시간
시간이 많이 걸렸어요.
It took a lot of time.
The thing that is measured in minutes, hours, days, etc., or the experience of passing events.
시간이 없다.
I don’t have time.
시간을 내다
to make time
Used in expressions about scheduling, duration, or availability.
A point or period when something occurs.
이 시간에는 차가 많아요.
There are many cars at this time.
이 시간에 만나요.
Let’s meet at this time.
Often used with particles like -에 to indicate a specific moment.
A suitable or appropriate moment.
시간이 되면 전화하세요.
Call when you have time.
Implies waiting for the right opportunity.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Distinguishing 시간 and 때
시간 refers to abstract, measurable time (e.g., 'two hours'), while 때 refers to a specific moment or occasion (e.g., 'when I was young'). For example, '시간이 없다' means 'I have no time,' whereas '때가 없다' means 'I don’t have the right moment.'
Gold Rule
Time expressions with particles
Use -에 with 시간 to indicate a specific time (e.g., 아침 시간에 'in the morning'). Use -이/가 with expressions about time passing (e.g., 시간이 지나다 'time passes').
Word Origin
From Middle Korean 시ᄫᅡᆼ (sisang), from Old Korean *si-sang, combining 시 (si, 'when') and ᄫᅡᆼ (sang, 'place') to denote a point in time or space. Evolved to the modern form 시간 (sigyeong) in Middle Korean before standardizing to 시간 in Modern Korean.
Usage Notes
시간 is a fundamental concept in Korean culture, often tied to punctuality and respect for others' time. It is used in both formal and informal contexts without significant variation in meaning.