쉬는 시간
swineun sigan
The Korean phrase for "break time" is 쉬는 시간 (swineun sigan).
쉬는 시간 is used to describe a short period of time during work or school when people stop their activities to rest. It is a versatile phrase suitable for both school breaks and work breaks. In some specific workplace contexts, one might also hear 담배 시간, which refers to designated break times specifically for smoking.
How do you pronounce it?
swineun sigan
Did you know?
- The verb 쉬다 used in 쉬는 시간 can also mean 'to ferment' when talking about food like kimchi. In both cases, the core idea is a period of stillness or resting.
- While 쉬는 시간 is the general term for a break, the social practice of 담배 시간 (smoking time) often serves as an unofficial networking window where workplace hierarchies are temporarily relaxed.
- If you are talking about a break during a meeting or a lecture, you might use the loanword 브레이크 타임, though this is more commonly used in the context of restaurants.
Examples in context
- 휴식 시간이 언제예요?When is break time?
- 쉬는 시간 있을까요?Do we have any break time?
- 쉴 시간 좀 갖자!Let's take a break for a while!
- 쉬는 시간은 언제예요?swineun siganeun eonjeyeyo?When is the break time?
- 쉬는 시간에 커피 마셔요.swineun sigane keopi masyeoyo.I drink coffee during break time.
- 쉬는 시간이 아주 짧아요.swineun sigani aju jjalbayo.The break time is very short.
Example conversation
Two students are talking in a classroom.
- 도현 Do-hyeon지은 씨, 지금 쉬는 시간이에요.jieun ssi, jigeum swineun siganieyo.Jieun, it is break time now.
- 지은 Ji-eun정말요? 빨리 매점에 가요.jeongmalyo? ppalli maejeome gayo.Really? Let's go to the snack shop quickly.
- 도현 Do-hyeon좋아요. 같이 가요.joayo. gachi gayo.Okay. Let's go together.
- 지은 Ji-eun쉬는 시간이 너무 짧아요.swineun sigani neomu jjalbayo.The break time is too short.
