두 달
du dal
The English phrase "two months" is translated into Korean as 두 달 (du dal).
This phrase is used to describe a period of time lasting two months.
What does it mean word for word?
The expression is composed of 두 (du), which means "two" and 달 (dal), which means "month".
Which one should you use?
There are two ways to express this duration. 두 달 is more common in casual, everyday speech.
How do you pronounce it?
du dal
Did you know?
- The word 달 for 'month' is also the word for 'moon'. In Korean, the calendar month and the celestial body are the same word, reflecting the lunar origins of the timekeeping system.
- Some linguists suggest a potential connection between the native Korean word 달 and the Manchu word ᡨᡠᠸᠠ, which means 'fire'.
- In Korean, you must use a different number system to say 두 달 than you would to say 'the second month'. The native number 두 is used for counting durations, whereas Sino-Korean numbers are used for dates.
Examples in context
- 두 달 동안 공부했어요.du dal dong-an gong-bu-hae-sseo-yo.I studied for two months.
- 두 달 정도 걸릴 거예요.du dal jeong-do geol-ril geo-ye-yo.It will take about two months.
- 두 달 전부터 아팠어요.du dal jeon-bu-teo a-pa-sseo-yo.I have been sick since two months ago.
Example conversation
Ji-eun asks Min-jun how long his vacation was.
- 지은 Ji-eun여행을 얼마나 다녀왔어요?yeo-haeng-eul eol-ma-na da-nyeo-wa-sseo-yo?How long was your trip?
- 민준 Min-jun두 달 동안 여행했어요.du dal dong-an yeo-haeng-hae-sseo-yo.I traveled for two months.
- 지은 Ji-eun정말 길었네요!jeong-mal gil-eot-ne-yo!That was really long!
- 민준 Min-jun네, 정말 즐거웠어요.ne, jeong-mal jeul-geo-wot-seo-yo.Yes, it was really fun.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 달, 두, CC BY-SA 4.0.
