배가 아파요
baega apayo
The English phrase "my stomach hurts" is translated into Korean as 배가 아파요 (baega apayo).
This phrase is used to express that you are experiencing physical pain in the abdominal area.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of two parts: 배, which means stomach or belly and 아파요, which means hurts or is painful.
How does it change in a sentence?
Depending on the level of politeness required, you can use the formal version 배가 아픕니다, the standard polite version 배가 아파요 or the informal version 배가 아파.
How do you pronounce it?
baega apayo
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly add the word for 'my' (제/내) before the phrase. In Korean, it is more natural to omit the possessive pronoun because the context implies it is your own stomach.
Did you know?
- In Korea, telling someone 배가 아파요 can actually be interpreted as a way to say you are jealous. This comes from a common cultural belief that the stomach aches when one feels envy toward another person's success.
- The word 배 (stomach) is a homonym in Korean. Depending on the context and tone, it can also mean 'pear' (the fruit) or 'boat/ship', which can lead to funny misunderstandings in wordplay.
- If you want to specify a sharp, cramping pain, you might use the word 콕콕 (kok-kok) to describe the sensation. It functions as an onomatopoeia for a poking or stabbing feeling in the abdomen.
Examples in context
- 오늘 내 배 아파서 식사를 거름.My stomach hurts today, so I skipped the meal.
- 저기요, 배 아파서요. 약국이 어디 있나요?Excuse me, my stomach hurts. Where is the pharmacy?
- 배가 아파요.baega apayo.My stomach hurts.
- 어제부터 배가 아파요.eojebuteo baega apayo.My stomach has been hurting since yesterday.
- 매운 음식을 먹어서 배가 아파요.maeun eumsigeul meogeoseo baega apayo.My stomach hurts because I ate spicy food.
Example conversation
Ji-eun feels unwell while sitting with Min-jun at a cafe.
- 지은 Ji-eun민준 씨, 갑자기 배가 아파요.Min-jun ssi, gapjagi baega apayo.Min-jun, my stomach suddenly hurts.
- 민준 Min-jun지은 씨, 괜찮아요? 약을 가져다 줄까요?Ji-eun ssi, gwaenchannayo? yageul gajyeoda julkkayo?Ji-eun, are you okay? Shall I get you some medicine?
- 지은 Ji-eun아니요, 좀 쉬면 괜찮아질 것 같아요.Aniyo, jom swimyeon gwaenchanhajil geot gatayo.No, I think I'll be fine if I rest a bit.
- 민준 Min-jun그래도 걱정되네요. 무리하지 마세요.Geuraedo geokjeongdoeneyo. muri-haji maseyo.I'm still worried. Please don't overdo it.
