Learn Korean: 예전이나 지금이나 + Verb

Let’s take a look at the Korean sentence pattern 예전이나 지금이나 + Verb. 예전 means a long time ago and 지금 means now. This is a good expression we can use to tell someone what has not changed through the years. If I still like someone from fourth grade, I would say 예전이나 지금이나 너 좋아해. We can also talk about character. If someone remains hard-headed and doesn’t take heed, I would say 예전이나 지금이나 내 말 안 들어. Other possible expressions are 옛날이나 지금이나 and 그때나 지금이나.

옛날이나 지금이나 네 입장밖에 생각 안 해.

From back then to now, you only think about yourself.

그때나 지금이나 맨날 생각해보래.

From back then to now, you are always telling me to think.

옛날이나 지금이나 말 심하게 해.

You still speak harshly. You never changed.