시계 — meaning in English: clock

Usage

Native speakers often use the word '시계' (sigye) in everyday conversations, such as when asking someone for the time or discussing plans. You might hear it in a café, where someone asks the barista about the time to catch their train, or when friends are deciding what time to meet for dinner.

Synonyms & nuances

'시계' can refer specifically to a clock, while '타이머' (taimeo) means timer, used for measuring shorter intervals. When discussing time-pieces in a more general sense, '시계' is preferred, especially in daily contexts where precise timekeeping is relevant.

Culture

The word '시계' has its roots in the Hanja (Chinese characters) '時' (time) and '計' (measure), reflecting its function to measure time. Clocks have historically held significant cultural value in Korea, with traditional Korean clocks, known as '자명종' (jamyeongjong), being ornate and often used during the Joseon Dynasty to signal ceremonies and important events.

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