Korean · Time, Numbers & Colors
"Hour" in Korean: 시간
시간sigan
Hour in Korean is 시간 (sigan). 시간 means hour as a unit or time generally; 시 is used for the hour on a clock.
An everyday statement
한 시간 동안 기다렸어요.han sigan dongan gidaryeosseoyo.
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How to pronounce 시간
Say it
sigan
/sikan/
시간 (sigan) has 2 Hangul syllables. 시간 ends with a nasal n sound. Keep that ending when reading the noun alone.
"Hour" in Korean: quick reference
| Korean | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| 시간sigan | Hour Basic dictionary noun. | Basic dictionary noun. |
| 한 시간han sigan | one hour A useful combination with 시간. | A useful combination with 시간. |
| 시간을siganeul | Hour (as an object) Use 을 when 시간 is the object of an action. | Use 을 when 시간 is the object of an action. |
How to use 시간 in real life
- 1An everyday statement
한 시간 동안 기다렸어요.
han sigan dongan gidaryeosseoyo.
I waited for one hour.
This sentence uses 시간 in the hour sense.
- 2A different situation
두 시간이 필요해요.
du sigani piryohaeyo.
I need two hours.
This sentence uses 시간 in the hour sense.
- 3A useful question or update
몇 시간 걸려요?
myeot sigan geollyeoyo?
How many hours does it take?
This sentence uses 시간 in the hour sense.
Mistakes English speakers make with 시간
Incorrect: 두 시간가 필요해요.
Correct: 두 시간이 필요해요.
When practicing hour, use the correct particle or copula after 시간; the final sound determines whether a linking consonant is needed.
Incorrect: 시간예요.
Correct: 시간이에요.
When practicing hour, when identifying something as 시간, use 시간이에요. The linking 이 follows a consonant-final noun.
Good to know
시간 means hour as a unit or time generally; 시 is used for the hour on a clock. The combination 한 시간 (han sigan) means one hour.
Read this practice conversation aloud
Tutor-led time numbers and colors study exercise: two sentences with 시간
Partner
이 표현을 사용해서 한 문장 말해 볼까요?
i pyohyeoneul sayonghaeseo han munjang malhae bolkkayo?
Shall we say a sentence using this expression?
You
한 시간 동안 기다렸어요.
han sigan dongan gidaryeosseoyo.
I waited for one hour.
Partner
좋아요. 다른 문장으로도 연습해 볼까요?
joayo. dareun munjangeurodo yeonseupae bolkkayo?
Good. Shall we practice with another sentence too?
You
두 시간이 필요해요.
du sigani piryohaeyo.
I need two hours.
This is a sample dialogue for reading aloud. Try both parts, then replace a detail with one from your own life.
Explore ChatPal"Hour" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Hour" in Korean
What does 시간 mean in Korean?
Hour in Korean is 시간 (sigan). 시간 means hour as a unit or time generally; 시 is used for the hour on a clock.
How do I use 한 시간?
한 시간 (han sigan) means one hour. 시간 means hour as a unit or time generally; 시 is used for the hour on a clock.
Which object particle goes after 시간?
The object form is 시간을 because 시간 ends in a consonant.
How is 시간 pronounced?
시간 (sigan) has 2 Hangul syllables. 시간 ends with a nasal n sound. Keep that ending when reading the noun alone.
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