A1 Numbers & Counters 12 min read Easy

Telling Time: Native Hours & Sino Minutes

Remember: Native hours are slow and old; Sino minutes are fast and modern.
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Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Use native Korean numbers for hours and Sino-Korean numbers for minutes to tell time accurately.

  • Hours use native numbers (1-12): 한 시 (1:00), 두 시 (2:00).
  • Minutes use Sino-Korean numbers (1-59): 일 분 (1 min), 오십 분 (50 min).
  • Always add '시' after the hour and '분' after the minute.
Native Number + 시 (Hour) + Sino Number + 분 (Minute)

Overview

Learning Korean often requires you to navigate two distinct number systems: Native Korean numbers (고유어 수사, goyueo susa) and Sino-Korean numbers (한자어 수사, hanjaeo susa). This duality is not arbitrary; it's deeply rooted in the language's history and governs how numbers combine with counters (단위 명사, danwi myeongsa) to quantify items. For A1 learners, understanding this fundamental distinction is crucial, as misapplication leads to significant confusion.

Telling time in Korean is a prime example of this numerical duality in action. You will use a hybrid approach: Native Korean numbers for stating the hour and Sino-Korean numbers for stating the minutes. This system is not merely a convention; it reflects a systematic linguistic principle where specific number sets are intrinsically linked to particular categories of items or units of measure.

The hour counter is 시 (si), and the minute counter is 분 (bun). Mastering this provides foundational insight into Korean grammar and prevents common errors in daily communication.

How This Grammar Works

Korean numbers rarely stand alone when counting discrete items or units. Instead, they attach to specific number classifiers or counters that categorize what is being counted. For telling time, 시 serves as the counter for hours, and 분 for minutes.
The selection of the number system (Native vs. Sino) is determined by the specific counter it modifies. This is why 시 exclusively pairs with Native Korean numbers for quantities from 1 to 12, while 분 pairs with Sino-Korean numbers for 0 to 59.
This division is absolute and consistent: hours use 시 and minutes use 분. You will form time expressions as [Native Korean Hour] 시 [Sino-Korean Minute] 분. For instance, to say "3:45," you use 세 시 사십오 분 (se si sasibo bun).
Here, 세 (the modified form of 셋, Native Korean for three) is used with 시, and 사십오 (Sino-Korean for forty-five) is used with 분. This consistent pairing standardizes time expressions and reflects the systematic nature of Korean counters.
A crucial linguistic feature for Native Korean numbers, particularly the first four—하나 (hana, one), 둘 (dul, two), 셋 (set, three), and 넷 (net, four)—is that they undergo a phonological change when preceding certain counters, including 시. They truncate their final consonant or syllable. For example, 하나 becomes 한 when followed by 시, forming 한 시 (one o'clock).
This truncation is not an irregularity; it's a systematic morphophonological rule for Native Korean numbers used with specific counters like 명 (people), 개 (general items), and 살 (age), indicating a close grammatical bond between the number and the counter.
For minutes, while 삼십 분 (samsip bun) is correct for 30 minutes, it is very common and natural to use 반 (ban), meaning "half." This is akin to saying "half past one" in English. For example, 한 시 반 (han si ban) means 1:30. This natural usage often sounds more conversational and is widely accepted.

Formation Pattern

1
Forming time expressions in Korean requires a precise sequence and the correct application of number systems. The consistent structure is [AM/PM (optional)] [Native Korean Number for Hour] 시 [Sino-Korean Number for Minute] 분.
2
Hours (시): Native Korean Numbers (1-12)
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You must use Native Korean numbers for hours. Remember that the numbers 1, 2, 3, and 4 change their form when preceding 시. Numbers 5 through 12 do not change.
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| Number | Basic Native Korean | Transformed Form | With 시 (Hour) | Romanization | English Equivalent |
5
|:-------|:--------------------|:-----------------|:-----------------|:----------------|:-------------------|
6
| 1 | 하나 (hana) | 한 (han) | 한 시 (han si) | han si | 1 o'clock |
7
| 2 | 둘 (dul) | 두 (du) | 두 시 (du si) | du si | 2 o'clock |
8
| 3 | 셋 (set) | 세 (se) | 세 시 (se si) | se si | 3 o'clock |
9
| 4 | 넷 (net) | 네 (ne) | 네 시 (ne si) | ne si | 4 o'clock |
10
| 5 | 다섯 (daseot) | 다섯 (daseot) | 다섯 시 (daseot si) | daseot si | 5 o'clock |
11
| 6 | 여섯 (yeoseot) | 여섯 (yeoseot) | 여섯 시 (yeoseot si) | yeoseot si | 6 o'clock |
12
| 7 | 일곱 (ilgop) | 일곱 (ilgop) | 일곱 시 (ilgop si) | ilgop si | 7 o'clock |
13
| 8 | 여덟 (yeodeol) | 여덟 (yeodeol) | 여덟 시 (yeodeol si) | yeodeol si | 8 o'clock |
14
| 9 | 아홉 (ahop) | 아홉 (ahop) | 아홉 시 (ahop si) | ahop si | 9 o'clock |
15
| 10 | 열 (yeol) | 열 (yeol) | 열 시 (yeol si) | yeol si | 10 o'clock |
16
| 11 | 열한 (yeolhan) | 열한 (yeolhan) | 열한 시 (yeolhan si) | yeolhan si | 11 o'clock |
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| 12 | 열두 (yeoldu) | 열두 (yeoldu) | 열두 시 (yeoldu si) | yeoldu si | 12 o'clock |
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This truncation for 하나, 둘, 셋, 넷 is critical. It signifies a close grammatical relationship between the number and the counter 시, a pattern you will encounter with many other Native Korean counters. For example, you say 한 개 (han gae, one item), not 하나 개 (hana gae).
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Minutes (분): Sino-Korean Numbers (0-59)
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For minutes, you exclusively use Sino-Korean numbers. Unlike the hours, these numbers do not change their form when preceding 분. Sino-Korean numbers are broadly used for minutes, seconds, money, dates, phone numbers, and numbers above 100.
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| Number | Sino-Korean | With 분 (Minute) | Romanization | English Equivalent |
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|:-------|:------------|:------------------|:-------------|:-------------------|
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| 1 | 일 (il) | 일 분 (il bun) | il bun | 1 minute |
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| 5 | 오 (o) | 오 분 (o bun) | o bun | 5 minutes |
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| 10 | 십 (sip) | 십 분 (sip bun) | sip bun | 10 minutes |
26
| 20 | 이십 (isip) | 이십 분 (isip bun) | isip bun | 20 minutes |
27
| 30 | 삼십 (samsip) | 삼십 분 (samsip bun) | samsip bun | 30 minutes |
28
| 45 | 사십오 (sasibo) | 사십오 분 (sasibo bun) | sasibo bun | 45 minutes |
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| 59 | 오십구 (osipgu) | 오십구 분 (osipgu bun) | osipgu bun | 59 minutes |
30
As mentioned, for 30 minutes, you can also use 반 (ban). For example, 두 시 반 (du si ban) means 2:30, and 일곱 시 반 (ilgop si ban) means 7:30.
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Specifying AM/PM (오전/오후)
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To clarify whether a time is in the morning or afternoon, you use 오전 (ojeon) for AM and 오후 (ohu) for PM. These terms, derived from Chinese characters meaning "before noon" (午前) and "after noon" (午後), always precede the entire time expression.
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오전 (ojeon): For times from midnight (12 AM) to just before noon (12 PM).
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오전 아홉 시 (ojeon ahop si) - 9:00 AM
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오전 한 시 삼십 분 (ojeon han si samsip bun) - 1:30 AM
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오후 (ohu): For times from noon (12 PM) to just before midnight (12 AM).
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오후 세 시 (ohu se si) - 3:00 PM
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오후 여덟 시 이십오 분 (ohu yeodeol si isibo bun) - 8:25 PM
39
Thus, 10:40 AM becomes 오전 열 시 사십 분 (ojeon yeol si sasip bun), and 6:00 PM is 오후 여섯 시 (ohu yeoseot si).

When To Use It

This specific grammar pattern—Native Korean numbers for hours and Sino-Korean numbers for minutes—is the standard and virtually universal method for expressing specific clock times in daily Korean. It is an indispensable skill for any situation requiring precise time communication.
1. Asking and Answering "What time is it?"
This is the most fundamental application. You will use 지금 몇 시예요? (Jigeum myeot si-yeyo?) for "What time is it now?" (casual) or 지금 몇 시입니까? (Jigyeom myeot si-imnikka?) (formal). The answer will follow the pattern:
  • Casual (해체, hae-che): Uses 이에요 (ieyo) or 예요 (yeyo). 이에요 follows words ending in a consonant (like 분), and 예요 follows words ending in a vowel (like 시).
  • 지금 다섯 시예요. (Jigeum daseot si-yeyo.) - It is 5 o'clock now.
  • 지금 열한 시 오 분이에요. (Jigeum yeolhan si o bun-ieyo.) - It is 11:05 now.
  • Formal (합니다체, hamnida-che): Uses 입니다 (imnida) after 시 or 분. This is appropriate in professional contexts, when addressing elders or superiors, or in public announcements.
  • 지금 세 시입니다. (Jigeum se si-imnida.) - It is 3 o'clock now.
  • 회의는 오후 두 시 삼십 분입니다. (Hoeuineun ohu du si samsip bun-imnida.) - The meeting is at 2:30 PM.
2. Making and Confirming Appointments/Plans
Crucial for social, academic, and professional interactions.
  • 우리 여덟 시 반에 만나요. (Uri yeodeol si ban-e mannayo.) - Let's meet at 8:30.
  • 예약은 오전 열한 시 오십 분입니다. (Yeyageun ojeon yeolhan si osip bun-imnida.) - The reservation is for 11:50 AM.
3. Discussing Schedules
For public transportation, event timings, work shifts, and personal routines.
  • 버스는 세 시 십오 분에 출발해요. (Beoseuneun se si sip-o bun-e chulbalhaeyo.) - The bus departs at 3:15.
  • 수업은 한 시 정각에 시작해요. (Sueobeun han si jeonggak-e sijakhaeyo.) - Class starts exactly at 1 o'clock.
This hybrid system is deeply embedded in conversational Korean. Whether you are checking a train schedule, arranging a meeting, or simply asking a friend for the time, you will inevitably utilize this Native hours/Sino minutes distinction. It is not an optional nuance but a core grammatical requirement for accurate communication of clock time.

Common Mistakes

Learners, particularly at the A1 level, frequently make specific errors when combining Native Korean and Sino-Korean numbers for time. Recognizing and understanding the underlying linguistic reasons for these mistakes is key to developing accuracy.
1. Using Sino-Korean Numbers for Hours
This is perhaps the most common error. Because Sino-Korean numbers are often perceived as simpler or more uniform due to their frequent use in other contexts, beginners might incorrectly apply them to hours.
  • Incorrect: 일 시 (il si) for 1 o'clock.
  • Correct: 한 시 (han si).
  • Why it's wrong: The counter 시 for hours exclusively pairs with Native Korean numbers from 1 to 12. Using 일 시 sounds fundamentally unnatural and incorrect to a native speaker because it violates the established counter pairing rule. The number 일 (il) is Sino-Korean for 'one' and cannot modify 시 in this context.
2. Using Native Korean Numbers for Minutes
Conversely, after successfully learning Native numbers for hours, learners might overgeneralize and apply them to minutes.
  • Incorrect: 하나 분 (hana bun) for 1 minute.
  • Correct: 일 분 (il bun).
  • Why it's wrong: The counter 분 for minutes exclusively pairs with Sino-Korean numbers from 0 to 59. Using 하나 분 is grammatically incorrect and will cause misunderstanding. 하나 is a Native Korean number and cannot modify 분.
3. Forgetting the Form Changes for Hours 1-4
The truncation of 하나, 둘, 셋, 넷 to 한, 두, 세, 네 when used with 시 (and other counters) is a critical morphophonological rule. Failing to apply it reveals a lack of fundamental proficiency.
  • Incorrect: 하나 시 (hana si), 둘 시 (dul si), 셋 시 (set si), 넷 시 (net si).
  • Correct: 한 시 (han si), 두 시 (du si), 세 시 (se si), 네 시 (ne si).
  • Why it's wrong: This is a systematic rule of Native Korean numbers, not an exception. It signals that the number is intimately connected to the following counter. Ignoring it makes your speech sound ungrammatical.
4. Confusing 시 (Clock Time) with 시간 (Duration)
While both terms relate to time, 시 refers to a specific point on the clock (e.g., 3:00), whereas 시간 (sigan) refers to a duration or length of time (e.g., 3 hours). Both typically use Native Korean numbers for the quantity, but their functions are distinct.
| Term | Meaning | Usage Example | Romanization | Correct Usage |
|:----------|:-------------------|:-------------------------------|:--------------------------|:--------------------------------------------|
| 시 (si) | O'clock (point in time) | 세 시 (se si) | se si | 3 o'clock (e.g., at 3 o'clock) |
| 시간 (sigan) | Hours (duration) | 세 시간 (se sigan) | se sigan | 3 hours (e.g., for 3 hours) |
  • Why it's important: Misusing these can lead to serious miscommunication. Saying 두 시 동안 (for two o'clock) instead of 두 시간 동안 (for two hours) makes no sense in Korean. Always distinguish between the time at which something occurs and the length of time it takes.
5. Incorrect Placement of AM/PM (오전/오후)
Learners sometimes place 오전 or 오후 after the time, mirroring English sentence structure.
  • Incorrect: 여섯 시 오전 (yeoseot si ojeon) for 6 AM.
  • Correct: 오전 여섯 시 (ojeon yeoseot si).
  • Why it's wrong: In Korean, 오전 and 오후 function as temporal adverbs that modify the entire time expression, thus requiring placement before the hour and minute. They set the context for the time that follows.
By diligently avoiding these common pitfalls and understanding the grammatical principles behind the correct forms, you can significantly enhance your accuracy and fluency in expressing time in Korean.

Real Conversations

Understanding theoretical grammar is essential, but observing its application in authentic dialogue is crucial for practical mastery. Korean conversations about time seamlessly integrate these patterns into various social contexts, from casual chats to more formal arrangements.

S

Scenario 1

Casual Chat Between Friends

- 지훈 (Jihun): 민수야, 지금 몇 시예요? (Minsuya, jigeum myeot si-yeyo?) – "Minsu, what time is it now?"

- 민수 (Minsu): 음... 지금 두 시 십오 분이에요. (Eum... jigeum du si sip-o bun-ieyo.) – "Hmm... It's 2:15 now."

- 지훈 (Jihun): 아, 벌써? 그럼 세 시 반에 카페에서 볼까? (A, beolsseo? Geureom se si ban-e kape-eseo bolkka?) – "Oh, already? Then shall we meet at the café at 3:30?"

- 민수 (Minsu): 좋아! 늦지 마. (Joa! Neujji ma.) – "Good! Don't be late."

A

Analysis

* This casual interaction uses the 예요 ending. Observe 두 시 and 세 시 with the correct Native Korean number forms. The use of 십오 분 for minutes and 반 for 30 minutes reflects natural, everyday conversation.
S

Scenario 2

Making an Appointment (Slightly more formal)

- 직원 (Employee): 어떻게 오셨습니까? (Eotteoke osyeosseumnikka?) – "How may I help you?" (Formal, respectful)

- 손님 (Customer): 예약했습니다. 오후 네 시 예약인데요. (Yeyakhaetseumnida. Oku ne si yeyagindeyo.) – "I have a reservation. It's for 4 PM."

- 직원 (Employee): 네, 잠시만요. 아, 최민수님, 맞으시죠? 네 시 삼십 분으로 되어 있으세요. (Ne, jamsimanyo. A, Choi Minsu-nim, majeusi-jyo? Ne si samsip bun-euro doeeo isseuseyo.) – "Yes, just a moment. Ah, Mr. Choi Minsu, is that right? It's set for 4:30."

- 손님 (Customer): 아, 네 시 반이요? 알겠습니다. (A, ne si ban-iyo? Algesseumnida.) – "Oh, 4:30? I understand."

A

Analysis

* Here, 오후 correctly precedes the time. The customer uses 네 시 (correct Native form), and the employee uses 삼십 분. The customer's quick switch to 네 시 반 demonstrates the natural interchangeability of 삼십 분 and 반 in context, especially when confirming. The differing politeness levels (employee's honorific ending) are also visible.
S

Scenario 3

Discussing a Public Schedule

- 승객 (Passenger): 저기요, 다음 비행기는 몇 시에 출발하나요? (Jeogiyo, daeum bihaenggineun myeot si-e chulbalhanayo?) – "Excuse me, what time does the next flight depart?"

- 직원 (Staff):: 오전 열 시 오십오 분에 출발 예정입니다. (Ojeon yeol si osip-o bun-e chulbal yejeong-imnida.) – "It is scheduled to depart at 10:55 AM."

- 승객 (Passenger): 감사합니다. (Gamsahamnida.) – "Thank you."

A

Analysis

* This formal interaction utilizes 오전 열 시 오십오 분 to state the departure time precisely. The use of 오전 and the formal 입니다 ending are appropriate for a service counter setting. These examples illustrate how the time-telling system is integral to daily Korean communication across various social registers.

Quick FAQ

Here are answers to common questions learners have regarding time expressions in Korean, addressing nuances and clarifying potential areas of confusion.
  • Q: Can I use 24-hour time in Korean?
  • A: Yes, but its usage is more restricted. 24-hour time (military time) is primarily employed in official contexts such as flight schedules, train timetables, formal announcements, or military communications. When using 24-hour time, you will typically use Sino-Korean numbers for the hours and 시 as the counter, followed by Sino-Korean numbers for minutes and 분.
  • Example: 15:00 (3 PM) would be 십오 시 (sibo si).
  • Example: 20:45 (8:45 PM) would be 이십 시 사십오 분 (isip si sasibo bun).
  • However, for personal conversations and everyday life, the 12-hour system with 오전/오후 and Native Korean hours is overwhelmingly preferred. Stick to the 12-hour system unless the context explicitly calls for 24-hour time.
  • Q: How do you say "o'clock" specifically, without minutes?
  • A: You simply state the hour using the Native Korean number followed by 시. There isn't a separate word or particle that directly translates to the English "o'clock."
  • 두 시 (du si) - 2 o'clock.
  • 아홉 시 (ahop si) - 9 o'clock.
  • Q: What about "seconds"?
  • A: Seconds use Sino-Korean numbers followed by the counter 초 (cho). This pattern aligns perfectly with how minutes (분) are expressed.
  • 오 초 (o cho) - 5 seconds.
  • 삼십삼 초 (samsipsam cho) - 33 seconds.
  • Q: What are 정오 (jeong-o) and 자정 (jajeong)?
  • A: These are specific terms for precise moments: 정오 (jeong-o, 正午) means noon (12:00 PM), and 자정 (jajeong, 子正) means midnight (12:00 AM). Both are Sino-Korean derived terms. You can use them for conciseness, though using 오후 열두 시 or 오전 열두 시 is also perfectly correct.
  • 정오에 회의가 있어요. (Jeong-o-e hoeui-ga isseoyo.) - There is a meeting at noon.
  • 자정 전까지 보고서를 제출하세요. (Jajeong jeonkkaji bogoseoreul jechulhaseyo.) - Please submit the report by midnight.
  • Q: Do I need to use spaces between the numbers and counters (e.g., 한 시 vs. 한시)?
  • A: According to standard Korean orthography, you should use spaces between numbers and their counters. Thus, 한 시 오 분 is the formally correct spacing. However, in casual, informal contexts, especially digital communication like texting, spaces are frequently omitted (e.g., 한시오분). While comprehensible, adhering to proper spacing is always good practice, especially in written communication or formal speech.
  • Q: Is 삼십 분 ever preferred over 반?
  • A: While 반 (ban) is very common and natural for "half past" in casual conversation, 삼십 분 (samsip bun) is always grammatically correct and can be preferred in more formal or precise contexts. Using 삼십 분 emphasizes the exact minute count, whereas 반 provides a more general "half past" sense. Both are acceptable for 30 minutes past the hour; choose based on context and desired level of formality or precision.

Time Formation Table

Hour (Native) Minute (Sino) Example
한 (1)
일 (1)
한 시 일 분
두 (2)
오 (5)
두 시 오 분
세 (3)
십 (10)
세 시 십 분
네 (4)
이십 (20)
네 시 이십 분
다섯 (5)
삼십 (30)
다섯 시 삼십 분
여섯 (6)
사십 (40)
여섯 시 사십 분
일곱 (7)
오십 (50)
일곱 시 오십 분

Meanings

This rule dictates the specific number system required to express clock time in Korean, separating hours from minutes.

1

Clock Time

Expressing the current time on a clock.

“한 시 오 분입니다.”

“열 시 삼십 분이에요.”

Reference Table

Reference table for Telling Time: Native Hours & Sino Minutes
Form Structure Example
Affirmative
Native + 시 + Sino + 분
세 시 이십 분입니다.
Negative
Native + 시 + Sino + 분 + 이/가 아니에요
세 시 이십 분이 아니에요.
Question
몇 시 몇 분이에요?
몇 시 몇 분이에요?
Short Answer
Native + 시 + Sino + 분
네 시 오 분.
Time Marker
Native + 시 + Sino + 분 + 에
다섯 시에 만나요.
Half Hour
Native + 시 + 반
한 시 반.

Formality Spectrum

Formal
지금 몇 시 몇 분입니까?

지금 몇 시 몇 분입니까? (Asking time)

Neutral
지금 몇 시 몇 분이에요?

지금 몇 시 몇 분이에요? (Asking time)

Informal
지금 몇 시야?

지금 몇 시야? (Asking time)

Slang
몇 시임?

몇 시임? (Asking time)

Time Components

Time

Hour

  • 한 시 1:00

Minute

  • 십 분 10 minutes
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Examples by Level

1

한 시예요.

It is 1:00.

2

두 시 삼십 분이에요.

It is 2:30.

3

세 시 오 분입니다.

It is 3:05.

4

네 시 십 분이에요.

It is 4:10.

1

지금 몇 시예요?

What time is it now?

2

다섯 시 사십 분입니다.

It is 5:40.

3

여섯 시 오십오 분이에요.

It is 6:55.

4

일곱 시 이십 분입니다.

It is 7:20.

1

여덟 시 삼십 분에 만나요.

Let's meet at 8:30.

2

아홉 시 사십오 분에 도착해요.

I arrive at 9:45.

3

열 시 정각입니다.

It is 10:00 sharp.

4

열한 시 십오 분 전이에요.

It is 15 minutes before 11:00.

1

열두 시 이십 분까지 기다릴게요.

I will wait until 12:20.

2

오후 두 시 삼십 분에 회의가 있습니다.

There is a meeting at 2:30 PM.

3

오전 열 시 오 분에 출발합니다.

We depart at 10:05 AM.

4

시간이 벌써 세 시 사십 분이네요.

It's already 3:40.

1

한 시 반에 점심을 먹습니다.

I eat lunch at 1:30.

2

두 시 사십 분경에 도착할 예정입니다.

I expect to arrive around 2:40.

3

세 시 십 분 전부터 기다렸어요.

I have been waiting since 2:50.

4

네 시 오 분이 지나고 있습니다.

It is just past 4:05.

1

다섯 시 삼십 분을 기점으로 시작합니다.

We start at the 5:30 mark.

2

여섯 시 이십 분 무렵에 연락드리겠습니다.

I will contact you around 6:20.

3

일곱 시 사십 분이 넘었습니다.

It has passed 7:40.

4

여덟 시 오십 분까지는 끝내야 합니다.

I must finish by 8:50.

Easily Confused

Telling Time: Native Hours & Sino Minutes vs Native vs Sino Numbers

Learners mix them up because they are used for different things.

Common Mistakes

✗

일 시

✓

한 시

Use native numbers for hours.
✗

하나 시

✓

한 시

Native numbers change form before counters.
✗

한 분

✓

일 분

Minutes use Sino numbers.
✗

이 시

✓

두 시

2 is '두' in native.
✗

열 시 삼십 분에

✓

열 시 삼십 분에

Correct, but watch for '에' particle usage.
✗

세 시 오십

✓

세 시 오십 분

Always include the counter.
✗

네 시 십오

✓

네 시 십오 분

Always include the counter.
✗

한 시 반 분

✓

한 시 반

Do not add '분' after '반'.
✗

열두 시 오십 분

✓

열두 시 오십 분

Correct, ensure '열두' is used.
✗

몇 시 분

✓

몇 시 몇 분

Need '몇' for both.
✗

오후 한 시

✓

오후 한 시

Correct, but ensure context is clear.
✗

오전 십이 시

✓

오전 열두 시

Use native for 12.
✗

한 시 십오 분 전

✓

한 시 십오 분 전

Correct.

Sentence Patterns

지금은 ___ 시 ___ 분이에요.

Real World Usage

Texting constant

세 시에 봐!

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💡

The 'Half' Hack

Just like in English we say 'Half past', Korean uses 반. Use 세 시 반 instead of 세 시 삼십 분. It sounds 10x more natural.
⚠️

The 1-2-3-4 Danger Zone

Remember: Hana, Dul, Set, Net lose their 'tails' for time. It's 한 시, not 하나 시. This is the #1 dead giveaway of a beginner.
💬

Texting Time

In text messages (KakaoTalk), people often drop the space between the number and unit, or use digits: 2시 or 2시반 is totally fine.

Smart Tips

Memorize 1-4 first.

일 시 → 한 시

Use Sino numbers.

한 분 → 일 분

Use '몇'.

무슨 시예요? → 몇 시예요?

Use '반'.

한 시 삼십 분 → 한 시 반

Pronunciation

한 시 [한시]

Liaison

The final consonant of the number often links to the counter.

Question

몇 시예요? ↑

Rising intonation for questions.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Native Hour, Sino Minute: Think 'Native' for the big hand (Hour) and 'Sino' for the small hand (Minute).

Visual Association

Imagine a clock where the hour numbers are written in Korean calligraphy (Native) and the minute numbers are written in modern digital font (Sino).

Rhyme

Hours are native, minutes are Sino, tell the time and you'll be a hero!

Story

I woke up at 한 시 (1:00). I waited for 이십 분 (20 mins). Finally, at 한 시 이십 분, the bus arrived.

Word Web

한 시두 시세 시네 시분시몇 시반

Challenge

Look at your watch right now and say the time out loud in Korean.

Cultural Notes

Punctuality is highly valued. Always specify '오전' (AM) or '오후' (PM) if context is unclear.

Native numbers are indigenous Korean; Sino numbers are derived from Chinese.

Conversation Starters

“

지금 몇 시예요?

Journal Prompts

Write your daily schedule using time expressions.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Sign up free to see all tips

Test Yourself

Fill in the correct hour.

___ 시예요. (1:00)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 한
1 is 한 in native.
Choose the correct minute. Multiple Choice

10 minutes is ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 십 분
Minutes use Sino numbers.
Fix the error. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

일 시입니다.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 한 시입니다.
1 is 한.
Order the words. Sentence Building

시 / 한 / 분 / 오

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 한 시 오 분
Hour then minute.
Translate to Korean. Translation

It is 2:20.

Answer starts with: 두 시...

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 두 시 이십 분
Native hour, Sino minute.
Match the time. Match Pairs

Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 세 시
3 is 세.
Convert to time. Conjugation Drill

4

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 네 시
4 is 네.
Is this correct? True False Rule

Minutes use native numbers.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: False
Minutes use Sino numbers.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Fill in the correct hour.

___ 시예요. (1:00)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 한
1 is 한 in native.
Choose the correct minute. Multiple Choice

10 minutes is ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 십 분
Minutes use Sino numbers.
Fix the error. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

일 시입니다.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 한 시입니다.
1 is 한.
Order the words. Sentence Building

시 / 한 / 분 / 오

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 한 시 오 분
Hour then minute.
Translate to Korean. Translation

It is 2:20.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 두 시 이십 분
Native hour, Sino minute.
Match the time. Match Pairs

3:00

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 세 시
3 is 세.
Convert to time. Conjugation Drill

4

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 네 시
4 is 네.
Is this correct? True False Rule

Minutes use native numbers.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: False
Minutes use Sino numbers.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

12 exercises
Complete the sentence for '1:00 PM'. Fill in the Blank

점심은 오후 ___ 시에 먹어요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 한
Match the digital time to the Korean text. Match Pairs

Match correctly.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ["3:00 - \uc138 \uc2dc","4:00 - \ub124 \uc2dc","12:00 - \uc5f4\ub450 \uc2dc","1:30 - \ud55c \uc2dc \ubc18"]
Arrange the words to say 'I wake up at 7:00'. Sentence Reorder

Arrange: / 일곱 / 저는 / 시에 / 일어나요 /

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 저는 일곱 시에 일어나요
How do you say 11:00? Multiple Choice

Choose the correct Korean for 11:00.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 열한 시
Fix the mistake in the minutes. Error Correction

세 시 이십 분.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Correct as is
Translate 'What time is it?' into Korean. Translation

What time is it?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 몇 시예요?
Fill in for 'Half past five'. Fill in the Blank

다섯 시 ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 반
Which sentence uses AM/PM correctly? Multiple Choice

Select the natural sentence.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 오후 두 시에 봐요.
Identify the number system error. Error Correction

기차는 이 시 십 분에 와요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 기차는 두 시 십 분에 와요.
Complete: 'It is 12 o'clock'. Fill in the Blank

지금은 ___ 시예요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 열두
How to say 5:55? Multiple Choice

Select 5:55.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 다섯 시 오십오 분
Reorder for 'See you at 6:00'. Sentence Reorder

만나요 / 여섯 / 시에 /

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 여섯 시에 만나요

Score: /12

FAQ (8)

Native numbers change when they act as counters.

No, it is incorrect.

열두 시.

Yes, but we use 오전/오후.

It means 30 minutes.

한 시 반.

Yes, but 시/분 are for time.

With practice, it becomes natural.

Scaffolded Practice

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

Sign up free to practice

In Other Languages

Japanese moderate

時 (ji) / 分 (fun)

Japanese uses 'ji' for hours, Korean uses 'si'.

Chinese low

点 (dian) / 分 (fen)

Chinese does not split systems.

English none

o'clock / minutes

English doesn't change numbers.

Spanish low

la una / las dos

Spanish uses articles for hours.

German low

Uhr

German uses 24-hour clock often.

Arabic low

الساعة

Arabic uses ordinals.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Previous
Korean Days of the Week (요일)
Next
Korean Time Particle `에`: Marking 'When' Something Happens

Learn These First

A1 Requires

Native Korean Numbers 1-99 (Hana, Dul, Set)

Overview Korean possesses a fascinating linguistic feature: two distinct numerical systems, **Native Korean numbers** an...
A1 Requires

Sino-Korean Numbers: Money, Dates, and Minutes (일, 이, 삼)

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Related Grammar Rules

A2

Duration Particle: 동안 (For/During)

Overview When you need to express the **duration** of an action, state, or event in Korean, the dependent noun `동안` (d...
A1

Native Korean Numbers 1-99 (Hana, Dul, Set)

Overview Korean possesses a fascinating linguistic feature: two distinct numerical systems, **Native Korean numbers** an...
A1

Counting Animals: Use 마리 (mari)

Overview Korean, unlike English, rarely counts items with numbers standing alone. Instead, numbers are almost invariably...
A1

Today, Yesterday, Tomorrow (오늘, 어제, 내일)

Overview Understanding how to correctly use `오늘` (o-neul, today), `어제` (eo-je, yesterday), and `내일` (nae-il, tomor...
A1

General Counter 개 (Counting Things)

Overview Korean, unlike English, employs a system of **counters** (수량사, `suryangsa`) to quantify nouns. This system r...
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