자정 — meaning in English: midnight

jajeong · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for midnight

의도

uido

출발

chulbal

정당화

jeongdanghwa

밤

bam

자정

jajeong

Skip this question

🎓

Learn Korean for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

neutral common

Usage

Native speakers often use the word 자정 in contexts related to time, such as when discussing plans for the evening or noting when a specific event will occur. For example, one might say, 'Let’s meet at 자정 to celebrate the New Year!' or 'The train departs at 자정, so we should leave the party early.'

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym for 자정 is '밤 열두시' (bam yeoldusi), which also means 'midnight.' However, 자정 carries a slightly more formal tone and is used in more official contexts, while 밤 열두시 is more commonly used in casual conversation. Choosing 자정 might make your speech sound more polished.

Culture

The word 자정 literally translates to 'midnight,' but its cultural significance extends beyond mere timekeeping. In Korea, 자정 is often associated with the transition between days, marking moments of new beginnings, such as the first minutes of a new year or significant life events. Interestingly, traditional Korean celebrations often include rituals performed at this hour to welcome good fortune.

FAQ

Q.What does 자정 mean in English?

자정 translates to 'midnight' in English, indicating the exact time when the clock strikes twelve at night.

Q.How do you use 자정 in a sentence?

You can use 자정 in sentences like, 'I will finish my work by 자정,' or 'The fireworks show starts at 자정.' It's a straightforward way to talk about plans or events occurring at midnight.

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 자정?

One common mistake is confusing 자정 with other time-related words like '밤' (bam), which means 'night.' Remember, 자정 specifically refers to midnight, so using it in contexts that don't specify midnight can lead to confusion.

Learn korean with Maspeak →

Korean 2000