Korean · Difficult words
How to pronounce 시계 in Korean
시계
Romanization: sigye
Clock
Standard South Korean; reference: SK-Standard, Seoul · Choose 1.00× to hear the original pace.
시계 is pronounced [ɕʰiɡje̞] in Korean. In 시계: Let a clear puff of air follow the consonant marked /ʰ/. Keep the next vowel connected to it. Listen to the word on its own, then compare it with the example sentence.
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Find the sounds in 시계
The reference transcription for 시계 is [ɕʰiɡje̞]. Read adjacent consonants together without inserting extra vowels. Korean pronunciation changes when sounds meet. Follow the spoken transcription and connected example rather than reading each Hangul letter in isolation.
1.Aspirated consonants
In 시계: Let a clear puff of air follow the consonant marked /ʰ/. Keep the next vowel connected to it.
Watch out: Do not confuse the breathy release with the tight, low-airflow tense consonants.
2.A steady /e/ vowel
In 시계: Keep the tongue toward the front and sustain a single /e/ vowel. Listen for its exact height in the recording.
Watch out: English “ay” often ends with a glide; do not automatically carry that glide into this vowel.
3.Front-vowel position
In 시계: Listen for the distinction between the closer /i/ and the more relaxed /ɪ/ when shown. Keep your tongue toward the front.
Watch out: Do not decide vowel quality from English spelling alone.
Hear it in context
시계를 가져왔어요.
sigyereul gajyeowasseoyo.
I brought the clock.
Listen once, say it aloud, then replay at 1.00×. Keep the word connected to the surrounding sentence rather than giving every syllable equal weight.
Pronunciation and variety
시계 is presented in standard South Korean pronunciation. Everyday speech can vary in vowel quality and consonant realization. Treat the romanization as a reading aid and follow the Hangul, IPA, and recording together.
The English-style respelling is approximate. Use the IPA and recording together for vowel quality and consonants that do not have an exact English equivalent.
Meaning and everyday use
Questions about 시계
How do you pronounce 시계?
시계 is pronounced [ɕʰiɡje̞] in Korean. In 시계: Let a clear puff of air follow the consonant marked /ʰ/. Keep the next vowel connected to it. Listen to the word on its own, then compare it with the example sentence.
What should I listen for first?
In 시계: Let a clear puff of air follow the consonant marked /ʰ/. Keep the next vowel connected to it. Start at 0.75×, then return to 1.00× to hear the natural rhythm.
