What it means
A casual way to say "hold on" or "wait a second". Very common in everyday Korean conversation and often shortened to just 잠깐 (just a moment).
Nuance & when to use
잠깐 = a short moment. This casual form is used with friends. Polite: 잠깐만요 (jamkkanmanyo). In urgency: 잠깐! alone works as a quick "wait!".
⚠ Common mistake
잠깐 있어 sounds curt alone. Adding 요 makes it polite: 잠깐만요. Be aware of your tone.
Example sentences
잠깐 있어, 금방 올게.
Jamkkan isseo, geumbang olge.
Wait a moment, I'll be right back.
잠깐! 나도 같이 가.
Jamkkan! Nado gachi ga.
Wait! I'm coming too.
잠깐만, 생각해볼게.
Jamkkanman, saenggakhaebollge.
Hold on, let me think about it.
See also
잠깐만요
기다려
천천히
FAQ
When is this used?
잠깐 = a short moment. This casual form is used with friends. Polite: 잠깐만요 (jamkkanmanyo). In urgency: 잠깐! alone works as a quick "wait!".
What's a common mistake?
잠깐 있어 sounds curt alone. Adding 요 makes it polite: 잠깐만요. Be aware of your tone.
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