Let's take a short break - KoreanBlueprint

Day 41 — Let’s take a short break | Korean Blueprint

Today’s Phrase

잠깐 쉬어요

jam·kkan swi·e·yo

jamkkan swieyo

Let’s take a short break

Learning Tip

Korean has many words for rest: 쉬다 (general rest), 쉬다 (take a break), 자다 (sleep), 낮잠 자다 (nap). 잠깐 쉬어요 is the most common everyday way to suggest a break at work or during activities.

Phrase Breakdown

잠깐

jamkkan

briefly, for a moment

Short time adverb

쉬어요

swieyo

rest / let’s rest

쉬다 (to rest) + -어요 can suggest or state

Suggests taking a brief rest — useful in work, study, or travel contexts.

Example Phrases

많이 걸었으니까 잠깐 쉬어요.

Mani georeoseunikka jamkkan swieyo.

We’ve walked a lot, so let’s take a short break.

-으니까 gives reason (since/because).

잠깐 쉬면서 물 마셔요.

Jamkkan swimyeonseo mul masyeoyo.

Let’s rest briefly and drink some water.

-면서 means ‘while doing’.

10분만 쉬어요.

Sip bunman swieyo.

Let’s rest for just 10 minutes.

-만 is a limiting particle meaning ‘only/just’.

Related Phrases

휴식이 필요해요

hyusiigi piryohaeyo

I need a rest

Expressing a need for downtime.

피곤해요, 좀 쉬고 싶어요

pigonhaeyo, jom swigo sipeoyo

I’m tired, I want to rest a bit

Combining tiredness with desire to rest.

잠깐 앉아요

jamkkan anjayo

Let’s sit for a moment

Suggesting to sit down briefly.

Quick Review

수고하세요

Can you recall what this means?

sugohaseyo

Keep up the good work / Take care