Make plans and send a quick update in Korean
Suggest a meeting time, say you may be late, and message a friend when you arrive.
Ask 오늘 시간 있어요? to see if someone is free. Use 몇 시에 만날까요? to suggest a meeting time, then send a short update if your plans change.
Ask if someone is free
오늘 시간 있어요? means “Are you free today?” It is a friendly, polite question. You can replace 오늘 (today) with 내일 (tomorrow) or 이번 주말 (this weekend). With a close friend, you may hear more casual versions; this guide uses the polite forms that are safe for a beginner to practise.
Suggest a time to meet
몇 시에 만날까요? means “What time shall we meet?” 몇 시에 asks at what time, and 만날까요? makes a suggestion about meeting. You can answer with a time, such as 세 시에 만나요 (Let’s meet at three). Context tells you whether the people mean morning or afternoon, so clarify if it matters.
Choose a place
여기서 만나요 means “Let’s meet here.” 여기서 means here, at this place. If you are making plans by message, name a specific station exit, café, or landmark so both people know which place you mean. A clear location is more helpful than relying on 여기 (here) when you are not together.
Send an update if you are late
조금 늦을 것 같아요 means “I think I will be a little late.” 조금 means a little, and 늦을 것 같아요 means it seems you will be late. Add 죄송해요 (I’m sorry) if an apology fits the situation. A short message helps the other person adjust their plans.
Close the loop when you arrive
도착하면 연락할게요 means “I will get in touch when I arrive.” 도착하면 means when I arrive, and 연락할게요 is a polite statement that you will get in touch. The exact channel—text, call, or another way—depends on the context. Practise the sequence: check availability, choose a time, pick a place, then send an update.
Keep these examples handy
| Expression or step | Reading or meaning | How to use it |
|---|---|---|
| 오늘 시간 있어요? | oneul sigan isseoyo? | Are you free today? |
| 몇 시에 만날까요? | myeot sie mannalkkayo? | What time shall we meet? |
| 조금 늦을 것 같아요 | jogeum neujeul geot gatayo | I think I will be a little late |
| 도착하면 연락할게요 | dochakamyeon yeollakhalgeyo | I will get in touch when I arrive |
Your questions, answered
Is 오늘 시간 있어요? formal?
It is polite and conversational, suitable for many everyday situations. Use a more formal phrase when the setting calls for one.
What does 연락할게요 mean?
It means “I will contact you” or “I will message you.” The exact channel depends on the context.
Keep exploring
These beginner explanations introduce practical language in context. Romanization is approximate. Consult the dictionary below for meanings and pronunciation.
- National Institute of Korean Language: Korean–English Learners’ Dictionary
- Online King Sejong Institute
For word meanings and pronunciation, open the learner dictionary linked above.
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