What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "stomach not hungry" because 배 (bae) means "stomach" or "belly".
Which one should you use?
While 배 안 고파요 is a common polite way to express this, 배가 고프지 않아요 is a more formal version and 배 안 고픈데 is an informal way to say "my stomach is not hungry".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The polite form 배 안 고파요 is suitable for use with acquaintances or people older than you. You can make it informal by removing the 요 at the end to say 배 안 고파, which is used only with close friends or people younger than you. For more formal situations, use 배가 고프지 않아요.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word 안 (an) is a negation particle placed before the adjective to mean "not". In natural speech, the subject "I" is almost always omitted when the context makes it clear you are talking about yourself.
How do you pronounce it?
bae an gopayo
Did you know?
- In Korea, it is common to politely decline food by saying 배 안 고파요 even when you are hungry, as a way of showing modesty or avoiding being a burden to the host.
- If you say 배 (bae) in a different context, it can also mean 'pear', 'boat', or even 'times' as in 'twice'.
- The phrase 배 안 고파요 reflects a linguistic trait where Koreans often describe the state of a body part rather than the state of the person, such as saying 'the stomach is hungry' instead of 'I am hungry'.
Examples in context
- 지금은 배 안 고파요.jigeumeun bae an gopayo.I am not hungry right now.
- 미안하지만, 배 안 고파요.mianhajiman, bae an gopayo.I am sorry, but I am not hungry.
- 아까 먹어서 배 안 고파요.akka meogeoseo bae an gopayo.I ate earlier, so I am not hungry.
Example conversation
Jihoon and Seoyeon are deciding what to eat for dinner.
- 지훈 Ji-hun서연 씨, 저녁 먹으러 갈까요?Seoyeon ssi, jeonyeok meogeureo galkkayo?Seoyeon, shall we go eat dinner?
- 서연 Seo-yeon아니요, 저는 지금 배 안 고파요.Aniyo, jeoneun jigeum bae an gopayo.No, I am not hungry right now.
- 지훈 Ji-hun그럼 나중에 먹을까요?Geureom najunge meogeulkkayo?Then shall we eat later?
- 서연 Seo-yeon네, 좋아요.Ne, joayo.Yes, that sounds good.
