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배고프다

A1 adjective #1,500 most common 11 min read

배고프다

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 배고프다 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 배고프다 in your Level:

At the A1 level, learners are introduced to 배고프다 as a fundamental survival word. It is one of the very first descriptive verbs taught because expressing basic physical needs is essential for any beginner. Learners at this stage focus on memorizing the standard polite present tense conjugation, 배고파요, and the casual form, 배고파. The primary goal is to be able to state one's own hunger (저 배고파요) and ask a simple question to a friend (배고파?). Vocabulary building at this stage involves pairing the word with basic time markers like 지금 (now) or meal terms like 점심 (lunch). The grammatical focus is simply on placing the conjugated verb at the end of the sentence without worrying too much about complex clauses or third-person rules. It is pure, functional communication designed to help a learner navigate a restaurant or a social situation involving food. Pronunciation practice focuses on the correct articulation of the basic syllables and the intonation difference between a statement and a question. Mastery at A1 means you can successfully communicate that you need to eat.

Moving into the A2 level, learners begin to expand their use of 배고프다 by incorporating it into slightly more complex sentence structures. They learn to use the past tense (배고팠어요) to describe how they felt earlier, and the future/presumptive tense (배고플 거예요) to guess how they might feel later. A critical grammatical addition at this level is the use of conjunctions to explain the reason for the hunger. Learners practice using 아/어서 (because) to create sentences like 아침을 안 먹어서 배고파요 (Because I didn't eat breakfast, I am hungry). They also start using intensifiers like 너무 (too/very) and 진짜 (really) to add nuance to their statements. At A2, learners are expected to handle basic social interactions around food more smoothly, such as suggesting a meal because they are hungry. The focus shifts from merely stating a fact to using the word as a conversational pivot to initiate plans or explain situations.

At the B1 intermediate level, the grammatical complexity surrounding 배고프다 increases significantly. The most important concept introduced here is the third-person rule. Learners must master the transformation of the descriptive verb into the action verb 배고파하다 when talking about someone else's hunger (친구가 배고파해요). This requires a deeper understanding of Korean psychological verbs. Additionally, B1 learners start using the word as a noun modifier (배고픈 사람 - a hungry person) to create more descriptive sentences. They also begin to encounter and use synonyms like 출출하다 (peckish) to express different degrees of hunger, demonstrating a growing vocabulary. Listening comprehension at this level involves picking up the word in natural, faster-paced conversations, such as in Korean dramas or variety shows, where it might be slurred or combined with slang. The goal is to use the word fluidly within a broader conversational context, not just as an isolated statement.

At the B2 upper-intermediate level, learners are expected to use 배고프다 and its related vocabulary with near-native fluency in everyday situations. They understand the subtle nuances between different expressions of hunger. For instance, they know exactly when to use the highly formal and honorific 시장하다 when speaking to elders or in professional settings, demonstrating cultural competence alongside linguistic skill. They can use complex grammar patterns, such as expressing regret (배고팠을 텐데 - you must have been hungry) or making assumptions (배고픈가 봐요 - they seem to be hungry). At this stage, learners also start to recognize and occasionally use metaphorical applications of the word, such as being hungry for success or knowledge, although they understand that this is less common in Korean than in English. The focus is on precision, appropriate register, and the ability to navigate complex social hierarchies using the correct vocabulary.

At the C1 advanced level, the word 배고프다 is fully integrated into the learner's vocabulary, and the focus shifts to idiomatic usage, historical context, and nuanced expression. Learners at this level are familiar with idioms like 배가 등가죽에 붙다 (stomach stuck to the back) and can use them naturally in conversation for hyperbolic effect. They understand the historical weight of words like 굶주리다 (to starve) and the cultural significance of the 보릿고개 (barley hump) period. They can read literature or news articles where these terms are used metaphorically to describe economic hardship or societal issues. C1 learners can effortlessly switch between casual, polite, and highly formal registers depending on the audience, never making a mistake with honorifics like 시장하시다. Their use of the word is indistinguishable from a well-educated native speaker, capable of employing it in humor, sarcasm, or deep emotional expression.

At the C2 mastery level, the learner possesses a comprehensive, almost academic understanding of the word 배고프다 and its entire semantic field. They can analyze the etymology of the word and discuss how the concept of hunger has shaped Korean language and culture over centuries. They can effortlessly comprehend and produce highly complex, nuanced texts or speeches where hunger is used as a central metaphor for human desire or societal deficiency. They are aware of regional dialects and how the pronunciation or usage of the word might vary across different parts of Korea. At this ultimate level of proficiency, the word is not just a tool for communication, but a lens through which to understand Korean literature, history, and the collective psyche. They can engage in philosophical or sociological discussions about food security and hunger using sophisticated vocabulary seamlessly.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

배고프다 in 30 Seconds

Basic meaning: To be hungry.
Conjugation: 배고파요 (polite), 배고파 (casual).
Third person: Must use 배고파하다 for others.
Irregular: Follows the 'eu' (ㅡ) irregular rule.

The Korean word 배고프다 is an essential descriptive verb that translates to the English phrase to be hungry. Understanding this word is absolutely crucial for anyone learning the Korean language, as food and eating hold a remarkably significant place within Korean culture, daily life, and social interactions. The word itself is a compound formed from two distinct parts: the noun 배, which means stomach or belly, and the adjective 고프다, which historically means to be empty, starved, or yearning. When combined, they literally translate to the stomach is empty, which perfectly encapsulates the physical sensation of hunger. In modern Korean society, expressing hunger is not merely a statement of physical need; it is often used as a social conversational starter, a way to bond with friends, or a precursor to making plans. For instance, friends meeting after a long day will frequently ask each other if they are hungry before deciding on any activity.

Literal Meaning: Stomach (배) is empty (고프다).
Cultural Context: Food is a central pillar of Korean social life, making this word highly frequent.
Grammatical Category: Descriptive verb (adjective), meaning it describes a state rather than an action.

When you want to use this word, you must conjugate it according to the level of politeness required by the situation. In the most casual setting, speaking to close friends or people younger than you, you would simply say 배고파. If you are speaking to an acquaintance, a colleague, or someone older than you in a standard polite setting, you would add the polite suffix to make it 배고파요. In highly formal situations, such as giving a presentation or speaking to a much older respected individual, you would use the formal conjugation 배고픕니다.

Sentence 배고프다.

Sentence 저는 지금 너무 배고파요.

It is also important to note that Korean often drops the subject of a sentence when it is clear from the context. Therefore, instead of saying 나는 배고파요 (I am hungry), native speakers will almost always just say 배고파요. The listener understands that you are talking about yourself because of the context. Furthermore, you can intensify the meaning by adding adverbs before the word. Common intensifiers include 너무 (too/very), 진짜 (really), and 엄청 (extremely). So, if you are starving, you might exclaim 진짜 배고파! (I am really hungry!).

Sentence 아침을 안 먹어서 엄청 배고픕니다.

Sentence 우리 언제 밥 먹어요? 저 배고파요.

Beyond physical hunger, the word can occasionally be used metaphorically, similar to English, to express a strong desire or yearning for something abstract, such as success, love, or victory, although this is more common in literary or dramatic contexts than in everyday conversation. For example, an athlete might say they are hungry for a win. However, for beginners, mastering the physical meaning is the primary goal. You will hear this word constantly in Korean dramas, variety shows, and daily life, making it one of the most high-frequency words you will ever learn. Practicing its various conjugations and listening for it in natural speech will dramatically improve your comprehension and conversational ability in Korean.

Using the word 배고프다 correctly in sentences requires an understanding of Korean sentence structure, conjugation rules for descriptive verbs, and the appropriate use of subject markers and adverbs. Because Korean is an SOV (Subject-Object-Verb) language, the verb or descriptive verb always comes at the very end of the sentence. Therefore, 배고프다 and its conjugated forms will almost always be the final word you say. Let us explore how to construct sentences ranging from simple to complex.

Present Tense: 배고파 (casual), 배고파요 (polite), 배고픕니다 (formal).
Past Tense: 배고팠어 (casual), 배고팠어요 (polite), 배고팠습니다 (formal).
Future Tense / Guess: 배고플 거야 (casual), 배고플 거예요 (polite), 배고플 겁니다 (formal).

The most basic sentence is simply stating the conjugated word. If you are with a friend, you say 배고파. If you want to explicitly state the subject, you would use the topic marker 은/는 or the subject marker 이/가. For example, 나는 배고파 (I am hungry - casual) or 저는 배고파요 (I am hungry - polite). However, native speakers frequently omit the subject pronoun.

Sentence 수업이 끝나서 지금 배고파요.

Sentence 어제 밤에 너무 배고팠어요.

When you want to express reasons for your hunger, you can use conjunctions like 아/어서 (because/so) or 니까 (because). For instance, 아침을 안 먹어서 배고파요 means Because I didn't eat breakfast, I am hungry. This structure is incredibly common in everyday explanations. Another crucial grammatical point is how to describe someone else's hunger. In Korean, you cannot directly state the internal feelings of a third person using a descriptive verb. You cannot say 그가 배고프다 (He is hungry). Instead, you must use the verb form 배고파하다, which means to show signs of being hungry. Therefore, the correct sentence is 그가 배고파해요 (He seems/is acting hungry).

Sentence 아이가 배고파해요.

Sentence 강아지가 배고파하는 것 같아요.

You can also use 배고프다 as a modifier to describe a noun. To do this, you change the dictionary form to 배고픈. For example, 배고픈 사람 means a hungry person, and 배고픈 고양이 means a hungry cat.

Sentence 저기 배고픈 강아지가 있어요.

By mastering these different sentence structures—simple statements, reason clauses, third-person descriptions, and noun modifiers—you will be able to use this vital vocabulary word with the fluency and naturalness of a native Korean speaker. Practice combining it with various time words like 지금 (now), 아까 (earlier), and 이따가 (later) to further expand your conversational range.

The word 배고프다 is ubiquitous in Korean society, and you will encounter it in virtually every aspect of daily life, media, and social interaction. Because food is so deeply ingrained in Korean culture as a means of showing affection, building relationships, and maintaining health, discussions about hunger are constant. One of the most common places you will hear this word is in the workplace or at school as meal times approach. Colleagues or classmates will frequently turn to each other around 11:30 AM and say, 아, 배고파요. 점심 뭐 먹을까요? (Ah, I'm hungry. What should we eat for lunch?). It serves as a natural transition from work or study into a social break.

Daily Life: Used constantly before meals to initiate plans for eating.
Media: A staple phrase in Korean dramas, reality shows, and Mukbangs.
Family: Children frequently use it to ask their parents for food.

In Korean media, particularly in reality television and variety shows, expressing hunger is often exaggerated for comedic effect. Cast members who have been completing difficult tasks will dramatically collapse and wail, 너무 배고파! (I'm so hungry!). This dramatic expression of hunger is a relatable trope that audiences love. Furthermore, in the globally popular genre of Mukbang (eating broadcasts), the hosts will almost always begin their videos by stating how hungry they are to build anticipation for the massive meal they are about to consume.

Sentence 여러분, 저 지금 진짜 배고파요. 빨리 먹어볼게요.

Sentence 엄마, 배고파! 밥 줘!

You will also hear this word frequently in the context of dating and relationships. Asking a romantic partner if they are hungry is a standard way of showing care and suggesting a date activity. A text message saying 배고파? 뭐 먹으러 갈까? (Are you hungry? Shall we go eat something?) is a classic example of modern Korean romance. Additionally, the word is used in a slightly different form when talking about the past. Older generations in Korea, who lived through times of war and poverty, might use the word to describe historical periods of national hardship, referring to the 보릿고개 (barley hump), a time of year when food was scarce.

Sentence 옛날에는 정말 배고픈 시절이 있었어요.

Sentence 오빠, 나 배고파. 맛있는 거 사줘.

Finally, you might encounter metaphorical uses in sports or business, where a team is described as being hungry for the championship (우승에 배고프다). While less common than the literal physical meaning, it demonstrates the versatility of the word. Understanding these diverse contexts—from casual office banter to dramatic television moments and historical reflections—will give you a comprehensive grasp of how truly embedded this vocabulary word is in the Korean linguistic landscape.

While 배고프다 is a foundational word, English speakers frequently make several specific grammatical and structural mistakes when learning to use it. The most prominent error stems from the fundamental difference between English adjectives and Korean descriptive verbs. In English, hungry is an adjective, so you must use the copula verb to be (I am hungry). In Korean, 배고프다 is already a descriptive verb that contains the meaning of to be within it. Therefore, a common beginner mistake is trying to add the Korean copula 이다 (to be) to the word.

Mistake 1: Adding 이다: Incorrect: 저는 배고프다입니다. Correct: 저는 배고픕니다.
Mistake 2: Third Person: Incorrect: 제 친구가 배고파요. Correct: 제 친구가 배고파해요.
Mistake 3: Spacing: Incorrect: 배 고파요. Correct: 배고파요 (as a single compound word).

The second major mistake involves the third-person rule. As mentioned previously, Korean grammar dictates that you cannot directly state the internal emotional or physical state of another person using a standard descriptive verb. You cannot know for a fact that someone else is hungry; you can only observe that they appear hungry. Therefore, saying 마이클이 배고파요 (Michael is hungry) sounds unnatural to a native speaker. You must use the verb form 배고파하다, making the correct sentence 마이클이 배고파해요.

Sentence 동생이 밥을 달라고 배고파해요.

Sentence 저는 아침부터 계속 배고팠어요.

Another frequent error is related to pronunciation and spelling. The dictionary form ends in ㅡ다 (eu-da), but when conjugated into the polite present tense, it follows the ㅡ irregular rule. The ㅡ vowel is dropped, and because the preceding vowel is ㅗ (o), you add 아요. Thus, 배고프다 becomes 배고파요, not 배고프어요. Many beginners forget this irregular conjugation and write or say it incorrectly. Furthermore, there is a slight nuance regarding spacing. While 배가 고프다 (the stomach is hungry) with the subject particle 가 is grammatically correct and often used for emphasis, the compound word 배고프다 is written without spaces. Writing 배 고파요 is technically a spelling error, though commonly seen in casual texting.

Sentence 너무 배고파서 집중이 안 돼요.

Sentence 그 사람은 항상 배고파하는 것 같아요.

Lastly, learners sometimes confuse the adjective form with the noun form. The noun for hunger is 배고픔. You would use this when talking about the concept of hunger, such as 배고픔을 참다 (to endure hunger). Using the descriptive verb where the noun is required is a syntax error. By being mindful of the lack of a copula, the third-person rule, the irregular conjugation, and the distinction between the verb and noun forms, you can avoid the most common pitfalls and use this essential vocabulary word accurately and confidently.

While 배고프다 is the standard and most versatile word for expressing hunger, the Korean language offers a rich variety of synonyms and related expressions that convey different nuances, intensities, and formalities of hunger. Expanding your vocabulary to include these alternatives will significantly enhance your ability to express yourself precisely and understand native speakers in various contexts. One of the most common alternatives is 출출하다. This word translates to feeling a bit peckish or slightly hungry. It is typically used between main meals, such as late at night or in the mid-afternoon, when you want a snack rather than a full meal.

출출하다: To be slightly hungry, peckish. Used for snack cravings.
시장하다: A highly formal and polite way to say hungry, used towards elders.
허기지다: To feel starved or exhausted from hunger.

If you are speaking to someone much older than you, such as a grandparent or a senior executive, using 배고프다 might sound a bit too direct or informal, even with the polite 요 ending. In these highly respectful situations, you should use the honorific word 시장하다. You would ask an elder, 할아버지, 시장하세요? (Grandfather, are you hungry?). This shows a deep level of respect and cultural awareness. On the opposite end of the spectrum, if you are absolutely starving to the point of exhaustion, you might use the word 허기지다. This word implies a severe lack of energy due to an empty stomach.

Sentence 밤 11시가 되니까 좀 출출하네요.

Sentence 사장님, 혹시 시장하지 않으십니까?

Another related expression is 굶주리다, which means to starve or to be famished. This is a much stronger word, often used in news reports about famine or in dramatic storytelling, rather than everyday conversation about skipping lunch. You might also hear the phrase 배가 등가죽에 붙다, which is a humorous and hyperbolic idiom literally meaning the stomach is stuck to the skin of the back. It is used to exaggerate how incredibly hungry someone is.

Sentence 하루 종일 아무것도 못 먹어서 허기집니다.

Sentence 아프리카의 굶주린 아이들을 도와야 합니다.

Understanding these alternatives allows you to navigate Korean social situations with greater finesse. You can suggest a light snack with 출출하다, show deep respect to an elder with 시장하다, express exhaustion with 허기지다, or use colorful idioms to make your friends laugh. While 배고프다 will always be your primary go-to word, incorporating these synonyms will elevate your Korean proficiency from a beginner level to a more advanced and culturally attuned state.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

Because '고프다' means to yearn or be empty, you can technically attach it to other words in poetic contexts, like '보고프다' (a poetic contraction of 보고 싶다, meaning yearning to see), though '배고프다' is the only common everyday usage.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /pɛ.ɡo.pʰɯ.da/

US /pɛ.ɡo.pʰɯ.da/

Korean does not have strong lexical stress like English, but slightly higher pitch is often placed on the second syllable 'go'.

Rhymes With

슬프다 (sad) 아프다 (sick/painful) 기쁘다 (glad) 바쁘다 (busy) 예쁘다 (pretty) 나쁘다 (bad) 크다 (big) 고프다 (empty)

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'p' in 'peu' without aspiration. It must be a strong, breathy 'p'.
Mispronouncing the 'eu' (ㅡ) vowel as an 'oo' (ㅜ) or 'uh' (ㅓ).
Adding a copula verb sound at the end instead of just conjugating it.
Spacing the word when speaking, pausing between 'bae' and 'go'.
Failing to drop the 'eu' vowel when conjugating to 'pa-yo'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy to read, uses basic Hangul characters.

Writing 2/5

The 'eu' irregular conjugation (프 -> 파) trips up some beginners.

Speaking 2/5

Pronouncing the aspirated 'p' correctly requires slight practice.

Listening 1/5

Highly recognizable due to frequency in media.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

배 (stomach) 밥 (food/rice) 먹다 (to eat) 저 (I) 지금 (now)

Learn Next

배부르다 (to be full) 목마르다 (to be thirsty) 맛있다 (to be delicious) 식당 (restaurant) 주문하다 (to order)

Advanced

출출하다 (peckish) 시장하다 (hungry - honorific) 허기지다 (starving) 식욕 (appetite) 포만감 (feeling of fullness)

Grammar to Know

'ㅡ' Irregular Conjugation: When a verb stem ends in ㅡ and is followed by a vowel (like 아/어), the ㅡ is dropped. Since the previous vowel in 배고프다 is ㅗ, it takes 아요.

배고프다 -> 배고프 + 아요 -> 배고파요.

Third-Person Psychological Verbs: Adjectives describing feelings cannot be used directly for third persons. Add 아/어하다.

그가 배고프다 (X) -> 그가 배고파하다 (O).

Noun Modifiers (Adjectives): To describe a noun, attach (으)ㄴ to the adjective stem.

배고프다 -> 배고픈 + 사람 = 배고픈 사람 (hungry person).

Reason Conjunction (아/어서): Used to state the cause of a feeling.

안 먹어서 배고파요 (I didn't eat, so I'm hungry).

Change of State (아/어지다): To express 'becoming' hungry.

배고프다 -> 배고파지다 (to become hungry).

Examples by Level

저는 배고파요.

I am hungry.

Standard polite present tense.

지금 배고파?

Are you hungry now?

Casual question form.

배고픕니다.

I am hungry. (Formal)

Formal present tense.

나 배고파.

I am hungry. (Casual)

Casual statement with informal subject '나'.

너무 배고파요.

I am very hungry.

Using the intensifier '너무'.

배고파요, 밥 주세요.

I'm hungry, please give me food.

Combining the state with a request.

진짜 배고파.

I'm really hungry.

Using the casual intensifier '진짜'.

우리 배고파요.

We are hungry.

Using the plural subject '우리'.

아침을 안 먹어서 배고파요.

I'm hungry because I didn't eat breakfast.

Using 아/어서 for reason.

어제 밤에 너무 배고팠어요.

I was so hungry last night.

Past tense polite form.

조금 배고픈데, 뭐 먹을까요?

I'm a little hungry, what should we eat?

Using 는데 for background information.

수업이 끝나면 배고플 거예요.

I will be hungry when class ends.

Future tense / presumptive form.

배고프면 이거 드세요.

If you are hungry, eat this.

Using (으)면 for conditional 'if'.

항상 이 시간에는 배고파요.

I am always hungry at this time.

Using frequency adverbs.

배고프지만 참을 수 있어요.

I am hungry, but I can endure it.

Using 지만 for 'but'.

빨리 가요, 저 배고파요.

Let's go quickly, I'm hungry.

Combining an imperative with a reason.

제 동생이 지금 배고파해요.

My younger sibling is hungry right now.

Third-person verb form 아/어하다.

저기 배고픈 고양이가 있어요.

There is a hungry cat over there.

Noun modifier form (으)ㄴ.

배고파서 죽을 것 같아요.

I feel like I'm going to die because I'm so hungry.

Exaggerated expression using (으)ㄹ 것 같다.

아무리 배고파도 이건 못 먹겠어요.

No matter how hungry I am, I can't eat this.

Using 아무리 ~아/어도 (no matter how).

배고프기 전에 밥을 먹읍시다.

Let's eat before we get hungry.

Using 기 전에 (before doing).

강아지가 배고파하는 것 같아요.

The puppy seems to be hungry.

Combining third-person form with assumption.

배고플 텐데 어서 드세요.

You must be hungry, please eat up.

Using (으)ㄹ 텐데 for strong assumption.

다이어트 중이라서 항상 배고파요.

I'm always hungry because I'm on a diet.

Using (이)라서 for reason with nouns.

할아버지, 혹시 시장하지 않으세요?

Grandfather, are you perhaps hungry?

Using the honorific synonym 시장하다.

배고픔을 참는 것은 정말 힘든 일입니다.

Enduring hunger is a truly difficult thing.

Using the noun form 배고픔.

그 팀은 우승에 매우 배고파 있습니다.

That team is very hungry for the championship.

Metaphorical usage for strong desire.

점심을 대충 먹었더니 벌써 출출하네요.

I ate lunch poorly, so I'm already peckish.

Using 았/었더니 for cause and effect, and synonym 출출하다.

배고파서 일이 손에 안 잡혀요.

I'm so hungry I can't focus on my work.

Idiomatic expression for lack of focus.

아이들이 배고파할까 봐 간식을 준비했어요.

I prepared snacks in case the children get hungry.

Using (으)ㄹ까 봐 for worry/precaution.

며칠을 굶주린 사람처럼 허겁지겁 먹었어요.

He ate hastily like a person who had starved for days.

Using the strong synonym 굶주리다.

배고프기는커녕 오히려 배가 부릅니다.

Far from being hungry, I am actually full.

Using 기는커녕 (far from).

배가 등가죽에 붙을 지경입니다.

I'm at the point where my stomach is stuck to my back.

Using the hyperbolic idiom and (으)ㄹ 지경이다.

과거 보릿고개 시절에는 배고픔이 일상이었습니다.

During the past 'barley hump' period, hunger was a daily routine.

Referencing historical cultural context.

그는 권력에 굶주린 늑대와 같았습니다.

He was like a wolf starved for power.

Advanced metaphorical use of 굶주리다.

허기진 배를 움켜쥐고 밤새워 일했습니다.

Clutching my starving stomach, I worked all night.

Using the descriptive synonym 허기지다.

아무리 시장하시더라도 진지는 천천히 드셔야 합니다.

No matter how hungry you are, you must eat your meal slowly.

Highly formal honorifics combined with concession.

지적 배고픔을 채우기 위해 끊임없이 독서합니다.

I read constantly to satisfy my intellectual hunger.

Abstract metaphorical usage of the noun form.

배고프다는 핑계로 무례하게 행동해서는 안 됩니다.

You shouldn't act rudely using the excuse of being hungry.

Using 다는 핑계로 (using the excuse that).

그 예술가는 가난과 배고픔 속에서도 창작의 끈을 놓지 않았습니다.

Even amidst poverty and hunger, the artist did not let go of the string of creation.

Literary style sentence structure.

현대 사회에서 배고픔은 단순한 생리적 현상을 넘어 사회적 불평등의 지표가 되기도 합니다.

In modern society, hunger goes beyond a simple physiological phenomenon and sometimes becomes an indicator of social inequality.

Academic and sociological discussion.

인간의 근원적인 배고픔은 물질적 풍요만으로는 결코 해갈될 수 없는 성질의 것입니다.

Humanity's fundamental hunger is of a nature that can never be quenched by material abundance alone.

Philosophical and abstract vocabulary.

그의 작품 기저에는 애정에 대한 지독한 배고픔이 깔려 있음을 엿볼 수 있습니다.

One can glimpse that a severe hunger for affection underlies his works.

Literary analysis terminology.

극도의 허기 속에서 발현되는 인간의 본성은 때론 잔혹하리만치 이기적입니다.

Human nature manifested in extreme starvation is sometimes cruelly selfish.

Advanced vocabulary like 발현되다 and 잔혹하리만치.

만성적인 굶주림에 시달리는 난민들을 위한 국제 사회의 공조가 시급한 실정입니다.

International cooperation is urgently needed for refugees suffering from chronic starvation.

News report or formal essay style.

시장기가 도는 것을 보니 생체 시계가 여지없이 작동하고 있음을 실감합니다.

Seeing that I feel the onset of hunger, I realize my biological clock is working without fail.

Using advanced idioms like 시장기가 돌다.

배곯던 시절의 향수를 자극하는 마케팅이 중장년층에게 큰 호응을 얻고 있습니다.

Marketing that stimulates nostalgia for the days of going hungry is getting a great response from the middle-aged demographic.

Using the dialect/older term 배곯다.

지식에 대한 갈증과 진리에 대한 배고픔이야말로 학자를 추동하는 가장 강력한 동인입니다.

The thirst for knowledge and the hunger for truth are indeed the most powerful driving forces that propel a scholar.

Highly formal academic rhetoric.

Common Collocations

배고파 죽겠다

배고픔을 참다

배고픈 시절

배고파하다

항상 배고프다

배고픈 소리

조금 배고프다

너무 배고프다

배고픔을 달래다

배고픈 사자

Common Phrases

배고파요?

— Are you hungry? A standard polite question.

점심 시간인데, 배고파요?

배고파 죽겠어요.

— I'm starving to death. A very common exaggeration.

아침 안 먹어서 배고파 죽겠어요.

배고파서 그래요.

— It's because I'm hungry. Used as an excuse for being grumpy.

제가 예민한 건 배고파서 그래요.

배고플 텐데...

— You must be hungry... Used to show empathy.

일하느라 배고플 텐데 이거 드세요.

배고프면 말해.

— Tell me if you get hungry. Casual offer.

게임하다가 배고프면 말해.

안 배고파요?

— Aren't you hungry? Negative question.

하루 종일 아무것도 안 먹었는데 안 배고파요?

배고파 미치겠어.

— I'm going crazy from hunger. Strong casual expression.

냄새 맡으니까 배고파 미치겠어.

배고픈가 봐요.

— They seem to be hungry. Making an assumption.

강아지가 짖는 걸 보니 배고픈가 봐요.

배고파지네요.

— I'm getting hungry. Expressing a change in state.

음식 사진을 보니까 배고파지네요.

배고프기도 하고...

— I'm hungry, and also... Listing reasons.

배고프기도 하고 피곤하기도 해서 집에 갈래요.

Often Confused With

배고프다 vs 배부르다

The exact opposite. Beginners sometimes mix them up. '고프다' means empty, '부르다' means full.

배고프다 vs 아프다

Means to be sick or in pain. Rhymes with 배고프다 and follows the exact same 'eu' irregular conjugation (아파요).

배고프다 vs 보고프다

A poetic contraction of 보고 싶다 (to miss/want to see). Shares the '고프다' root but means yearning, not physical hunger.

Idioms & Expressions

"배가 등가죽에 붙다"

— To be extremely hungry. Literally 'stomach stuck to the back skin'.

며칠 굶었더니 배가 등가죽에 붙었어요.

Informal/Humorous

"금강산도 식후경"

— Even Mt. Geumgang is seen after eating. Meaning eating is the most important thing.

금강산도 식후경인데 일단 밥부터 먹읍시다.

Proverb

"다 먹고 살자고 하는 짓이다"

— Everything we do is to eat and live. Used to justify taking a break to eat.

다 먹고 살자고 하는 짓인데 밥 먹고 합시다.

Colloquial

"허리띠를 졸라매다"

— To tighten one's belt. Meaning to endure hunger or poverty.

어려운 시절에는 허리띠를 졸라매고 살았습니다.

Idiom

"배부른 소리 하다"

— To make a full sound. Complaining when one actually has it good.

취업해 놓고 힘들다고? 배부른 소리 하고 있네.

Idiom (Antonym context)

"입에 풀칠하다"

— To paste one's mouth. To barely make a living/avoid starvation.

겨우 입에 풀칠만 하고 살아요.

Idiom

"그림의 떡"

— A rice cake in a picture. Something you desire but cannot have (like food when hungry).

저 비싼 차는 나에게 그림의 떡이야.

Proverb

"시장이 반찬이다"

— Hunger is the best side dish. Food tastes best when you are hungry.

시장이 반찬이라고, 뭐든 다 맛있네요.

Proverb

"찬밥 더운밥 가릴 때가 아니다"

— Not the time to distinguish between cold and hot rice. Beggars can't be choosers.

지금 찬밥 더운밥 가릴 때가 아니야, 아무거나 먹자.

Proverb

"목구멍이 포도청"

— The throat is the police station. Meaning one is forced to do things to survive/eat.

목구멍이 포도청이라 이 힘든 일도 참아야지.

Proverb

Easily Confused

배고프다 vs 배부르다

Opposite meaning, similar context.

배고프다 means you need food. 배부르다 means you have eaten too much.

배고파서 먹었는데 지금은 배불러요.

배고프다 vs 출출하다

Synonym for hungry.

출출하다 is a mild hunger, usually for a snack. 배고프다 is standard hunger for a meal.

배고픈 건 아니고 그냥 좀 출출해요.

배고프다 vs 시장하다

Honorific synonym.

시장하다 is only used for elders or superiors. Never use it for yourself.

할아버지, 시장하세요? (O) / 저 시장해요 (X).

배고프다 vs 허기지다

Stronger synonym.

허기지다 implies physical exhaustion from lack of food, stronger than 배고프다.

너무 배고파서 이제 허기집니다.

배고프다 vs 목마르다

Related bodily need.

목마르다 means thirsty (need water), 배고프다 means hungry (need food).

배고프고 목말라요.

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] + 배고파요.

저는 배고파요.

너무 배고파요.

[Reason] + 아/어서 배고파요.

운동을 해서 배고파요.

배고프면 + [Suggestion].

배고프면 밥 먹어요.

[3rd Person] + 배고파해요.

동생이 배고파해요.

배고픈 + [Noun].

배고픈 고양이에게 밥을 줬어요.

배고플 텐데 + [Action].

배고플 텐데 어서 드세요.

배고픔을 + [Verb].

배고픔을 참기 힘듭니다.

Word Family

Nouns

배고픔 (hunger)

배 (stomach)

Verbs

배고파하다 (to show signs of being hungry)

배고파지다 (to become hungry)

Adjectives

배고프다 (to be hungry)

배고픈 (hungry - modifier)

출출하다

시장하다

목마르다 (to be thirsty)

배부르다 (to be full)

식욕 (appetite)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely High. Top 500 most used words in spoken Korean.

Common Mistakes

저는 배고프다입니다. → 저는 배고픕니다.
English speakers try to translate 'I am hungry' literally by adding the 'am' (이다). Korean adjectives conjugate directly.
제 친구가 배고파요. → 제 친구가 배고파해요.
You cannot state a third person's internal feeling directly. You must use the 아/어하다 form.
배고프어요. → 배고파요.
Failing to apply the 'ㅡ' irregular rule. The ㅡ drops, and because of the ㅗ in 고, it takes the 아요 ending.
할아버지, 배고파요? → 할아버지, 시장하세요?
Using standard polite form to an elder is grammatically okay but culturally inappropriate. Use the honorific word 시장하다.
배고프 사람. → 배고픈 사람.
When modifying a noun, you must change the adjective stem by adding (으)ㄴ.

Tips

No 'To Be' Verb

Never use 이다 (to be) with 배고프다. It conjugates on its own.

Aspirate the 'P'

Make sure the 'p' sound in 'pa' (파) has a strong puff of air. It's not a soft 'b'.

Drop the Subject

In conversation, drop '저는' (I). Just saying '배고파요' sounds much more natural.

The 'Eu' Irregular

Memorize the change from ㅡ to ㅏ. 배고프다 becomes 배고파요. This rule applies to many words like 아프다 (아파요) and 바쁘다 (바빠요).

A Social Cue

Saying you are hungry is often a hint that you want to hang out or go get food together.

Learn the Opposite

Always learn antonyms together. 배고프다 (hungry) goes hand-in-hand with 배부르다 (full).

Third Person Rule

Remember '배고파하다' for anyone other than yourself or the person you are directly asking.

Exaggeration is Key

Don't be afraid to use '배고파 죽겠어요' (hungry to death) with friends. It's very natural.

Honorifics Matter

If talking to a grandparent, switch to '시장하세요?' instead of '배고파요?' to show respect.

Spacing Rule

Write it as one word: 배고파요. Only space it if you use the particle: 배가 고파요.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a BEGGAR (배고) PLEADING (프다) for food because he is HUNGRY.

Visual Association

Visualize your BELLY (배) with a big GO (고) sign pointing to an empty PIT (프다).

Word Web

배 (stomach) 고프다 (empty) 밥 (rice/meal) 먹다 (to eat) 식당 (restaurant) 꼬르륵 (rumbling sound) 배부르다 (full) 요리 (cooking)

Challenge

Try saying '저 배고파요' to yourself every time you feel hungry before a meal for the next week.

Word Origin

The word is a native Korean compound. It combines the noun '배' (bae), meaning stomach or belly, and the adjective '고프다' (go-peu-da), which is an archaic word meaning to be empty, starved, or yearning.

Original meaning: Literally 'the stomach is empty'.

Koreanic (Native Korean word, not Sino-Korean).

Cultural Context

Do not use the word '굶주리다' (to starve) lightly when talking to older generations who actually experienced war-time starvation.

In English, 'I'm starving' is a common exaggeration. In Korean, '배고파 죽겠다' (hungry to death) serves the exact same hyperbolic function.

The phrase '배고픈 소크라테스' (A hungry Socrates) is a famous philosophical reference in Korea, contrasting intellectual pursuit with the 'satisfied pig'. Numerous K-pop songs and dramas use the phrase '배고파' as a relatable, endearing complaint. Mukbang culture originated in Korea largely due to the social aspect of eating; watching someone eat cures both physical hunger and loneliness.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At a restaurant

저희 배고파서 빨리 나오는 메뉴로 주세요.
배고프니까 많이 주세요.
너무 배고파서 다 먹을 수 있어요.
배고파서 현기증 나요.

With friends

야, 배고프냐?
나 배고파 죽겠어.
우리 배고픈데 뭐 좀 시켜 먹을까?
배고파서 예민해.

At work/school

슬슬 배고파지네요.
배고픈데 점심 뭐 드실래요?
아침 안 드셔서 배고프시겠어요.
배고파서 집중이 안 됩니다.

Talking to a child

우리 아기 배고파요?
배고프면 맘마 먹을까?
배고파서 우는구나.
배고프지 않게 간식 챙겨줄게.

Watching TV (Mukbang)

아, 저거 보니까 배고프다.
밤에 먹방 보면 너무 배고파져.
배고플 때 보면 안 되는 영상.
대리만족 하려다 더 배고파졌어.

Conversation Starters

"지금 배고파요? 우리 같이 밥 먹으러 갈까요?"

"아침을 못 먹고 왔는데, 혹시 배고프지 않으세요?"

"저는 스트레스 받으면 배고파지는데, 땡기는 음식 있어요?"

"배고파서 그러는데, 근처에 맛있는 식당 아는 곳 있어요?"

"벌써 12시네요. 슬슬 배고파지는데 점심 메뉴 정하셨어요?"

Journal Prompts

Describe a time when you were incredibly hungry (너무 배고팠던 기억). What did you finally eat?

Write about your favorite late-night snack when you feel '출출하다'.

How does your mood change when you are hungry? Use '배고프면' (If I am hungry).

Write a short dialogue between you and a friend deciding what to eat because you are both hungry.

Explain the cultural difference between saying 'I am hungry' in your language versus Korean.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, this is a very common mistake. '배고프다' is already an adjective that functions like a verb. You do not need the 'to be' verb (이다). Just conjugate it to '배고픕니다' or '배고파요'.

This is due to the 'ㅡ' (eu) irregular conjugation rule in Korean. When a stem ending in 'ㅡ' meets a vowel ending (like 아/어요), the 'ㅡ' is dropped. Because the preceding vowel in '고' is 'ㅗ', it takes the '아' ending, becoming '파요'.

You cannot say '그가 배고파요'. Korean grammar requires you to use the verb form '배고파하다' for third-person feelings. The correct sentence is '그가 배고파해요'.

'배고프다' is the standard word for being hungry, usually implying you need a full meal. '출출하다' means feeling a bit peckish or wanting a light snack, often used late at night.

It is not rude, but it is casual (반말). You should only use it with close friends, family, or people younger than you. With strangers or older people, you must add '요' to make it '배고파요'.

Yes, but it is less common in everyday speech than in English. You might see it in news or literature (e.g., 우승에 배고프다 - hungry for victory), but Koreans more often use words like '갈망하다' (to crave/thirst for) for abstract concepts.

Food is a massive part of Korean culture and hospitality. Asking '밥 먹었어?' (Did you eat?) or '배고파요?' is a way of showing care and affection, similar to asking 'How are you?' in English.

It literally translates to 'I'm hungry to death'. It is a very common, dramatic exaggeration used to say 'I am starving' or 'I am extremely hungry'.

The noun form is '배고픔'. You create this by adding the noun-making suffix 'ㅁ' to the stem '배고프'. Example: 배고픔을 참다 (to endure hunger).

Technically, '배고프다' is a single compound word in the dictionary, so it should not have a space. However, if you add the subject particle '가', you must space it: '배가 고프다'.

Test Yourself 200 questions

writing

Translate to Korean (Polite): 'I am hungry.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Standard polite form.