시작 (si-jak, sijak) · 중간 (jung-gan, junggan) · 끝 (kkeut)
'시작', '중간', and '끝' denote the beginning, middle, and end in time or position, each requiring precise use depending on context.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
The point or stage when something begins
When to use
event first moment, project starting point, sports game start
The nuance
'시작' is used for the moment or stage when an action or event first occurs. Applicable in both temporal and spatial contexts.
The part or point located between the beginning and end of something
When to use
during meeting, middle part of book, midpoint of road
The nuance
'중간' indicates the temporal or spatial position between the start and end, emphasizing the midpoint of a process or location.
The last part or point of something in time or space
When to use
movie final scene, project deadline, end of road
The nuance
'끝' denotes the last part or moment of a process or space, signifying closure or completion.
회의는 10시에 시작했다.
hoe-ui-neun 10si-e si-jak-haess-da., hoe ui neun 10si e si jak haess da.
'시작' correctly indicates the time when the meeting first began.
회의는 10시에 중간했다.
hoe-ui-neun 10si-e jung-gan-haess-da., hoe ui neun 10si e jung gan haess da.
'중간' is not used as a verb; this sentence is grammatically incorrect.
책의 중간 부분이 가장 재미있다.
chaek-ui jung-gan bu-bun-i ga-jang jae-mi-iss-da., chaek ui jung gan bu bun i ga jang jae mi iss da.
'중간' naturally describes the middle part of the book.
책은 끝에서 시작했다.
chaek-eun kkeut-e-seo si-jak-haess-da., chaek eun kkeut e seo si jak haess da.
'끝' means the end, so 'started at the end' is contradictory.
영화는 끝에 감동적인 장면이 있다.
yeong-hwa-neun kkeut-e gam-dong-jeok-in jang-myeon-i iss-da., yeong hwa neun kkeut e gam dong jeok in jang myeon i iss da.
'끝' appropriately refers to the final part of the movie.
프로젝트는 중간에 끝났다.
peu-ro-jek-teu-neun jung-gan-e kkeut-nass-da., peu ro jek teu neun jung gan e kkeut nass da.
'중간' indicates the timing, showing the project ended earlier than expected.
길의 시작에서 멈췄다.
gil-ui si-jak-e-seo meom-chwoss-da., gil ui si jak e seo meom chwoss da.
'시작' naturally refers to the starting point of the road.
길의 중간에서 시작했다.
gil-ui jung-gan-e-seo si-jak-haess-da., gil ui jung gan e seo si jak haess da.
'시작' means the beginning of an action; starting in the middle of a road is contextually odd.
Which sentence correctly uses '중간'?
Which sentence cannot use '끝'?
Which sentence appropriately uses '시작'?
