Korean Dictionary
How to say "What time is it?" in Korean
“What time is it?” in Korean is 지금 몇 시예요 (pronounced "Jigeum myeot siyeyo").
지금 몇 시예요
Jigeum myeot siyeyo
Usage & Context
Asking for the current time. 시계 있어요? (Do you have a watch?) is an alternative way to ask. In formal settings, you might hear 현재 시각이 어떻게 됩니까? Knowing how to ask for the time is a basic life skill in any language.
Example Sentence
실례지만, 지금 몇 시예요?
Excuse me, what time is it?
How to use 지금 몇 시예요 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “What time is it?” is 지금 몇 시예요, romanized as Jigeum myeot siyeyo.
Usage tip
Check the politeness level before using this word. Korean greetings often change depending on age, relationship, and setting.
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 지금 몇 시예요.
Pronunciation Guide
지금 (ji-geum): 'Ji' like 'gee' in 'geese'. 'Geum' like 'goom' in 'gum'. 몇 (myeot): Sounds like 'myut' or 'myot'. The 'ㅊ' (ch) at the end is unreleased, sounding like a 't' or 'd' stop. 시예요 (si-ye-yo): 'Si' like 'see'. 'Ye' like 'yeh' in 'yes'. 'Yo' like 'yoh'. Note that '몇 시' (myeot si) often sounds like '몇 씨' (myeot ssi) due to sound assimilation.
Formal & Casual Forms
Formal (존댓말)
현재 시각이 어떻게 됩니까?
Hyeonjae sigagi eotteoke doemnikka?
A very formal way to ask for the time, suitable for official or highly respectful contexts, such as in a business meeting or to a superior.
Casual (반말)
지금 몇 시야?
Jigeum myeot siya?
Used with close friends, family, or people younger than you. It's a direct and informal way to ask.
More Example Sentences
Expressing surprise at how much time has passed, perhaps while engrossed in an activity.
벌써 이렇게 됐네, 지금 몇 시예요?
It's already this late, what time is it?
Checking the time in preparation for an event or appointment.
회의 시작해야 하는데, 지금 몇 시예요?
We need to start the meeting, what time is it now?
A very polite and indirect way to ask a stranger for the time.
실례지만, 혹시 지금 몇 시인지 아세요?
Excuse me, do you happen to know what time it is now?
Cultural Context
Asking for the time is a fundamental interaction, and '지금 몇 시예요?' is the most common and polite way to do it. Koreans are generally punctual, so knowing the time is important for appointments and daily schedules. It's common to ask strangers for the time, often preceded by '실례합니다' (Excuse me) or '죄송하지만' (I'm sorry but...). While many people check their phones, asking is still perfectly normal and accepted.
Editorial note
We check greetings like 지금 몇 시예요 for politeness and timing, since Korean greetings change with relationship, age, and setting.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
시간 있어요?
Do you have time? (Asking if someone is free)
약속 시간
Appointment time
몇 시에 만날까요?
What time shall we meet?
Related Expressions
시간
Sigan
Time
시계
Sigye
Clock, watch
몇 시
Myeot si
What hour/time
언제
Eonje
When
More Greetings Words
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