Meaning
Expressing the physical sensation of thirst.
Cultural Background
In most Korean restaurants, water is 'self-service'. You will often see a sign saying '물은 셀프입니다'. If you say '목말라요', the staff might just point you to the water dispenser. Offering a bowl of cold water (Jeongsu) to a guest was the most basic form of hospitality, even for the poorest households. Koreans love hiking. It is very common for strangers to offer you water or sliced cucumbers (which are great for thirst) if you look '목말라요' on the trail. After a night of drinking Soju, Koreans often crave cold water or 'Haejang' (hangover) soup. Saying '목말라요' the next morning is a universal experience.
The '르' Rule
Whenever you see a verb ending in '르', expect it to change to 'ㄹ라' or 'ㄹ러' in the present tense. This applies to '고르다' (choose) and '부르다' (call) too!
Don't just say it to the boss
If you're with someone much older, instead of saying 'I'm thirsty', it's more polite to offer them a drink first: '물 좀 드릴까요?' (Shall I give you some water?)
Meaning
Expressing the physical sensation of thirst.
The '르' Rule
Whenever you see a verb ending in '르', expect it to change to 'ㄹ라' or 'ㄹ러' in the present tense. This applies to '고르다' (choose) and '부르다' (call) too!
Don't just say it to the boss
If you're with someone much older, instead of saying 'I'm thirsty', it's more polite to offer them a drink first: '물 좀 드릴까요?' (Shall I give you some water?)
Thirsty for attention?
In English, 'thirsty' can mean desperate for attention. In Korean, '목말라요' is almost always literal unless you are being very poetic. Don't use it as a joke for 'desperate'.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 목마르다.
날씨가 너무 더워요. 그래서 지금 ________.
The '르' irregular conjugation of 목마르다 in the polite present tense is 목말라요.
Which sentence is the most natural way to ask for water in a restaurant?
식당에서 물을 원할 때 어떻게 말해요?
'목말라요' means thirsty. '배고파요' is hungry, '목 아파요' is a sore throat, and '목이 없어요' means 'I have no neck'!
Fill in the blank in the dialogue.
가: 운동 끝났어요? 나: 네, 진짜 ________. 물 한 병만 사다 줄래?
The speaker uses '줄래?' (casual), so the answer should also be in the casual register ('목말라').
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
성공에 목말라 있다.
This is the figurative use of the phrase, meaning to have a strong desire for something.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises날씨가 너무 더워요. 그래서 지금 ________.
The '르' irregular conjugation of 목마르다 in the polite present tense is 목말라요.
식당에서 물을 원할 때 어떻게 말해요?
'목말라요' means thirsty. '배고파요' is hungry, '목 아파요' is a sore throat, and '목이 없어요' means 'I have no neck'!
가: 운동 끝났어요? 나: 네, 진짜 ________. 물 한 병만 사다 줄래?
The speaker uses '줄래?' (casual), so the answer should also be in the casual register ('목말라').
성공에 목말라 있다.
This is the figurative use of the phrase, meaning to have a strong desire for something.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it is perfectly polite. Adding '물 좀 주세요' (Please give me some water) makes it a complete and natural request.
There is no difference in meaning. '목이 말라요' is just more grammatically formal by including the subject marker '이'.
No, for a sore throat use '목이 아파요'. '목말라요' is only for needing water.
You can say '안 목말라요' or '목 안 말라요'.
Yes, '목마릅니다' is the formal (Hapsyo-che) version, but '목말라요' is usually fine.
Usually, we say '물이 필요해요' (needs water) for plants, but '목말라 보여요' (it looks thirsty) can be used poetically.
It literally means 'throat is burning'. It's a much stronger version of being thirsty.
Because it's a '르' irregular verb. The 'ㅡ' disappears and 'ㄹ' is added.
Yes, but it sounds a bit more 'serious'. You might see it in health ads or news.
Not really. '목말라요' implies water. For coffee, say '커피 마시고 싶어요'.
Related Phrases
갈증 {渴症|갈증} 나다
synonymTo feel thirst
목타다
similarTo be parched / throat burning
입술이 마르다
similarLips are dry
배고프다
contrastTo be hungry
목이 메이다
builds onTo be choked up
