How to Talk about Time and Dates in Korean
Understanding Korean Time Words
Korean time expressions are essential for both daily conversations and any formal settings. Knowing how to talk about time in Korean not only helps with understanding schedules but also enriches your capacity to connect with others.
Basic Time Vocabulary
시
hour
분
minute
초
second
Numbers in Korean
In Korean, numbers are crucial when discussing time. For hours, the native Korean number system is used, and for minutes and seconds, the Sino-Korean number system is applied.
How to Ask for the Time
When you want to ask for the time in Korean, you can say: 지금 몇 시예요? which translates to 'What time is it now?'. It's a polite and straightforward way to inquire about the current time.
Expressing Specific Times
열 시입니다.
It's ten o'clock.
오후 세 시 삼십 분입니다.
It's 3:30 PM.
Discussing Days and Dates
Learning the days of the week and understanding how to say dates will empower you in making plans, appointments, and navigating the calendar year in Korean.
Days of the Week
월요일
Monday
화요일
Tuesday
수요일
Wednesday
How to Form Dates
Dates in Korean are structured from the largest unit to the smallest: year, month, day. For example, August 15, 2023, is expressed as 2023년 8월 15일.
Further Reading
- Essential Korean Vocabulary for Time
Explore essential time vocabulary and phrases in Korean, perfect for beginner learners.
- Days of the Week in Korean
A guide to saying and understanding days of the week in Korean.
- Ultimate Guide to Korean Dates
Learn how to express dates and understand calendar terms in Korean.