What it means
시간 있어요? is the natural way to ask if someone is available — literally "do you have time?" Used before asking a favor, making plans, or wanting to talk.
Nuance & when to use
시간이 있어요? = Do you have time? 오늘 시간 있어요? = Are you free today? 잠깐 시간 있어요? = Do you have a moment? A softer alternative to directly asking for something. Koreans use this as a lead-in to bigger requests.
⚠ Common mistake
시간 있어요? and 바빠요? (are you busy?) are mirror questions. 시간 있어요? = positive framing. 바빠요? = negative framing. Both check availability.
Example sentences
See also
FAQ
When is this used?
시간이 있어요? = Do you have time? 오늘 시간 있어요? = Are you free today? 잠깐 시간 있어요? = Do you have a moment? A softer alternative to directly asking for something. Koreans use this as a lead-in to bigger requests.
What's a common mistake?
시간 있어요? and 바빠요? (are you busy?) are mirror questions. 시간 있어요? = positive framing. 바빠요? = negative framing. Both check availability.
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