Korean Dictionary
How to say "Statute of Limitations" in Korean
“Statute of Limitations” in Korean is 공소시효 (pronounced "Gongsosihyo").
공소시효
Gongsosihyo
Usage & Context
The time limit for prosecuting a crime or filing a lawsuit. The statute of limitations in South Korea varies by crime type.
Example Sentence
공소시효는 범죄의 종류에 따라 다릅니다.
The statute of limitations varies by crime type.
How to use 공소시효 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Statute of Limitations” is 공소시효, romanized as Gongsosihyo.
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 공소시효.
Pronunciation Guide
공 (gong) sounds like 'gong'. 소 (so) is like 'so' in 'so-so'. 시 (si) is like 'she' in 'sheet', but with a softer 's'. 효 (hyo) is pronounced like 'hee-yo' said quickly. Stress is fairly even, with a slight emphasis on the first syllable.
More Example Sentences
A police officer or lawyer explaining why a case cannot be prosecuted.
그 범죄는 이미 공소시효가 만료되었습니다.
The statute of limitations for that crime has already expired.
A news report on legislative changes related to criminal law.
공소시효 연장 법안이 국회에서 논의 중입니다.
A bill to extend the statute of limitations is being discussed in the National Assembly.
Explaining legal specifics about serious crimes.
살인죄는 공소시효가 없거나 매우 깁니다.
There is no or a very long statute of limitations for murder.
Cultural Context
공소시효 (statute of limitations) is a frequently discussed topic in South Korea, especially in cases of heinous crimes where justice has been delayed. There have been significant public outcries and legislative changes (like the '태완이법' or Taewan's Law, named after a child murder victim) to extend or abolish the statute of limitations for certain serious offenses, particularly murder. This reflects a strong societal demand for justice, even decades after a crime, and is often a plot point in crime dramas.
Editorial note
We review entries like 공소시효 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
공소시효가 지나다
The statute of limitations has passed
공소시효를 연장하다
To extend the statute of limitations
공소시효 폐지
Abolition of the statute of limitations
Related Expressions
시효
Sihyo
Statute of limitations (general term), prescription
만료
Manryo
Expiration
범죄
Beomjoe
Crime
수사
Susa
Investigation
More Law & Government Words
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