Signification
Asking if someone has spare time or is available for something.
Contexte culturel
The 'Buffer' Culture: Koreans rarely ask for something directly. Asking about time is a way to test the 'Nunchi' of the situation. If the person looks stressed, even if they say 'yes,' a polite person might say 'I'll come back later.' In a Korean office, even if a superior is just staring at a screen, they are 'working.' You must always use '시간 괜찮으세요?' before speaking to them. Interrupting without this phrase can be seen as a challenge to their authority. When starting to date, using '시간 괜찮으세요?' shows that you are a 'gentleman' or a 'polite lady.' It signals that you respect their life outside of the relationship. Because '시간 괜찮으세요?' is so common, people have developed a 'defense' against it. If a stranger asks this on the street, many Koreans will immediately say 'No' and keep walking, assuming it's a sales pitch or a cult.
The 'Hoksi' Power-up
Always add '혹시' (hok-si) at the beginning. It makes you sound 200% more like a native speaker and much more polite.
Don't Overuse with Friends
If you use this with your best friend, they will think you are about to ask for a huge loan or deliver bad news.
Signification
Asking if someone has spare time or is available for something.
The 'Hoksi' Power-up
Always add '혹시' (hok-si) at the beginning. It makes you sound 200% more like a native speaker and much more polite.
Don't Overuse with Friends
If you use this with your best friend, they will think you are about to ask for a huge loan or deliver bad news.
The Silent 'No'
If someone hesitates for more than a second after you ask this, they are busy. Don't wait for them to say 'No'—just say 'I'll ask later!'
Teste-toi
Choose the most polite way to ask your boss if they are free.
부장님, 지금 _______?
The honorific '-se-yo' is required for a boss.
Complete the dialogue for a phone call.
A: 여보세요? 지민 씨, 지금 _______? B: 네, 괜찮아요. 말씀하세요.
Checking availability is the standard second step in a Korean phone call.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You want to ask a stranger for directions politely.
Adding '죄송하지만' (I'm sorry but) and '잠시' (a moment) makes it perfect for strangers.
Fill in the missing particles and honorifics.
내일 시간__ 괜찮____?
Subject particle '이' and honorific '으세요' are the correct components.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercices부장님, 지금 _______?
The honorific '-se-yo' is required for a boss.
A: 여보세요? 지민 씨, 지금 _______? B: 네, 괜찮아요. 말씀하세요.
Checking availability is the standard second step in a Korean phone call.
You want to ask a stranger for directions politely.
Adding '죄송하지만' (I'm sorry but) and '잠시' (a moment) makes it perfect for strangers.
내일 시간__ 괜찮____?
Subject particle '이' and honorific '으세요' are the correct components.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsYes, but it's more direct. '괜찮으세요?' is softer and more common in professional or polite social settings.
'괜찮으세요' asks if it's okay/convenient. '되세요' asks if it's possible. They are 90% interchangeable.
Say '죄송해요, 지금은 좀 바빠서요' (I'm sorry, I'm a bit busy right now).
Yes, but usually in the form '시간 괜찮으실 때...' (When you have time...).
Expressions liées
시간 되세요?
similarIs time possible?
바쁘세요?
similarAre you busy?
잠시만요
builds onJust a moment.
시간 있어?
informalHave time?
한가하세요?
specialized formAre you at leisure?
