배가 너무 고파요
baega neomu gopayo
In Korean, "I am very hungry" is expressed as 배가 너무 고파요 (baega neomu gopayo).
The phrase is used to express a strong physical need for food.
What does it mean word for word?
The expression literally translates to "stomach is very hungry". The word 배 refers to the stomach or belly.
Which one should you use?
While 배가 고파요 means "I am hungry", the phrase 배가 너무 고파요 adds emphasis to mean "I am very hungry" by using the word 너무 (very).
How does it change in a sentence?
The default form 배가 너무 고파요 uses the polite ending -요, which makes it appropriate for general polite conversation. In casual speech, you can omit this ending to say 배가 너무 고파.
How do you pronounce it?
baega neomu gopayo
Did you know?
- The word 배 for 'stomach' is a homonym used for 'pear' and 'ship'. Context is the only way to tell if someone is hungry or talking about fruit.
- In Korean culture, asking someone if they have eaten is often a way of saying 'hello' or 'how are you' rather than a literal question about hunger.
- If you are talking to someone much older or of much higher social status, you would avoid using 배가 고파요 and instead use the honorific form 시장합니다. This changes the entire structure of the sentence to show respect.
Examples in context
- 배가 너무 고파요.baega neomu gopayo.I am very hungry.
- 지금 배가 너무 고파요.jigeum baega neomu gopayo.I am very hungry right now.
- 아침을 안 먹어서 배가 너무 고파요.achimul an meogeoseo baega neomu gopayo.I didn't eat breakfast, so I am very hungry.
Example conversation
Jihoon and Seoyeon are walking home from school.
- 지훈 Ji-hun서연 씨, 배가 너무 고파요.Seoyeon ssi, baega neomu gopayo.Seoyeon, I am very hungry.
- 서연 Seo-yeon저도요. 우리 뭐 먹을까요?jeodoyo. uri mwo meogeulkkayo?Me too. What shall we eat?
- 지훈 Ji-hun근처에 맛있는 식당이 있어요.geuncheoe masinneun sikdangi isseoyo.There is a delicious restaurant nearby.
- 서연 Seo-yeon좋아요. 빨리 가요!joayo. ppalli gayo!Sounds good. Let's go quickly!
