Korean Dictionary
How to say "Watch" in Korean
“Watch” in Korean is 시계 (pronounced "Sigye").
시계
Sigye
Usage & Context
Watches are both functional and fashion accessories in Korea. Luxury watches are status symbols and minimalist watches are popular in Korean everyday fashion.
Example Sentence
시계는 전체 룩을 완성하는 중요한 액세서리예요.
A watch is an important accessory that completes the whole look.
How to use 시계 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Watch” is 시계, romanized as Sigye.
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 시계.
Pronunciation Guide
The first syllable, "시" (si), sounds like "she" in "sheen." The second syllable, "계" (gye), sounds like "gay" but with a softer 'g' sound, almost like 'kyay.' Put them together: "shee-gyay."
More Example Sentences
Discussing a watch's features when buying or showing it.
이 시계는 방수 기능이 있어요.
This watch has a waterproof function.
Expressing reliance on a watch in daily life.
손목시계가 없으면 시간이 몇 시인지 모르겠어요.
If I don't have a wristwatch, I don't know what time it is.
Observing and commenting on someone's fashion accessory.
그녀는 명품 시계를 차고 있었어요.
She was wearing a luxury watch.
Cultural Context
In Korea, watches are more than just time-telling devices; they are significant fashion accessories and status symbols. Luxury watches are often seen on celebrities and in K-dramas, signifying wealth and sophistication. Minimalist watches are also very popular, aligning with the clean and simple aesthetic favored in modern Korean fashion.
Editorial note
We review entries like 시계 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
시계 좀 볼 수 있을까요?
Can I check the time/your watch?
시계가 멈췄어요.
My watch stopped.
예쁜 시계네요!
That's a pretty watch!
Related Expressions
손목시계
sonmok sigye
wristwatch
벽시계
byeoksigye
wall clock
알람 시계
allam sigye
alarm clock
시간
sigan
time
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