동안 (dong-an, dongan) · 사이 (sa-i, sai) · 가운데 (ga-un-de, gaunde)
동안, 사이, and 가운데 all express relations in time or space, but each has distinct usage and meaning.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
Denotes the entire duration of a specific time period
When to use
Action duration, State maintenance period, Entire time span
The nuance
Used after verbs or adjectives to emphasize the duration of an action or state, referring to the whole period from start to finish.
Indicates the relationship or interval between two objects or points in time
When to use
Interval between two objects, Interval between two time points, Relationship between people
The nuance
Placed between two nouns to indicate spatial or temporal interval or relationship; emphasizes distance or period between two points.
Indicates the center or middle position among multiple objects
When to use
Spatial center position, Temporal midpoint, Middle among multiple objects
The nuance
Used to indicate the central position among multiple nouns; can be spatial or temporal midpoint but mainly emphasizes the center.
나는 3시간 동안 공부했어요.
na-neun 3si-gan dong-an gong-bu-haess-eo-yo., na neun 3si gan dong an gong bu haess eo yo.
‘동안’ correctly indicates the entire duration of the action.
나는 3시간 사이 공부했어요.
na-neun 3si-gan sa-i gong-bu-haess-eo-yo., na neun 3si gan sa i gong bu haess eo yo.
‘사이’ requires two reference points; ‘3시간 사이’ alone is incomplete.
두 사람 사이에 비밀이 있어요.
du sa-ram sa-i-e bi-mil-i iss-eo-yo., du sa ram sa i e bi mil i iss eo yo.
‘사이’ suits indicating relationship between two people.
두 사람 동안 비밀이 있어요.
du sa-ram dong-an bi-mil-i iss-eo-yo., du sa ram dong an bi mil i iss eo yo.
‘동안’ expresses time duration, not relationships between people.
책상 가운데에 꽃병이 있어요.
chaek-sang ga-un-de-e kkoch-byeong-i iss-eo-yo., chaek sang ga un de e kkoch byeong i iss eo yo.
‘가운데’ correctly indicates the central position among objects.
책상 사이에 꽃병이 있어요.
chaek-sang sa-i-e kkoch-byeong-i iss-eo-yo., chaek sang sa i e kkoch byeong i iss eo yo.
‘사이’ implies between two objects; ‘책상 사이’ needs plural context.
회의는 오후 2시부터 4시까지 동안 진행됩니다.
hoe-ui-neun o-hu 2si-bu-teo 4si-kka-ji dong-an jin-haeng-doep-ni-da., hoe ui neun o hu 2si bu teo 4si kka ji dong an jin haeng doep ni da.
‘동안’ properly expresses the entire time period.
회의는 오후 2시와 4시 사이에 진행됩니다.
hoe-ui-neun o-hu 2si-wa 4si sa-i-e jin-haeng-doep-ni-da., hoe ui neun o hu 2si wa 4si sa i e jin haeng doep ni da.
‘사이’ correctly indicates interval between two time points.
Which sentence correctly uses ‘동안’?
Which word indicates the relationship between two people?
Which sentence correctly uses ‘가운데’?
