Meaning and Usage
"당분간" means "for the time being" or "for a while." It is used to indicate a temporary period during which something will continue or remain unchanged. This word often appears in everyday conversation when discussing plans, restrictions, or states that are expected to last for a short or indefinite period.
Common Contexts
You will frequently hear "당분간" in contexts such as health advice, work schedules, or social restrictions. For example, after an illness, someone might say "당분간은 집에서 쉬세요" to advise resting at home temporarily.
Collocations and Patterns
- 당분간 쉬다: to rest for a while
- 당분간 외출 금지: prohibition on going out temporarily
- 당분간 계획 없음: no plans for the time being
These collocations emphasize the temporary nature of the situation.
Register and Politeness
"당분간" is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It fits well in spoken and written Korean.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "당분간" with "잠시" or "잠깐," which mean "for a short moment" or "briefly." However, "당분간" implies a longer temporary period, often hours, days, or weeks, rather than just a few seconds or minutes.