Welcome to this comprehensive guide on how to say “minutes” in Korean! Whether you’re a language enthusiast, planning a trip to Korea, or simply interested in expanding your vocabulary, this guide will provide you with both formal and informal ways to express time in minutes in the Korean language. Exploring regional variations is optional, as the focus will primarily be on standard Korean usage. So, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Minutes” in Korean
When it comes to formal situations or speaking with respect, Koreans often use sino-Korean numbers to express minutes. Here are some examples:
1. Use the word 분 (bun) after a sino-Korean number:
For numbers 1 to 9, you can simply add the word 분 after the corresponding sino-Korean number. Here are the examples:
- 1 minute: 한 분 (han bun)
- Example: 5시 1분에 만나요. (5shi 1bune mannayo.) – Let’s meet at 5:01.
- 2 minutes: 두 분 (du bun)
- Example: 10시 12분에 시작해요. (10shi 12bune sijakhaeyo.) – We will start at 10:12.
- …
2. Use the word 분 (bun) after native Korean numbers:
For native Korean numbers, which are more commonly used in daily conversations, you can follow a similar pattern and add the word 분 after the number:
- 3 minutes: 세 분 (se bun)
- Example: 3시 30분에 뵙겠습니다. (3shi samship bun-e boepgesseumnida.) – I will meet you at 3:30.
- 4 minutes: 네 분 (ne bun)
- Example: 제 시간에 도착하려고 네 분 일찍 나왔어요. (Je shigane dochak-haryeogo ne bun iljjik nawaosseoyo.) – I came four minutes early to arrive on time.
- …
Informal Ways to Say “Minutes” in Korean
Informal situations, casual conversations, or when speaking with close friends allow for different expressions for minutes. Here are a few informal ways:
1. Just the number with 분 (bun):
In casual contexts, Koreans often drop the formalities and state the number followed by 분 (bun) to indicate minutes. Examples include:
- 10 minutes: 십 분 (ship bun)
- Example: 10분만 기다려. (Ship buman gidaryeo.) – Just wait for 10 minutes.
- 20 minutes: 이십 분 (isip bun)
- Example: 이십 분 동안 놀자. (Isip bun dong-an nolja.) – Let’s play for 20 minutes.
- …
Regional Variations for “Minutes” in Korean (Optional)
While the previously mentioned ways are commonly used throughout Korea, it’s worth noting that dialects and regional variations exist. For example, in the Gyeongsang region, people may use specific terms for minutes. However, as standard Korean is more universally understood, focusing on standard Korean usage will be suitable for most situations.
Tip: When communicating with Koreans, especially if you’re a non-native speaker, it’s generally advisable to stick with standard Korean unless you’re in a specific region where a particular dialect is prevalent.
Examples and Practice
Learning a new language is always enhanced by examples and practice. Here are a few more examples that encompass both formal and informal ways to express minutes in Korean:
-
오늘 저녁은 30분 후에 시작할게요. (Oneul jeonyeok-eun samship bun hue sijakhalkkeyo.) – Dinner will start in 30 minutes.
-
랑디스컵에서 팀이 승리하려면 남은 시간은 10분밖에 없어. (Raengdiseukeub-eseo tim-i seungriharyeomyeon nam-eun siganeun ship bunbakke eopseo.) – The team only has 10 minutes left to win in the League Cup.
-
내일 아침에 테니스 치러 공원으로 가요. 언제 갈 거예요? – 30분 뒤에 갈 거예요. (Nae-il achim-e teniseu chireo gong-won-euro gayo. Eonje gal geoyeyo? – Samship bun dwie gal geoyeyo.) – Let’s go to the park to play tennis tomorrow morning. When will you go? – I will go there in 30 minutes.
Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t hesitate to use these expressions and adapt them to your own conversations. Along with regular practice, listening to Korean conversations and watching Korean media will help familiarize you with natural language usage.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve completed this guide on how to say “minutes” in Korean. We covered formal and informal expressions, providing various examples to facilitate your understanding. Remember, language learning is a journey, and exploring the intricacies of a language can be both educational and rewarding. Now you have the tools to express minutes in Korean confidently. So, keep practicing, enjoy communicating in Korean, and embrace the rich culture that comes with it!
