Learning how to say “during” in Korean is important when expressing various time-related situations. Whether you want to discuss an event, describe an ongoing action, or mention a specific time frame, understanding how to use the word “during” will greatly enhance your Korean language skills. In this guide, we will cover both formal and informal ways of saying “during” in Korean, while providing helpful tips, examples, and explanations.
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Formal Ways to Say “During” in Korean
1. While: One of the commonly used ways to express “during” in a formal context is to use the word “while” translated as “동안 (dong-an).” This form is appropriate for polite conversations and official situations. Here are some examples:
Korean: 회의 동안, 휴식을 취할 수 없습니다.
Translation: While the meeting is ongoing, we cannot take a break.
Korean: 방학 동안에는 많은 공부를 할 것입니다.
Translation: During the vacation, I will study a lot.
2. Throughout: Another formal way to indicate “during” in Korean is by using the word “throughout,” which can be translated as “내내 (nae-nae)” or “동안에 (dong-an-e).” This form is frequently used in written texts, formal speeches, and business settings:
Korean: 축제 동안에는 많은 관광객이 그 곳을 찾습니다.
Translation: Throughout the festival, many tourists visit that place.
Korean: 회사 출장 동안에는 어느 도시에 계십니까?
Translation: Throughout your business trip, which city are you staying in?
Informal Ways to Say “During” in Korean
1. While: The informal way of saying “during” in Korean is similar to the formal version but in a more casual manner. You can use the word “while” translated as “동안 (dong-an)” when speaking with friends, family, or people of the same age group:
Korean: 게임 동안은 집안 일을 못 합니다.
Translation: While playing games, I can’t do household chores.
Korean: 여행 동안에 맛있는 음식을 먹고 싶어요!
Translation: During the trip, I want to eat delicious food!
2. Throughout: In informal situations, Korean speakers often use the word “all” or “entire” to emphasize the duration in a sentence. You can use “전체적으로 (jeon-che-jeok-euro)” or “온 (on)” to convey the idea of “during” more casually:
Korean: 시험 전체적으로 어땠어? (Informal)
Translation: How was the test overall? (During the test)
Korean: 파티 온 내내 즐거웠어! (Informal)
Translation: It was fun throughout the entire party! (During the party)
Additional Tips and Examples
1. Time-related Nouns: When expressing “during,” it’s important to be familiar with time-related nouns in Korean. Some common ones include “낮 (daytime),” “밤 (night),” “주말 (weekend),” “휴가 (vacation),” or any specific time frame like “1년 동안 (for one year).” These nouns can be combined with “동안 (dong-an)” or “내내 (nae-nae)” to indicate the duration or when an action occurs.
2. Verb Conjugation: Korean verbs need to be conjugated according to the grammar rules. When using “동안 (dong-an)” or “내내 (nae-nae),” ensure that the verb is in the appropriate form. For example, “놀다 (to play)” becomes “놀 동안 (nol dong-an)” or “놀 내내 (nol nae-nae)” to express “during playing.”
3. Context Matters: Always consider the context and formality level when using “during” in Korean. The appropriate form may vary depending on the situation, so it’s essential to select the most suitable expression accordingly.
4. Practice Makes Perfect: To become more comfortable using “during” in Korean, practice constructing sentences in various contexts. By incorporating this word into your everyday conversations or writing, you’ll strengthen your language skills.
Now that you know the formal and informal ways to say “during” in Korean, along with some tips and examples, you can confidently express time-related situations in your conversations. Remember to consider the formality level and context, and don’t hesitate to practice using these expressions until they become natural to you. Happy learning!
