Telling Time In Korean: A Guide For Total Beginners [2025]

Imagine you’re in Seoul, trying to catch the last train home or meeting a friend for dinner. Knowing how to tell time in Korean isn’t just a nice skill to have. In fact, it’s a super important concept to learn for daily life in Korea.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about telling time in Korean, from the basic number systems to practical, everyday expressions. The approach is straightforward and beginner-friendly, so even if you’ve never studied Korean before, you’ll be able to understand and use these time expressions confidently.

What Are The Korean Number Systems?

The Korean language has developed two counting systems over the centuries. The Native Korean numbers originated within Korea itself, while the Sino-Korean numbers were introduced through cultural exchanges with China. In modern Korean, both systems are used for different purposes, and when telling time, you'll need to use both together!

Native Korean Numbers (For Hours)

The Native Korean number system is used to count hours when telling time. These numbers have a distinct sound and pattern that’s different from the Sino-Korean system.

*The shorter versions in parentheses are what you'll actually use when telling time.

Notice how numbers 11 and 12 combine the word for 10 (열) with those for 1 and 2. This pattern continues for larger numbers in the Native Korean system, though when telling time, you'll only need up to 12 for the standard 12-hour clock.

When using the numbers 1-4 with time counters, their forms change slightly. This is a common feature in Korean, where certain words change their form when used with counters or other grammatical markers. It makes the pronunciation flow more naturally.

Sino-Korean Numbers (For Minutes)

The Sino-Korean number system, derived from Chinese, is used to count minutes when telling time. These numbers have a simpler, more regular pattern, especially for larger numbers, which makes them particularly useful for counting to 59 (the maximum number of minutes in an hour).

For numbers beyond 10, the Sino-Korean system uses a straightforward combination method. For example, 20 is expressed as "2 times 10" (이십/i-sip), and 35 would be "3 times 10 plus 5" (삼십오/sam-sip-o). This logical pattern makes it easier to form larger numbers once you understand the basic principles.

How To Tell Time In Korean

Now that you understand the two number systems, let's put them together to tell time in Korean. The general structure follows a specific pattern that's different from English word order: [AM/PM] + [HOUR] + [MINUTE]

Let's break this down step by step and see how each component works in practice.

Step 1: Expressing Hours with 시 (si)

Hours in Korean are expressed using Native Korean numbers followed by the counter 시 (si), which means "hour" or "o'clock."

For example:

• 1:00 = 한 시 (han si)
• 2:00 = 두 시 (du si)
• 3:00 = 세 시 (se si)
• 7:00 = 일곱 시 (ilgop si)
• 10:00 = 열 시 (yeol si)
• 12:00 = 열두 시 (yeoldu si)

The counter 시 (si) is pronounced somewhere between "she" and "see," closer to "she" in English. This counter is attached directly to the number without any space in between, creating a flowing, natural pronunciation.

Remember that for numbers 1-4, you'll use the shortened forms (한, 두, 세, 네) rather than their full forms when telling time. This is one of those little details that will make your Korean sound more natural and fluid.

Step 2: Expressing Minutes with 분 (bun)

Minutes are expressed using Sino-Korean numbers followed by the counter 분 (bun), which means "minute."

For example:

• 5 minutes = 오 분 (o bun)
• 10 minutes = 십 분 (sip bun)
• 15 minutes = 십오 분 (sip-o bun)
• 30 minutes = 삼십 분 (sam-sip bun)
• 45 minutes = 사십오 분 (sa-sip-o bun)

The counter 분 (bun) is pronounced similar to "boon" in English. Like with 시 (si), the counter is attached directly to the number without any space.

There's a handy shortcut for expressing half-hour times: the word 반 (ban), which means "half." Instead of saying "thirty minutes," many Koreans will simply say "half":

• 1:30 = 한 시 반 (han si ban)
• 2:30 = 두 시 반 (du si ban)
• 9:30 = 아홉 시 반 (ahop si ban)

This shortcut is commonly used in everyday conversation and makes telling time even more efficient.

Step 3: Adding AM/PM for Clarity

To specify whether you're talking about morning or afternoon/evening times, Korean uses specific terms that come at the beginning of the time expression:

• AM = 오전 (ojeon)
• PM = 오후 (ohu)

Unlike in English, where "AM" and "PM" follow the time (e.g., "7 PM"), in Korean, these designations come before the time expression. This is an important word order difference to remember:

• 9:00 AM = 오전 아홉 시 (ojeon ahop si)
• 3:00 PM = 오후 세 시 (ohu se si)
• 7:30 PM = 오후 일곱 시 반 (ohu ilgop si ban)

The terms 오전 (ojeon) and 오후 (ohu) literally mean "before noon" and "after noon," respectively. They help clarify exactly which part of the day you're referring to.

Putting It All Together: Complete Time Expressions

Now let's see how all these components come together to form complete time expressions. The structure follows a logical pattern that becomes second nature with practice.

Basic Combined Examples

When combining hours and minutes, the order is always: [AM/PM] + [Hour] + [Minute]

• 2:15 = 두 시 십오 분 (du si sip-o bun)
• 9:30 = 아홉 시 삼십 분 (ahop si sam-sip bun) OR 아홉 시 반 (ahop si ban)
• 11:45 = 열한 시 사십오 분 (yeolhan si sa-sip-o bun)
• 8:05 PM = 오후 여덟 시 오 분 (ohu yeodeol si o bun)

Notice how the structure maintains clarity while efficiently conveying the exact time. The different components flow together naturally in speech, creating a rhythmic pattern that's easy to remember once you've practiced it a few times.

Real-Life Scenario Examples

To make these time expressions more practical, let's see them in the context of everyday situations:

• "The movie starts at 7:30 PM" = 영화는 오후 일곱 시 반에 시작해요. (yeonghwaneun ohu ilgop si bane sijakaeyo.)
• "I have a meeting at 10:15 AM" = 오전 열 시 십오 분에 회의가 있어요. (ojeon yeol si sipo bune hoeuiga isseoyo.)
• "The store closes at 9:00 PM" = 가게는 오후 아홉 시에 문을 닫아요. (gageneun ohu ahop sie muneul dadayo.)
• "The bus arrives at 3:45 PM" = 버스는 오후 세 시 사십오 분에 도착해요. (beoseuneun ohu se si sasipo bune dochakaeyo.)

In these sentences, you'll notice that the time expression is followed by the particle 에 (e), which functions similarly to "at" in English. This particle connects the time expression to the rest of the sentence, indicating when something happens.

Kpop Context!

Here you can see Chungha telling it's already 12 o'clock:

아쉬워 벌써 12시 (ashwiweo beolsseo yeoldushi) - It’s a bummer, it’s already 12
어떡해 벌써 12시네 (eotteokae beolsseo yeoldushine) - What to do? It’s already 12

Asking And Answering Time Questions

Knowing how to ask for the time and understand time-related questions is just as important as being able to tell time yourself. Let's explore the common ways to ask and answer time questions in Korean.

Asking "What Time Is It?"

The most common way to ask for the current time is:

• 지금 몇 시예요? (jigeum myeot siyeyo?)
  • Sounds like: jee-geum myuht shee-ye-yo?
  • Literally means: "Now what hour is it?"

Breaking down this phrase:

• 지금 (jigeum) means "now"
• 몇 (myeot) means "what number" or "how many"
• 시 (si) is the counter for hours
• 예요 (yeyo) is the polite form of "is"

For a more formal situation, such as asking a stranger or someone older than you, you can say:

• 몇 시입니까? (myeot shimnikka?)
  • Sounds like: myuht shim-ni-kka?
  • This is more formal and respectful

Other Useful Time Questions In Korean

These questions follow a similar pattern and are incredibly useful in daily conversations:

• "What time does it start?" = 몇 시에 시작해요? (myeot sie sijakaeyo?)
  • Literally: "At what hour does it start?"
• "What time does it end?" = 몇 시에 끝나요? (myeot sie kkeutnayo?)
  • Literally: "At what hour does it end?"
• "What time shall we meet?" = 몇 시에 만날까요? (myeot sie mannalkkayo?)
  • Literally: "At what hour shall we meet?"

These questions all use the particle 에 (e) after 시 (si) to indicate "at" a particular time. The verb comes at the end of the sentence, following Korean's subject-object-verb word order.

Answering Time Questions In Korean

When someone asks you for the time, you can respond with the time followed by 이에요/예요 (ieyo/yeyo), which means "it is":

• "It's 3:00" = 세 시예요 (se siyeyo)
• "It's 6:30" = 여섯 시 반이에요 (yeoseot si banieyo)
• "It's 9:15 PM" = 오후 아홉 시 십오 분이에요 (ohu ahop si sipo bunieyo)

Note that 이에요 is used after consonants, and 예요 is used after vowels. This is a common pattern in Korean grammar that applies to many different situations beyond telling time.

Essential Time-Related Vocabulary

Building your vocabulary of time-related terms will enhance your ability to discuss schedules, make plans, and talk about daily activities in Korean.

Parts of the Day

These terms help specify different periods throughout the day:

• Morning = 아침 (achim)
• Afternoon = 오후 (ohu)
• Evening = 저녁 (jeonyeok)
• Night = 밤 (bam)
• Midnight = 자정 (jajeong)
• Noon = 정오 (jeong-o)

You can use these terms in sentences like:

• "I eat breakfast in the morning" = 아침에 아침을 먹어요. (achime achimeul meogeoyo.)
• "I usually study at night" = 보통 밤에 공부해요. (botong bame gongbuhaeyo.)

General Time Expressions

These expressions help you talk about time in a broader sense:

• Today = 오늘 (oneul)
• Tomorrow = 내일 (naeil)
• Yesterday = 어제 (eoje)
• Now = 지금 (jigeum)
• Later = 나중에 (najunge)
• Soon = 곧 (got)
• Always = 항상 (hangsang)
• Never = 절대로 (jeoldaero)

These terms are essential for everyday conversations and planning:

• "Let's meet tomorrow" = 내일 만나요. (naeil mannayo.)
• "I'll do it later" = 나중에 할게요. (najunge halgeyo.)

Practical Guide to Using Time in Sentences

To use time expressions effectively in sentences, you'll need to know how they fit into Korean grammar. Here's a simple framework to follow:

1. For stating when something happens: Time expression + 에 (e) + Subject + VerbExample: 오전 아홉 시에 수업이 시작해요. (ojeon ahop sie suebi sijakaeyo.) "The class starts at 9:00 AM."
2. For asking when something happens: 몇 시에 (myeot sie) + Subject + Verb?Example: 몇 시에 영화가 끝나요? (myeot sie yeonghwaga kkeutnayo?) "What time does the movie end?"
3. For describing duration: Time expression + 동안 (dong-an) + VerbExample: 두 시간 동안 공부했어요. (du sigan dong-an gongbuhasseoyo.) "I studied for two hours."

Understanding these patterns will help you form your own sentences using time expressions.

Cultural Notes About Time In Korea

Understanding the cultural context of time in Korea can enhance your language skills and help you navigate social situations more effectively.

Punctuality in Korean Culture

Punctuality is highly valued in Korean society, especially in business and formal settings. Being on time or even a few minutes early is considered respectful and professional. In contrast, arriving late without prior notice might be perceived as disrespectful.

For social gatherings among friends, there's a bit more flexibility, but it's still best to aim to be on time or to give advance notice if you'll be late.

Korean Age System

Korea has a unique age-counting system that differs from the international system. In the Korean system, everyone turns one year older collectively on January 1st, regardless of their actual birth date. This means that a baby is considered one year old at birth and turns two on the first New Year's Day after birth.

This system can occasionally affect time-related discussions, especially when talking about ages or certain celebrations.

Time Zones And Korea

South Korea operates on Korean Standard Time (KST), which is UTC+9. This puts it:

• 9 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC)
• 14 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST)
• 17 hours ahead of Pacific Standard Time (PST)

Being aware of these time differences is helpful when scheduling international calls or planning travel to Korea.

Easy Learning Tips

Learning to tell time in Korean doesn't have to be overwhelming. Here are some practical strategies to help you master these expressions:

1. Start with hours only: Begin by practicing just the hours (한 시, 두 시, etc.) until they become second nature.
2. Add minutes gradually: Once you're comfortable with hours, start adding common minute expressions like 반 (half) and rounded times like 십오 분 (15 minutes).
3. Practice with a clock: Set an analog clock to different times and practice saying those times in Korean.
4. Create daily practice routines: When you check the time during the day, try to say it in Korean in your head.
5. Use flashcards: Create flashcards with different times written in English on one side and the Korean expression on the other.
6. Record yourself: Record yourself saying different times in Korean and compare with native pronunciations.
7. Practice with dialogues: Create simple dialogues about asking and telling time, and practice them with a language partner or by yourself.

Quick Reference Chart

Here's a handy reference chart for some common times to help you practice:

Ready To Learn Korean?

To truly master telling time in Korean, consider using Lingopie to accelerate your learning journey. Lingopie offers a unique way to learn Korean through authentic K-dramas, TV shows, and other native content with interactive features. By watching Korean content with Lingopie's tools, you'll naturally encounter time expressions in real-world contexts.

The platform includes features like clickable subtitles, vocabulary-building tools, and the ability to loop and practice specific phrases, perfect for mastering those tricky time expressions. When you hear a Korean character ask "지금 몇 시예요?" or schedule a meeting for "오후 세 시 반," you'll understand exactly what they mean and learn how these expressions are used in everyday Korean conversations.

So what are you waiting for? Give Lingopie a try now!