Korean Dictionary
How to say "Recess" in Korean
“Recess” in Korean is 쉬는 시간 (pronounced "swineun sigan").
쉬는 시간
swineun sigan
Usage & Context
A break period between classes when students can rest and play. Recess is an important time for students to socialize and relax. Korean schools typically have short recess periods between classes.
Example Sentence
쉬는 시간에 친구들과 놀았다.
I played with friends during recess.
How to use 쉬는 시간 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Recess” is 쉬는 시간, romanized as swineun sigan.
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 쉬는 시간.
Pronunciation Guide
쉬는 시간 (swineun sigan) is pronounced 'swee-neun see-gahn'. The '쉬' sounds like 'shwee' (as in 'sweet' with an 'sh'), '는' like 'neun' (similar to 'nun' but softer 'n'), '시' like 'shee' (as in 'sheet'), and '간' like 'gahn' (as in 'gone').
More Example Sentences
A student asking permission from a teacher.
쉬는 시간에 화장실 다녀올게요.
I'll go to the restroom during recess.
A teacher informing students about the schedule.
다음 쉬는 시간은 10분이에요.
The next recess is 10 minutes.
Friends planning to visit the school snack bar.
점심시간 말고 쉬는 시간에 매점 갈까?
Shall we go to the snack bar during recess, not lunch break?
Cultural Context
In Korean schools, '쉬는 시간' (recess) is typically quite short, usually 5-10 minutes between classes. It's mainly used for quick breaks, using the restroom, or moving to a different classroom. Unlike some Western schools, there's less emphasis on long outdoor play during these short breaks; students often stay in their classrooms or prepare for the next lesson. Longer breaks are usually reserved for lunch or after school.
Editorial note
We review entries like 쉬는 시간 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
쉬는 시간 종이 울렸다.
The recess bell rang.
쉬는 시간에 뭐 할 거야?
What are you going to do during recess?
쉬는 시간 끝나간다.
Recess is almost over.
Related Expressions
점심시간
jeomsim sigan
Lunch break
방과 후
bang-gwa hu
After school
휴식 시간
hyusik sigan
Rest time (general)
자유 시간
jayu sigan
Free time
More School Life Words
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