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Questions & Answers about oneul sigani isseoyo.
What does 오늘 mean in this sentence?
오늘 means “today.” It indicates when the action or condition (having time) takes place.
What does 시간 mean here?
시간 literally means “time.” In this context, it refers to “free time” or “some time available” to do something.
Why is 시간 followed by the particle 이?
이 is the subject marker attached to a noun ending in a consonant. It marks 시간 as the subject of the verb 있어요, so literally “time exists.”
What does 있어요 mean, and what verb is it from?
있어요 is the polite present tense of 있다, which means “to exist” or “to have.” Here, it translates as “(I) have.”
What level of politeness is 있어요, and when should I use it?
This is the polite informal style (often called 해요체). It’s appropriate in everyday conversation with strangers, acquaintances, coworkers, or anyone you’re not extremely close with.
Why isn’t there a subject pronoun like 저 or 나 (“I”)?
Korean often drops the subject when it’s obvious from context. Since you’re talking about your own availability, the listener infers “I” without it being stated.
How do I say “I don’t have time today”?
Swap 있어요 for its negative counterpart 없어요:
오늘 시간이 없어요.
How can I turn it into a question, “Do you have time today?”
1) Keep the same words, just use rising intonation: 오늘 시간 있어요?
2) For more formal speech, use -습니까: 오늘 시간 있습니까?