이따가 VS 나중에

What's the Difference Between 이따가 and 나중에?

Both 이따가 and 나중에 can be translated as "later" in English.

But in Korean, they feel quite different, especially in everyday conversation.

1. 이따가 : a short time later / very soon

→ 이따가 means later today or very soon.

→ 이따가 is used when something will happen within the same day, in the near future.

[ Examples Sentences ]

지금은 바쁘니까 이따가 전화할게요.  I’m busy now, so I’ll call you later (soon, today).

우리 이따가 점심 먹을래요? Shall we have lunch later today?

2. 나중에 : later / some time in the future (not specific)

→ 나중에 means later in the future, but it’s not specific.

→ 나중에 could mean tomorrow, next week, or even much later.

→ Technically, 나중에 could mean later today.

→ But in most cases, Koreans prefer to use 이따가 when they are talking about something that will happen later today.

[ Examples Sentences ]

지금 말고 나중에 이야기해요. Let’s talk later (not now, some other time).

나중에 한국에 꼭 다시 가고 싶어요. I really want to go back to Korea someday in the future.

If you have any additional questions,  feel free to ask in the comments!😊