Usage of the suffix '-간'
The suffix '-간' is attached to time expressions to indicate a duration or period. It is commonly used in both spoken and written Korean to specify how long something lasts or the length of a time interval.
Common contexts
You will often see '-간' used with units of time such as 일 (day), 주 (week), 달 (month), 시간 (hour), and 년 (year). For example, '일주일간' means 'for a week', and '두 시간간' means 'for two hours'.
Politeness and register
'-간' is neutral in formality and can be used in formal and informal contexts. It is a straightforward way to express duration without additional nuance.
Common collocations and patterns
- 일주일간: for a week, used to specify a one-week period.
- 한 달간: for a month, often used in contexts like study, work, or events.
- 두 시간간: for two hours, common in schedules or meeting durations.
Learner tips
Do not confuse '-간' with '-동안', which also means 'during' or 'for (a period)'. '-간' is more often used in written or formal contexts and attaches directly to the time noun, while '-동안' can be more flexible and colloquial. For example, '일주일간' vs. '일주일 동안' both mean 'for a week', but '-간' sounds slightly more formal or literary.