지금 바빠요: I’m Busy in Korean
I am busy now
Try it freeListen and repeat 지금 바빠요Use the audio examples below to practice this exact intention.Open →Explanation
바빠요 (bappayo) means “I am busy” or “you are busy,” depending on context. Add 지금, “now,” to say 지금 바빠요: “I am busy right now.”
Use 지금 바빠요 as a polite explanation when you need to decline or postpone something. To sound considerate, add 미안해요, “I am sorry,” or 나중에 연락할게요, “I will contact you later.”
To ask “Are you busy?”, use the same words with rising question intonation: 지금 바빠요? A softer way to ask whether somebody is available is 지금 시간 있어요?, “Do you have time now?”
The dictionary form is 바쁘다, “to be busy.” It changes to 바빠요 in polite present speech because the final ㅡ drops before the -아요 ending.
Do not confuse 바빠요 with 피곤해요, “I am tired.” A person can be busy without being tired, and tired without having a full schedule.
Examples
미안해요, 지금 조금 바빠요.
Mianhaeyo, jigeum jogeum bappayo.
Sorry, I am a little busy right now.
오늘 오후에 바빠요?
Oneul ohue bappayo?
Are you busy this afternoon?
Mini dialogue
A: 지금 통화해도 돼요?
A: Can I call now?
B: 미안해요, 지금 바빠요. 나중에 연락할게요.
B: Sorry, I am busy now. I will contact you later.
Common mistakes
- 바빠요 describes being occupied; 피곤해요 means tired.
- 나중에 means later, not tomorrow specifically.
How to practice
- Good for everyday schedules and messaging.
- Use 시간 있어요? to ask whether someone is free rather than directly asking if they are not busy.
Check yourself
Question 1 of 1
What does 바빠요 mean?
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