아팠어요
apasseoyo
The English phrase "I was sick" is expressed in Korean as 아팠어요 (apasseoyo).
This phrase is used to state that you were unwell or experienced pain in the past. It is based on the verb 아프다, which means "to be sick" or "to hurt". Note that in Korean, the subject "I" is often omitted when the context makes it clear you are talking about yourself.
What does it mean word for word?
The form 아팠어요 consists of the adjective 아프다 (to be sick or painful) conjugated into the past tense with the polite ending -어요.
Which one should you use?
You should use 아파요 to say "I am sick" (present tense) and 아팠어요 to say "I was sick" (past tense).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
There are different levels of formality depending on the situation. 아팠어 is an informal, casual version used with close friends or people younger than you. 아팠습니다 is a highly formal version used in professional settings, news broadcasts or when speaking to superiors.
How do you pronounce it?
apasseoyo
Did you know?
- While 아팠어요 describes being sick, Koreans often use the word 몸살 to describe a specific kind of 'body ache' or flu-like exhaustion caused by overwork or stress.
- When someone says 아팠어요, a common empathetic response is 고생했어요, which literally means 'you suffered' or 'you went through a lot'.
- While English speakers say 'I had a headache', a Korean speaker might simply say 머리가 아팠어요, which literally translates to 'The head was hurting'.
Examples in context
- 요즘 아팠어요.I was sick recently.
- 아침에 열이 났어요.I had a fever in the morning.
- 식중독으로 토를 했어요.I vomited due to food poisoning.
- 어제 배가 너무 아팠어요.eoje baega neomu apasseoyo.My stomach hurt so much yesterday.
- 머리가 많이 아팠어요.meoriga mani apasseoyo.I had a bad headache.
- 몸이 좀 아팠어요.momi jom apasseoyo.I was feeling a bit unwell.
Example conversation
Minjun asks Minji why she was absent from the meeting yesterday.
- 민준 Min-jun민지 씨, 어제 왜 안 왔어요?Minji ssi, eoje wae an wasseoyo?Minji, why didn't you come yesterday?
- 민지 Min-ji어제 몸이 좀 아팠어요.eoje momi jom apasseoyo.I was feeling a bit unwell yesterday.
- 민준 Min-jun많이 아팠어요? 지금은 괜찮아요?mani apasseoyo? jigeumeun gwaenchannayo?Were you very sick? Are you okay now?
- 민지 Min-ji네, 이제는 괜찮아요.ne, ijeneun gwaenchannayo.Yes, I am fine now.
