Welcome to this comprehensive guide on how to say times in Korean! Whether you are planning a trip to South Korea or simply interested in the language, knowing how to express time is essential. In this guide, we will cover both formal and informal ways to talk about different times of the day in Korean. Additionally, we will provide tips, examples, and highlight regional variations if necessary. So, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
1. Formal Time Expressions
When speaking formally about time in Korean, it is important to use the appropriate honorifics and formal language. Here are some commonly used expressions:
In the Morning: 오전 (o-jeon) or 아침 (a-chim)
- Example: 작업 회의는 오전 10시에 시작합니다. (The work meeting starts at 10 a.m.)
In the Afternoon: 오후 (o-hu) or 낮 (nat)
- Example: 점심 시간은 오후 12시부터 1시까지입니다. (Lunchtime is from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.)
In the Evening: 저녁 (jeo-nyeok) or 밤 (bam)
- Example: 저녁식사는 보통 저녁 6시에 합니다. (Dinner is usually at 6 p.m.)
At Night: 밤 (bam)
- Example: 저녁 9시부터 밤 12시까지 영화를 봤어요. (I watched a movie from 9 p.m. to midnight.)
2. Informal Time Expressions
Informal settings allow for a more casual way of talking about time in Korean. Here are some commonly used expressions:
In the Morning: 아침 (a-chim) or 오전 (o-jeon)
- Example: 내일 아침 8시에 만나자. (Let’s meet at 8 a.m. tomorrow.)
In the Afternoon: 오후 (o-hu) or 낮 (nat)
- Example: 오후 2시부터 시간이 있어. (I have free time from 2 p.m.)
In the Evening: 저녁 (jeo-nyeok) or 밤 (bam)
- Example: 오늘 저녁에 친구랑 영화를 볼 거야. (I’m going to watch a movie with my friend tonight.)
At Night: 밤 (bam)
- Example: 잠자기 전에 한 시간 정도 책을 읽었어요. (I read a book for about an hour before going to bed.)
3. Additional Tips for Talking About Time in Korean
Here are some useful tips to keep in mind when expressing time in Korean:
- Using Numbers: Use the Sino-Korean numeric system when stating the hour. For example, 10 a.m. is 열 시 (yeol si).
- Minutes: When stating the minutes, use the native Korean number system. For example, 10:15 is 열시 십오분 (yeol si sip o bun).
- Formality: Be mindful of the level of formality you need to use based on the context and your relationship with the person you are speaking to.
- 24-Hour Clock: In some situations, especially in written form or formal settings, the 24-hour clock is used. For example, 21:00 is 21시 (21 si).
- Practice: Practice using time expressions in daily conversations with native Korean speakers or language exchange partners to improve your fluency.
Now that you have a solid understanding of how to express different times in Korean, it’s time to put your knowledge into practice. Remember to pay attention to the context and use the appropriate level of formality. With practice and exposure to the language, you will become more confident in using time expressions naturally.
Enjoy exploring the Korean language and culture!
