추워요
chuwoyo
In Korean, "I am cold" is expressed as 추워요 (chuwoyo).
This phrase is used to state that the speaker feels a low temperature.
Which one should you use?
While 추워요 is a polite way to express being cold, 저는 추워요 can be used as a more formal way to say the same. The form 추워 or 나 추워 is used for informal settings, whereas 춥습니다 is used for highly formal situations.
How does it change in a sentence?
The dictionary form of the verb is 춥다.
How do you pronounce it?
chuwoyo
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often try to include the word for 'I' (나는) in the sentence, but in Korean, the subject is usually omitted when it is obvious that you are talking about yourself.
Did you know?
- While 추워요 describes the weather or air, Koreans use the word 차가워요 to describe an object that is cold to the touch, such as an ice cube or a cold drink.
- Korean has a unique way of expressing 'cold' in a cute or aegyo style by changing the ending to 추워용, which adds a nasal sound to make the speaker sound more endearing.
- When it is extremely cold, Koreans often use the expression 뼈가 시려요, which literally means 'my bones are aching from the cold'.
Examples in context
- 저는 추워요. 외투를 입을까요?I'm feeling cold. Shall I put on a coat?
- 너무 추워요.neomu chuwoyo.I am so cold.
- 갑자기 너무 추워요.gapjagi neomu chuwoyo.Suddenly, I am very cold.
Example conversation
A couple is walking outside in the evening.
- 수빈 Su-bin민준 씨, 저는 너무 추워요.Minjun ssi, jeoneun neomu chuwoyo.Minjun, I am so cold.
- 민준 Min-jun그럼 제 코트를 입으세요.Geureom je koteureul ibuseyo.Then, please wear my coat.
- 수빈 Su-bin정말요? 감사합니다.Jeongmallyo? Gamsahamnida.Really? Thank you.
- 민준 Min-jun아니에요, 수빈 씨.Anieyo, Subin ssi.You're welcome, Subin.
