잠시 (jam-si, jamsi)
‘잠시’ (jam-si) means a short moment; commonly used in everyday and formal Korean.
Core meaning and shades learners miss.
‘잠시’ is an adverb meaning a very short time or a moment.
Nuances
When to use
Everyday conversation, Business meeting, Phone call
In context
‘잠시’ usually appears before verbs or mid-sentence to indicate a brief duration of an action or state. It fits naturally in both casual and formal contexts.
잠시만 기다려 주세요.
jam-si-man gi-da-ryeo ju-se-yo., jam si man gi da ryeo ju se yo.
‘잠시만’ naturally requests a short wait, synonymous with ‘잠깐만’.
잠시 쉬었다 가자.
jam-si swi-eoss-da ga-ja., jam si swi eoss da ga ja.
‘잠시’ before the verb ‘쉬다’ indicates a brief rest.
나는 잠시 학교에 갔다.
na-neun jam-si hak-gyo-e gass-da., na neun jam si hak gyo e gass da.
‘잠시’ correctly modifies the short duration of ‘went’.
잠시 후에 전화할게요.
jam-si hu-e jeon-hwa-hal-ge-yo., jam si hu e jeon hwa hal ge yo.
‘잠시 후에’ naturally means ‘soon’ or ‘shortly’.
잠시만요, 어디 가세요?
jam-si-man-yo, eo-di ga-se-yo?, jam si man yo, eo di ga se yo?
‘잠시만요’ is used to politely ask someone to pause briefly.
잠시동안 기다려 주세요.
jam-si-dong-an gi-da-ryeo ju-se-yo., jam si dong an gi da ryeo ju se yo.
‘잠시’ is an adverb and should not be combined with ‘동안’.
잠시잠시 나갔다 왔어요.
jam-si-jam-si na-gass-da wass-eo-yo., jam si jam si na gass da wass eo yo.
‘잠시잠시’ is unnatural and does not convey repeated action.
What is the best meaning of ‘잠시’?
When do you use ‘잠시만요’?
Which expression cannot be used with ‘잠시’?
