Signification
Expresses a strong feeling of hunger.
Contexte culturel
Koreans often use hunger as a social icebreaker. Asking 'Are you hungry?' is a way to show concern for someone's well-being. The 'Mukbang' culture has made talking about hunger and food cravings very common on social media. Historically, the 'Boritogae' (Barley Hump) made hunger a serious community issue, leading to a culture of sharing food. In Korean companies, the team usually eats together. Saying '배가 고파요' is often the signal for the whole team to stop working and go to lunch.
Drop the '가'
In casual conversation, Koreans almost always say '배 많이 고파요' instead of '배가 많이 고파요'.
Don't say '나는'
Avoid saying '나는 배가 고파요'. It sounds like a textbook. Just say '배가 고파요'—it's obvious who is hungry!
Signification
Expresses a strong feeling of hunger.
Drop the '가'
In casual conversation, Koreans almost always say '배 많이 고파요' instead of '배가 많이 고파요'.
Don't say '나는'
Avoid saying '나는 배가 고파요'. It sounds like a textbook. Just say '배가 고파요'—it's obvious who is hungry!
Use '죽겠어요'
If you are starving, say '배고파 죽겠어요' (I'm dying of hunger). It sounds very natural and native-like.
The 'Bae' Pun
If you are eating a pear while hungry, you can say '배(pear)를 먹어도 배(stomach)가 고파요'.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing particle and verb form.
배___ 많이 ________. (I am very hungry.)
'배' ends in a vowel, so it takes '가'. '고프다' conjugates to '고파요'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to say 'I'm hungry' to a colleague?
Choose the best option:
'배가 많이 고파요' is the perfect polite but friendly level for colleagues.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 점심 먹으러 갈까요? B: 네, 좋아요. 아침을 안 먹어서 ________.
If you didn't eat breakfast, you are likely hungry (배가 고파요).
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You are starving and talking to your close younger brother.
'배고파 죽겠다' is a common casual/slang way to express extreme hunger to someone close.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercices배___ 많이 ________. (I am very hungry.)
'배' ends in a vowel, so it takes '가'. '고프다' conjugates to '고파요'.
Choose the best option:
'배가 많이 고파요' is the perfect polite but friendly level for colleagues.
A: 점심 먹으러 갈까요? B: 네, 좋아요. 아침을 안 먹어서 ________.
If you didn't eat breakfast, you are likely hungry (배가 고파요).
Situation: You are starving and talking to your close younger brother.
'배고파 죽겠다' is a common casual/slang way to express extreme hunger to someone close.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsYes, it is polite, but in a very formal meeting, you might wait for them to suggest food first.
'많이' is more common for physical sensations like hunger, while '아주' is often used for qualities.
No, for metaphorical hunger, Koreans use '목마르다' (thirsty) or '갈구하다' (to crave).
It's an 'ㅡ' irregular verb. The 'ㅡ' disappears when it meets '어/아'.
You say '배 안 고파요'.
There isn't one exact word, but people say '배고파서 화나요' (I'm angry because I'm hungry).
Yes, it's a common way to signal you want to order quickly.
It also means 'pear' and 'boat'. Context is key!
Use '배고파 죽겠어요' (I'm dying of hunger).
Mostly by older generations or in historical dramas. It sounds very elegant.
Yes, this means 'I think I'm hungry,' which sounds more indirect and soft.
You could say '조금 배고파요' (I'm a little hungry).
Expressions liées
배가 불러요
contrastI am full.
출출해요
similarI'm peckish.
시장이 반찬이다
builds onHunger is the best sauce.
배가 아파요
similarMy stomach hurts.
입맛이 없어요
contrastI have no appetite.
