Meaning
Asking if someone is available or has spare time.
Cultural Background
In Korean offices, asking 'Do you have time?' is often a formality. If a superior asks you, the expected answer is almost always 'Yes,' unless you have a critical deadline. Asking '{시간|時間} 있어요?' is considered a very safe, 'low-risk' way to flirt. It allows the other person to decline politely without hurting feelings. On KakaoTalk, people often send '시간 돼?' (Time works?) as a way to check if someone is available for a voice call or a quick chat. When asking an elderly person if they have time, it's often more polite to ask about their health or 'well-being' first before jumping into a request for their time.
The 'Jam-si' Buffer
Always add '잠시' (jamsi - a moment) or '잠깐' (jamkkan) before '시간 있어요?' to sound much more polite and less demanding.
Don't just say 'Sigan!'
In English, we might say 'Time?' while pointing at a watch. In Korean, this is rude. Always use the full phrase.
Meaning
Asking if someone is available or has spare time.
The 'Jam-si' Buffer
Always add '잠시' (jamsi - a moment) or '잠깐' (jamkkan) before '시간 있어요?' to sound much more polite and less demanding.
Don't just say 'Sigan!'
In English, we might say 'Time?' while pointing at a watch. In Korean, this is rude. Always use the full phrase.
The Indirect 'No'
If someone says '아... 오늘은 좀...' (Ah... today is a bit...), they are saying 'No.' Don't push for a reason; it's their polite way of declining.
Texting Shortcut
In casual texts, you can just write '시간 돼?' which is shorter and very natural.
Test Yourself
Choose the most appropriate phrase to ask your boss if they have a moment.
부장님, _______?
When speaking to a superior like a 'Bujangnim' (Manager), you must use the honorific '-으세요' ending.
Fill in the blank to ask 'Do you have time tomorrow?'
내일 ____ 있어요?
'Sigan' means time/availability, which fits the context of 'isseoyo?'.
Complete the dialogue between two close friends.
민수: 지수야, 오늘 저녁에 시간 있어? 지수: 미안, 오늘은 좀 ____.
If someone asks if you have time and you can't meet, the most common response is 'Bappa' (I'm busy).
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Match '시간 있으십니까?' to its context.
The '-습니까' ending is the highest level of formal politeness, common in military or extremely formal settings.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises부장님, _______?
When speaking to a superior like a 'Bujangnim' (Manager), you must use the honorific '-으세요' ending.
내일 ____ 있어요?
'Sigan' means time/availability, which fits the context of 'isseoyo?'.
민수: 지수야, 오늘 저녁에 시간 있어? 지수: 미안, 오늘은 좀 ____.
If someone asks if you have time and you can't meet, the most common response is 'Bappa' (I'm busy).
Match '시간 있으십니까?' to its context.
The '-습니까' ending is the highest level of formal politeness, common in military or extremely formal settings.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsYes, but use the honorific form: '선생님, 시간 있으세요?'
'Isseoyo' asks if you HAVE time. 'Dwaeyo' asks if the time WORKS for you. They are often interchangeable.
Say '죄송해요, 지금 좀 바빠요' (I'm sorry, I'm a bit busy right now).
It can, depending on the context. If you ask a stranger of the opposite sex, it sounds like a pick-up line.
No, 'Sigan' only means time. Weather is 'Nal-ssi'.
In writing, yes (시간이 있어요). In speaking, it's usually dropped.
Say '시간 많이 있어요?'
Say '커피 마실 시간 있어요?'
Yes, though the intonation and some honorific endings may differ slightly.
Yes, it works for 'Do you guys have time?' as well.
시간 있으십니까? (Sigan isseusimnikka?)
No, for that use '지금 영업해요?' (Are you open for business?)
Related Phrases
{시간|時間} 돼?
similarDoes time work?
잠시만요
builds onJust a moment
{약속|約束} 있어요?
similarDo you have plans?
한가해요?
synonymAre you free/not busy?
{시간|時間}을 내다
specialized formTo make time
