Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “AM” and “PM” in Korean! Knowing how to express time properly is essential when communicating in any language. In Korean, there are various ways to denote AM and PM, depending on the level of formality. We’ll walk you through the formal and informal ways to express AM and PM, along with some tips, examples, and even a brief mention of regional variations. So, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say AM and PM
In formal situations or when using polite speech, Koreans rely on specific terms to indicate AM and PM. The formal terms are more commonly taught in textbooks and used in professional settings. Here’s how you can express morning and evening time formally:
AM: 오전 (ojeon)
PM: 오후 (ohu)
As you can see, Koreans use the term “오전” (ojeon) to denote AM and “오후” (ohu) to indicate PM. These terms are widely understood and used nationwide, making them the go-to expressions in formal conversations.
Informal Ways to Say AM and PM
When it comes to informal speech, Koreans often rely on a more colloquial and relaxed way of expressing time. While the formal terms are still understood, using the informal alternatives can help you sound more natural in casual conversations. Here are the informal ways to say AM and PM:
AM: 오전 (ojeon) or 아침 (achim)
PM: 오후 (ohu) or 저녁 (jeonyeok)
In informal settings, you can use “오전” (ojeon) for AM or the word “아침” (achim), which specifically means morning. Similarly, “오후” (ohu) can be used for PM, but you can also opt for “저녁” (jeonyeok), which means evening. These informal expressions are commonly used among friends, family members, or when engaging in casual conversations.
Examples and Tips
Understanding how to use these expressions in context is crucial. Here are some examples that demonstrate the proper usage of AM and PM expressions in Korean:
- 오후 3시에 만나자. (Let’s meet at 3 PM.)
- 아침 9시에 일어났어요. (I woke up at 9 AM.)
- 오후 6시부터 수업이 시작돼요. (Classes start at 6 PM.)
- 저녁 7시에 식사를 하겠습니다. (I will have dinner at 7 PM.)
Remember these helpful tips to use AM and PM expressions effectively:
- Please note that Koreans typically use a 12-hour clock system, similar to the AM/PM system commonly used in English.
- To specify a specific hour, simply add the desired number followed by “시” (si), which means “hour.” For example, “3시” (3 o’clock).
- To mention the minutes, add the minutes value after the hour. For instance, “2시 30분” (2:30).
- In Korean, it is common to drop the pronoun “I” in sentences. For example, instead of saying “I will have dinner,” Koreans would say “저녁 7시에 식사를 하겠습니다.”
- Practice using different time expressions in various contexts to become more comfortable and confident.
Regional Variations
Korean is primarily spoken in South Korea and North Korea, where the terms we discussed earlier are universally understood and used. However, there can be minor regional differences or dialects that influence how people express time. For instance, individuals living in specific regions might employ alternative words for “morning” or “evening.” Nevertheless, the formal and informal expressions we covered earlier are widely recognized, making them suitable for usage throughout the Korean peninsula.
Now that you have this comprehensive guide on how to say AM and PM in Korean, you can confidently express the time in various situations. Remember to adapt your speech based on formality levels and choose the appropriate expression accordingly. Keep practicing and immersing yourself in Korean language and culture, and you’ll soon become a fluent speaker of this fascinating language!
