Learning how to say dates in Korean can be both fun and practical. Understanding how Koreans express dates will not only help you communicate effectively but also enhance your overall understanding of the language. In this guide, we will explore the formal and informal ways of saying dates in Korean. We will also provide you with helpful tips, examples, and regional variations when necessary.
Table of Contents
Formal Way of Saying Dates in Korean
When it comes to formal occasions or situations, Koreans generally use the Sino-Korean numbering system for dates. Here are the steps to follow:
- Step 1: Start with the year. For example, 2022 would be “이천이십이”.
- Step 2: Add the month. For instance, February (2월) would be “이천이십이년 이월”.
- Step 3: Include the day. For example, the 15th (15일) would be “이천이십이년 이월 십오일”.
An example of a formal date in Korean using the Sino-Korean numbering system is “이천이십이년 이월 십오일” which translates to “February 15, 2022” in English.
Informal Way of Saying Dates in Korean
For casual conversations or among friends, Koreans often use the native Korean numbering system which is simpler. Here’s how you can express dates informally:
- Step 1: Begin with the year. For instance, 2022 would be “스물두”.
- Step 2: Add the month. Using February (2월) as an example, it becomes “스물두 년 이월”.
- Step 3: Include the day. For example, the 15th (15일) would be “스물두 년 이월 열다섯일”.
Informally, the previous example of February 15, 2022, would be expressed as “스물두 년 이월 열다섯일”.
Tips and Examples
Now that you understand the formal and informal ways of saying dates in Korean, here are some additional tips and examples to enhance your knowledge:
1. Regional Variations
Although Korean is mostly unified, there are slight regional variations in how dates can be expressed. However, these variations are not significant and the formal and informal ways mentioned earlier are understood and used consistently across different regions.
2. Use of “년”
Unlike in English, Koreans use the word “년” (nyeon) after the year to indicate the year itself. This is an important component when expressing dates in Korean.
3. Use of “월” and “일”
In Korean, “월” (wol) is used to indicate the month, while “일” (il) is used to indicate the day. Make sure to include these words when saying dates in order to be clear and accurate.
4. Omission of “년”, “월”, and “일”
When referring to the current year, month, or day, it is common for Koreans to omit “년”, “월”, and “일”. For example, instead of saying “이천이십 이년 이월 열다섯일”, one can simply say “열다섯일” to refer to February 15, 2022. This is because the context usually makes it clear.
“Remember to tailor your use of formal or informal expressions based on the situation. Using the appropriate level of formality is essential in Korean culture.”
5. Including the Day of the Week
Koreans commonly refer to the day of the week when discussing dates. Monday to Saturday are named after the five elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water), followed by a repetition of the five elements. Sunday is simply referred to as “일요일” (ilyoil). For example, you can say “금요일” (gumyoil) for Friday.
6. Years Before Common Era
When discussing dates before the Common Era, Koreans often use the term “기원전” (giwonjeon) which means “Before Christ.” For example, 476 BC would be expressed as “사백칠십육 기원전” (sabekchilsip-yuk giwonjeon).
Examples:
Here are a few more examples of dates in Korean:
- Formal: 이천이십이년 팔월 십일일 (August 11, 2022)
- Informal: 스물두 년 여덟월 열하나일 (August 11, 2022)
- Formal: 이천이십년 프로야구 한국시리즈 첫 경기는 열월 스무 하나일에 열릴 예정입니다. (The first game of the Korean Series of professional baseball in 2022 is scheduled for October 21.)
- Informal: 스물 년에 첫 연인과의 기념일을 팔월 열사일에 맞이했습니다. (I celebrated my first anniversary with my partner on August 14.)
Remember to tailor your use of formal or informal expressions based on the situation. Using the appropriate level of formality is essential in Korean culture.
Now that you have learned how to say dates in Korean, practice using them in conversations, writing, or any other context where dates are involved. The more you practice, the more natural it will become, and you will continue to deepen your understanding of the Korean language.
