What does 잠시만 mean?

잠시만 (jam-si-man, jamsiman)

‘잠시만’ (jam-si-man) is a common Korean phrase meaning ‘just a moment.’ Learn how to use it naturally in conversation.

Korean phrase 잠시만 meaning just a moment

Definition & nuance

Core meaning and shades learners miss.

잠시만(jam-si-man, jamsiman)

‘잠시만’ means ‘just a moment’ or ‘wait briefly’ — asking someone to wait for a short time.

Nuances

  • ‘잠시만’ is similar to ‘잠깐만’ but sounds slightly more polite and softer.
  • It’s a natural request for a short wait, not a strong demand.
  • Suitable for sudden pauses or brief time requests during conversation.

When to use

phone call, asking directions, brief pause in meeting, service request

In context

‘잠시만’ is mainly used in imperative or request sentences to ask someone to wait briefly. It can stand alone or appear in phrases like ‘잠시만 기다려 주세요’ (Please wait a moment). It’s a natural and polite expression in everyday conversation.

Real-world examples

  • 잠시만 기다려 주세요.

    jam-si-man gi-da-ryeo ju-se-yo., jam si man gi da ryeo ju se yo.

    ‘잠시만’ naturally pairs with ‘기다려 주세요’ to make a polite request.

  • 잠시만, 제가 전화 좀 받을게요.

    jam-si-man, je-ga jeon-hwa jom bat-eul-ge-yo., jam si man, je ga jeon hwa jom bat eul ge yo.

    A natural expression to indicate a brief pause in conversation.

  • 잠시만 가세요.

    jam-si-man ga-se-yo., jam si man ga se yo.

    ‘잠시만’ means to wait or pause, so it doesn’t fit with ‘go’.

  • 잠시만 앉아 있어요.

    jam-si-man an-a iss-eo-yo., jam si man an a iss eo yo.

    A natural request to sit briefly.

Quick quiz

  1. What is the most appropriate meaning of ‘잠시만’?

    ‘잠시만’의 가장 적절한 뜻은?(‘jam-si-man’uiga-jangjeok-jeol-hantteus-eun?, ‘jamsiman’uigajangjeokjeolhantteuseun?)
  2. Which sentence naturally uses ‘잠시만’?

    다음 중 ‘잠시만’이 자연스러운 문장은?(da-eumjung‘jam-si-man’ija-yeon-seu-reo-unmun-jang-eun?, daeumjung‘jamsiman’ijayeonseureounmunjangeun?)
  3. When is it incorrect to use ‘잠시만’?

    ‘잠시만’을 쓸 수 없는 경우는?(‘jam-si-man’eulsseulsueop-neungyeong-u-neun?, ‘jamsiman’eulsseulsueopneungyeonguneun?)

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