시간 — meaning in English: time

sigan · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for time

계산

gyesan

시간

sigan

경제

gyeongje

남용

nam

높이

nop

Skip this question

🎓

Learn Korean for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

neutral very common

Usage

Native speakers use the word 시간 (sigan) in a variety of contexts, from planning social events to discussing schedules at work. For instance, a friend might say, '시간이 있어?' (Do you have time?) when trying to set up a lunch date, or a teacher might ask students, '이 시간에 무엇을 할까요?' (What shall we do at this time?).

Synonyms & nuances

While 시간 (sigan) is the general term for 'time', another word, 때 (ttae), refers more to a specific moment or occasion. You would use 시간 when discussing durations or schedules, whereas 때 is more appropriate for discussing timing in events.

Culture

The word 시간 (sigan) comes from the Sino-Korean root 時間, which emphasizes the importance of time in Korean culture, often tied to punctuality and social obligations. In South Korea, being on time is a sign of respect, making this word not just a measure of time, but a reflection of social values.

FAQ

Q.What does 시간 mean in English?

시간 translates to 'time' in English. It's used to refer to both the concept of time and specific instances or durations.

Q.How do you use 시간 in a sentence?

You can use 시간 in sentences like '지금 시간이 몇 시예요?' (What time is it now?) or '시간이 없어요' (I don't have time).

Q.Are there common mistakes with the word 시간?

A common mistake is confusing 시간 with 때. Remember, 시간 is for general time and duration, while 때 is for specific occasions or moments.

Learn korean with Maspeak →

Korean 2000