Learn Korean: Noun + 부터

Let's take a look at the Korean sentence pattern Noun + 부터. In basic Korean, we learned that 부터 is attached to time to indicate the starting point of an action as in 오늘부터 (starting today) and 지금부터 (from now on). What you probably don't know yet is that it is also possible to attach 부터 to people and things. In this sense, it shows precedence or priority. If I say 밥(food)부터, it means that something must be done with the food first as in 밥부터 먹자 (Let’s eat first before doing something else). If I say 샤워(shower)부터, it means that shower must be done first as in 샤워부터 할게 (I will take a shower first before I join the movie marathon). If I say 오빠(older guy)부터, it means that something must be done by oppa first before someone else as in 오빠부터 시작해 (Let’s start with you). This pattern in common in commands in propositions.

냉장고부터 채워주세요.

Fill in the refrigerator first. (before you proceed with other house chores)

커피숍부터 가자.

Let’s go to the coffee shop first. (before we go to the amusement park)

 

창문부터 열어.

Open the windows first.