목이 아파요
The English phrase "my throat hurts" is translated into Korean as 목이 아파요.
If the pain feels more like a scratchy or stinging sensation rather than a dull ache, a native speaker might use 목이 따가워요 instead.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 목 can mean both "throat" and "neck" depending on the context.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
목이 아파 is the casual/informal version used with close friends or people younger than you. For professional settings or when speaking to superiors, use the highly formal version 목이 아픕니다.
Did you know?
- The word 목 is also used metaphorically in Korean to refer to a 'bottleneck' or a 'vital point' in a process or a location.
- The distinction between 따가워요 (stinging) and 아파요 (hurting) is crucial because a Korean doctor will often ask which specific sensation you feel to diagnose the cause.
- If you are experiencing a sore throat due to a cough, you might say 기침이 나요 instead, which literally translates to 'a cough is coming out'.
Examples in context
- 안녕하세요. 요즘 목이 아파요.Hello. Lately, my throat hurts.
- 안녕! 목이 너무 아파.Hey! My throat hurts so much.
- 감기 때문인지 목이 아파요.gamgi ttaemun-inji mogi apayo.Maybe it's because of a cold, but my throat hurts.
- 자고 일어났는데 목이 아파요.jago ireonanneunde mogi apayo.I woke up and my throat hurts.
- 침을 삼킬 때 목이 아파요.chim-eul samkil ttae mogi apayo.My throat hurts when I swallow.
Example conversation
Dohyun and Subin are talking about their health over the phone.
- 도현 Do-hyeon수빈 씨, 몸은 좀 어때요?Subin ssi, mom-eun jom eottaeyo?Subin, how are you feeling?
- 수빈 Su-bin아직 목이 아파요.ajik mogi apayo.My throat still hurts.
- 도현 Do-hyeon따뜻한 물을 많이 마셔요.ttatteut-han mul-eul mani masyeoyo.Drink lots of warm water.
- 수빈 Su-bin네, 고마워요, 도현 씨.ne, gomawoyo, Dohyun ssi.Yes, thank you, Dohyun.
