gan

Grammar · 1 sense

for, during

Examples

묻지마 방화가 일어나는 바람에 지하철 운행이 30분간 중단되었다.

Due to an unprovoked arson, the subway did not run for 30 minutes.

그 정치가는 2009년부터 9년간 중학교 교사로 일했거든요.

That politician actually worked as a middle school teacher for 9 years, starting in 2009.

여자친구랑 헤어지고 나서 며칠간 술에 취해 펑펑 울었어요.

After my girlfriend broke up with me, I spent several days drunk and crying.

When you'd hear it

간 is common in news reports, public announcements, and formal or neutral writing, especially with exact time spans. It also appears in ordinary conversation when stating a measured period, such as 9년간 or 며칠간.

What learners get wrong

간 usually follows a specific duration or number, while 동안 can also follow a broader time expression or a clause. Use 간 for forms like 30분간, but use 동안 for “while” clauses such as 일하는 동안.

You looked up 간 — Ipsae makes sure you still know it in three weeks.

No account needed to try.