Korean prepositions of time play a crucial role in expressing temporal relationships and conveying the timing of events or actions. Understanding and correctly using these prepositions is essential for effective communication in Korean. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the different prepositions of time in the Korean language, provide example sentences, and explain their usage in context.
이후 (i-hu) – After, Since
The preposition 이후 (i-hu) is used to indicate the time after a specific point or event. It is similar in meaning to the English prepositions “after” or “since.” Let’s look at some examples:
점심 이후에 수업이 시작합니다.
(Jeomsim i-hu-e sueob-i sijakhamnida.)
Class starts after lunch.
결혼 이후로 많이 바뀌었어요.
(Gyeoron i-huro manhi bakkui-eosseoyo.)
They have changed a lot since they got married.
이전 (i-jeon) – Before, Prior to
The preposition 이전 (i-jeon) is used to express a point in time that comes before another event. It can be translated as “before” or “prior to” in English. Here are some examples:
도착 이전에 전화해주세요.
(Dochak i-jeon-e jeonhwahaejuseyo.)
Please call before you arrive.
시험 이전에 복습을 해야 해요.
(Siheom i-jeon-e boksubeul haeya haeyo.)
You need to review before the exam.
동안 (dong-an) – During, While
The preposition 동안 (dong-an) is used to indicate the duration of an action or event. It can be translated as “during” or “while” in English. Let’s see some examples:
일하는 동안에는 전화를 받지 않아요.
(Ilhaneun dong-an-e-neun jeonhwareul batji anayo.)
I don’t answer calls while I’m working.
여행 동안에 많은 사진을 찍었어요.
(Yeohaeng dong-an-e manheun sajin-eul jjigeosseoyo.)
I took many photos during the trip.
사이 (sai) – Between
The preposition 사이 (sai) is used to express the time interval between two events or points in time. It is similar to the English preposition “between.” Here are some examples:
저녁과 밤 사이에 영화를 볼 거예요.
(Jeonyeok-gwa bam sai-e yeonghwa-reul bol geoyeyo.)
I will watch a movie between evening and night.
출발 시간과 도착 시간 사이가 얼마나 걸려요?
(Chulbal shigan-gwa dochak shigan sai-ga eolmana geollyeoyo?)
How long does it take between the departure time and the arrival time?
부터 (bu-teo) – From
The preposition 부터 (bu-teo) is used to indicate the starting point of a specific time or event. It can be translated as “from” in English. Let’s look at some examples:
저녁부터 친구들과 만날 예정이에요.
(Jeonyeok-buteo chingudeul-gwa mannal yejeong-ieyo.)
I am planning to meet my friends from the evening.
이번 주부터 출장을 가야 해요.
(Ibeon jubuteo chuljang-eul gaya haeyo.)
I have to go on a business trip from this week.
까지 (kka-ji) – Until, To
The preposition 까지 (kka-ji) is used to express the endpoint or limit of a certain time or event. It can be translated as “until” or “to” in English. Here are some examples:
저녁까지 기다릴게요.
(Jeonyeok-kka-ji gidarilgeyo.)
I will wait until the evening.
이번 달 말까지 보고서를 작성해야 해요.
(Ibeon dal mal-kka-ji bogoseo-reul jaksunghaeya haeyo.)
You have to complete the report by the end of this month.
The Korean prepositions of time covered in this guide are:
이후 (i-hu) – After, Since: Indicates the time after a specific point or event.
Example: Class starts after lunch.
이전 (i-jeon) – Before, Prior to: Expresses a point in time that comes before another event.
Example: Please call before you arrive.
동안 (dong-an) – During, While: Indicates the duration of an action or event.
Example: I don’t answer calls while I’m working.
사이 (sai) – Between: Expresses the time interval between two events or points in time.
Example: I will watch a movie between evening and night.
부터 (bu-teo) – From: Indicates the starting point of a specific time or event.
Example: I am planning to meet my friends from the evening.
까지 (kka-ji) – Until, To: Expresses the endpoint or limit of a certain time or event.
Example: I will wait until the evening.
By familiarizing yourself with these prepositions and practicing their usage, you can enhance your ability to express time-related concepts in Korean effectively.
Conclusion:
In this guide, we have explored the essential Korean prepositions of time and their usage in context. By understanding these prepositions, you can effectively express temporal relationships and convey the timing of events or actions in Korean. Remember to practice using them in various sentences and contexts to become more comfortable and proficient in their application.
Originally posted 2023-07-13 17:59:27.