What does 시작 mean?
시작 (si-jak) means: Beginning / Start.
Speakers reach for this word to refer to the beginning of events, daily routines, classes, work, or operations. It appears frequently in settings involving schedules and structured activities. It combines directly with nouns and action verbs, frequently appearing in compounds like 수업 시작, 업무 시작, and 영업 시작, or taking verbs like 시작을 하다.
Depending on the context, marking the beginning of a routine or period can carry a neutral announcement tone or set a purposeful tone for the activities that follow.
Depending on the context, marking the beginning of a routine or period can carry a neutral announcement tone or set a purposeful tone for the activities that follow.
Other sides of 시작
◆ starting gun — Speakers use this to mark the exact starting point of an event, competition, or performance. It appears frequently in announcements and signals, often combined with words for bells, alarms, or opening times. It pairs directly with nouns such as 수업 (class), 업무 (work), and 영업 (business operation) to mark when activities officially commence.
When shouted or used to mark a literal departure or bell, it carries an immediate, high-energy quality, directing everyone's attention instantly to the onset of action.
◆ fresh slate — Speakers use this word when initiating a new routine, a period of work, or a fresh undertaking. It frequently appears alongside terms for schedules, business operations, and classes, such as 업무 시작 and 영업 시작. It marks the moment an initial phase begins, as when a bell rings to announce the start of a class.
This can carry a psychological weight of renewal, often invoking the feeling of a clean slate when approaching a new Monday, a new year, or a fresh attempt after a setback.
When shouted or used to mark a literal departure or bell, it carries an immediate, high-energy quality, directing everyone's attention instantly to the onset of action.
◆ fresh slate — Speakers use this word when initiating a new routine, a period of work, or a fresh undertaking. It frequently appears alongside terms for schedules, business operations, and classes, such as 업무 시작 and 영업 시작. It marks the moment an initial phase begins, as when a bell rings to announce the start of a class.
This can carry a psychological weight of renewal, often invoking the feeling of a clean slate when approaching a new Monday, a new year, or a fresh attempt after a setback.
How it's actually used
- 수업 시작을 알리는 종소리가 울리자 학생들이 일제히 교실로 뛰어갔다.
su-eop si-jak-eul al-li-neun jong-so-ri-ga ul-ri-ja hak-saeng-deul-i il-je-hi gyo-sil-ro ttwieo-gat-da.
When the bell ringing for the start of class sounded, the students ran into the classroom all at once.
💡 Shows the word marking the beginning of a scheduled class. - 사장님은 영업 시작 전에 항상 종업원들에게 열심히 일해 줄 것을 당부하신다.
sa-jang-nim-eun yeong-eop si-jak jeon-e hang-sang jong-eop-won-deul-ege yeol-sim-hi il-hae jul geot-eul dang-bu-ha-sin-da.
Before the start of business operations, the boss always asks the employees to work hard.
💡 Shows the word marking the start of business hours. - 교회에 다니는 지수는 식사 시작 전에 늘 감사 기도를 한다.
gyo-hoe-e da-neun ji-su-neun sik-sa si-jak jeon-e neul gam-sa gi-do-reul han-da.
Jisu, who attends church, always says a prayer of thanksgiving before the start of a meal.
💡 Shows the word marking the beginning of eating.