시계
sigye[ɕʰiɡje̞]
The English word 'watch' (as a noun for a timepiece) is translated into Korean as 시계 (sigye). Wiktionary also lists 워치 (wochi).
Meaning: portable or wearable timepiece (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 시계 | sigye | [ɕʰiɡje̞] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [ɕʰiɡe̞] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 워치 | wochi |
The noun refers to a portable or wearable timepiece. While 시계 is the standard term for any kind of clock or watch, you may also encounter the loanword 워치 in modern technological contexts.
Which one should you use?
시계 is the standard word used for any timepiece, such as wall clocks or wristwatches. In contrast, the loanword 워치 is specifically used in modern contexts to refer to smartwatches or high-tech wearable devices. If you want to be very specific about a 'wristwatch', you can use the term 손목시계, which is a compound of 손목 (wrist) and 시계 (clock/watch).
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
sigye
Did you know?
- In Korean, the word 시계 can also mean 'visibility' or 'field of vision' when it is written using different Hanja characters, such as 視界.
- Korean has a specific term for an alarm clock, 자명종, which differs from the general 시계 and refers to the 'ringing bell' mechanism.
- The character 計 in 시계 means 'to calculate' or 'to plan', reflecting the ancient view of timepieces as calculating machines.
Examples in context
- 누군가 내 시계를 훔쳤어.Someone stole my watch.This sentence shows how to use 시계 when discussing a stolen item.Tatoeba #8357727 by Eunhee, translation #3153890 by CK
- 내 시계는 수리받아야 한다.My watch needs to be repaired.This sentence demonstrates the use of 시계 regarding a repair.Tatoeba #11106799 by intertime, translation #251031 by CK
- 나는 그녀에게 시계를 사줬다.I bought her a watch.This sentence illustrates using 시계 when someone is buying a gift.Tatoeba #11106464 by intertime, translation #394667 by CK
- 시계 어디서 산 거예요?Where did you buy the watch?
- 시간 좀 알려줄래?Can you tell me the time?
- 으, 내 손시계 보면 돼.Uh, just look at my watch.
- 시계를 잃어버렸어I lost my watch
- 이 시계 좀 봐주세요Look at this watch, please
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Minji notices a new accessory on Hyunwoo's wrist.
- 민지 Min-ji현우 씨, 그 시계 정말 예뻐요.Hyeon-u ssi, geu sigye jeongmal yeppeoyo.Hyunwoo, that watch is really pretty.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo감사합니다. 생일 선물로 받았어요.Gamsahamnida. Saeng-il seonmul-lo badasseoyo.Thank you. I got it as a birthday gift.
- 민지 Min-ji어디서 샀는지 알려줄 수 있어요?Eodiseo sassneunji allyeojul su isseoyo?Can you tell me where you bought it?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo네, 나중에 링크 보내줄게요.Ne, najunge ringkeu bonaejulgeyo.Yes, I'll send you the link later.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “watch” translations and entries 시계, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
