초
cho[t͡ɕʰo̞]
The Korean word for 'second' (the unit of time) is 초 (cho).
초 is the SI unit of time representing one-sixtieth of a minute.
Meaning: one-sixtieth of a minute, SI unit of time (noun)
Which one should you use?
초 refers specifically to the unit of time. In contrast, if you mean the ordinal number 'second' in a sequence, you should use the related forms 둘째 or 두 번째.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun 초 does not change its form when expressing plural seconds. The number of seconds is indicated by the preceding number.
How do you pronounce it?
cho
Did you know?
- In Korean, the sound 초 is a homonym for several different meanings, including 'candle' and 'beginning'. This means context is essential to know if someone is talking about a unit of time or a light source.
- The word 초 can also mean 'beginning' or 'early' when derived from the Hanja 初, such as in the phrase 'early autumn'.
- The word 초 first appeared in written Korean records as early as 1447 in the 석보상절, a Buddhist text describing the life of the Buddha.
Examples in context
- 둘째 아들Second son
- 두 번째 시도Second attempt
- 초 단위로 측정해야 해요.cho danwiro cheukjeonghaeya haeyo.It must be measured in seconds.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “second” translations and entries 초, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 초, CC BY-SA 4.0.
