
Note: Specifies the time frame in weeks, indicating a shorter duration.

Moments ago

Refers to a very brief moment in the past.
Example: The phone rang moments ago.
Note: Emphasizes the immediacy and brevity of the past event.

Back in the day

Refers to a nostalgic period in the past, often associated with one's youth.
Example: Back in the day, we used to play in the park all day.
Note: Informal expression to reminisce about the past, not specifying a precise timeframe.

Ago everyday (slang) expressions

ages ago

Used to emphasize a long time in the past.
Example: I last saw her ages ago.
Note: It exaggerates the amount of time that has passed compared to just saying 'ago'.

eon(s) ago

A very long time in the past, emphasizing an extremely distant time.
Example: That happened eons ago.
Note: Emphasizes an even longer period compared to 'ages ago' or 'long ago'.

donkey's years ago

An informal way to say a very long time ago in a humorous or exaggerated manner.
Example: I visited that place donkey's years ago.
Note: Adds a humorous or whimsical tone to the expression.

yonks ago

A British slang term meaning a very long time ago.
Example: I haven't been there in yonks ago.
Note: Less commonly used outside of British English contexts.

light years ago

Indicates a significant advancement or change from a past time or technology.
Example: That technology is light years ago from what we have now.
Note: Stresses a huge difference or improvement over time.

aeons ago

A poetic or philosophical way of saying a very long time ago.
Example: Civilizations rose and fell aeons ago.
Note: Conveys a sense of deep time or antiquity.

miles away

Expresses that something took place far in the past.
Example: Her birthday party seems like it happened miles away.
Note: Uses distance as a metaphor for the passage of time.

Ago - Examples

I met her two years ago.
나는 그녀를 두 년 전에 만났어요.
The concert ended an hour ago.
콘서트는 한 시간 전에 끝났어요.
I used to live in this city a long time ago.
나는 오래 전에 이 도시에 살았었어요.

Ago grammar

Ago - Adverb (Adverb) / Adverb (Adverb)
Lemma: ago
Conjugations
Adjective (Adjective): ago
Adverb (Adverb): ago
Syllables, Separation and Stress
ago Contains 1 syllables: ago
Phonetic transcription: ə-ˈgō
ago , ə ˈgō (The red syllable is stressed)

Ago - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
ago: 500 - 600 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
Vocafy, efficient language learning
Vocafy, efficient language learning
Vocafy helps you discover, organize, and learn new words and phrases with ease. Build personalized vocabulary collections, and practice anytime, anywhere.