[Basic Korean Conversation Series] 13. Asking and Telling the Time

Basic Korean Conversation 13: Asking and Telling the Time

Dialogue

A: 지금 몇 시예요? (Jigeum myeot siyeyo?)

B: 두 시예요. (Du siyeyo.)

A: 벌써 두 시예요? (Beolsseo du siyeyo?)

B: 네, 맞아요. (Ne, majayo.)

Breakdown of the Dialogue

1. 지금 몇 시예요? (Jigeum myeot siyeyo?)

• Meaning: This phrase means "What time is it now?" It’s a common way to ask for the current time.
• Usage: Use this question when you want to know the current time.
• Pronunciation: The phrase is pronounced as "ji-geum myeot si-ye-yo?" The word "지금" (jigeum) means "now," "몇 시" (myeot si) means "what time," and "예요" (yeyo) is a polite ending used to ask a question.

2. 두 시예요. (Du siyeyo.)

• Meaning: This phrase means "It's two o'clock." It’s a straightforward response indicating the current time.
• Usage: Use this phrase to state the current time.
• Pronunciation: The phrase is pronounced as "du si-ye-yo." The word "두 시" (du si) means "two o'clock," and "예요" (yeyo) is a polite ending.

3. 벌써 두 시예요? (Beolsseo du siyeyo?)

• Meaning: This phrase means "Is it already two o'clock?" It’s a way to express surprise about the time.
• Usage: Use this question when you are surprised by how much time has passed.
• Pronunciation: The phrase is pronounced as "beol-sseo du si-ye-yo?" The word "벌써" (beolsseo) means "already," "두 시" (du si) means "two o'clock," and "예요" (yeyo) is a polite ending.

4. 네, 맞아요. (Ne, majayo.)

• Meaning: This phrase means "Yes, that's right." It’s a confirmation of the previous statement.
• Usage: Use this phrase to agree or confirm what someone has said.
• Pronunciation: The phrase is pronounced as "ne, ma-ja-yo." The word "네" (ne) means "yes," and "맞아요" (majayo) means "that's right."

Vocabulary and Expressions

• 지금 (Jigeum): Now
  • Example: "지금 뭐해요?" (What are you doing now?).
• 몇 시 (Myeot si): What time
  • Example: "몇 시에 만날까요?" (What time should we meet?).
• 예요 (Yeyo): Polite ending (used for questions and statements)
  • Example: "이름이 뭐예요?" (What is your name?).
• 두 시 (Du si): Two o'clock
  • Example: "두 시에 약속 있어요" (I have an appointment at two o'clock).
• 벌써 (Beolsseo): Already
  • Example: "벌써 끝났어요?" (Is it already over?).
• 맞아요 (Majayo): That's right
  • Example: "네, 맞아요" (Yes, that's right).

Additional Examples

• Asking for the Time in Different Situations:
  • A: 지금 몇 시예요? (Jigeum myeot siyeyo?) - What time is it now?
  • B: 세 시예요. (Se siyeyo.) - It's three o'clock.
  • A: 벌써 세 시예요? (Beolsseo se siyeyo?) - Is it already three o'clock?
  • B: 네, 맞아요. (Ne, majayo.) - Yes, that's right.
• Asking for the Time Informally:
  • A: 지금 몇 시야? (Jigeum myeot siya?) - What time is it now? (informal)
  • B: 두 시야. (Du siya.) - It's two o'clock. (informal)
  • A: 벌써 두 시야? (Beolsseo du siya?) - Is it already two o'clock? (informal)
  • B: 응, 맞아. (Eung, maja.) - Yes, that's right. (informal)

When to Use These Phrases

• Formal Settings: Use these phrases in formal settings like professional environments, when meeting new people, or when talking to someone older or of higher status.
• Informal Settings: The informal versions can be used with friends, peers, or younger people in casual settings.

Things to Be Careful About

• Formality: Ensure you use the correct level of formality based on the situation. Using informal speech in a formal setting can be seen as disrespectful.
• Pronunciation: Pronounce each syllable clearly. Mispronouncing key phrases can lead to misunderstandings or seem impolite.
• Context: Be aware of the context in which you are asking the time. In some situations, it might be more appropriate to check the time yourself.

Pronunciation Tips

• 지금 몇 시예요? (Jigeum myeot siyeyo?): Break it down into syllables – "ji-geum myeot si-ye-yo?" The "지금" (jigeum) should be pronounced clearly.
• 두 시예요. (Du siyeyo.): Say it as "du si-ye-yo." Ensure to pronounce the "두" part smoothly.
• 벌써 두 시예요? (Beolsseo du siyeyo?): Pronounce it as "beol-sseo du si-ye-yo?" The "벌써" (beolsseo) should be pronounced with emphasis.
• 네, 맞아요. (Ne, majayo.): Say it as "ne, ma-ja-yo." The "맞아요" should be pronounced clearly, sounding like "ma-ja-yo."

By understanding and practicing these basic Korean phrases, you can comfortably ask for and tell the time, enhancing your communication skills and cultural understanding in Korean-speaking environments. Happy learning!