시간
sigan[ɕʰiɡa̠n]
In Korean, the English word "hour" can be translated as either 시 or 시간 (sigan) depending on whether you mean a specific point in time or a duration.
Meaning: time period of sixty minutes (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 시 | si | [ɕʰi] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [ɕʰi(ː)] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 시간 | sigan | [ɕʰiɡa̠n] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [ˈɕʰi(ː)ɡa̠n] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
Use 시간 when referring to a duration or a period of time, such as a length of sixty minutes. When you want to specify a time of day, such as 5 o'clock, you use 시.
Which one should you use?
The distinction between the two forms is based on whether you are describing a point in time or a duration. Use 시 to indicate a specific point in time, such as 3 o'clock. Use 시간 to express a duration or period of time, such as for one hour.
How does it change in a sentence?
To specify morning or afternoon, you can place 오전 (AM) or 오후 (PM) before the hour.
How do you pronounce it?
sigan
What mistakes should you avoid?
For example, do not say 일 시 for 1 o'clock. Instead, use the Native Korean number 한 시.
Did you know?
- In Korea, when talking about the time of day with 시, you must use Native Korean numbers, but when talking about the duration with 시간, you use Sino-Korean numbers.
- The word 시 can also mean 'poetry' in Korean, meaning your schedule might technically be written in verses if you use the wrong Hanja.
- Korean speakers often use the word 시간 as a shorthand for 'free time'. Asking someone if they 'have 시간' is the standard way to ask if they are available for a meeting.
Examples in context
- 한 시간 넘게 걸릴 것 같아.It may take over an hour.This sentence is useful for describing an estimated duration using 시.Tatoeba #8366827 by Eunhee, translation #5166266 by krzysiek
- 당신에게 한 시간이 주어졌습니다.You have one hour.This sentence is useful for stating a given amount of time using 시.Tatoeba #11106068 by intertime, translation #2648184 by CK
- 톰과 메리는 한 시간씩이나 거울 앞에 서 있다.Tom and Mary have been standing in front of the mirror for an hour already.This sentence is useful for describing a continuous duration of time using 시.Tatoeba #6295634 by okja, translation #6167916 by AqQoyriq_1
- 몇 시간 동안 공부했어?How many hours did you study?
- 오후 10시10 PM
- 한 시 반1:30
- 오후 4시 반에 만나요.Let's meet at 4:30 PM.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Jihoon and Minji are deciding when to meet for lunch.
- 지훈 Ji-hun우리 한 시간 뒤에 만날까?uri han sigan dwi-e mannalkka?Shall we meet in an hour?
- 민지 Min-ji그거 좋네. 어디서 볼까?geugeo jonne. eodiseo bolkka?That sounds good. Where shall we meet?
- 지훈 Ji-hun역 앞에서 기다릴게.yeok ap-eseo gidarilge.I'll wait in front of the station.
- 민지 Min-ji알았어. 한 시간 뒤에 봐!arasseo. han sigan dwi-e bwa!Got it. See you in an hour!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hour” translations and entries 시, 시간, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
