Whether you’re traveling in Korea or simply learning the language, being able to express how you feel is essential. In this guide, we’ll explore various ways to say “nauseous” in Korean, including formal and informal expressions, as well as some helpful tips and examples.
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Formal Expressions for Nauseous
When speaking in formal settings or to someone you should show respect to, it’s important to use the appropriate language. Here are two formal expressions for “nauseous” in Korean:
1. 메스꺼운 (me-seu-kkeo-un)
This word is most commonly used in formal contexts and has a straightforward translation to “nauseous.” The word 메스꺼운 can be used when you want to describe the feeling of being physically sick or experiencing nausea.
2. 오싹한 (o-ssak-han)
This expression can be used in formal situations to describe the sensation of feeling queasy or nauseated. “오싹한” can also be translated as “unpleasant” or “creepy” in certain contexts, but when used to describe a physical state, it refers to the feeling of nausea.
Informal Expressions for Nauseous
When speaking with friends or in more casual situations, using formal expressions might sound too stiff or unnatural. Here are two informal expressions you can use to convey “nauseous” in Korean:
1. 메스꺼워 (me-seu-kkeo-weo)
This is the informal version of 메스꺼운, used in conversational Korean. When speaking to friends or peers, you can say 메스꺼워 to let them know you’re feeling nauseous. It’s important to note that this expression should be used only in informal settings.
2. 토나올 것 같아 (to-na-ol geot-gat-a)
This expression literally translates to “feeling like vomiting.” While it specifically refers to the urge to vomit, it is commonly used when describing the sensation of nausea in informal speech.
Tips and Usage Examples
Here are a few useful tips and examples to help you understand how to use these expressions in context:
1. Verb + Nauseous
When describing how something or someone makes you feel nauseous, you can use the following pattern:
[Subject] + 을/를/이/가 + [Noun] + 해 (Subject + eul/reul/i/ga + Noun + hae)
For example:
이 약은 저를 메스꺼워해요. (I yag-eun jeo-reul me-seu-kkeo-weo-hae-yo.)
This medicine makes me nauseous.
2. Expressing Feelings
When talking about how you personally feel nauseous, you can use the following sentence pattern:
[비혼존대어] + [Noun] + 하다 ([Bi-hon-jon-dae-eo] + Noun + ha-da)
For example:
오늘 아침부터 메스꺼워 해. (O-neul a-chim-bu-teo me-seu-kkeo-weo hae.)
I’ve been feeling nauseous since this morning.
Remember, these are just a few examples to help you get started. Feel free to explore different sentence patterns and vocabulary to enhance your Korean language skills.
While there aren’t significant regional variations in expressing nausea, it’s worth noting that informal language tends to differ across regions and age groups. Slang and expressions can vary, so it’s always helpful to adapt your language to the people you’re speaking with to ensure effective communication.
Now that you know various expressions for “nauseous” in Korean, practice using them in everyday conversations or when you’re in need of help. Learning how to talk about how you feel will greatly enhance your communication skills and allow you to engage more naturally with Korean speakers.
Have fun learning Korean and good luck with your language journey!
