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A2 adverb #1,200 सबसे आम 13 मिनट पढ़ने का समय

잠시

jamsi शीर्ष 1,200

At the A1 level, learners are introduced to the most fundamental and essential vocabulary needed for basic survival and daily interactions in a Korean-speaking environment. The word 잠시 (jam-si) is introduced almost immediately, primarily in its most common fixed phrase: 잠시만요 (jam-si-man-yo). For a beginner, understanding the grammatical breakdown of this word is less important than recognizing its practical, everyday function. It is taught as a polite, universal tool for saying 'Excuse me' when navigating through crowded spaces like subway cars or busy markets, and as 'Just a moment, please' when someone needs you to wait. Beginners learn to associate this sound with a pause in action. They are taught to use it when they need time to think of a word, when they are looking for their wallet at a checkout counter, or when they are trying to get past someone blocking an aisle. At this stage, the focus is purely on pronunciation, memorization of the phrase, and understanding the social cue it represents. It is a survival phrase that instantly makes interactions smoother and more polite, bridging the gap when vocabulary is limited.

At the A2 level, learners begin to understand the grammatical flexibility of the word beyond just the fixed phrase 잠시만요. They learn that 잠시 is an adverb meaning 'for a moment' or 'briefly', and they start to use it to modify various verbs in simple sentences. For example, they learn to construct sentences like 잠시 기다려 주세요 (Please wait for a moment) or 잠시 쉬어요 (Let's rest for a moment). At this stage, learners are also introduced to the combination of the word with temporal nouns, specifically in the phrase 잠시 후 (a short while later / shortly). This allows them to understand basic public announcements, such as those heard on trains or buses indicating an upcoming stop. The distinction between the formal Sino-Korean 잠시 and the more casual native Korean 잠깐 is also introduced, helping learners begin to navigate the complex system of Korean politeness and register. They practice using the word to make polite requests and to describe short durations of everyday activities, expanding their ability to manage time and interactions in a more structured way.

At the B1 level, learners are expected to have a solid grasp of the word's basic functions and begin to explore its more nuanced grammatical applications. They learn how to attach different particles to the word to change its emphasis and meaning within a sentence. For instance, they learn the construction 잠시는 (for a short time + topic marker) to contrast a brief state with a longer reality, such as 'For a moment I was happy, but...'. They also learn the highly expressive negative construction 잠시도 (not even for a moment), paired with negative verbs to emphasize continuous action, like 잠시도 쉬지 못했어요 (I couldn't rest even for a moment). At this intermediate stage, learners are expected to comfortably comprehend the word in various listening contexts, including news broadcasts, customer service interactions, and natural conversations. They practice using the word to politely interrupt, to ask for brief pauses during complex discussions, and to accurately describe sequences of events involving short delays. The focus shifts from basic survival usage to more expressive and precise communication.

At the B2 level, the usage of the word becomes highly natural and intuitive. Learners at this stage do not just use the word to ask for time; they use it as a conversational lubricant to manage the flow of discourse smoothly. They employ phrases like 잠시 덧붙이자면 (to add briefly) or 잠시 화제를 돌려서 (to change the subject for a moment) during presentations or debates. They are fully aware of the subtle register differences between 잠시 and 잠깐 and can switch between them effortlessly depending on the social context, using the former in professional settings and the latter with close peers. Furthermore, B2 learners encounter the word in more complex written texts, such as formal emails, business correspondence, and literature, where it might be used to describe fleeting emotions or temporary states of affairs. They understand its role in softening commands and making professional requests sound more polite and less demanding. The word is fully integrated into their active vocabulary, allowing them to navigate complex social and professional interactions with cultural appropriateness.

At the C1 level, learners possess an advanced, near-native command of the word. They understand its etymological roots in Hanja (暫時) and how this Sino-Korean origin influences its formal tone compared to native alternatives. They encounter and use the word in sophisticated literary and academic contexts, where it might describe ephemeral concepts, philosophical ideas about time, or fleeting historical moments. In spoken Korean, they use it masterfully to control the pacing of a conversation, using subtle intonation changes with the word to indicate hesitation, polite disagreement, or a request for the floor. They are comfortable with advanced idiomatic expressions and collocations that include the word. At this level, the focus is on the pragmatic and stylistic use of the word. Learners can analyze how authors or speakers use the word to create specific moods or to manipulate the listener's perception of time. They can write elegant, formal prose using the word to structure arguments or narrate events with precise temporal flow, demonstrating a deep understanding of Korean rhetorical styles.

At the C2 level, the mastery of the word is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. Learners at this ultimate stage of proficiency understand the deepest cultural and psychological implications of the word within Korean society, particularly in relation to the 'pali-pali' (hurry) culture and the societal expectations of patience and service. They can effortlessly deconstruct complex literary texts where the word is used to evoke a sense of transience or the fleeting nature of life. They can use the word in highly specialized professional domains, such as legal or diplomatic negotiations, where precise control over time and polite deferral is critical. They are capable of playing with the word's meaning, using it sarcastically or ironically in advanced discourse. At the C2 level, vocabulary is not just about meaning; it is about identity, tone, and cultural resonance. The learner uses the word not just to communicate a concept of time, but to project a specific persona—polite, professional, culturally fluent, and deeply attuned to the nuanced rhythms of Korean social interaction.

इसका अभ्यास करें उदाहरण नोट्स और सुझाव

잠시 30 सेकंड में

Means 'for a moment' or 'briefly'.
Essential for saying 'Excuse me' (잠시만요).
Used to politely ask people to wait.
Often paired with '만' (only) or '후' (after).

The Korean word 잠시 (jam-si) is an incredibly common and highly versatile adverb that translates to 'for a moment', 'briefly', or 'for a short while' in English. Understanding this word is absolutely essential for anyone learning Korean, as it forms the backbone of polite requests, everyday navigation, and general time management in Korean society. The word originates from Sino-Korean roots, specifically the Hanja characters 暫 (잠, meaning 'brief' or 'temporary') and 時 (시, meaning 'time'). When combined, they literally mean 'a temporary time' or 'a brief moment'. In everyday conversation, you will hear this word used constantly, particularly in the phrase 잠시만요 (jam-si-man-yo), which translates to 'just a moment, please' or 'excuse me'. This phrase is used when you need someone to wait, when you are trying to pass through a crowded area like a subway or a busy street, or when you need to pause a conversation.

Core Meaning: Refers to a very short duration of time, typically ranging from a few seconds to a few minutes, depending entirely on the context of the situation.

기차에서 내릴 때 사람들이 길을 막고 있다면, 잠시만요라고 말하세요.

The concept of time in Korea is heavily influenced by the 'pali-pali' (hurry, hurry) culture, meaning that a 'moment' is often expected to be quite literal. When a customer service representative says they will be with you in a moment, they usually mean it. However, the word also serves a vital pragmatic function in Korean politeness. By asking someone for 'a brief moment' rather than simply telling them to wait, you soften the command and show respect for their time. You will frequently encounter this word in both formal and informal settings. In a formal setting, such as a business meeting or a news broadcast, you might hear 잠시 후 (jam-si hu), meaning 'shortly' or 'after a short while'. For instance, a broadcaster might announce that a program will resume shortly after a commercial break.

Formal Usage: Often paired with directional or temporal nouns like 후 (after) or 뒤 (behind/later) to indicate upcoming events in official announcements.

안내 말씀 드립니다. 잠시 후 열차가 도착하겠습니다.

In informal settings among friends, the word is still used, though its close synonym 잠깐 (jam-kkan) is sometimes preferred for casual speech. However, 잠시 retains a slightly more refined or polite nuance, making it the safer choice when speaking to strangers, elders, or in professional environments. Furthermore, the word can function almost like a noun in specific grammatical constructions, allowing it to take certain particles. For example, you can say 잠시는 (for a short time + topic particle) to contrast a short period with a longer one, or 잠시도 (not even for a moment) in negative sentences to emphasize continuous action without a break.

Negative Emphasis: Using the particle 도 (do) with a negative verb creates the meaning of 'not resting for even a single moment'.

그는 너무 바빠서 잠시도 쉴 틈이 없었습니다.

회의 중에 잠시 밖으로 나갔다 오겠습니다.

우리는 잠시 눈을 감고 명상을 했습니다.

Mastering this word will significantly improve your ability to navigate Korean social situations gracefully. Whether you are asking for a moment of someone's time, excusing yourself from a table, or simply trying to get off a crowded bus, this word is your indispensable linguistic tool. It bridges the gap between abrupt commands and polite requests, ensuring your interactions remain respectful and culturally appropriate at all times.

Using the word 잠시 (jam-si) correctly in sentences requires an understanding of its primary function as an adverb of time, as well as its ability to act somewhat like a noun when combined with specific particles or postpositions. The most straightforward way to use it is simply placing it before a verb to indicate that the action of the verb occurs for a short duration. For example, in the sentence 잠시 쉬다 (to rest for a moment), the adverb directly modifies the verb 쉬다 (to rest). Because Korean sentence structure is relatively flexible regarding adverb placement, you can often place it at the beginning of the sentence or immediately before the verb, though placing it closer to the verb it modifies is generally more natural.

Basic Adverbial Placement: Place the word immediately before the verb or verb phrase to describe the duration of the action as brief.

여기에 잠시 앉으세요.

One of the most critical grammatical features of this word is its interaction with the particle 만 (man), which means 'only' or 'just'. When you combine them to form 잠시만 (jam-si-man), you are literally saying 'only for a moment'. This combination is extremely common in imperative sentences or requests, such as 잠시만 기다려 주세요 (Please wait just a moment). The addition of 만 adds a layer of politeness and reassurance, emphasizing that the wait or the interruption will truly be minimal. Another frequent structural pattern involves pairing the word with temporal nouns like 후 (hu, meaning 'after') or 뒤 (dwi, meaning 'behind' or 'later'). The phrase 잠시 후 (jam-si hu) translates to 'a short while later' or 'shortly'. This acts as an adverbial phrase of time and is typically placed at the beginning of a sentence to set the temporal context for the upcoming action.

Temporal Phrases: Combining the word with 후 or 뒤 creates a phrase indicating that an event will happen in the very near future.

잠시 후에 다시 전화하겠습니다.

You can also use the word with the particle 도 (do), meaning 'also' or 'even'. When used in negative sentences, 잠시도 (jam-si-do) translates to 'not even for a moment'. This is a powerful rhetorical device used to emphasize continuous, uninterrupted action or a complete lack of respite. For instance, 잠시도 쉬지 못했다 means 'I could not rest even for a moment'.

Topic Marker Usage: Adding the topic marker 는 (neun) creates 잠시는, which contrasts a short period with a longer reality, such as 'For a moment, I thought...'

그 소식을 듣고 잠시는 기뻤지만, 곧 슬퍼졌습니다.

비가 와서 잠시 처마 밑에서 비를 피했습니다.

이 문제는 잠시 덮어두고 다른 일부터 합시다.

Understanding these various sentence structures allows you to express subtle nuances regarding time, patience, and continuous action. Whether you are making a polite request, describing a sequence of events, or emphasizing your busy schedule, knowing how to attach the correct particles and place the word correctly within the sentence is crucial for sounding like a natural Korean speaker.

The word 잠시 (jam-si) is ubiquitous in South Korea, deeply embedded in the daily auditory landscape of the country. If you spend even a single day in Seoul, you are guaranteed to hear this word dozens of times across a wide variety of contexts. One of the most common places you will hear it is in the service industry. Whenever you enter a busy restaurant, cafe, or bank, and the staff needs a moment to prepare your table, process your order, or check your information, they will almost certainly say 잠시만 기다려 주십시오 (Please wait just a moment). It is the standard, polite phrase trained into every customer service employee to ensure patrons feel respected even when they are inconvenienced by a wait.

Customer Service: Used constantly by staff in restaurants, banks, and retail stores to politely ask customers to wait while they handle requests.

손님, 주문하신 음료가 나올 때까지 잠시만 기다려 주세요.

Another incredibly common environment where this word is essential is public transportation. South Korea's subways and buses are famously crowded, especially during rush hour. When you need to disembark but are blocked by a wall of people, simply saying 'Excuse me' in English won't always work. The universally understood and expected phrase is 잠시만요 (jam-si-man-yo) or 잠시만 지나가겠습니다 (I will pass through for a moment). Hearing this phrase instantly signals to Koreans that they need to part and make way. You will also hear the word constantly in automated public announcements. Whether you are waiting on a subway platform, sitting in an airplane, or attending a theater performance, automated voices frequently use the phrase 잠시 후 (jam-si hu) to indicate that an event is about to begin. For example, '잠시 후 열차가 들어옵니다' (The train will be arriving shortly). This formal usage is standard across all official broadcasting systems in the country.

Public Announcements: Automated systems use this word to warn citizens and passengers of impending arrivals, departures, or program commencements.

잠시 후 공연이 시작되오니 자리에 앉아 주시기 바랍니다.

In professional environments, such as offices and business meetings, the word is used to manage time and interruptions politely. If a colleague is presenting and you need to interject, or if you need to step out of the room to take an urgent phone call, you would use this word to excuse yourself. It demonstrates professionalism and respect for the ongoing proceedings.

Media and Broadcasting: News anchors and television hosts frequently use the word to transition between segments or before commercial breaks.

잠시 광고를 보고 오겠습니다.

사장님, 잠시 시간 있으십니까?

통화 중에 죄송하지만, 잠시 끊어야 할 것 같습니다.

From the bustling streets of Myeongdong to the quiet, formal atmosphere of a corporate boardroom, this word is an essential component of the Korean language. Recognizing its various applications across different social contexts will not only improve your listening comprehension but also help you integrate more smoothly into Korean society.

While the word 잠시 (jam-si) is relatively straightforward in its core meaning, English speakers learning Korean often make several common mistakes regarding its usage, nuance, and grammatical integration. One of the most frequent errors is confusing it with words that indicate a specific point in time rather than a duration. Because it translates to 'for a moment', learners sometimes mistakenly use it when they should use words like 방금 (bang-geum, meaning 'just now') or 이따가 (i-tta-ga, meaning 'later'). For example, if you want to say 'I will do it later', saying 잠시 할게요 is incorrect and sounds unnatural; you should say 이따가 할게요.

Duration vs. Point in Time: Remember that this word primarily describes the length of time an action takes (a short duration), not the specific time an action will occur, unless paired with words like 후 (after).

Incorrect: 잠시 도착했어요. (I arrived a moment.) -> Correct: 방금 도착했어요. (I arrived just now.)

Another common mistake involves the misuse of particles. Learners often attach the object particle 를 (reul) to the word, saying 잠시를 기다려 주세요. While the word can sometimes act like a noun, it is primarily an adverb, and in the context of waiting or resting, it does not take the object particle. Instead, it should be used on its own or with the emphasizing particle 만 (man), as in 잠시만 기다려 주세요. Learners also frequently struggle with the nuance between 잠시 and its close synonym 잠깐 (jam-kkan). While they are often interchangeable, using 잠깐 in highly formal situations (like a news broadcast or a formal presentation) can sound slightly too casual. Conversely, using 잠시 among close friends can sometimes sound a bit stiff or overly polite, though it is rarely considered 'wrong'. Understanding the register of the situation is key to choosing the right word.

Register Confusion: Using highly formal vocabulary in casual settings or casual vocabulary in formal settings is a common hurdle. Default to 잠시 in professional settings.

친구에게: 잠시만 기다려 주시겠습니까? (Too formal) -> 잠깐만 기다려 줘. (Natural)

Furthermore, some learners try to use the word to describe physical size or distance, confusing the English concept of 'small' or 'short' with the temporal concept of 'brief'. The word strictly refers to time. You cannot say a pencil is 잠시 (brief); you must use words like 짧다 (jjal-ta, meaning short in length).

Overuse as an Apology: While 잠시만요 can mean 'excuse me' when passing, it is not a general apology for making a mistake. Use 죄송합니다 for actual apologies.

Stepping on someone's foot: 잠시만요. (Incorrect context) -> 죄송합니다. (Correct)

Incorrect: 잠시 동안에 비가 왔어요. -> Correct: 한동안 비가 왔어요. (If meaning 'for a while' rather than a brief moment).

Incorrect: 영화가 잠시 재미있었어요. (The movie was briefly fun - sounds unnatural) -> 영화가 잠깐 재미있었어요. (Better, but still awkward. Better to say 중간에 재미있었어요).

By paying attention to these common pitfalls—especially the distinction between duration and specific time points, the correct use of particles, and the appropriate social register—you can avoid awkward phrasing and communicate much more naturally and effectively in Korean.

The Korean language is rich with vocabulary related to time, and 잠시 (jam-si) has several close synonyms and alternatives that are used depending on the specific nuance, formality level, and context required. The most direct and frequently used synonym is 잠깐 (jam-kkan). Both words mean 'for a moment' or 'briefly', and in many everyday situations, they are completely interchangeable. However, there is a subtle difference in register and origin. 잠시 is a Sino-Korean word (derived from Chinese characters), which inherently gives it a slightly more formal, refined, or polite tone. 잠깐 is a native Korean word, making it feel slightly more casual, friendly, and colloquial.

잠깐 (jam-kkan): The native Korean equivalent. Used extensively in casual conversation among friends and family. '잠깐만!' is a very common way to say 'Wait a sec!'

야, 잠깐만 이리 와 봐. (Hey, come here for a sec.)

Another related word is 금방 (geum-bang), which translates to 'soon' or 'shortly'. While 잠시 describes the duration of an action (doing something for a short time), 금방 describes how soon an action will be completed or how quickly something will happen. If you say 'I will be back in a moment', you could use either, but they emphasize different things. 잠시 다녀올게요 emphasizes that the trip itself will be brief. 금방 다녀올게요 emphasizes that the time until your return will be short. For situations referring to the future, 이따가 (i-tta-ga) is a common alternative. It means 'a little later' or 'later today'. If someone asks you to do something and you cannot do it immediately, you wouldn't use 잠시 (which implies an almost immediate, brief pause); instead, you would use 이따가 to indicate you will do it after some time has passed.

이따가 (i-tta-ga): Used to defer an action to a later point in the same day. It does not mean 'briefly', but rather 'later'.

지금은 바쁘니까 이따가 이야기합시다. (I'm busy now, so let's talk later.)

If you want to express 'immediately' or 'right away', rather than just 'briefly', you would use 당장 (dang-jang) or 즉시 (jeuk-si). These words carry a sense of urgency that 잠시 lacks. 잠시 implies a pause or a short duration, whereas 당장 implies action without any delay whatsoever.

당분간 (dang-bun-gan): Means 'for the time being' or 'for a while'. It implies a much longer duration than 잠시, often stretching into days or weeks.

당분간은 이 집에 머물 예정입니다. (I plan to stay in this house for the time being.)

밥을 먹고 곧 출발하겠습니다. (I will depart soon after eating.)

숙제는 금방 끝낼 수 있어요. (I can finish the homework quickly/soon.)

Understanding the subtle distinctions between these time-related adverbs allows for much more precise and expressive communication. While 잠시 is your go-to word for polite, brief pauses, knowing when to swap it for 잠깐, 금방, or 이따가 will make your Korean sound incredibly natural and contextually appropriate.

How Formal Is It?

औपचारिक

"안내 말씀 드립니다. 잠시 후 행사가 시작될 예정이오니 자리에 착석해 주시기 바랍니다."

तटस्थ

"잠시만 기다려 주세요. 금방 확인해 드리겠습니다."

अनौपचारिक

"나 화장실 좀 다녀올게. 잠시만 여기서 기다려."

Child friendly

"우리 친구들, 선생님 말씀 잠시만 들어볼까요?"

बोलचाल

"아 쫌, 잠시만! (Often pronounced quickly as 짬만!)"

रोचक तथ्य

Because it has Hanja roots, 잠시 is often preferred in formal writing and news broadcasts over its native Korean counterpart 잠깐, even though they mean exactly the same thing. The character 時 (시) is the same one used when telling time (e.g., 한 시 - one o'clock).

उच्चारण मार्गदर्शिका

UK /tɕam.ɕi/

US /tʃɑm.ʃi/

In Korean, there is no strong word-level stress like in English, but the pitch often rises slightly on the second syllable: jam-SI.

तुकबंदी

감시 (gam-si - surveillance) 암시 (am-si - hint/suggestion) 임시 (im-si - temporary) 당시 (dang-si - at that time) 명시 (myeong-si - explicit statement) 무시 (mu-si - ignore) 수시 (su-si - anytime) 표시 (pyo-si - mark/indication)

आम गलतियाँ

Pronouncing 'si' as 'see' instead of 'she'. In Korean, ㅅ before ㅣ is always pronounced like 'sh'.
Making the 'j' sound too hard or explosive. It should be a soft, relaxed consonant.

कठिनाई स्तर

पठन 1/5

Very easy to read. Consists of two simple syllables with no complex batchim (final consonants).

लिखना 1/5

Extremely simple spelling. Exactly as it sounds.

बोलना 1/5

Easy to pronounce, though learners must remember to palatalize the 's' to an 'sh' sound.

श्रवण 1/5

Highly recognizable due to its frequent use in daily life and public announcements.

आगे क्या सीखें

पूर्वापेक्षाएँ

기다리다 (to wait) 쉬다 (to rest) 후 (after) 만 (only) 요 (polite particle)

आगे सीखें

잠깐 (a moment - casual) 금방 (soon) 이따가 (later) 방금 (just now) 곧 (shortly)

उन्नत

당분간 (for the time being) 일시적 (temporary) 찰나 (split second) 소강상태 (lull) 유보하다 (to suspend/defer)

ज़रूरी व्याकरण

Adverb Placement

Korean adverbs are flexible but generally placed immediately before the verb they modify. (잠시 기다리다 vs. 기다리다 잠시 - the former is natural).

Particle Attachment (만)

Attaching 만 (only) to an adverb emphasizes limitation. 잠시 (a moment) -> 잠시만 (only a moment).

Particle Attachment (도)

Attaching 도 (even) to an adverb in a negative sentence emphasizes total absence. 잠시도 못 쉬다 (cannot rest even for a moment).

Noun Modification with 후/뒤

Using temporal nouns to indicate future action. 잠시 (briefly) + 후 (after) = 잠시 후 (shortly).

Topic Marker (는) for Contrast

Attaching 는 to an adverb to contrast a temporary state with a permanent one. 잠시는 좋았다 (It was good for a moment, but...).

स्तर के अनुसार उदाहरण

잠시만요.

Excuse me / Just a moment.

Fixed phrase using 만 (only) and 요 (polite ending).

잠시 기다려 주세요.

Please wait a moment.

Adverb modifying the verb 기다리다 (to wait).

여기에 잠시 앉으세요.

Please sit here for a moment.

Adverb modifying 앉다 (to sit).

잠시 후에 만나요.

Let's meet in a short while.

Used with 후 (after) to indicate the near future.

잠시 쉬어요.

Let's rest for a moment.

Adverb modifying 쉬다 (to rest).

저기요, 잠시만요!

Excuse me, just a moment! (Calling someone)

Used to get someone's attention politely.

잠시 눈을 감으세요.

Close your eyes for a moment.

Adverb modifying 눈을 감다 (to close eyes).

비가 와서 잠시 들어왔어요.

I came inside for a moment because it's raining.

Adverb modifying 들어오다 (to come in).

회의가 잠시 후에 시작됩니다.

The meeting will start shortly.

Formal announcement style using ~ㅂ니다.

잠시 통화 가능하세요?

Are you available to talk on the phone for a moment?

Polite request using honorific ~시~.

잠시 나갔다 올게요.

I'll go out for a moment and come back.

Used with the compound verb 나갔다 오다.

이 가방 좀 잠시 맡아 주실래요?

Could you watch this bag for a moment?

Polite request using ~아/어 주실래요.

잠시 생각할 시간이 필요해요.

I need a moment to think.

Modifying the noun phrase 생각할 시간.

음식이 잠시 뒤에 나올 거예요.

The food will come out in a moment.

Using 뒤 (behind/later) instead of 후.

잠시 차를 세워 주세요.

Please stop the car for a moment.

Adverb modifying 세우다 (to stop/park).

그는 잠시 머뭇거렸습니다.

He hesitated for a moment.

Adverb modifying 머뭇거리다 (to hesitate).

너무 바빠서 잠시도 쉴 틈이 없었어요.

I was so busy I didn't have a moment to rest.

Using 도 (even) with a negative verb for emphasis.

그 소식을 듣고 잠시는 기뻤지만 곧 슬퍼졌어요.

Hearing the news, I was happy for a moment, but soon became sad.

Using 는 (topic marker) to contrast a short time with what follows.

잠시 화장실에 다녀와도 될까요?

May I go to the restroom for a moment?

Asking permission using ~아/어도 될까요.

안내 말씀 드립니다. 잠시 후 열차가 도착하겠습니다.

May I have your attention please. The train will arrive shortly.

Standard formal public announcement phrasing.

잠시 자리를 비운 사이에 전화가 왔어요.

A call came while I was away from my desk for a moment.

Modifying the phrase 자리를 비우다 (to step away).

통화 중에 죄송하지만, 잠시 끊어야 할 것 같아요.

I'm sorry to interrupt the call, but I think I need to hang up for a moment.

Polite interruption phrasing.

이 문제는 잠시 덮어두고 다른 안건으로 넘어갑시다.

Let's put this issue aside for a moment and move on to the next agenda item.

Using 덮어두다 metaphorically (to put aside).

그녀는 잠시 생각에 잠겼다.

She was lost in thought for a moment.

Common literary collocation: 생각에 잠기다.

잠시 덧붙이자면, 이 프로젝트의 핵심은 효율성입니다.

To add briefly, the core of this project is efficiency.

Using ~자면 to state an intention (to add).

그 고통은 잠시뿐이었고, 곧 평온을 되찾았습니다.

The pain was only for a moment, and I soon regained my peace.

Using 뿐 (only) attached directly to the noun form.

잠시나마 그와 함께 일할 수 있어서 영광이었습니다.

It was an honor to work with him, even if only for a short time.

Using 나마 (even though it's only) to express gratitude for a brief event.

시장 상황이 불안정하니 잠시 관망하는 것이 좋겠습니다.

Since the market situation is unstable, it would be better to wait and see for a while.

Professional vocabulary: 관망하다 (to observe/wait and see).

잠시 화제를 돌려서, 내년 예산안에 대해 이야기해 볼까요?

To change the subject for a moment, shall we talk about next year's budget?

Conversational transition phrase: 화제를 돌리다.

그는 잠시의 망설임도 없이 제안을 수락했습니다.

He accepted the proposal without a moment's hesitation.

Using 의 to link the noun form to another noun (망설임).

방송 사고로 인해 잠시 화면이 고르지 못했던 점 사과드립니다.

We apologize for the screen being briefly unstable due to a broadcasting error.

Formal apology phrasing used in media.

잠시 눈을 붙인다는 게 그만 아침까지 자버렸어요.

I meant to just close my eyes for a moment, but I ended up sleeping until morning.

Idiomatic expression: 눈을 붙이다 (to get some shut-eye).

인생이라는 긴 여정에서 이 시련은 잠시 스쳐 가는 바람일 뿐입니다.

In the long journey of life, this hardship is merely a passing wind for a brief moment.

Poetic/metaphorical usage describing transience.

권력의 달콤함은 잠시요, 역사의 평가는 영원하다는 것을 명심해야 한다.

One must keep in mind that the sweetness of power is brief, but the judgment of history is eternal.

Using 요 as a formal, archaic copula for contrast.

그의 연설은 청중들의 마음을 잠시나마 위로해 주기에 충분했다.

His speech was enough to comfort the audience's hearts, if only for a moment.

Advanced use of 나마 indicating a small but significant effect.

잠시의 방심이 돌이킬 수 없는 끔찍한 결과를 초래하고 말았다.

A moment of carelessness resulted in terrible, irreversible consequences.

Formal written style emphasizing cause and effect.

우리는 잠시 소강상태를 보이고 있는 이 사태의 본질을 꿰뚫어 보아야 합니다.

We must see through to the essence of this situation, which is showing a brief lull.

Advanced vocabulary: 소강상태 (lull/standstill).

현실의 고단함을 잠시 잊고자 그는 예술의 세계로 도피하곤 했다.

To briefly forget the exhaustion of reality, he would often escape into the world of art.

Using 고자 to express intention (in order to).

잠시 숨을 고른 뒤, 그녀는 다시 결연한 목소리로 발언을 이어갔다.

After catching her breath for a moment, she continued her remarks with a resolute voice.

Idiomatic phrase: 숨을 고르다 (to catch one's breath).

이 법안의 통과는 잠시 유보되었으나, 논란의 불씨는 여전히 남아 있다.

The passage of this bill has been temporarily suspended, but the embers of controversy still remain.

Formal political/legal terminology: 유보되다 (to be suspended/reserved).

인간의 삶이란 우주의 영겁에 비하면 찰나의 잠시에 불과하다.

Human life, compared to the eternity of the universe, is nothing but a fleeting moment.

Philosophical discourse using advanced vocabulary (영겁, 찰나).

그는 잠시의 침묵을 통해 백 마디 말보다 더 무거운 경고를 전달했다.

Through a moment of silence, he delivered a warning heavier than a hundred words.

Analyzing the pragmatic effect of silence.

세속적인 욕망은 잠시의 쾌락을 줄지언정 영혼의 안식을 가져다주지는 못한다.

Worldly desires may provide momentary pleasure, but they cannot bring peace to the soul.

Using ~ㄹ지언정 (even if / granted that) for strong contrast.

역사의 격랑 속에서 그 제국의 영광은 한낱 잠시의 일장춘몽으로 끝나고 말았다.

In the turbulent waves of history, the glory of that empire ended as a mere, brief spring dream.

Using the four-character idiom 일장춘몽 (an empty dream).

협상단은 잠시의 휴회를 선언하고 막후에서 치열한 수싸움을 벌였다.

The negotiation team declared a brief recess and engaged in a fierce battle of wits behind the scenes.

Diplomatic terminology: 휴회 (recess), 막후 (behind the scenes).

작가는 주인공이 겪는 잠시의 환희와 기나긴 절망을 극명하게 대비시켰다.

The author starkly contrasted the brief joy and the prolonged despair experienced by the protagonist.

Literary analysis phrasing.

그 찰나의 잠시 동안, 두 사람의 시선이 허공에서 부딪히며 무언의 대화를 나누었다.

During that fleeting moment, their gazes collided in the air, sharing a silent conversation.

Highly descriptive narrative style.

모든 것이 멈춘 듯한 그 잠시의 적막 속에서, 마침내 진실이 모습을 드러냈다.

In that brief silence where everything seemed to have stopped, the truth finally revealed itself.

Building dramatic tension through temporal description.

सामान्य शब्द संयोजन

잠시 후

잠시 뒤

잠시만요

잠시 기다리다

잠시 쉬다

잠시 멈추다

잠시 생각하다

잠시 눈을 붙이다

잠시 자리를 비우다

잠시도 쉬지 않다

सामान्य वाक्यांश

잠시만 기다려 주세요.

잠시만요.

잠시 후에 뵙겠습니다.

잠시 시간 좀 내어 주시겠어요?

잠시 실례하겠습니다.

잠시 뵙고 싶습니다.

잠시 눈 좀 붙일게요.

잠시 딴생각을 했어요.

잠시 멈춤.

잠시도 가만히 있지 못하다.

अक्सर इससे भ्रम होता है

잠시 vs 잠깐 (jam-kkan)

Means exactly the same thing ('for a moment'), but 잠깐 is a native Korean word and feels slightly more casual. 잠시 is Sino-Korean and feels slightly more formal.

잠시 vs 금방 (geum-bang)

Means 'soon' or 'quickly'. While 잠시 describes the duration of the wait, 금방 describes how soon the action will be finished.

잠시 vs 이따가 (i-tta-ga)

Means 'later'. Used when the wait will be longer than just a brief moment. Do not use 잠시 if you mean 'I will do it later today'.

मुहावरे और अभिव्यक्तियाँ

"잠시 눈을 붙이다"

To take a short nap; to get some shut-eye. Literally means 'to stick one's eyes together for a moment'.

회의 전에 피곤해서 잠시 눈을 붙였다.

Neutral/Informal

"잠시 숨을 돌리다"

To catch one's breath; to take a short break from a difficult task. Literally 'to turn one's breath for a moment'.

바쁜 일이 끝나서 이제야 잠시 숨을 돌리네요.

Neutral

"잠시 한눈을 팔다"

To take one's eyes off something for a moment; to be distracted. Literally 'to sell one eye for a moment'.

잠시 한눈을 판 사이에 아이가 넘어졌다.

Neutral

"잠시도 쉴 틈이 없다"

To have not even a moment to rest; to be extremely busy.

요즘은 일이 너무 많아서 잠시도 쉴 틈이 없어요.

Neutral

"잠시 스쳐 가는 인연"

A fleeting relationship; someone you meet briefly in life. Literally 'a connection that brushes past for a moment'.

우리는 그저 잠시 스쳐 가는 인연일 뿐입니다.

Literary/Poetic

"잠시 땀을 식히다"

To cool down; to take a rest after physical exertion. Literally 'to cool one's sweat for a moment'.

나무 그늘 아래서 잠시 땀을 식히고 갑시다.

Neutral

"잠시 머리를 식히다"

To clear one's head; to take a break from mental work. Literally 'to cool one's head for a moment'.

복잡한 문제는 덮어두고 잠시 머리를 식히고 오세요.

Neutral

"잠시 발걸음을 멈추다"

To stop walking for a moment; to pause one's journey to look at something or reflect.

아름다운 풍경에 잠시 발걸음을 멈추었다.

Literary/Formal

"잠시 자리를 비우다"

To step away from one's desk or position for a short time. Very common in office environments.

김 대리님은 잠시 자리를 비우셨습니다.

Formal/Professional

"잠시 말문이 막히다"

To be momentarily speechless; to be at a loss for words due to surprise or shock.

그의 황당한 요구에 잠시 말문이 막혔다.

Neutral

आसानी से भ्रमित होने वाले

잠시 vs 잠깐

They translate to the exact same English phrase ('for a moment') and are used in almost identical sentence structures.

The difference is purely in register and etymology. 잠시 (Sino-Korean) is slightly more formal and preferred in writing or professional settings. 잠깐 (Native Korean) is preferred in casual speech among friends.

Formal: 잠시 후 방송을 시작하겠습니다. / Casual: 잠깐만 기다려 봐.

잠시 vs 방금

Learners confuse 'a moment' (duration) with 'a moment ago' (point in time).

방금 means 'just now' or 'a moment ago'. It refers to an action that was just completed. 잠시 refers to the duration of an action.

방금 도착했어요. (I arrived just now.) vs. 잠시 기다렸어요. (I waited for a moment.)

잠시 vs 곧

Both can be used to indicate that something will happen in the near future.

곧 means 'soon' or 'shortly' and is an adverb of time pointing to the future. 잠시 is an adverb of duration. You can say '잠시 후' (after a short duration = soon), which means the same as '곧'.

곧 도착합니다. (Arriving soon.) = 잠시 후 도착합니다. (Arriving shortly.)

잠시 vs 일찍

Learners sometimes confuse time-related vocabulary.

일찍 means 'early', referring to doing something ahead of schedule. It has nothing to do with a brief duration.

오늘은 일찍 일어났어요. (I woke up early today.)

잠시 vs 짧게

Both relate to the concept of 'short'.

짧게 is the adverbial form of 짧다 (to be short) and is used for physical length or the length of a text/speech. 잠시 is strictly for the passage of time.

머리를 짧게 잘랐어요. (I cut my hair short.) vs. 잠시 쉬었어요. (I rested briefly.)

वाक्य संरचनाएँ

잠시만요.

잠시만요. (Excuse me / Just a moment.)

잠시 [Verb] 주세요.

잠시 기다려 주세요. (Please wait a moment.)

잠시 후에 [Verb].

잠시 후에 시작하겠습니다. (We will start shortly.)

잠시 [Verb]도 될까요?

잠시 들어가도 될까요? (May I come in for a moment?)

잠시도 [Negative Verb].

잠시도 쉴 수 없어요. (I can't rest even for a moment.)

잠시 [Verb] 사이에 [Event].

잠시 나간 사이에 비가 왔어요. (It rained while I was out for a moment.)

잠시 [Noun] 좀 [Verb] 주시겠어요?

잠시 시간 좀 내어 주시겠어요? (Could you spare a moment of time?)

잠시나마 [Verb] 수 있어서 [Emotion].

잠시나마 함께할 수 있어서 기뻤습니다. (I was happy to be together, even if only for a moment.)

शब्द परिवार

संज्ञा

इसे कैसे इस्तेमाल करें

frequency

Extremely High (Top 500 most used words in spoken Korean).

सामान्य गलतियाँ

잠시 도착했어요. → 방금 도착했어요.
Learners often use 잠시 to mean 'a moment ago'. However, 잠시 refers to a duration of time, not a point in the past. To say 'just now', use 방금.
이 연필은 잠시예요. → 이 연필은 짧아요.
Confusing the concept of 'short time' with 'short length'. 잠시 is only used for time. For physical length, use the adjective 짧다.
잠시를 기다려 주세요. → 잠시만 기다려 주세요.
Adding the object particle 를 to an adverb. While it can sometimes act like a noun, in this common phrase, it takes the emphasizing particle 만, not an object particle.
(Stepping on someone's foot) 잠시만요! → (Stepping on someone's foot) 죄송합니다!
Using '잠시만요' as a general apology. It only means 'excuse me' in the sense of 'coming through' or 'wait a moment'. It is not an expression of regret.
내일 잠시 할게요. → 내일 이따가 할게요. (or 나중에 할게요)
Using 잠시 to mean 'later'. 잠시 implies a very brief pause from the current moment. If you are deferring a task to much later, use 이따가 or 나중에.

सुझाव

The Magic 'Excuse Me'

If you only learn one phrase for traveling in Korea, make it '잠시만요' (jam-si-man-yo). It is the polite, universally accepted way to get through a crowded subway or street without offending anyone.

Add '만' for Politeness

Adding the particle '만' (meaning 'only') to make '잠시만' softens your request. It reassures the listener that you are truly only asking for a tiny fraction of their time.

Listen for '후'

When you hear '잠시 후' (jam-si hu) on a train or bus, pay attention! It means your stop or the next event is happening very shortly. It's a crucial cue for public transport.

Formal vs. Casual

If you are writing an email to your boss, use '잠시'. If you are texting your best friend, use '잠깐'. Matching the register shows cultural fluency.

The 'Sh' Sound

Remember that the 'ㅅ' in '시' is pronounced like 'sh'. Say 'jam-shee', not 'jam-see'. This is a common pronunciation rule in Korean.

Not for Apologies

Never use '잠시만요' to apologize for stepping on someone's foot or making a mistake. It only means 'excuse me/coming through'. Use '죄송합니다' for real apologies.

No Object Particles

Resist the urge to add '을' or '를' to this word. It is an adverb. '잠시를 기다리다' is incorrect. Stick to '잠시 기다리다'.

Catching some Z's

Learn the phrase '잠시 눈을 붙이다' (literally: to stick one's eyes together for a moment). It's a very natural, native-sounding way to say you are taking a quick nap.

Office Etiquette

If you need to leave your desk at work, tell your colleagues '잠시 자리를 비우겠습니다' (I will step away for a moment). It's highly professional.

Extreme Busyness

To complain about how busy you are, use '잠시도' + negative verb. '잠시도 못 쉬었어' (I couldn't rest even for a second) sounds very dramatic and native.

याद करें

स्मृति सहायक

Imagine you are making JAM, but you only have to stir it for a short time before SHE tells you to stop. JAM-SHE (잠시) = for a short time.

दृश्य संबंध

Picture a stopwatch pausing at just a few seconds. The word 'JAM-SI' is written on the face of the stopwatch, indicating a very brief pause in time.

Word Web

잠시 잠시만요 잠시 후 잠깐 시간 기다리다 쉬다 임시

चैलेंज

Next time you need someone to wait for you, even if you are speaking English, try thinking '잠시만요' in your head to build the habit of associating the word with the action of pausing.

शब्द की उत्पत्ति

The word comes from Sino-Korean vocabulary. It is composed of two Hanja characters: 暫 (잠 - jam), meaning 'brief', 'temporary', or 'short time', and 時 (시 - si), meaning 'time' or 'hour'.

मूल अर्थ: Literally 'a temporary time' or 'a brief period of time'.

Sino-Korean (derived from Classical Chinese).

सांस्कृतिक संदर्भ

notes: There are no negative or sensitive connotations associated with this word. It is inherently polite and safe to use in all contexts.

English speakers often say 'Excuse me' to apologize, get attention, or pass by. In Korean, '잠시만요' covers the 'passing by' and 'wait a moment' aspects, but '저기요' (Excuse me, over there) is used to get a waiter's attention, and '죄송합니다' is used to apologize.

'잠시만 안녕' (Goodbye for a moment) - A famous song by the Korean rock band M.C the Max. Subway announcements: '잠시 후 열차가 들어옵니다' (The train will arrive shortly) - Heard millions of times daily in Seoul. Variety shows: Editors frequently use a '잠시 후' (Shortly after) caption to build suspense before revealing a result.

असल ज़िंदगी में अभ्यास करें

वास्तविक संदर्भ

Navigating a crowded area (subway, street)

잠시만요. (Excuse me.)
잠시만 지나가겠습니다. (I'll pass through for a moment.)
잠시 비켜 주시겠어요? (Could you step aside for a moment?)
잠시만 길 좀 비켜 주세요. (Please clear the way for a moment.)

Customer Service (Restaurants, Banks, Stores)

잠시만 기다려 주세요. (Please wait a moment.)
잠시 후에 안내해 드리겠습니다. (I will guide you shortly.)
잠시 확인해 보겠습니다. (I will check for a moment.)
잠시 자리에 앉아 계세요. (Please stay seated for a moment.)

Phone Conversations

잠시만 기다려 주시겠습니까? (Could you hold for a moment?)
잠시 후에 다시 걸겠습니다. (I will call back shortly.)
잠시 끊었다가 다시 할게요. (I'll hang up briefly and call again.)
잠시 통화 가능하세요? (Are you available to talk for a moment?)

Business Meetings

잠시 쉬었다가 합시다. (Let's take a short break and continue.)
잠시 시간 좀 내어 주시겠어요? (Could you spare a moment?)
잠시 덧붙이자면... (To add briefly...)
잠시 화제를 돌려서... (To change the subject for a moment...)

Public Announcements (Transportation, Events)

잠시 후 열차가 도착합니다. (The train will arrive shortly.)
잠시 후 공연이 시작됩니다. (The performance will begin shortly.)
잠시 안내 말씀 드리겠습니다. (I will make a brief announcement.)
잠시 정차하겠습니다. (We will stop briefly.)

बातचीत की शुरुआत

"바쁘신데 죄송하지만, 잠시 시간 좀 내어 주실 수 있나요? (I'm sorry you're busy, but could you spare a moment?)"

"우리 여기서 잠시 쉬었다가 가는 게 어때요? (How about we take a short break here before going?)"

"잠시만요, 제가 지갑을 어디에 두었는지 찾아볼게요. (Just a moment, let me find where I put my wallet.)"

"잠시 후에 회의가 시작되는데, 준비 다 하셨어요? (The meeting starts shortly, are you all prepared?)"

"저기요, 잠시 길 좀 물어봐도 될까요? (Excuse me, could I ask for directions for a moment?)"

डायरी विषय

오늘 하루 중 가장 바빠서 '잠시도' 쉴 틈이 없었던 순간은 언제였나요? (When was the moment today you were so busy you couldn't rest even for a moment?)

힘든 일이 있을 때, 당신은 '잠시' 머리를 식히기 위해 무엇을 하나요? (When things are hard, what do you do to clear your head for a moment?)

누군가를 '잠시' 기다리면서 깨달은 점이나 느낀 감정이 있다면 적어보세요. (Write about any realizations or feelings you had while waiting for someone for a moment.)

과거의 '잠시' 스쳐 지나간 인연 중에 아직도 기억에 남는 사람이 있나요? (Is there someone from a fleeting past relationship who still remains in your memory?)

미래의 나에게 '잠시' 멈춰서 해주고 싶은 조언은 무엇인가요? (What advice would you give your future self if you asked them to stop for a moment?)

अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले सवाल

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No. While '잠시만요' translates to 'Excuse me' when passing through a crowd, it is not an apology. If you bump into someone or make a mistake, you must use '죄송합니다' (I'm sorry). '잠시만요' only means 'Just a moment' or 'Coming through'.

They are practically identical in meaning ('for a moment'). The main difference is that 잠시 is Sino-Korean and sounds slightly more formal, polite, and professional. 잠깐 is native Korean and sounds more casual and friendly. You will hear both constantly.

Actually, Koreans usually say '여보세요' (Hello) when answering the phone. However, if they are busy when they pick up, they might immediately say '잠시만요' to ask the caller to hold on for a second while they move to a quiet place or finish a task.

Absolutely not. 잠시 is strictly a temporal adverb meaning 'for a short time'. To describe physical shortness, you must use the adjective 짧다 (jjal-ta) for length or 작다 (jak-da) for height.

Dropping the '요' (yo) at the end makes it informal (반말 - banmal). It is perfectly fine to say '잠시만' to close friends, younger siblings, or children. However, saying it to a stranger, an elder, or a colleague would be considered rude. Always add '요' (잠시만요) to be safe.

Do not use 잠시. To say 'a moment ago' or 'just now', use the word 방금 (bang-geum) or 아까 (a-kka). For example, '방금 나갔어요' means 'He left just a moment ago'.

It means 'a short while later' or 'shortly'. It is a very common phrase used in formal announcements, such as on a train ('잠시 후 열차가 도착합니다' - The train will arrive shortly) or on TV before a commercial break.

Generally, no. While 잠시 has noun-like properties, it functions primarily as an adverb. Saying '잠시를 기다려요' sounds unnatural. Just say '잠시 기다려요' or '잠시만 기다려요'.

When you attach the particle '도' (even/also) to 잠시, it means 'not even for a moment'. It must be followed by a negative verb. For example, '잠시도 쉴 수 없다' means 'I cannot rest even for a moment'.

Yes, 잠시 is a standard Korean word used in both North and South Korea with the same meaning and similar usage patterns, as it is derived from standard Hanja.