What Time Is It Korea? Knowing how to tell time is a fundamental aspect of communication, and if you’re delving into the Korean language or planning a trip, understanding time is essential. At WHAT.EDU.VN, we provide comprehensive and easy-to-understand resources to help you master telling time in Korean and use Korean time phrases. Explore this guide and learn to express time like a local, making your interactions smoother and more meaningful and learn Korean effortlessly. Unlock your Korean time mastery, and discover related time expressions with our resources!
1. Understanding Korean Numbers for Time
To accurately tell time in Korean, you need to understand the two number systems used in the Korean language: Native Korean and Sino-Korean. Here’s a breakdown:
| Numeral | Native Korean (Hours) | Sino-Korean (Minutes) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 하나 (hana) | 일 (il) |
| 2 | 둘 (dul) | 이 (i) |
| 3 | 셋 (set) | 삼 (sam) |
| 4 | 넷 (net) | 사 (sa) |
| 5 | 다섯 (daseot) | 오 (o) |
| 6 | 여섯 (yeoseot) | 육 (yuk) |
| 7 | 일곱 (ilgop) | 칠 (chil) |
| 8 | 여덟 (yeodeol) | 팔 (pal) |
| 9 | 아홉 (ahop) | 구 (gu) |
| 10 | 열 (yeol) | 십 (sip) |
| 11 | 열하나 (yeolhana) | 십일 (sibil) |
| 12 | 열둘 (yeoldul) | 십이 (sibi) |
| 13 | 십삼 (sipsam) | |
| 14 | 십사 (sipsa) | |
| 15 | 십오 (sibo) | |
| 16 | 십육 (sibyuk) | |
| 17 | 십칠 (sipchil) | |
| 18 | 십팔 (sippal) | |
| 19 | 십구 (sipgu) | |
| 20 | 이십 (isip) | |
| 30 | 삼십 (samsip) | |
| 40 | 사십 (sasip) | |
| 50 | 오십 (osip) | |
| 60 | 육십 (yuksip) |
Native Korean numbers are used for stating the hour, while Sino-Korean numbers are used for stating the minutes. This distinction is crucial for clarity when telling time. For numbers greater than 20 in the Sino-Korean system, combine the tens and units, such as 이십 for 20, 삼십 for 30, and so on, followed by the number below ten (e.g., 22 is 이십이 (isipi)). This approach simplifies expressing larger numbers.
2. Telling Hours in Korean (시)
To specify the hour, use the word 시 (si), which follows the Native Korean number. For example:
- 1 o’clock: 한 시 (han si)
- 2 o’clock: 두 시 (du si)
- 5 o’clock: 다섯 시 (daseot si)
시 (si) is specifically used for telling the time. If you’re referring to a duration, use 시간 (sigan) instead. For example, “four hours” is 네 시간 (ne sigan).
3. Expressing Minutes in Korean (분)
To specify the minutes, use the word 분 (bun), which follows the Sino-Korean number. For example:
- 34 minutes: 삼십사 분 (samsipsa bun)
- 42 minutes: 사십이 분 (sasipi bun)
분 (bun) is used both to tell the time and to indicate an amount of time.
4. Putting It All Together: How to Tell Time
Combining hours and minutes is straightforward once you understand the components. For example:
- 2:34: 두 시 삼십사 분 (du si samsipsa bun)
- 5:42: 다섯 시 사십이 분 (daseot si sasipi bun)
A useful expression to know is 반 (ban), which means “half.” It’s used to say “half-past,” simplifying the expression of times like 4:30, which can be said as 네 시 반 (ne si ban).
5. 12-Hour vs. 24-Hour Clock in Korea
Korea uses both the 12-hour and 24-hour clock systems, but the 12-hour clock is more commonly used in everyday situations. The 24-hour clock is typically used in schedules, such as timetables at airports or TV schedules.
- In the 24-hour format, time is expressed as number + 시 (si), using Sino-Korean numbers.
- For example, 14:35 is 십사 시 삼십오 분 (sipsasi samsibo bun).
However, even when written in the 24-hour format, most Koreans will say the time using the 12-hour format, such as 두 시 삼십오 분 (du si samsibo bun).
6. Indicating AM and PM: 오전 (Ojeon) and 오후 (Ohu)
To differentiate between AM and PM, use 오전 (ojeon) for AM (morning hours before noon) and 오후 (ohu) for PM (afternoon and evening hours). These indicators are placed at the beginning of the time expression.
- 2:13 AM: 오전 두 시 십삼 분 (ojeon du si sipsam bun)
- 7:30 PM: 오후 일곱 시 삼십 분 (ohu ilgop si samsip bun) or 오후 일곱 시 반 (ohu ilgop si ban)
Sometimes, AM and PM may be omitted if the context already indicates the time of day, such as 아침 (achim) for morning or 저녁 (jeonyeok) for evening.
7. Korean Time Zone: Korea Standard Time (KST)
The time in Seoul, South Korea, follows Korea Standard Time (KST), which is UTC/GMT + 9 hours. Daylight Saving Time is not observed in South Korea. Understanding time differences can be crucial when coordinating with people in different time zones.
8. Comparing KST with Other Time Zones
| City | Time Difference from KST |
|---|---|
| New York City, USA | South Korea is 13 hours ahead |
| Tokyo, Japan | Same time zone (JST) |
| London, United Kingdom | South Korea is 8 hours ahead |
| Manila, Philippines | South Korea is 1 hour ahead |
| Paris, France | South Korea is 7 hours ahead |
| Beijing, China | South Korea is 1 hour ahead |
Understanding these time differences can help you better coordinate and communicate effectively with people in different locations.
9. Essential Vocabulary for Time in Korean
| Korean | English |
|---|---|
| 시 (si) | Hours |
| 분 (bun) | Minutes |
| 오전 (ojeon) | AM |
| 오후 (ohu) | PM |
| 반 (ban) | Half-past |
| 시간 (sigan) | Time |
| 초 (cho) | Seconds |
| 시차 (sicha) | Time difference |
| 시간대 (sigandae) | Time zone |
| 늦게 (neutge) | Late |
| 일찍 (iljjik) | Early |
| 어제 (eoje) | Yesterday |
| 나중에 (najunge) | Later |
| 내일 (naeil) | Tomorrow |
| 오늘 (oneul) | Today |
| 일광 절약 시간 (ilgwang jeollyak sigan) | Daylight Saving Time |
| 표준시 (pyojuns) | Standard Time |
| 한 시 (han si) | 1 o’clock |
| 두 시 (du si) | 2 o’clock |
| 세 시 (se si) | 3 o’clock |
| 네 시 (ne si) | 4 o’clock |
| 다섯 시 (daseot si) | 5 o’clock |
| 여섯 시 (yeoseot si) | 6 o’clock |
| 일곱 시 (ilgop si) | 7 o’clock |
| 여덟 시 (yeodeol si) | 8 o’clock |
| 아홉 시 (ahop si) | 9 o’clock |
| 열 시 (yeol si) | 10 o’clock |
| 열한 시 (yeolhan si) | 11 o’clock |
| 열두 시 (yeoldu si) | 12 o’clock |
| 제시간 (jesigan) | Scheduled time |
| 정각 (jeonggak) | Sharp |
These vocabulary words are essential for discussing time-related topics in Korean.
10. More Korean Time-Related Words
Understanding additional time-related terms enhances your ability to discuss time more comprehensively.
10.1. “Time” in Korean: 시간 (Sigan)
시간 (sigan) is the general word for “time” in Korean. You can use it in various contexts to refer to time in general.
10.2. “Dawn” in Korean: 새벽 (Saebyeok)
새벽 (saebyeok) refers to dawn, the time when sunlight begins to appear, symbolizing a new start.
10.3. “Dusk” in Korean: 해질녘 (Haejilnyeok)
해질녘 (haejilnyeok) is a common term for dusk, which is the time just before night when the sun has set but it’s not completely dark.
10.4. “Midnight” in Korean: 자정 (Jajeong)
자정 (jajeong) refers to midnight, the transition from one day to the next at 12 o’clock at night.
10.5. “Noon” in Korean: 정오 (Jeong-o)
정오 (jeong-o) is the word for noon or midday, which is 12 o’clock in the daytime.
11. Common Korean Time Sentences
Learning how to use time-related vocabulary in sentences is crucial for practical communication.
11.1. “What time is it?” in Korean: 지금 몇 시예요? (Jigeum myeot siyeyo?)
The most common question you’ll encounter is “What time is it?” which is expressed as 지금 몇 시예요? (jigeum myeot siyeyo?).
11.2. Formal Korean Sentences
- 오후 다섯시 삼십분 비행기입니다. 잊지 마십시오. (ohu daseotsi samsipbun bihaenggiimnida. itji masipsio)
- Your flight is leaving at 17:30. Please don’t be late.
- 서울행 버스는 15분 지연되어 오전 여덟시 사십오분에 출발 예정입니다. (seoulhaeng beoseuneun sipobun jiyeondoeeo ojeon yeodeolsi sasibobune chulbal yejeongimnida)
- The next bus to Seoul will be 15 minutes late and will now depart at 8:45 am.
11.3. Standard Korean Sentences
- 지금 오전 아홉시예요. (jigeum ahopsiyeyo.)
- It’s 9 AM now.
- 우리 몇 시에 만날까요? (uri myeot sie mannalkkayo?)
- What time should we meet?
- 오후 두시 반에 만나요. (ohu dusi bane mannayo.)
- Let’s meet at 2:30 pm.
11.4. Informal Korean Sentences
- 몇 시 영화야? (myeot si yeonghwaya?)
- What time is the movie?
- 여섯시 십분에 시작해. (yeoseotsi sipbune sijakae)
- It starts at 6:10.
12. Korean Time: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To solidify your understanding, let’s address some frequently asked questions about telling time in Korean.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How do I say “What time is it?” in Korean? | The standard way to ask is “지금 몇 시예요? (jigeum myeot siyeyo?)”. |
| Are Native Korean or Sino-Korean numbers used for hours? | Native Korean numbers are used for hours. |
| Which numbers are used for minutes? | Sino-Korean numbers are used for minutes. |
| How do I say “half-past” a certain hour? | Use the word “반 (ban)”, e.g., 네 시 반 (ne si ban) for 4:30. |
| How do Koreans differentiate between AM and PM? | They use “오전 (ojeon)” for AM and “오후 (ohu)” for PM, placing them at the beginning of the time. |
| Is the 24-hour clock commonly used in Korea? | While it’s used in schedules, the 12-hour clock is more common in everyday conversations. |
| What is the time zone in Seoul, South Korea? | Korea Standard Time (KST), which is UTC/GMT + 9 hours. |
| How do I say “time” in Korean? | The word for “time” is 시간 (sigan). |
| Can you provide some examples of formal sentences related to time? | “오후 다섯시 삼십분 비행기입니다. 잊지 마십시오. (ohu daseotsi samsipbun bihaenggiimnida. itji masipsio)” – Your flight is leaving at 17:30. Please don’t be late. |
| How do I ask what time we should meet? | “우리 몇 시에 만날까요? (uri myeot sie mannalkkayo?)” – What time should we meet? |
These FAQs offer quick references for common questions and scenarios when discussing time in Korean.
13. Real-Life Examples of Telling Time in Korean
Understanding how to tell time in Korean can greatly enhance your daily interactions. Here are a few scenarios:
13.1. Scheduling a Meeting
Situation: You are planning to meet a colleague in Seoul.
Conversation:
- You: “우리 내일 몇 시에 만날까요? (uri naeil myeot sie mannalkkayo?)” (What time should we meet tomorrow?)
- Colleague: “오후 두 시 반에 만나는 것이 어때요? (ohu du si bane mannaneun geosi eottaeyo?)” (How about meeting at 2:30 PM?)
- You: “좋아요. 그럼, 오후 두 시 반에 뵙겠습니다. (joayo. geureom, ohu du si bane boep겠습니다.)” (Great. Then, I’ll see you at 2:30 PM.)
This conversation demonstrates using standard Korean to arrange a meeting, including asking for the preferred time and confirming the arrangement.
13.2. Making a Doctor’s Appointment
Situation: You are calling a clinic to schedule an appointment.
Conversation:
- Receptionist: “안녕하세요. [Clinic Name]입니다. 무엇을 도와드릴까요? (annyeonghaseyo. [Clinic Name]imnida. mueoseul dowadeurilkkayo?)” (Hello, this is [Clinic Name]. How can I help you?)
- You: “진료 예약을 하고 싶습니다. (jillyo yeyageul hago sipseumnida.)” (I would like to make a doctor’s appointment.)
- Receptionist: “언제로 예약하시겠어요? (eonjero yeyakhasigesseoyo?)” (When would you like to schedule your appointment?)
- You: “다음 주 화요일 오전 열한 시가 괜찮을까요? (daeum ju hwayoil ojeon yeolhan siga gwaenchanheulkkayo?)” (Would next Tuesday at 11 AM be okay?)
- Receptionist: “네, 가능합니다. 다음 주 화요일 오전 열한 시로 예약되었습니다. (ne, ganeunghamnida. daeum ju hwayoil ojeon yeolhan siro yeyakdoe었습니다.)” (Yes, that’s possible. You are scheduled for next Tuesday at 11 AM.)
This example showcases making a formal request and confirming a time in Korean.
13.3. Checking the Time at the Airport
Situation: You are at the airport, checking the departure time of your flight.
Scenario:
- Airport Announcement (in Korean): “대한항공 KE123편, 로스앤젤레스행 비행기는 오후 다섯 시 삼십 분에 출발할 예정입니다. (daehanhanggong KE123pyeon, roseuaenjellesuhaeng bihaenggineun ohu daseot si samsip bune chulbalhal yejeongimnida.)” (Korean Air flight KE123 to Los Angeles is scheduled to depart at 5:30 PM.)
This scenario illustrates understanding formal announcements related to time in a public setting.
14. Tips for Mastering Time in Korean
To effectively master telling time in Korean, consider the following tips:
- Practice Regularly: Consistent practice is key. Use flashcards, apps, or language exchange partners to practice telling time daily.
- Immerse Yourself: Surround yourself with the language by watching Korean TV shows, listening to Korean music, or using Korean-language apps.
- Use Real-Life Situations: Apply what you learn in real-life scenarios, such as asking for the time, scheduling appointments, or planning meetings.
- Focus on Both Number Systems: Pay attention to both Native Korean and Sino-Korean numbers, as they are both essential for telling time.
- Understand Cultural Context: Be aware of the cultural nuances related to time in Korea, such as punctuality and the importance of scheduling.
By following these tips, you can improve your ability to tell time in Korean and communicate more effectively in various situations.
A person looking at their watch, wondering what time it is
15. Common Mistakes to Avoid When Telling Time in Korean
Avoid these common pitfalls when discussing time in Korean.
15.1. Mixing Up Number Systems
One of the most frequent mistakes is using the wrong number system for hours and minutes. Remember to use Native Korean numbers for hours and Sino-Korean numbers for minutes.
15.2. Incorrect Placement of AM/PM Indicators
In Korean, AM (오전) and PM (오후) are placed at the beginning of the time expression, not at the end as in English.
15.3. Forgetting the Word for Hours (시) and Minutes (분)
Always include the words 시 (si) for hours and 분 (bun) for minutes to clearly indicate the time.
15.4. Neglecting Honorifics in Formal Situations
In formal settings, remember to use appropriate honorifics to show respect.
15.5. Misunderstanding the 24-Hour Clock
Be aware of the usage of the 24-hour clock in schedules and formal announcements, but remember that the 12-hour clock is more common in everyday conversations.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can improve your accuracy and fluency when discussing time in Korean.
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18. Conclusion: Master Korean Time and Enhance Your Language Skills
Understanding and telling time in Korean is a crucial skill that enhances your communication and cultural awareness. By mastering the number systems, vocabulary, and expressions outlined in this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate daily interactions and understand various contexts where time is discussed. Keep practicing, immerse yourself in the language, and don’t hesitate to ask questions. With dedication and the right resources, you’ll confidently express and understand time in Korean.
