Korean Dictionary
How to say "Midnight" in Korean
“Midnight” in Korean is 자정 (pronounced "Jajeong").
자정
Jajeong
Usage & Context
자정 means exactly midnight and is used in formal and written Korean. In everyday speech Koreans may say 밤 12시 (12 at night) instead. 자정 is commonly used in official announcements deadlines and dramatic moments in dramas.
Example Sentence
자정이 지나면 새날이 시작돼요.
When midnight passes a new day begins.
How to use 자정 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Midnight” is 자정, romanized as Jajeong.
Usage tip
Learn this word together with a complete Korean sentence. Meaning often depends on particles, politeness level, and word order.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 자정.
Pronunciation Guide
"Ja" sounds like 'jah' in 'jar'. "Jeong" sounds like 'jung' in 'jungle', but with a slightly softer 'j' and a clear 'eo' vowel sound, like 'uh' in 'butter'.
More Example Sentences
A public announcement or sign at a library.
도서관은 자정까지 운영합니다.
The library operates until midnight.
A parent setting a curfew for their child.
자정 전에 꼭 집에 들어가야 해.
You must be home before midnight.
Describing a New Year's Eve activity, like at Bosingak.
새해 자정 종소리를 들으러 갔어요.
I went to hear the New Year's midnight bell.
Cultural Context
While '자정' is the formal term for midnight, in casual conversation, Koreans often say '밤 12시' (bam yeoldu-si), meaning "12 o'clock at night." '자정' is more common in written contexts, news, official announcements, or when emphasizing the exact point of midnight, often for dramatic effect in K-dramas or movies.
Editorial note
We review entries like 자정 for pronunciation, example sentence fit, and learner mistakes so the page answers more than a direct dictionary lookup.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
자정까지
Until midnight
자정이 넘었다
It's past midnight
자정 무렵
Around midnight
Related Expressions
밤 12시
bam yeoldu-si
12 o'clock at night (casual equivalent)
정오
jeongo
noon
새벽
saebyeok
dawn, early morning (typically 1 AM - 6 AM)
심야
simya
late night (often used for late-night movies, buses)
More Numbers and Time Words
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