Greetings! If you’re feeling unwell and looking to express it in Korean, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll explore various ways to say “I feel sick” in both formal and informal Korean. Whether you need to visit a doctor or simply communicate your discomfort to a friend, we’ve got you covered with helpful tips, examples, and even a few regional variations. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions
When speaking in a formal setting or addressing someone older or of higher social status, it’s important to use polite expressions. Here are a few formal ways to convey that you’re feeling sick:
1. 아프다 (apeuda): This is a general term for “to be sick” in Korean and can be used in formal situations. You can say “아프습니다” (apeuseumnida) to show respect.
Example: 죄송합니다, 어제부터 몸이 아파서 의사를 찾았어요. (Joesonghamnida, eojebuteo momi apaseo uisareul chajasseoyo) – I’m sorry, but I’ve been feeling sick since yesterday, so I went to see a doctor.
2. 나는 몸이 안 좋습니다 (naneun momi an johseumnida): This phrase literally means “I am not feeling well.” It’s a polite way to indicate your physical discomfort.
Example: 회의에 참석하지 못할 것 같아요, 저는 몸이 안 좋습니다. (Hoeuie chamseokhaji motal geot gatayo, jeoneun momi an johseumnida) – I don’t think I can attend the meeting; I am not feeling well.
Informal Expressions
When speaking casually with friends, family, or people of similar age or status, it’s acceptable to use informal expressions. Here are a couple of ways to express that you feel sick in an informal setting:
1. 아파요 (apayo): This is a commonly used phrase in informal situations and simply means “I feel sick.”
Example: 오늘은 속이 좀 아파요. (Oneureun soki jom apayo) – Today, I feel a bit sick in my stomach.
2. 몸 안 좋아 (mom an joha): This phrase, which directly translates to “body not good,” is a more casual way to say that you’re not feeling well.
Example: 요즘 몸 안 좋아서 많이 힘들어. (Yojeum mom an johaseo mani himdeureo) – I’ve been feeling sick lately, so it’s been tough.
Tips and Additional Expressions
Here are some tips and additional expressions related to expressing sickness in Korean:
- Using honorifics: When talking to someone much older or in a higher position, consider adding the honorific “시” (si) at the end of verbs and adjectives.
- Describing symptoms: If you want to specify the symptoms you’re experiencing, you can use phrases such as “두통이 나요” (dutongi nayo) for “I have a headache” or “메스꺼워요” (meksgeowoyo) for “I feel nauseous.”
- Seeking help: If you need to ask someone for assistance or directions to a doctor’s office, you can use phrases like “의사가 어디 있나요?” (uisaga eodi innayo) meaning “Where is the doctor?” or “도와주세요” (dowajuseyo) meaning “Please help me.”
- Apologizing for the inconvenience: If you’re unable to attend an event or fulfill a commitment due to your illness, it’s polite to apologize. You can say “죄송합니다” (joesonghamnida) meaning “I’m sorry” or “미안해요” (mianhaeyo) meaning “I’m sorry” in a more casual setting.
Regional Variations or Dialects
Korea has different regional dialects, and while the phrases mentioned above are understood throughout the country, there might be some variations in certain regions. Here’s an example:
In the Gyeongsang Province in the southeastern part of Korea, people might use the expression “아리가또” (arigatto) instead of “아프다” (apeuda). Although it sounds similar to the Japanese expression “arigatou” meaning “thank you,” it refers to feeling unwell in this context.
Example: 아리가또, 몸이 안 좋다고 해서 의사에게 가 봤어요. (Arigatto, momi an johdago haeseo uisaege ga bwasseoyo) – I didn’t feel well, so I went to see a doctor.
Remember, regional variations are not significant enough to hinder understanding, and the expressions covered earlier can be used universally throughout Korea.
Learning how to express feeling sick in Korean will prove helpful in various situations. Whether you’re in need of medical assistance or simply want to explain your discomfort, these phrases will enable effective communication. Stay healthy and take care!
