Korean Dictionary
How to say "Watch" in Korean
“Watch” in Korean is 시계 (pronounced "sigye").
시계
sigye
Usage & Context
A timepiece worn on the wrist in Korea. Essential accessory for both practical and fashion purposes.
Example Sentence
시계를 하고 나갔어요.
I put on a watch and went out.
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
To pronounce 'sigye', 'si' sounds like 'she' (as in 'shepherd'). 'Gye' is like 'gye' in 'gyeo' (as in 'geography' without the 'gra'). The 's' sound is soft, and the 'gye' is a single, slightly palatalized syllable.
More Example Sentences
Expressing satisfaction with a recent purchase.
새 시계를 샀는데 너무 예뻐.
I bought a new watch and it's so pretty.
Realizing a watch is no longer working.
시계가 멈췄어요. 배터리가 다 됐나 봐요.
My watch stopped. The battery must be dead.
Checking the time during a busy day.
시간 보려고 시계를 봤어.
I looked at my watch to check the time.
Cultural Context
While smartphones have largely replaced watches for checking time, watches (시계) remain a significant fashion accessory and a popular gift item in Korea, especially for graduations, birthdays, or as a symbol of achievement. Luxury watches are often seen as status symbols. It's important to note that '시계' can refer to both a wristwatch and a wall clock.
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
시계가 몇 시예요?
What time is it by your watch?
시계를 보다
To look at a watch/clock
시계 선물
Watch gift
Related Expressions
손목시계
sonmok sigye
Wristwatch (more specific)
벽시계
byeoksigye
Wall clock
시간
sigan
Time
시계를 차다
sigyereul chada
To wear a watch (차다 is common for wrist items)
More Clothing Words
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