Greetings! If you find yourself in a chilly weather or a freezing room in Korea and wish to express that you’re feeling cold, fret not! In this comprehensive guide, we will cover various ways to say “I am cold” in Korean, including both formal and informal expressions. Let’s start warming up with these handy phrases!
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions
If you are in a formal setting or speaking to someone older or of higher social status, it’s important to use polite language to show respect. Here are several ways to express feeling cold formally:
1. 추워요 (Chu-weo-yo)
This is the most common and straightforward way to say “I am cold” in Korean. Simply use the verb “춥다 (chup-da)” which means “to be cold” and conjugate it in the polite form. The polite expression “추워요” can be used in any situation, whether you’re speaking to a stranger, your boss, or an elderly person.
TIP: Remember to add “요 (yo)” at the end to make the statement polite and respectful.
2. 저는 추워요 (Jeo-neun Chu-weo-yo)
In a more formal context, you can use this expression which means “I am cold.” By adding “저는 (jeo-neun)” at the beginning of the sentence, which translates to “I” or “me,” you make the phrase more formal and polite.
EXAMPLE:
저는 추워요. 외투를 입을까요? (Jeo-neun chu-weo-yo. Wee-too-reul ip-eul-kka-yo?)
I’m feeling cold. Shall I put on a coat?
Informal Expressions
When speaking to friends, family, or people of similar age and social status, you can use informal expressions to convey that you’re feeling cold. Here are a couple of ways to do so:
1. 추워 (Chu-weo)
To express “I am cold” informally, use the base form of the verb “춥다 (chup-da)” without the polite ending “요 (yo).” This simple phrase is suitable for casual conversations among friends or close acquaintances.
TIP: Use this expression only in informal settings, as it may be considered impolite in formal situations.
2. 나 추워 (Na chu-weo)
Similar to the previous expression, this informal way of saying “I am cold” translates to “I am cold.” By replacing “저는 (jeo-neun)” with “나 (na)” meaning “I” at the beginning of the sentence, you make it less formal and more friendly.
EXAMPLE:
나 추워. 난데기 좀 빌려 줄래? (Na chu-weo. Nan-de-gi jom bil-lyeo jul-lae?)
I’m feeling cold. Can I borrow your jacket for a moment?
Regional Variations
In different regions of Korea, you may come across slight variations in how people express that they are feeling cold. While these might not be commonly used throughout the country, it’s interesting to mention them:
1. 춥다 (chupda) – 서울 방언 (Seoul Dialect)
In the Seoul dialect, people simply use the verb “춥다 (chup-da)” without any additional changes to convey “I am cold.” So, if you find yourself in Seoul or speaking with someone from the capital city, you may hear this expression.
2. 춬다 (choonda) – 제주 방언 (Jeju Dialect)
On Jeju Island, the local dialect includes the verb “춬다 (choon-da)” for “to be cold.” Therefore, if you happen to be in Jeju or conversing with a native of the island, you may encounter this unique variation.
Conclusion
By now, you should feel more confident in expressing that you are feeling cold in Korean. Remember, if you want to convey politeness, use the formal expressions like “추워요 (chuweoyo)” or “저는 추워요 (jeoneun chuweoyo).” For informal situations, use “추워 (chuweo)” or “나 추워 (na chuweo).” Additionally, if you happen to be in specific regions of Korea, such as Seoul or Jeju Island, you might come across local variations of how people express feeling cold.
Stay warm and continue enjoying your time in Korea, no matter the weather!
