Korean word

사이사이

Pronunciation

Romanizationsaisai

Meaning

  • adverbat intervals

Example

그는 일하는 사이사이 잠깐 쉰다.keu neun il ha neun sa i sa i cham kkan swin da

He takes short breaks at intervals while working.

Illustration for 사이사이 (at intervals)

More examples

학생들은 수업 사이사이에 질문을 한다.hak ssaeng deu reun su eop sa i sa i e chil mu neul han da

Students ask questions between classes.

Core concept

Small spaces in an ongoing flow, whether they are moments in time or scattered gaps between things.

Common phrases

  • 일하는 사이사이il ha neun sa i sa i

    at intervals while working

  • 수업 사이사이su eop sa i sa i

    between classes

  • 사이사이에sa i sa i e

    at intervals

Similar words

잠깐chamkkan: For only an instant or a very short time.
잠시chamsi: For a short while, indicating a brief pause or stay.
중간중간chungganjunggan: At occasional points during the course of an activity or process.

Definition in Korean

어떤 일이나 상황이 이어지는 동안에 생기는 짧은 시간적 틈을 가리키는 부사.eo tteon i ri na sang hwang i i eo ji neun tong a ne saeng gi neun jjal beun si gan jeok teu meul ka ri ki neun pu sa

Word origin

The word comes from the repeated form of 사이 (sai, "interval"), whose basic meaning is a space or time between things.

Usage tips

  • English learners can use it for repeated short pauses, not just one break, which makes it useful when describing a routine with small interruptions.

Other meanings

  • here and thereadverb
  • in the gapsadverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word