Learning how to say “closed” in Korean is essential for any traveler or language enthusiast. Whether you want to know if a restaurant, shop, or attraction is open or closed, mastering this keyword will help you navigate your way around Korea with ease. In this guide, we’ll explore the formal and informal ways of expressing “closed” in Korean, avoiding unnecessary regional variations. So, let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Closed”
If you want to express the concept of “closed” in a formal context, such as when addressing someone politely, there are a few expressions you can use. Here are some examples:
- 휴무 중 (hyumu jung) – This phrase is commonly used to indicate that a place is closed temporarily, either for a specific day or a period. It is often seen on signs or notices, meaning “on a break” or “on a day off.”
- 마감되었습니다 (magamdoeeotsseumnida) – When a business has reached its closing time, you can use this phrase to politely inform others that it is closed for the day. It can be translated as “we have closed” or “we are closed.”
- 운영 종료 (unyeong jongryo) – In a more formal context, especially for official establishments or organizations, this expression is used to indicate the end of operations for the day or permanently. It means “operation ceased” or “operations have concluded.”
Informal Ways to Say “Closed”
In casual situations or when speaking to friends or peers, you can use the following expressions to convey that a place is closed:
- 문 닫았어 (mun datasseo) – This is an informal way to say “closed” and literally translates to “the door is closed.” It’s a straightforward and commonly used expression to convey the closing of a place.
- 영업 끝났어 (yeongeop kkeutnasseo) – When a business has finished its daily operations, you can use this phrase to inform others casually. It means “we’ve finished business” or “we’re done for the day.”
Tips and Examples
Here are some tips and additional examples to help you grasp the usage of these expressions:
Tip: It’s important to note that when saying “closed,” you generally need to specify what is closed. For example, if you want to say, “The restaurant is closed,” you would say “식당이 휴무 중입니다 (sikdangi hyumu jungimnida)” or “식당 문 닫았어요 (sikdang mun datasseoyo)” depending on the formality level.
Let’s look at some examples:
- 휴무 중이니 다음에 다시 오세요 (Hyumu jungini daeume dasi oseyo) – This polite phrase means “We are on a break; please come again later.” It’s commonly used when a business is temporarily closed.
- 어제 영업 끝났어, 오늘 다시 오세요 (Eoje yeongeop kkeutnasseo, oneul dasi oseyo) – This casual sentence translates to “We finished business yesterday, please come again today.” It’s a way of letting someone know that the establishment was closed the previous day but is open today.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to say “closed” in Korean is a valuable skill that enhances your ability to communicate effectively in various situations. Whether you’re exploring the bustling streets of Seoul or traveling to smaller towns, being able to understand and express this keyword will undoubtedly make your journey more convenient and pleasant. Remember to consider the level of formality and tailor your expressions accordingly. So, go ahead and confidently use these phrases to navigate the Korean language like a pro!
