점심시간
jeomsimsigan[ˈt͡ɕɘ(ː)mɕʰimɕʰiɡa̠n]
The English phrase "lunch time" is translated into Korean as 점심시간 (jeomsimsigan).
The term 점심시간 is used to refer to both the specific hour of the meal and the designated break period in schools or offices. In Korean culture, lunchtime generally falls between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of 점심, which means lunch and 시간, which means time.
How do you pronounce it?
jeomsimsigan
Did you know?
- The word 점심 literally means 'dotting the heart'. In ancient Buddhist tradition, this referred to a small snack intended to lightly touch the heart rather than a full meal.
- Korean has a specific word 혼밥 for eating alone during 점심시간. It combines the word for rice and the word for alone and reflects a growing trend of solo dining in a traditionally group-oriented society.
- During 점심시간, many Korean office workers engage in a quick power nap. This is a socially accepted way to recharge for the afternoon and is not viewed as laziness.
Examples in context
- 점심 시간입니다.It is lunch time.
- 점심 먹을 시간이야.It's time to eat lunch.
- 점심시간은 언제예요?jeomsim-siganeun eonjeyeyo?When is lunch time?
- 점심시간에 영화를 봐요.jeomsim-sigane yeonghwareul bwayo.I watch a movie during lunch time.
Example conversation
Two colleagues are talking in the office.
- 도현 Do-hyeon민지 씨, 지금 점심시간이에요.Minji ssi, jigeum jeomsim-siganieyo.Minji, it is lunch time now.
- 민지 Min-ji정말요? 벌써 시간이 그렇게 됐나요?jeongmalyo? beolsseo sigani geureoke dwaennayo?Really? Is it that time already?
- 도현 Do-hyeon네, 빨리 식당으로 가요.ne, ppalli sikdang-euro gayo.Yes, let's go to the cafeteria quickly.
- 민지 Min-ji좋아요, 같이 가요.joayo, gachi gayo.Sounds good, let's go together.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 점심시간, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 점심시간, CC BY-SA 4.0.
