Level 6

기원전

No base JSON record found for this token.

Understanding '기원전'

'기원전' is the Korean term for 'B.C.' (Before Christ), used to denote years before the start of the Gregorian calendar. It is always placed before the year number, for example, '기원전 300년' means '300 B.C.'

Usage in Historical Contexts

This term is commonly used in history, archaeology, and related fields to specify dates before year 1 A.D. It helps clearly distinguish ancient dates from modern ones.

Common Collocations

  • 기원전 + [year] (e.g., 기원전 500년): to specify a year before Christ
  • 기원전과 기원후 (B.C. and A.D.): to contrast periods before and after year 1

Notes for Learners

Be careful not to confuse '기원전' with '기원후' (A.D.). Also, unlike English where 'B.C.' is placed after the year, in Korean '기원전' always precedes the year number. This placement is important for natural and correct usage.

Example Sentences

기원전 300년에 이 도시는 이미 번성하고 있었다.

Giwonjeon 300-nyeon-e i dosi-neun imi beonseonghago ittda.

This city was already flourishing in 300 B.C.

기원전과 기원후를 구분할 때는 연도 앞에 표시한다.

Giwonjeon-gwa giwonhu-reul gubunhal ttaeneun yeondo ape pyosihanda.

When distinguishing B.C. and A.D., it is indicated before the year.

기원전 1세기에는 여러 문명이 발전했다.

Giwonjeon 1segi-eneun yeoreo munmyeong-i baljeon-haetda.

Several civilizations developed in the 1st century B.C.