What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is derived from the adjective 아프다 (to be painful/hurtful), so it literally asks "Is it painful?"
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
There are several ways to express this depending on the level of respect required. The form 아파요? is in the polite style, which is suitable for speaking to strangers, colleagues or people older than you. The form 아프십니까? is a highly formal version used in professional settings or when showing extreme respect. The form 아프니? is an informal way to ask the question. For close friends or people younger than you, you can use the casual version 아파?
How do you pronounce it?
apayo?
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often try to translate "Are you sick?" using a verb for being sick or ill, but in Korean, it is much more natural to use the adjective for "to be painful" (아프다) to ask about physical unwellness.
Did you know?
- The word 아프다 is used for both physical pain and emotional heartache. Someone experiencing a breakup might say they are 아프다 to describe their emotional state.
- In Korea, people often answer 아파요? with 괜찮아요, which means 'I am okay'. Even if they are actually in pain, they may say this to avoid worrying the other person or causing a burden.
- While English speakers often ask 'Are you sick?' when someone looks pale, a Korean speaker might instead ask 어디 안 좋아요? which translates to 'Is something not good?'
Examples in context
- 어디 아파요?eodi apayo?Are you hurting somewhere?
- 머리가 아파요?meoriga apayo?Does your head hurt?
- 많이 아파요?mani apayo?Are you very sick?
Example conversation
Minjun notices Jieun looking pale and unwell at a cafe.
- 민준 Min-jun지은 씨, 어디 아파요?Jieun ssi, eodi apayo?Jieun, are you hurting somewhere?
- 지은 Ji-eun네, 조금 아파요.Ne, jogeum apayo.Yes, I'm a little sick.
- 민준 Min-jun약 먹었어요?Yak meogeosseoyo?Did you take medicine?
- 지은 Ji-eun아직 안 먹었어요.Ajik an meogeosseoyo.I haven't taken any yet.
