아파요
apayo
In Korean, "I am sick" is said as 아파요 (apayo).
This phrase is used to state that you are feeling unwell or experiencing physical pain. Depending on the context, 아파요 can mean a general state of being sick or can specifically mean "it hurts" to indicate localized pain.
What does it mean word for word?
The dictionary form of the verb is 아프다, which means to be sick or to hurt.
Which one should you use?
While 아파요 is the standard polite form, you can use 아픕니다 for highly formal situations or 아파 for casual, informal situations. You may also use the phrase 몸이 안 좋아, which literally translates to "body not good".
How does it change in a sentence?
아파요 is the polite, standard version used in most daily interactions. 아픕니다 is the highly formal version.
How do you pronounce it?
apayo
Did you know?
- Koreans may use 아프다 to describe a 'sharp' or 'stinging' sensation, such as the feeling of a spicy pepper on the tongue, which is different from being 'ill'.
- While 아파요 describes physical pain, Koreans often use 마음이 아파요 to describe emotional heartbreak or sadness, literally meaning 'my heart hurts'.
- In Korean, you can say 아파요 while pointing to a specific body part to mean 'my [body part] hurts' without ever naming the body part itself.
Examples in context
- 형, 나 어제부터 아파. 뭘 먹어야 할까?Brother, I have been sick since yesterday. What should I eat?
- 조금 몸이 안 좋아서 집에만 있었어.I stayed at home because I wasn't feeling well.
- 머리가 너무 아파요.meoriga neomu apayo.My head hurts a lot.
- 배가 아파요.baega apayo.My stomach hurts.
- 어제부터 몸이 아파요.eojebuteo momi apayo.I have been feeling sick since yesterday.
Example conversation
Jihoon calls Minji to explain why he cannot go out.
- 지훈 Ji-hun민지 씨, 미안해요. 제가 지금 너무 아파요.Minji ssi, mianhaeyo. Jega jigeum neomu apayo.Minji, I'm sorry. I am feeling very sick right now.
- 민지 Min-ji어디가 아파요, 지훈 씨?Eodiga apayo, Jihoon ssi?Where does it hurt, Jihoon?
- 지훈 Ji-hun목이 좀 아파요.Mogi jom apayo.My throat hurts a little.
- 민지 Min-ji푹 쉬고 약을 드세요.Puk swigo yageul deuseyo.Get some rest and take some medicine.
