Understanding the Korean Number Systems for Telling Time

One of the first challenges learners face when telling time in Korean is deciding which number system to use. Korean employs two distinct numbering systems: the native Korean numbers and the Sino-Korean numbers, both of which are integral to expressing time but serve different functions.

Native Korean Numbers

The native Korean number system is traditionally used when stating hours. These numbers are unique to Korean and differ from the Sino-Korean numbers, which are derived from Chinese.

• 1 to 12: 하나 (hana), 둘 (dul), 셋 (set), 넷 (net), 다섯 (daseot), 여섯 (yeoseot), 일곱 (ilgop), 여덟 (yeodeol), 아홉 (ahop), 열 (yeol), 열하나 (yeolhana), 열둘 (yeoldul)
• Used primarily for telling hours, reflecting the 12-hour clock format commonly used in daily conversation.

Sino-Korean Numbers

Sino-Korean numbers, borrowed from Chinese, are used for minutes, seconds, and the 24-hour clock system. These numbers are also essential for dates, phone numbers, and mathematical contexts.

• 1 to 60: 일 (il), 이 (i), 삼 (sam), 사 (sa), 오 (o), 육 (yuk), 칠 (chil), 팔 (pal), 구 (gu), 십 (sip), and so forth.
• Primarily used for minutes and seconds in telling time.

Expressing Hours and Minutes in Korean

Once familiar with the numbering systems, the next step is to learn how to combine these numbers to tell the time accurately.

Telling Hours

For hours, native Korean numbers are used, followed by the counter 시 (si), which means “hour.” For example:

• 1:00 – 한 시 (han si)
• 3:00 – 세 시 (se si)
• 12:00 – 열두 시 (yeoldu si)

Note that when native Korean numbers are combined with 시, the numbers 하나 (hana) and 둘 (dul) change to 한 (han) and 두 (du) for smoother pronunciation.

Telling Minutes

Minutes are expressed using Sino-Korean numbers followed by 분 (bun), which means “minute.” Here’s how you form the minutes:

• 5 minutes – 오 분 (o bun)
• 15 minutes – 십오 분 (sipo bun)
• 30 minutes – 삼십 분 (samsip bun)

When combining hours and minutes, the format is:

[Hour in native Korean] + 시 + [Minutes in Sino-Korean] + 분

Example: 2:45 is 두 시 사십오 분 (du si sasipo bun).

Using the 24-Hour Clock vs. 12-Hour Clock in Korean

In Korea, both 12-hour and 24-hour clock formats are used, depending on the context. Understanding when to use each is crucial for accurate communication.

12-Hour Clock

The 12-hour clock is more common in everyday conversation and informal settings. It requires specifying whether the time is in the morning, afternoon, or evening by using AM and PM indicators.

• 아침 (achim) – morning
• 오전 (ojeon) – before noon (AM)
• 오후 (ohu) – afternoon (PM)
• 저녁 (jeonyeok) – evening

Example: 7:30 PM would be 오후 일곱 시 삼십 분 (ohu ilgop si samsip bun).

24-Hour Clock

The 24-hour system is often used in formal contexts such as timetables, schedules, and official announcements.

• The hour is expressed using Sino-Korean numbers followed by 시.
• Minutes follow as usual with Sino-Korean numbers plus 분.

Example: 19:30 is 십구 시 삼십 분 (sigu si samsip bun).

Common Phrases and Expressions Related to Time in Korean

Beyond just telling time, Koreans use several phrases and expressions to talk about time more naturally. Learning these can enhance your fluency and cultural understanding.

• 몇 시예요? (myeot siyeyo?) – What time is it?
• 지금 몇 시예요? (jigeum myeot siyeyo?) – What time is it now?
• ~시에 만나요 (~si-e mannayo) – Let’s meet at ~ o’clock.
• 시간 있어요? (sigan isseoyo?) – Do you have time?
• 시간 없어요 (sigan eopseoyo) – I don’t have time.
• 늦었어요 (neujeosseoyo) – I’m late.
• 일찍 왔어요 (iljjik wasseoyo) – I came early.

Tips for Practicing Telling Time in Korean

Consistency and practical application are key to mastering telling time in Korean. Here are some tips to help you practice effectively:

• Use Talkpal: Engage with native speakers through Talkpal to practice real-time conversations about time, improving both your comprehension and speaking skills.
• Flashcards: Create flashcards for native Korean and Sino-Korean numbers to memorize them more efficiently.
• Daily Routine: Incorporate telling time into your daily routine by announcing the time in Korean whenever possible.
• Watch Korean Media: Pay attention to time expressions in Korean dramas, news, or variety shows to see how native speakers use time-related vocabulary.
• Practice Writing: Write down times you want to remember using both numbering systems to reinforce your learning.

Conclusion

Learning to tell time in Korean is a foundational skill that opens the door to deeper language proficiency and cultural immersion. By understanding the dual numbering systems, mastering the format for expressing hours and minutes, and familiarizing yourself with common phrases, you will communicate time with confidence and accuracy. Tools like Talkpal can accelerate your learning journey by providing interactive practice and exposure to native Korean speakers. With patience and consistent practice, telling time in Korean will soon become second nature.