When it comes to expressing the chill in the air or the cold weather, learning how to say “it is cold” in Korean can be quite useful. In this guide, we will cover both formal and informal ways of conveying this phrase, along with some tips, examples, and even a brief mention of regional variations. So, brace yourselves and let’s dive right in!
Table of Contents
1. Formal Ways to Say “It is Cold” in Korean
When speaking to someone in a formal setting, such as a professional or an elder, it is crucial to utilize the appropriate level of politeness. Here are a few expressions you can use:
“추워요” (Chu-weo-yo) – This is the standard way to say “it is cold” in Korean. It is and a respectful form suitable for formal situations. Remember to maintain a polite and warm tone when using this expression.
2. Informal Ways to Say “It is Cold” in Korean
If you’re conversing with friends, peers, or someone younger than you, you can make use of more casual language to say “it is cold.” Here are a few expressions for informal settings:
“추워” (Chu-weo)” – This is the casual way of saying “it is cold.” You can use this expression when talking to friends or family members of similar age or younger. Make sure to maintain a friendly and warm tone while using this expression.
3. Additional Tips and Examples
To enhance your understanding of how to use these phrases effectively, here are some additional tips and examples:
- Tip 1: Adding the word “정말” (jeong-mal) before the phrases makes the meaning stronger, translating to “really cold.” For instance: “정말 추워요” (Jeong-mal chu-weo-yo) or “정말 추워” (Jeong-mal chu-weo).
- Tip 2: If you want to express that something is “cold” as opposed to the weather, you can use the word “차갑다” (cha-gab-da). For example: “음식이 차갑다” (Eum-shik-i cha-gab-da) meaning “the food is cold.”
- Example 1: “오늘 날씨 정말 추워요.” (Oh-neul nal-ssi jeong-mal chu-weo-yo) – “Today’s weather is really cold.”
- Example 2: “야외에서 추위를 느껴요.” (Ya-oe-seo chu-wi-reul neu-kkyeo-yo) – “I feel the cold outside.”
4. Regional Variations
While the phrases mentioned above work universally throughout Korea, it’s worth noting that some regional variations exist. Here’s an example of how people in the Jeju province might express “it is cold”:
“추웡” (Chu-wong) – This phrase, specific to the Jeju province, is more commonly used in informal situations. So, if you ever find yourself in Jeju, you might hear locals say “추웡” to convey the coldness.
Remember, these regional variations are not necessary for everyday conversation, but it’s interesting to know about them in case you encounter them during your travels!
With that, you now have a comprehensive guide on how to say “it is cold” in Korean, covering both formal and informal expressions. Remember to adjust your language based on the level of politeness required in a given situation. Stay warm and have fun practicing these phrases with your Korean-speaking friends!
