Cette page dans ta langue

English

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

A1 interjection #1,200 le plus courant 10 min de lecture

몇 시예요?

myeot siyeyo? Top 1,200

At the A1 level, '몇 시예요?' is one of the first functional phrases you learn. It introduces the concept of interrogative words like '몇' (how many) and the bound noun '시' (hour). At this stage, learners focus on the literal meaning: 'What time is it?'. You will practice combining this with '지금' (now) to form '지금 몇 시예요?'. The primary challenge at A1 is not the phrase itself, but the answer. To answer, you must master Native Korean numbers for the hours (1-12). For example, '한 시' (1:00), '두 시' (2:00), and so on. A1 learners also learn to distinguish between '시' (hour) and '분' (minute), even if they haven't mastered all the Sino-Korean numbers for minutes yet. The goal is basic survival communication: being able to ask for the time and understand the hour given in response. You should also learn the polite ending '예요' and why it is used after a vowel-ending noun like '시'. This phrase serves as a perfect template for learning how Korean sentences often omit the subject ('it') when the context is clear.

At the A2 level, you expand your use of '몇 시예요?' to include more specific contexts. You begin to ask about the timing of events, such as '수업이 몇 시예요?' (What time is the class?) or '기차가 몇 시예요?' (What time is the train?). You also learn to add '오전' (AM) and '오후' (PM) to your questions and answers to avoid ambiguity. For example, '오후 몇 시예요?' (What time in the afternoon is it?). A2 learners should also be comfortable using the particle '에' to ask 'At what time...?' (몇 시에...?). This allows you to form more complex questions like '몇 시에 만나요?' (At what time do we meet?). You also start to recognize the formal version '몇 시입니까?' and the informal '몇 시야?', understanding when to use each based on the person you are talking to. Your comprehension of the answers improves as you become more fluent in Sino-Korean numbers for minutes, allowing you to understand times like '세 시 오십오 분' (3:55).

At the B1 level, '몇 시예요?' becomes a tool for managing more complex social and professional schedules. You move beyond just asking the current time to discussing durations and deadlines using '부터' (from) and '까지' (until). For example, '회의가 몇 시부터 몇 시까지예요?' (From what time to what time is the meeting?). You also start to use the phrase in indirect speech or more complex sentence structures, such as '몇 시인지 알아요?' (Do you know what time it is?). B1 learners should also be aware of the polite alternative '시간이 어떻게 돼요?', which is often used in business contexts to ask about someone's availability or the time of an appointment. You begin to understand the cultural nuances of time in Korea, such as the importance of arriving slightly early for appointments. Your ability to handle time-related vocabulary increases, including words like '정각' (exactly/on the dot), '반' (half/30 minutes), and '전' (before/to).

At the B2 level, you use '몇 시예요?' and its variations with a high degree of naturalness and nuance. You can navigate situations where time is not just a number but a negotiation. For instance, you might ask '몇 시가 제일 편하세요?' (What time is most convenient for you?), showing an understanding of polite honorifics ('편하세요'). You are comfortable using the phrase in various registers, from highly formal settings to casual conversations with friends. B2 learners can also discuss time in a more abstract or idiomatic way, such as asking about the 'best time' for something ('언제가 좋은 시기예요?'). You understand the difference between '몇 시' and '몇 시간' perfectly and never confuse them in conversation. You can also handle complex time-related tasks, such as coordinating across different time zones ('한국은 지금 몇 시예요?') and explaining the time difference ('시차'). Your pronunciation is smooth, correctly tensing the 's' in 'si' after the 't' sound in 'myeot'.

At the C1 level, '몇 시예요?' is just the starting point for sophisticated discussions about time management, productivity, and cultural perceptions of time. You can use the phrase in complex rhetorical questions or within literary and academic contexts. You might explore the history of how time was told in Korea, comparing '몇 시예요?' to traditional methods. C1 learners can use time-related expressions to convey subtle meanings, such as urgency, sarcasm, or hesitation. You are fully proficient in using honorifics when asking for the time from someone of much higher status, perhaps using '혹시 지금 시간이 어떻게 되시는지 여쭤봐도 될까요?' (May I ask what the time might be?). You can also analyze how the concept of 'Korean Time' has changed over the decades. Your understanding of the language is deep enough to appreciate the etymological roots of the words '몇' and '시' and how they interact with other interrogatives in the Korean language.

At the C2 level, you possess a native-like command of '몇 시예요?' and all its possible permutations. You can use the phrase in any context, from a casual street encounter to a formal diplomatic meeting, with perfect tone and register. You might use it in a philosophical discussion about the nature of time itself or in a highly technical explanation of timekeeping systems. You are aware of archaic or dialectal variations of asking for the time and can understand them in literature or historical dramas. Your mastery includes the ability to use time-related wordplay or puns. You can navigate the most complex honorific systems effortlessly, choosing exactly the right level of politeness for any given social situation. For a C2 learner, '몇 시예요?' is not just a question; it is a tiny part of a vast linguistic and cultural tapestry that you can manipulate with precision and grace. You can also teach the nuances of this phrase to others, explaining the delicate balance between the Native and Sino-Korean number systems.

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

몇 시예요? en 30 secondes

몇 시예요? is the standard polite way to ask 'What time is it?' in Korean.
It uses Native Korean numbers for hours and Sino-Korean numbers for minutes in the response.
The phrase is composed of '몇' (how many), '시' (hour), and '예요' (is).
It is appropriate for almost all social situations, including talking to strangers.

The phrase 몇 시예요? (Myeot si-ye-yo?) is the fundamental way to ask 'What time is it?' in Korean. It is a polite, standard expression used in almost every social context, from asking a stranger on the street to checking the time with a colleague. Understanding this phrase requires a look at its three distinct components: 몇 (myeot), which means 'how many' or 'which'; 시 (si), which means 'hour' or 'o'clock'; and 예요 (ye-yo), the polite identification verb 'to be'. Together, they literally translate to 'How many hour is it?'

Grammatical Breakdown: The word '몇' is an interrogative adjective used for countable items. In the context of time, it specifically targets the hour. The word '시' is a bound noun that must be preceded by a number (usually Native Korean numbers) or an interrogative like '몇'. Finally, '예요' is the informal polite ending used when the preceding noun ends in a vowel, though '시' ends in a vowel, making '예요' the correct choice over '이에요'.

저기요, 지금 몇 시예요? (Excuse me, what time is it now?)

In Korean culture, time is often viewed through the lens of social appointments and the rigorous pace of 'Palli-palli' (hurry-hurry) culture. Asking for the time isn't just about the clock; it's often a precursor to discussing schedules, deadlines, or meeting times. Because Korean uses two different numbering systems, asking '몇 시예요?' is the gateway to using Native Korean numbers (하나, 둘, 셋...) for the hours, while the answer will likely include Sino-Korean numbers (일, 이, 삼...) for the minutes (분). This duality makes the phrase a critical milestone for any beginner learner.

Social Nuance: While '몇 시예요?' is perfectly polite for most situations, you might hear '몇 시입니까?' in very formal settings like the news or military. Conversely, among close friends, you would drop the polite ending and say '몇 시야?'. Using the correct level of formality is essential in Korean society to show respect to the listener.

Historically, the concept of '시' (hour) has evolved. In the past, Korea used a traditional system where the day was divided into twelve two-hour segments named after the animals of the zodiac (e.g., 자시, 축시). However, in modern Korea, the 24-hour clock and the 12-hour AM/PM (오전/오후) system are standard. When you ask '몇 시예요?', you are engaging with this modern, globalized understanding of time, yet still using the linguistic structures that have defined the Korean language for centuries.

지금 서울은 몇 시예요? (What time is it in Seoul right now?)

Common Contexts: You will use this phrase at bus stops, in classrooms when waiting for a break, at work when a meeting is about to start, and at home when coordinating dinner. It is one of the top 50 most useful phrases for a traveler in Korea.

Using 몇 시예요? is straightforward, but its versatility increases as you add adverbs and particles. The most common addition is 지금 (ji-geum), meaning 'now'. By saying '지금 몇 시예요?', you are being more specific and natural. In Korean, the subject 'it' (as in 'What time is **it**?') is omitted because the context of time is already established by the word '시'.

Adding Location: To ask what time it is in a specific place, you use the location followed by the topic particle '은/는'. For example: '뉴욕은 몇 시예요?' (What time is it in New York?). This structure is vital for international business or calling friends abroad.

실례지만, 지금 몇 시예요? (Excuse me, but what time is it now?)

Another common variation involves asking about the time of a specific event. In this case, you use the event name followed by the subject or topic particle. For instance, '영화가 몇 시예요?' (What time is the movie?). This is a shorthand way of asking when an event starts. While '영화가 몇 시에 시작해요?' (What time does the movie start?) is more grammatically complete, the shorter version is extremely common in spoken Korean.

Answering the Question: When someone asks you '몇 시예요?', you answer with [Native Korean Number] + 시 + [Sino-Korean Number] + 분 + 예요. For example, '두 시 삼십 분이에요' (It is 2:30). If it is exactly on the hour, you can say '정각 두 시예요' (It is exactly two o'clock).

You can also use '몇 시' within larger sentences to ask about durations or deadlines, though the particle '까지' (until) or '부터' (from) is usually added. '몇 시까지 가야 돼요?' (By what time do I have to go?). Here, '몇 시' acts as the base for the time inquiry, showing how foundational this phrase is for navigating daily life in Korea.

보통 몇 시예요? (What time is it usually? - used when asking about a recurring schedule)

In the bustling streets of Seoul or the quiet corners of a rural village, 몇 시예요? is a ubiquitous sound. One of the most common places to hear this is in public transportation hubs. Imagine you are at a bus stop and the electronic display is broken; you might turn to the person next to you and ask, '지금 몇 시예요?' to gauge when the next bus might arrive. It's a natural conversation starter and a practical necessity.

In the Workplace: Korean office culture is highly time-sensitive. You will hear coworkers asking this as lunch hour approaches ('점심시간이 몇 시예요?') or when preparing for a meeting. It’s often used as a subtle way to remind others of an upcoming commitment without being overly demanding.

부장님, 회의가 몇 시예요? (Manager, what time is the meeting?)

In Korean dramas (K-Dramas), this phrase is often used to create tension or romance. A character might ask for the time to realize they are late for a date, or a protagonist might ask it while waiting for someone in the rain. The way the phrase is delivered—breathlessly, calmly, or urgently—tells the viewer a lot about the character's emotional state. Listening for '몇 시예요?' in media is a great way to practice hearing different intonations.

At Schools and Universities: Students constantly ask each other about class times or exam schedules. '다음 수업이 몇 시예요?' (What time is the next class?) is a phrase you will hear echoing through university hallways across the peninsula.

Finally, you'll hear it in service industries. If you call a restaurant to make a reservation, the staff might ask '몇 시예요?' to confirm your arrival time. In this context, it’s a clarifying question. Understanding the different environments where this phrase appears helps you realize that it’s not just a question about numbers, but a tool for social coordination.

예약이 몇 시예요? (What time is the reservation?)

One of the most frequent errors for English speakers learning 몇 시예요? is confusing the word for 'time' (시 - hour) with the word for 'time' in a general sense (시간 - sigan). While '시간' refers to duration or the abstract concept of time, '시' is used specifically for the points on a clock. Asking '몇 시간이에요?' doesn't mean 'What time is it?'; it means 'How many hours is it?' or 'How much time is it?'

Number System Confusion: The biggest hurdle is the dual number system. Learners often mistakenly use Sino-Korean numbers for the hour. For example, saying '일 시' instead of '한 시' for 1:00. Remember: Hours use Native Korean (하나, 둘, 셋...), and Minutes use Sino-Korean (일, 이, 삼...).

Incorrect: 지금 몇 시간이에요? (How many hours is it?)
Correct: 지금 몇 시예요? (What time is it?)

Another common mistake involves the spelling and pronunciation of '예요' vs '이에요'. Since '시' ends in a vowel, it must be followed by '예요'. Many beginners default to '이에요' because they learned it first with nouns like '학생' (학생이에요). Pronouncing '몇' (myeot) can also be tricky; the final 'ㅊ' sound changes to a 't' sound before the 's' in '시', often making it sound like 'myeot-si' with a very sharp 's'.

The 'It' Trap: English speakers often try to translate 'it' in 'What time is it?'. They might try to say '그것은 몇 시예요?'. In Korean, this is unnatural. The context of 'time' is already contained in the word '시', so no subject pronoun is needed.

Lastly, learners sometimes forget to use the particle '에' when asking 'At what time...'. While '몇 시예요?' asks 'What time is it?', if you want to ask 'At what time do we meet?', you must say '몇 시에 만나요?'. Omitting the '에' changes the meaning or makes the sentence sound fragmented. Paying attention to these small details will make your Korean sound much more authentic.

Incorrect: 이 시 삼십 분 (2:30 using Sino-Korean for hour)
Correct: 두 시 삼십 분 (2:30 using Native Korean for hour)

While 몇 시예요? is the standard, there are several alternatives depending on the level of formality and the specific information you need. Understanding these variations will help you navigate different social hierarchies in Korea.

Formal: 몇 시입니까?: This uses the '합쇼체' (formal polite) ending. You will hear this on the news, in the military, or in very formal business presentations. It sounds professional and respectful.
Informal: 몇 시야?: Used with close friends, siblings, or people younger than you. It drops the '요' and adds '야' because '시' ends in a vowel. Use this only when you are on 'banmal' (informal speech) terms with someone.

친구야, 지금 몇 시야? (Hey friend, what time is it now?)

If you want to ask about the date instead of the time, you use 며칠이에요? (Myeo-chil-i-e-yo?). It's important to note the spelling difference. While '몇 시' is two words, '며칠' is always written as one word. Another related phrase is 언제예요? (Eon-je-ye-yo?), which means 'When is it?'. '언제' is more general and can refer to a time, a day, a month, or even a year.

Specific: 몇 시 몇 분이에요?: If you need the exact time down to the minute, you can ask '몇 시 몇 분이에요?'. This is literally 'What hour and what minute is it?'. It's less common but useful if you are coordinating something precise like a train departure.

In some contexts, you might hear '시간이 어떻게 돼요?' (Si-gan-i eo-tteo-ke dwae-yo?). This literally means 'How does the time become?' but is a very polite way to ask 'What is the time?' or 'What is your schedule?'. It is often used in professional settings to ask when someone is available. Learning these nuances allows you to choose the most appropriate phrase for the situation, making you a more skilled communicator.

혹시 시간이 어떻게 되세요? (By any chance, what time is it? / What is your schedule? - very polite)

How Formal Is It?

Formel

Neutre

Informel

Child friendly

Argot

Le savais-tu ?

Before the adoption of the Western 24-hour system, Koreans used a 12-animal zodiac system where each 'si' lasted two hours.

Guide de prononciation

UK /mjʌt ɕi.je.jo/

US /mjʌt ʃi.je.jo/

The primary stress is on 'myeot' (the question word) and the first syllable of 'si'.

Rime avec

시예요 (si-ye-yo) 비예요 (bi-ye-yo - it's rain) 뒤예요 (dwi-ye-yo - it's behind) 귀예요 (gwi-ye-yo - it's an ear) 휘예요 (hwi-ye-yo) 미예요 (mi-ye-yo) 기예요 (gi-ye-yo) 리예요 (ri-ye-yo)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing 'myeot' as 'myeo-che'. It should end in a 't' sound.
Pronouncing 'si' as 'see' with a very soft 's'. In Korean, it is slightly tensed.
Using 'i-e-yo' instead of 'ye-yo'.
Mumbling the 'ye-yo' ending.
Not pausing slightly between 'myeot' and 'si'.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 1/5

Very easy to read; only two main words and a common ending.

Écriture 2/5

Need to remember the 'ㅊ' in '몇' and the '예요' spelling.

Expression orale 2/5

Pronunciation of 'myeot-si' requires some practice for the tense 's'.

Écoute 1/5

Very distinct and common phrase, easy to recognize.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

하나, 둘, 셋 (Native Korean Numbers) 지금 (Now) 예요 (To be)

Apprends ensuite

일, 이, 삼 (Sino-Korean Numbers) 분 (Minute) 에 (Time particle)

Avancé

시간이 어떻게 되세요? (Very polite time inquiry) 시차 (Time difference) 24-hour clock usage

Grammaire à connaître

Native Korean numbers are used for hours (시).

한 시, 두 시, 세 시...

Sino-Korean numbers are used for minutes (분).

일 분, 이 분, 삼 분...

The particle '에' is used to indicate the time an action occurs.

세 시에 만나요.

The ending '예요' is used after nouns ending in a vowel.

시 + 예요 = 시예요.

The question word '몇' must be followed by a counter or bound noun.

몇 시, 몇 명, 몇 개.

Exemples par niveau

지금 몇 시예요?

What time is it now?

지금 (now) + 몇 (how many) + 시 (hour) + 예요 (is/polite).

한 시예요.

It is one o'clock.

한 (Native Korean 1) + 시 (hour) + 예요 (is).

두 시예요.

It is two o'clock.

두 (Native Korean 2) + 시 (hour) + 예요 (is).

세 시예요.

It is three o'clock.

세 (Native Korean 3) + 시 (hour) + 예요 (is).

네 시예요.

It is four o'clock.

네 (Native Korean 4) + 시 (hour) + 예요 (is).

다섯 시예요.

It is five o'clock.

다섯 (Native Korean 5) + 시 (hour) + 예요 (is).

여섯 시예요.

It is six o'clock.

여섯 (Native Korean 6) + 시 (hour) + 예요 (is).

열두 시예요.

It is twelve o'clock.

열두 (Native Korean 12) + 시 (hour) + 예요 (is).

수업이 몇 시예요?

What time is the class?

수업 (class) + 이 (subject particle) + 몇 시예요?

오후 세 시예요.

It is 3:00 PM.

오후 (PM) + 세 시 (3:00) + 예요.

기차가 몇 시예요?

What time is the train?

기차 (train) + 가 (subject particle) + 몇 시예요?

아침 몇 시예요?

What time in the morning is it?

아침 (morning) + 몇 시예요?

영화가 몇 시예요?

What time is the movie?

영화 (movie) + 가 (subject particle) + 몇 시예요?

점심시간이 몇 시예요?

What time is lunch time?

점심시간 (lunch time) + 이 (subject particle) + 몇 시예요?

약속이 몇 시예요?

What time is the appointment?

약속 (appointment/promise) + 이 (subject particle) + 몇 시예요?

지금 도쿄는 몇 시예요?

What time is it in Tokyo now?

도쿄 (Tokyo) + 는 (topic particle) + 몇 시예요?

회의가 몇 시부터예요?

From what time is the meeting?

회의 (meeting) + 가 (subject particle) + 몇 시 (what time) + 부터 (from) + 예요?

백화점이 몇 시까지예요?

Until what time is the department store open?

백화점 (department store) + 이 (subject particle) + 몇 시 (what time) + 까지 (until) + 예요?

몇 시인지 알 수 있을까요?

Could I know what time it is?

몇 시 (what time) + 인지 (whether/if) + 알 수 있을까요 (can I know - polite).

보통 몇 시에 퇴근하세요?

What time do you usually leave work?

보통 (usually) + 몇 시에 (at what time) + 퇴근하세요 (leave work - honorific).

비행기가 몇 시에 도착해요?

What time does the plane arrive?

비행기 (airplane) + 가 (subject particle) + 몇 시에 (at what time) + 도착해요 (arrive).

드라마가 몇 시에 시작해요?

What time does the drama start?

드라마 (drama) + 가 (subject particle) + 몇 시에 (at what time) + 시작해요 (start).

몇 시에 만나는 게 좋을까요?

What time would be good to meet?

몇 시에 (at what time) + 만나는 게 (meeting) + 좋을까요 (would it be good).

은행이 몇 시에 문을 닫아요?

What time does the bank close?

은행 (bank) + 이 (subject particle) + 몇 시에 (at what time) + 문을 닫아요 (close the door).

런던은 지금 몇 시인지 아세요?

Do you know what time it is in London now?

런던 (London) + 은 (topic particle) + 지금 (now) + 몇 시인지 (what time it is) + 아세요 (do you know - honorific).

몇 시가 가장 적당할까요?

What time would be most appropriate?

몇 시 (what time) + 가 (subject particle) + 가장 (most) + 적당할까요 (would it be appropriate).

체크인 시간이 몇 시예요?

What time is the check-in time?

체크인 시간 (check-in time) + 이 (subject particle) + 몇 시예요?

몇 시에 불꽃놀이를 하나요?

What time do they do the fireworks?

몇 시에 (at what time) + 불꽃놀이 (fireworks) + 를 (object particle) + 하나요 (do - polite question).

마지막 배가 몇 시예요?

What time is the last boat?

마지막 (last) + 배 (boat) + 가 (subject particle) + 몇 시예요?

몇 시쯤에 도착할 것 같아요?

About what time do you think you'll arrive?

몇 시쯤에 (at about what time) + 도착할 것 같아요 (think will arrive).

그 행사가 몇 시에 끝나요?

What time does that event end?

그 행사 (that event) + 가 (subject particle) + 몇 시에 (at what time) + 끝나요 (end).

박물관이 몇 시부터 문을 열어요?

From what time does the museum open?

박물관 (museum) + 이 (subject particle) + 몇 시부터 (from what time) + 문을 열어요 (open the door).

지금이 정확히 몇 시 몇 분인가요?

What is the exact hour and minute right now?

정확히 (exactly) + 몇 시 몇 분 (what hour what minute) + 인가요 (is it - formal question).

몇 시가 되어야 그가 올까요?

What time must it be for him to come?

몇 시가 되어야 (only when it becomes what time) + 그가 (he) + 올까요 (will come).

어제가 몇 시였는지 기억나세요?

Do you remember what time it was yesterday (at this point)?

어제 (yesterday) + 가 (subject particle) + 몇 시였는지 (what time it was) + 기억나세요 (do you remember).

몇 시인지에 따라 계획이 달라져요.

The plan changes depending on what time it is.

몇 시인지에 따라 (depending on what time it is) + 계획 (plan) + 이 달라져요 (changes).

도대체 지금이 몇 시라고 생각해요?

What time on earth do you think it is? (implies being late or calling too late)

도대체 (on earth/at all) + 지금이 (now) + 몇 시라고 (as what time) + 생각해요 (do you think).

몇 시가 적기라고 보십니까?

What time do you view as the right time?

몇 시 (what time) + 가 (subject particle) + 적기 (right time) + 라고 보십니까 (do you view as).

그때가 대략 몇 시쯤이었습니까?

About what time was it at that time?

그때 (that time) + 가 (subject particle) + 대략 (approximately) + 몇 시쯤 (about what time) + 이었습니까 (was it - formal).

몇 시인지 확인하는 습관이 있어요.

I have a habit of checking what time it is.

몇 시인지 (what time it is) + 확인하는 (checking) + 습관 (habit) + 이 있어요 (have).

인생의 시계로 치면 지금 몇 시예요?

If you compare it to the clock of life, what time is it now?

인생의 시계 (clock of life) + 로 치면 (if considered as) + 지금 몇 시예요?

몇 시인지조차 잊을 정도로 몰입했어요.

I was so immersed that I even forgot what time it was.

몇 시인지조차 (even what time it is) + 잊을 정도로 (to the extent of forgetting) + 몰입했어요 (was immersed).

그것이 몇 시였든 간에 중요치 않아요.

No matter what time that was, it is not important.

몇 시였든 간에 (regardless of what time it was) + 중요치 않아요 (is not important).

몇 시인지 가늠할 수 없는 어둠이었어요.

It was a darkness where one couldn't even estimate what time it was.

몇 시인지 (what time it is) + 가늠할 수 없는 (unable to estimate) + 어둠 (darkness) + 이었어요 (was).

몇 시인지 묻는 행위 자체가 무의미했다.

The act of asking what time it was was itself meaningless.

몇 시인지 묻는 행위 (act of asking what time it is) + 자체가 (itself) + 무의미했다 (was meaningless).

과연 몇 시가 되어야 진실이 밝혀질까?

Indeed, what time must it be for the truth to be revealed?

과연 (indeed) + 몇 시가 되어야 (only when it becomes what time) + 진실 (truth) + 이 밝혀질까 (will be revealed).

몇 시인지 알리는 종소리가 울려 퍼졌다.

The sound of the bell announcing what time it was echoed out.

몇 시인지 (what time it is) + 알리는 (announcing) + 종소리 (bell sound) + 가 울려 퍼졌다 (echoed out).

몇 시인지에 구애받지 않는 삶을 원해요.

I want a life that is not restricted by what time it is.

몇 시인지에 (by what time it is) + 구애받지 않는 (not being restricted) + 삶 (life) + 을 원해요 (want).

Collocations courantes

지금 몇 시예요?

보통 몇 시예요?

정확히 몇 시예요?

서울은 몇 시예요?

약속이 몇 시예요?

회의가 몇 시예요?

수업이 몇 시예요?

영화가 몇 시예요?

도착이 몇 시예요?

마지막이 몇 시예요?

Phrases Courantes

몇 시에 만날까요?

몇 시까지 가야 돼요?

몇 시부터 시작해요?

몇 시에 끝나요?

몇 시에 일어나요?

몇 시에 자요?

몇 시에 점심 먹어요?

몇 시에 도착했어요?

몇 시에 전화할까요?

몇 시인지 확인해 봐.

Souvent confondu avec

몇 시예요? vs 몇 시간

Refers to duration (how many hours), not the current time.

몇 시예요? vs 며칠

Refers to the date (what day of the month), not the time.

몇 시예요? vs 언제

A general word for 'when', which could mean time, date, or year.

Expressions idiomatiques

"시간이 금이다"

Time is gold (Time is money). Emphasizes the value of time.

시간이 금이니까 빨리 결정합시다.

General

"시간을 벌다"

To buy time. To delay something to gain an advantage.

우리는 시간을 좀 벌어야 해요.

General

"시간 가는 줄 모르다"

To not notice the passage of time. Used when having fun.

너무 재미있어서 시간 가는 줄 몰랐어요.

General

"시간을 죽이다"

To kill time. To do something aimless while waiting.

카페에서 시간을 죽이고 있어요.

Informal

"시간이 약이다"

Time is medicine (Time heals all wounds).

지금은 힘들겠지만 시간이 약일 거예요.

General

"시간에 쫓기다"

To be chased by time (To be pressed for time).

항상 시간에 쫓기며 살고 있어요.

General

"시간을 쪼개다"

To split time (To make time/find time in a busy schedule).

시간을 쪼개서 운동을 해요.

General

"시간 문제다"

It's only a matter of time.

그가 성공하는 것은 시간 문제예요.

General

"시간을 맞추다"

To be on time / To synchronize time.

약속 시간을 맞추기가 힘들어요.

General

"시간이 멈춘 것 같다"

It feels like time has stopped.

그녀를 처음 봤을 때 시간이 멈춘 것 같았어요.

Literary

Facile à confondre

몇 시예요? vs 시 (Si)

Sounds like other words.

시 means 'hour/o'clock', while '시' can also mean 'poem' or 'city' depending on context.

이 시(poem)는 아름다워요. vs 지금 두 시(o'clock)예요.

몇 시예요? vs 분 (Bun)

Used in time telling.

분 means 'minute', but it is also a polite counter for people.

오 분(minutes) 기다려요. vs 몇 분(people)이세요?

몇 시예요? vs 몇 (Myeot)

Similar interrogatives.

몇 is for countable items, while '얼마' is for prices or uncountable amounts.

몇 시예요? vs 얼마예요?

몇 시예요? vs 예요 (Ye-yo)

Spelling with 이에요.

예요 is used after vowels, 이에요 after consonants.

시예요 vs 학생이에요.

몇 시예요? vs 지금 (Jigeum)

Similar time words.

지금 means 'right now', while '이제' means 'from now on' or 'now (as a result of something)'.

지금 몇 시예요? vs 이제 가야 돼요.

Structures de phrases

지금 몇 시예요?

[Number] 시예요.

다섯 시예요.

[Event]이/가 몇 시예요?

수업이 몇 시예요?

[Time]에 [Verb].

여섯 시에 먹어요.

몇 시부터 몇 시까지예요?

근무가 몇 시부터 몇 시까지예요?

몇 시인지 아세요?

지금 몇 시인지 아세요?

몇 시쯤 [Verb]?

몇 시쯤 도착해요?

정확히 몇 시 몇 분이에요?

지금 정확히 몇 시 몇 분이에요?

Famille de mots

Noms

Verbes

Adjectifs

Apparenté

Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Extremely high in daily conversation.

Erreurs courantes

Using Sino-Korean numbers for hours. → Native Korean numbers (한, 두, 세...).
Saying '일 시' is a classic beginner mistake. It must be '한 시'.
Saying '몇 시간이에요?' to ask the time. → 몇 시예요?
'시간' means duration. You are asking 'How many hours is it?' instead of 'What time is it?'.
Writing '몇시' without a space. → 몇 시
'몇' is a determiner and '시' is a noun, so they should be separated by a space.
Using '이에요' instead of '예요'. → 몇 시예요?
'시' ends in a vowel, so '예요' is the correct copula form.
Confusing '몇 시' with '며칠'. → 몇 시 (Time) vs 며칠 (Date).
Learners often mix these up because they both start with a similar sound.

Astuces

Vowel Ending Rule

Always use '예요' after '시' because it ends in a vowel. '이에요' is for consonants.

The Tense S

The 's' in 'si' becomes tense [ss] because of the preceding 't' sound in 'myeot'. Try to say it sharply.

Punctuality

In Korea, being on time means being 5 minutes early. Use '몇 시예요?' to keep track!

Number Systems

Hours = Native Korean. Minutes = Sino-Korean. This is the golden rule of Korean time.

Digital vs Analog

Even if you look at a digital clock, you still use Native Korean numbers for the hours when speaking.

Asking Strangers

Start with '실례지만' (Excuse me) before asking '지금 몇 시예요?' to be extra polite.

Listen for 'Ban'

If you hear '반' (ban) at the end of a time, it means '30 minutes' or 'half past'.

Spacing

There is a space between '몇' and '시'. It is '몇 시', not '몇시'.

24-Hour Clock

Schedules often use the 24-hour clock (13:00, 14:00), but people usually speak in the 12-hour clock.

Myeot-Si-Ye-Yo

Repeat the phrase like a song. The rhythm is 1-1-3: Myeot! Si! Ye-yo!

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'Myeot' as 'Mute' (the 't' is silent/neutral) and 'Si' as 'See'. You 'mute' the world to 'see' the time.

Association visuelle

Imagine a giant clock with the word '몇' written on the hour hand and '시' on the clock face.

Word Web

시 (Hour) 분 (Minute) 지금 (Now) 언제 (When) 시계 (Clock) 오전 (AM) 오후 (PM) 약속 (Appointment)

Défi

Try asking three different people (or your AI assistant) '지금 몇 시예요?' at different times today.

Origine du mot

The phrase is a combination of Native Korean and Sino-Korean elements. '몇' is a Native Korean interrogative. '시' comes from the Hanja '時' (shi), meaning time or hour. '예요' is a contraction of '이에요' used after vowels.

Sens originel : Literally 'How many hour is it?'

Koreanic

Contexte culturel

It is generally safe and polite to ask anyone for the time in Korea. Just ensure you use the '예요' ending.

English speakers often say 'Do you have the time?' which is more indirect than the Korean '몇 시예요?'.

The song '몇 시예요?' might appear in children's educational programs. K-Drama scenes often feature a lead character looking at their watch and saying this phrase. Korean variety shows like 'Running Man' often use time-based missions.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

At a Bus Stop

버스 몇 시예요?
지금 몇 시예요?
막차가 몇 시예요?
다음 버스는 몇 시예요?

At the Office

회의가 몇 시예요?
점심시간이 몇 시예요?
퇴근이 몇 시예요?
보고가 몇 시까지예요?

With Friends

우리 몇 시에 만나?
영화 몇 시야?
지금 몇 시야?
언제 올 거야?

Traveling

체크인이 몇 시예요?
조식이 몇 시부터예요?
비행기가 몇 시예요?
박물관이 몇 시에 닫아요?

Daily Routine

보통 몇 시에 일어나요?
운동이 몇 시예요?
저녁이 몇 시예요?
드라마가 몇 시에 해요?

Amorces de conversation

"실례지만, 지금 몇 시예요?"

"오늘 약속이 몇 시예요?"

"수업이 몇 시에 끝나요?"

"점심시간이 보통 몇 시예요?"

"뉴욕은 지금 몇 시예요?"

Sujets d'écriture

오늘 가장 바빴던 시간은 몇 시예요? 왜 그랬나요?

당신이 가장 좋아하는 시간은 몇 시예요? 그 시간에 무엇을 하나요?

보통 몇 시에 일어나고 몇 시에 자나요? 당신의 수면 패턴을 설명해 보세요.

만약 시간을 멈출 수 있다면, 몇 시에 멈추고 싶나요?

어제 친구와 만난 시간은 몇 시였나요? 무엇을 했나요?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

This is a historical linguistic feature of Korean. Hours are considered a Native Korean concept, while minutes (a more modern, precise division) use the Sino-Korean system. For example, '한 시' (1:00).

No, that is grammatically incorrect. Because '시' ends in a vowel, you must use '예요'. The correct form is '몇 시예요?'.

You use the topic particle '은/는' after the location. '런던은 몇 시예요?' is the correct way to ask.

'몇 시' asks for a specific point on the clock (What time). '몇 시간' asks for a duration of time (How many hours). For example, '몇 시에 공부해요?' (What time do you study?) vs '몇 시간 공부해요?' (How many hours do you study?).

Yes, it is generally polite enough. However, in a very formal company culture, you might use '부장님, 지금 몇 시입니까?' or '시간이 어떻게 되십니까?' to be extra respectful.

Use '오전' (o-jeon) for AM and '오후' (o-hu) for PM. They are placed before the time: '오전 열 시' (10:00 AM).

You can say '열두 시 삼십 분' or '열두 시 반'. '반' (ban) means half and is very common.

No. In Korean, the subject is often omitted if it's clear from the context. '몇 시예요?' is a complete and natural sentence.

Add the particle '에' (e). For example, '몇 시에 만나요?' (At what time do we meet?).

You can still ask the question! Most people will show you their watch or phone, or you can practice listening for the numbers you do know.