시간
sigan[ɕʰiɡa̠n]
The English phrase "time" is translated into Korean as 시간 (sigan).
시간 is a noun used to refer to the measurement of a quantity of time.
Meaning: measurement of a quantity of time (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
When 시간 is the subject of a sentence, it often takes the subject marker 시간이 (sigan-i). When 시간 is the object of a verb, such as
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is sigan.
Did you know?
- In Korean, when talking about how many hours have passed, you use the native Korean numbering system instead of the Sino-Korean system used for the word 시간 itself.
- If a Korean speaker says they have 시간 (time), they are often not referring to the clock but are specifically saying they are 'available' or 'free'.
- The word 시간 literally translates to 'time gap', combining the characters for 'time' and 'interval' or 'between'.
Examples in context
- 너랑 있을 시간 없어.I don't have time for you.This sentence demonstrates the use of 시간 to express a lack of time for someone.Tatoeba #11106281 by intertime, translation #713809 by fanty
- 벌써 집에 갈 시간이야.It's already time to go home.This sentence shows how to use 시간 to indicate it is time for a specific action.Tatoeba #11083915 by Eunhee, translation #31404 by TRANG
- 나는 게임할 시간이 없다.I have no time for games.This sentence uses 시간 to express having no time for an activity.Tatoeba #11105240 by intertime, translation #1504414 by CK
- 오전 9시 15분입니다.It's 9:15 AM.
- 오후 2시 30분입니다.It's 2:30 PM.
- 지금 몇 시예요?What time is it now?
- 몇 시에 만날까요?What time shall we meet?
- 몇 시까지 오픈하셔요?Until what time are you open?
- 오전 9시 15분이야.It's 9:15 AM.
- 오후 2시 30분이야.It's 2:30 PM.
- 지금 몇 시야?What time is it now?
- 몇 시에 만날까?What time shall we meet?
- 몇 시까지 오픈이야?Until what time are you open?
- 56 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Minjun and Jieun are checking their schedules at a cafe.
- 민준 Min-jun지은 씨, 오늘 우리 만날 시간 있어요?Jieun-ssi, oneul uri mannal sigan isseoyo?Jieun, do you have time to meet today?
- 지은 Ji-eun네, 오후에는 시간 괜찮아요.Ne, ohueneun sigan gwaenchannayo.Yes, I have time in the afternoon.
- 민준 Min-jun그럼 세 시에 만날까요?Geureom se sie mannalkkayo?Then shall we meet at three?
- 지은 Ji-eun좋아요, 민준 씨.Joayo, Minjun-ssi.That sounds good, Minjun.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “time” translations and entries 시간, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 시간, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
