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A2 noun #9,500 most common 8 min read

콧물

Top 9,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 콧물 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 콧물 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you simply need to recognize that '콧물' (kot-mul) means 'runny nose' or 'snot.' It is a combination of '코' (nose) and '물' (water). You should learn the basic phrase '콧물이 나요' (I have a runny nose). This is a survival phrase used when you are sick or in cold weather. You don't need to worry about the complex grammar of why there is an 's' (ㅅ) in the middle yet, just focus on the meaning and the sound [kon-mul]. Imagine your nose is like a faucet and 'nose water' is coming out. This simple visual will help you remember the word easily. You might hear this word from a teacher or a friend if you look like you need a tissue. It is a very concrete noun that describes a physical feeling everyone has experienced.

At the A2 level, you should understand that '콧물' is a compound noun and be able to use it with different verbs like '나다' (to come out), '닦다' (to wipe), and '흘리다' (to let run). You should also be able to describe the 콧물 using simple adjectives like '맑은' (clear) or '노란' (yellow). You should start noticing the pronunciation rule where '콧물' is pronounced [콘물] because of the following 'ㅁ' sound. You should be able to form sentences like '감기 때문에 콧물이 많이 나요' (My nose is running a lot because of a cold). This level involves using the word to describe symptoms to a pharmacist or explaining why you need a tissue (휴지). You are moving beyond just naming the object to describing the situation surrounding it.

At the B1 level, you can use '콧물' in more complex grammatical structures, such as using it with '기 시작하다' (to start to...) or '느라고' (because of doing...). You should understand the social etiquette surrounding '콧물' in Korea, such as the preference for sniffling over loud blowing in public. You can also start using related terms like '코가 막히다' (stuffy nose) and '재채기' (sneeze) in the same conversation to give a full picture of your health. You might say, '콧물이 계속 나와서 집중을 할 수가 없어요' (I can't concentrate because my nose keeps running). You are now able to describe how the physical symptom affects your daily activities and feelings. You should also be comfortable reading the word on medicine packaging in a pharmacy.

At the B2 level, you should be familiar with the phonological rule of 'sai-siot' (ㅅ) that occurs in '콧물.' You understand that the 'ㅅ' is not just a random letter but a marker of a compound word that triggers nasalization. You can use '콧물' in idiomatic expressions or more descriptive, literary contexts. For example, you might encounter it in a novel describing a child's messy appearance or a character's intense crying scene ('콧물 눈물 범벅이 되다' - to be covered in snot and tears). You can discuss the environmental causes of '콧물,' such as '미세먼지' (fine dust) or '알레르기성 비염' (allergic rhinitis), using more professional or specific vocabulary. Your usage is no longer just about personal health but can extend to broader social or environmental topics.

At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of the word '콧물' and its place in the Korean lexicon. You can distinguish between the everyday use of '콧물' and more technical terms used in medical literature, although '콧물' remains the dominant term. You can appreciate the nuances of how the word is used in different registers, from the 'baby talk' of parents to the clinical descriptions of doctors. You can also analyze the word's structure within the broader context of Korean compound words and the 'sai-siot' phenomenon, explaining it to others if necessary. You might use the word in a metaphorical sense or in complex social critiques regarding public health policies. Your mastery allows you to use the word with perfect naturalness in any situation.

At the C2 level, you possess a native-like grasp of '콧물.' You understand its historical development and how the 'sai-siot' has been used in the Korean writing system over centuries. You can engage in high-level discussions about linguistics, including the nasalization of 'ㅅ' before 'ㅁ.' You are familiar with all possible idioms, slang, and cultural connotations associated with the word. You can write sophisticated prose or poetry where '콧물' might be used to evoke a specific image of vulnerability, childhood, or illness. You understand the subtle differences in tone when using the word in different regional dialects of Korea. Your understanding is comprehensive, covering the biological, linguistic, cultural, and historical aspects of this seemingly simple word.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

콧물 in 30 Seconds

콧물 means nasal mucus or a runny nose, formed from 'nose' (코) and 'water' (물).
Pronounced [콘물] due to nasalization rules, it's a very common word in health contexts.
Commonly used with verbs like 나다 (to run/emerge), 닦다 (to wipe), and 흘리다 (to drip).
Essential for describing cold symptoms at pharmacies or hospitals in Korea.

The Korean word 콧물 (kot-mul) is a compound noun that literally translates to 'nose water.' It refers to the mucus or nasal discharge that flows from the nostrils. While the English word 'mucus' can sound somewhat clinical and 'snot' can sound a bit vulgar, 콧물 is the standard, everyday term used by everyone from doctors to children. It is a vital word for anyone living in Korea, especially during the transition between seasons (환절기) when many people suffer from allergies or the common cold. Understanding this word involves more than just knowing its definition; it involves understanding the physical sensations and the social context of being unwell in a culture that values public health and hygiene.

Etymological Breakdown: The word is composed of '코' (ko), meaning nose, and '물' (mul), meaning water. The 'ㅅ' (siot) in the middle is a 'sai-siot' (intercalary s), a grammatical marker used in compound words to indicate a possessive relationship or to affect the pronunciation of the following consonant. In this case, it changes the pronunciation to [콘물].
Clinical vs. Casual Usage: In a hospital setting, a doctor might ask, '콧물이 많이 나나요?' (Is there a lot of nasal discharge?). In a casual setting, a friend might point out, '콧물 나와요' (You have a runny nose). It is versatile and universally accepted across all registers of the Korean language.

In Korean culture, having 콧물 is often associated with the 'yellow dust' (황사) season in spring or the freezing Siberian winds in winter. Because Korean society is densely populated, particularly in Seoul, the mention of 콧물 often leads to discussions about wearing masks (마스크) to prevent the spread of germs. It is also a word frequently found in childcare, as parents constantly monitor their children for 'yellow snot' (노란 콧물), which is seen as a sign of a more serious infection compared to 'clear snot' (맑은 콧물).

추운 날씨 때문에 콧물이 계속 나와서 휴지가 필요해요. (Because of the cold weather, my nose keeps running, so I need some tissues.)

Furthermore, the word appears in various descriptive phrases. For instance, '콧물을 훌쩍이다' describes the sound and action of sniffling. When someone is crying hard, Koreans often use the expression '콧물 눈물 다 짜다' (to squeeze out all the snot and tears), emphasizing the intensity of the emotional breakdown. This shows that the word is deeply embedded in the physical and emotional vocabulary of the Korean people.

Using 콧물 correctly requires pairing it with the right verbs. Unlike English where we say 'my nose is running,' in Korean, the 'nose water' is the subject that 'comes out' or 'is shed.' The most common verb used is 나다 (nada), which means 'to emerge' or 'to happen.' When you say '콧물이 나요,' you are literally saying 'Nose water is emerging.'

Common Verb Pairings

콧물이 나다: To have a runny nose (General).
콧물을 흘리다: To let snot run/drip (Often used for kids or uncontrolled situations).
콧물을 닦다: To wipe away snot.
콧물을 팽 풀다: To blow one's nose loudly.

감기에 걸렸는지 아침부터 콧물이 멈추지 않아요. (I must have caught a cold; my nose hasn't stopped running since this morning.)

When describing the consistency or type of mucus, adjectives are placed before the noun. For example, '맑은 콧물' (clear mucus) is typical of allergies, while '누런 콧물' (yellowish mucus) suggests an infection. If the mucus is thick, you might say '끈적한 콧물.' These distinctions are important when describing symptoms to a pharmacist (약사) or doctor (의사).

In more complex sentences, 콧물 can be part of a causal structure. For example, '꽃가루 때문에 콧물이 나요' (I have a runny nose because of pollen). Here, the particle '때문에' (because of) connects the reason to the symptom. You can also use the word in the past tense: '어제는 콧물이 많이 났어요' (Yesterday, my nose ran a lot). Mastery of these patterns allows you to communicate health issues effectively and naturally.

The word 콧물 is ubiquitous in daily Korean life, echoing through various environments from clinical settings to domestic spaces. If you visit a Korean pharmacy (약국), the first thing the pharmacist might ask if you look unwell is, '콧물이나 기침이 있나요?' (Do you have a runny nose or a cough?). This pairing of '콧물' (runny nose) and '기침' (cough) is the standard way to describe cold symptoms.

In the Pharmacy (약국): Pharmacists often categorize medicine by symptoms. You will see boxes labeled '콧물 감기약' (Cold medicine for runny noses). This is a specific category distinct from '기침 감기약' (Cough medicine) or '종합 감기약' (Multi-symptom cold medicine).
In the Classroom: Teachers often tell young students, '콧물 나오니까 휴지로 닦으세요' (Your nose is running, so wipe it with a tissue). It is a very common word in the context of childcare and early education.

약사님, 콧물이 너무 많이 나는데 무슨 약이 좋을까요? (Pharmacist, my nose is running so much; what medicine would be good?)

You will also hear this word in weather reports or health segments on TV. During the 'fine dust' (미세먼지) alerts, news anchors warn that '미세먼지로 인해 콧물과 재채기가 유발될 수 있습니다' (Fine dust can cause runny noses and sneezing). In this context, the word takes on a slightly more formal tone but remains the primary term for the physical symptom.

Finally, in the winter, it is common to hear people complaining to each other about the cold by saying, '너무 추워서 콧물이 다 나오네' (It's so cold my nose is even running). This usage highlights how the word is used to emphasize the severity of the external environment, linking physical symptoms to weather conditions.

For learners of Korean, the word 콧물 presents challenges primarily in pronunciation and verb collocation. A frequent mistake is pronouncing it exactly as it is written: [kot-mul]. However, due to the 'n-addition' and nasalization rules in Korean phonology, the correct pronunciation is [콘물] (kon-mul). Failing to nasalize the 'ㅅ' makes the word sound unnatural and sometimes difficult for native speakers to understand immediately.

The 'Running' Mistake: English speakers often try to translate 'My nose is running' directly. They might say '코가 달려요' (The nose is running/racing). This is incorrect and quite funny to Koreans. You must remember that it is the 콧물 (the water) that 'comes out' (나다), not the 코 (the nose) that 'runs' (달리다).

Wrong: 코가 달려요. (My nose is running - like a race.)
Right: 콧물이 나요. (I have a runny nose.)

Another mistake involves confusing 콧물 with 코딱지 (ko-ttak-ji). While both come from the nose, '코딱지' refers to dried mucus or 'boogers.' Using the wrong word in a medical context can lead to confusion about the nature of your symptoms. Additionally, some learners forget the 'ㅅ' when writing, spelling it as '코물.' While the meaning is clear, it is orthographically incorrect.

Lastly, be careful with the particle usage. Use '콧물이' (subject) when it is flowing naturally, but use '콧물을' (object) when you are performing an action on it, like '콧물을 닦다' (to wipe snot). Mixing up '이/가' and '을/를' is a common hurdle for A2 learners, and practicing with this specific word can help solidify your understanding of these fundamental particles.

While 콧물 is the most common term, there are several related words that describe similar or associated conditions. Understanding these will help you provide more precise descriptions of how you feel. For example, if your nose isn't running but is instead blocked, you wouldn't use '콧물.' Instead, you would use the verb phrase 코가 막히다 (ko-ga mak-hi-da), meaning 'the nose is blocked/stuffy.'

콧물 vs. 코딱지: 콧물 is liquid nasal discharge (mucus). 코딱지 is dried nasal discharge (boogers). You 'wipe' (닦다) 콧물, but you 'pick' (파다) 코딱지.
콧물 vs. 비염 (Biyeom): 콧물 is the symptom. 비염 is the medical condition (Rhinitis/Allergies) that causes the 콧물. If you have chronic 콧물, you might say, '저는 비염이 있어요' (I have rhinitis).

콧물은 안 나는데 코가 꽉 막혔어요. (My nose isn't running, but it's completely stuffed up.)

Other related words include 재채기 (jae-chae-gi) for 'sneeze' and 가래 (ga-rae) for 'phlegm' or 'sputum' from the throat. In a medical context, doctors might use the Sino-Korean term 비루 (bi-ru), but this is very rare in daily conversation and is mostly found in medical charts or formal reports.

In summary, while 콧물 is your 'go-to' word for a runny nose, being aware of '코가 막히다' (stuffy nose), '재채기' (sneeze), and '비염' (rhinitis) will round out your ability to discuss respiratory health in Korean. This level of detail is what elevates an A2 learner toward B1 proficiency.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The 'ㅅ' in the middle is called 'sai-siot.' It was historically used to indicate a possessive relationship, essentially meaning 'water OF the nose.' Today, its primary function is to signal the specific pronunciation change to [콘물].

Pronunciation Guide

UK /kʰot̚.mul/

US /kʰoʊt̚.mul/

The stress is equal on both syllables, as is common in Korean, but the nasalization makes the 'n' sound in the middle very prominent.

Rhymes With

눈물 (nun-mul - tears) 빗물 (bit-mul - rainwater) 냇물 (naet-mul - stream water) 단물 (dan-mul - sweet water) 짠물 (jjan-mul - salty water) 핏물 (pit-mul - bloody water) 찬물 (chan-mul - cold water) 약물 (yak-mul - medicine/drug)

Common Errors

Pronouncing it as 'kot-mul' with a sharp 't' sound.
Forgetting the nasalization and making it sound like 'ko-mul'.
Over-emphasizing the 's' sound in the middle.
Pronouncing the 'u' like the 'u' in 'cup' instead of 'moon'.
Failing to aspirate the 'k' at the beginning.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to read, but you must remember the 'ㅅ' is there for a reason.

Writing 3/5

Learners often forget the 'ㅅ' (sai-siot) in the middle.

Speaking 4/5

The nasalized pronunciation [콘물] is tricky for beginners.

Listening 3/5

Can be confused with other 'mul' words if not careful.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

코 (Nose) 물 (Water) 나다 (To come out/happen) 휴지 (Tissue)

Learn Next

기침 (Cough) 재채기 (Sneeze) 열 (Fever) 약국 (Pharmacy)

Advanced

알레르기성 비염 (Allergic rhinitis) 축농증 (Sinusitis) 항히스타민제 (Antihistamine)

Grammar to Know

Sai-siot (ㅅ) Insertion

코 (nose) + 물 (water) = 콧물 [콘물]

Nasalization (비음화)

The 'ㅅ' (pronounced as 't' at the end of a syllable) becomes 'n' before 'ㅁ'.

Subject Particle 이/가

콧물이 (subject) 나요.

Object Particle 을/를

콧물을 (object) 닦아요.

Causal Connective -어서/아서

추워서 (because it's cold) 콧물이 나요.

Examples by Level

콧물이 나요.

My nose is running.

Uses the subject particle '이' and the verb '나다'.

콧물 있어요?

Do you have a runny nose?

A simple question using '있다'.

휴지 좀 주세요. 콧물이 나와요.

Please give me some tissues. My nose is running.

Uses the polite request '주세요'.

아기가 콧물을 흘려요.

The baby has a runny nose.

Uses '흘리다' which means to let flow/drip.

콧물 닦으세요.

Please wipe your nose.

Uses the imperative '세요'.

추워서 콧물이 나요.

My nose is running because it's cold.

Uses '어서/아서' to show cause.

콧물이 안 멈춰요.

My runny nose won't stop.

Uses the negative '안' and '멈추다' (to stop).

콧물 약 주세요.

Please give me medicine for a runny nose.

Compound-like usage: 콧물 + 약.

어제부터 콧물이 계속 나요.

My nose has been running continuously since yesterday.

Uses '부터' (from/since) and '계속' (continuously).

맑은 콧물이 나오면 알레르기일 수 있어요.

If it's clear mucus, it could be an allergy.

Uses '면' (if) and 'ㄹ 수 있다' (can/could).

콧물을 너무 많이 흘려서 코가 빨개졌어요.

My nose turned red because I had such a runny nose.

Uses '아/어지다' to show a change in state.

콧물을 닦을 휴지가 없어요.

I don't have any tissues to wipe my nose.

Uses the future attributive 'ㄹ' to describe the noun '휴지'.

매운 음식을 먹으면 콧물이 나요.

My nose runs when I eat spicy food.

Describes a habitual action with '면'.

콧물이 나고 목도 아파요.

My nose is running and my throat hurts too.

Uses '고' to connect two symptoms.

아침에 일어나니 콧물이 났어요.

When I woke up in the morning, I had a runny nose.

Uses '니' to show discovery of a fact.

콧물이 멈추지 않아서 병원에 갔어요.

I went to the hospital because my runny nose wouldn't stop.

Uses '지 않아서' for a negative reason.

콧물이 나기 시작하면 바로 약을 드세요.

Take medicine as soon as your nose starts running.

Uses '기 시작하다' (to start doing).

환절기만 되면 콧물 때문에 고생해요.

I suffer from a runny nose whenever the seasons change.

Uses '만 되면' (whenever it becomes) and '고생하다' (to suffer).

콧물을 훌쩍거리는 소리가 거슬려요.

The sound of sniffling is annoying.

Uses '훌쩍거리다' (to keep sniffling) and '거슬리다' (to be annoying).

콧물이 노란색으로 변하면 병원에 가보세요.

If your mucus turns yellow, try going to the hospital.

Uses '으로 변하다' (to change into).

수업 시간에 콧물이 나와서 당황했어요.

I was embarrassed because my nose started running during class.

Uses '당황하다' (to be embarrassed/flustered).

콧물을 팽 풀지 말고 살살 닦으세요.

Don't blow your nose loudly; wipe it gently.

Uses '지 말고' (don't do X, but Y).

비염 환자들은 콧물을 달고 살아요.

Rhinitis patients live with a constant runny nose.

Idiomatic: '달고 살다' (to live with something constantly attached).

콧물이 멈추니까 살 것 같아요.

Now that my nose stopped running, I feel like I can live again.

Idiomatic: '살 것 같다' (to feel relieved/better).

콧물이 비치기 시작하는 걸 보니 감기 기운이 있나 봐요.

Seeing as a runny nose is starting to show, I must have a touch of a cold.

Uses '비치다' (to show/appear) and '나 보다' (it seems that).

지속적인 콧물은 단순한 감기가 아닐 수도 있습니다.

A persistent runny nose might not be a simple cold.

Uses '지속적인' (continuous) and 'ㄹ 수도 있다' (might).

콧물과 눈물이 범벅이 되어 울고 있는 아이를 보았다.

I saw a child crying, covered in snot and tears.

Uses '범벅이 되다' (to be covered/smeared with).

콧물이 목 뒤로 넘어가는 증상을 후비루라고 합니다.

The symptom of mucus flowing down the back of the throat is called post-nasal drip.

Technical term '후비루' (post-nasal drip) explained.

그는 콧물을 훌쩍이며 간신히 말을 이어갔다.

He barely managed to keep talking while sniffling.

Uses '며' (while) and '간신히' (barely).

콧물이 나면 코 주위의 피부가 헐기 쉽습니다.

When you have a runny nose, the skin around your nose is prone to getting sore.

Uses '기 쉽다' (to be easy/prone to).

미세먼지 농도가 높을수록 콧물 증상이 심해집니다.

The higher the fine dust concentration, the worse the runny nose symptoms become.

Uses 'ㄹ수록' (the more... the more...).

콧물을 억지로 참으면 귀에 압력이 가해질 수 있어요.

If you forcibly hold back a runny nose, pressure can be applied to your ears.

Uses '억지로' (forcibly) and '가해지다' (to be applied).

콧물의 점도와 색깔은 체내 염증 반응의 척도가 되기도 합니다.

The viscosity and color of nasal mucus can serve as a measure of the body's inflammatory response.

Advanced vocabulary: '점도' (viscosity), '척도' (measure/scale).

알레르기 비염의 전형적인 증상으로는 발작적인 재채기와 맑은 콧물이 꼽힙니다.

Paroxysmal sneezing and clear runny nose are cited as typical symptoms of allergic rhinitis.

Advanced vocabulary: '전형적인' (typical), '발작적인' (paroxysmal).

그는 슬픔을 억누르려 했지만, 콧물까지 쏟아지는 통에 체면을 구겼다.

He tried to suppress his sadness, but he lost face as his nose started running uncontrollably.

Idiomatic: '체면을 구기다' (to lose face/dignity).

콧물 분비물은 외부 항원으로부터 비강 점막을 보호하는 역할을 수행합니다.

Nasal secretions play a role in protecting the nasal mucosa from external antigens.

Technical vocabulary: '분비물' (secretion), '비강 점막' (nasal mucosa).

추운 겨울날, 콧물을 훌쩍이는 아이들의 모습은 옛 시절의 향수를 불러일으킨다.

The sight of children sniffling on a cold winter day evokes nostalgia for the old days.

Literary style: '향수를 불러일으키다' (to evoke nostalgia).

항히스타민제는 콧물을 억제하는 데 효과적이지만 졸음을 유발할 수 있습니다.

Antihistamines are effective at suppressing a runny nose but can cause drowsiness.

Uses '는 데' (in doing something) and '유발하다' (to cause).

콧물이 멎지 않아 연신 코를 훔쳐내는 그의 모습이 안쓰러웠다.

It was pitiful to see him constantly wiping his nose because it wouldn't stop running.

Uses '연신' (continuously/repeatedly) and '훔쳐내다' (to wipe away).

비경을 통해 관찰한 결과, 비강 내에 다량의 콧물이 저류되어 있었다.

As a result of observation through a rhinoscope, a large amount of mucus was found to be retained in the nasal cavity.

Professional medical register: '비경' (rhinoscope), '저류되다' (to be retained/pooled).

콧물의 성분 분석을 통해 호흡기 질환의 병인론적 기전을 규명할 수 있다.

Through component analysis of nasal mucus, the etiological mechanism of respiratory diseases can be identified.

Academic register: '병인론적 기전' (etiological mechanism).

문학 작품 속에서 콧물은 종종 인물의 서민성이나 해학적 요소를 극대화하는 장치로 활용된다.

In literary works, a runny nose is often used as a device to maximize a character's commonness or humorous elements.

Critical analysis: '해학적 요소' (humorous elements).

사이시옷 현상이 반영된 '콧물'의 표기법은 국어 정서법의 복잡성을 여실히 보여준다.

The spelling of '콧물,' which reflects the intercalary 's' phenomenon, clearly demonstrates the complexity of Korean orthography.

Linguistic analysis: '국어 정서법' (Korean orthography).

급성 비염 초기에는 수양성 콧물이 나타나다가 점차 점액농성으로 변하는 양상을 띤다.

In the early stages of acute rhinitis, watery rhinorrhea appears, which then gradually changes to a mucopurulent pattern.

Highly technical: '수양성' (watery), '점액농성' (mucopurulent).

콧물을 닦아내며 회한의 눈물을 흘리는 그의 모습에서 시대의 비극이 읽혔다.

In his figure, wiping away snot while shedding tears of regret, the tragedy of the era could be read.

High literary style: '회한의 눈물' (tears of regret).

비강 내 선조직의 과도한 활성화는 콧물의 과다 분비를 초래하는 주요 요인이다.

Excessive activation of glandular tissue in the nasal cavity is a major factor leading to hypersecretion of mucus.

Scientific register: '과다 분비' (hypersecretion).

콧물이라는 지극히 생리적인 현상을 통해 인간 존재의 연약함을 통찰해 본다.

Through the extremely physiological phenomenon of a runny nose, we gain insight into the fragility of human existence.

Philosophical register: '통찰하다' (to gain insight).

현대 의학의 발전에도 불구하고, 콧물은 여전히 인류가 정복하지 못한 감기의 상징으로 남아 있다.

Despite the advancement of modern medicine, a runny nose remains a symbol of the common cold that humanity has yet to conquer.

Rhetorical style: '정복하지 못한' (unconquered).

Common Collocations

콧물이 나다

콧물을 닦다

콧물을 흘리다

콧물이 멈추다

맑은 콧물

노란 콧물

콧물 감기

콧물을 훌쩍이다

콧물이 고이다

콧물을 풀다

Common Phrases

콧물이 줄줄 나다

— To have a nose running like a stream (very heavily).

추운 곳에 있으니 콧물이 줄줄 나요.

콧물 눈물 다 짜다

— To cry very hard (literally: to squeeze out snot and tears).

슬픈 영화를 보고 콧물 눈물 다 짰어요.

콧물이 쏙 들어가다

— For a runny nose to suddenly stop (often due to surprise or medicine).

깜짝 놀라니까 콧물이 쏙 들어갔어요.

콧물을 삼키다

— To sniff back snot instead of wiping it.

휴지가 없어서 콧물을 삼켰어요.

콧물 범벅

— To be covered in snot.

아기 얼굴이 콧물 범벅이 되었어요.

콧물 방울

— A snot bubble (often seen in cartoons or on sleeping babies).

아기가 자면서 콧물 방울을 만들어요.

콧물이 멎다

— For a runny nose to cease/stop.

드디어 콧물이 멎었어요.

콧물 닦이

— Someone who wipes snot (usually a parent) or a tissue.

나는 하루 종일 아이 콧물 닦이 신세다.

콧물 냄새

— The smell of mucus (rarely used but possible).

콧물에서 이상한 냄새가 나요.

콧물 자국

— Snot stains (on a sleeve or face).

옷에 콧물 자국이 묻어 있어요.

Often Confused With

콧물 vs 코딱지

콧물 is liquid; 코딱지 is solid/dried mucus. Don't tell a doctor you have '코딱지' if your nose is running.

콧물 vs 눈물

콧물 is from the nose; 눈물 is from the eyes. They sound similar because they both end in '물'.

콧물 vs 침

침 is saliva/spit from the mouth. All three (콧물, 눈물, 침) are body fluids but come from different places.

Idioms & Expressions

"콧물이 나다"

— Standard phrase for a runny nose, but also used to describe extreme cold.

날씨가 콧물이 날 정도로 추워요.

Neutral

"콧물 눈물 다 쏟다"

— To cry excessively and sorrowfully.

이별 후에 콧물 눈물 다 쏟으며 울었다.

Casual

"콧물이 쑥 빠지다"

— To be extremely exhausted or to have a very hard time.

이번 프로젝트 때문에 콧물이 쑥 빠졌어.

Slang/Colloquial

"콧물을 훌쩍거리다"

— To sniffle repeatedly, often indicating sadness or a lingering cold.

그녀는 구석에서 콧물을 훌쩍거리고 있었다.

Neutral

"콧구멍만 하다"

— To be very small (literally: as big as a nostril). Related to '코'.

방이 콧구멍만 해서 답답해요.

Casual

"콧대가 높다"

— To be arrogant or have high standards (literally: the bridge of the nose is high).

그녀는 콧대가 높아서 웬만한 남자는 쳐다보지도 않아요.

Neutral

"코가 빠지다"

— To be dejected or discouraged (literally: the nose falls off).

성적이 안 좋아서 코가 빠져 있네.

Casual

"콧방귀를 뀌다"

— To snort in derision or ignore someone (literally: to fart with the nose).

내 제안에 그는 콧방귀를 뀌며 거절했다.

Neutral

"코 묻은 돈"

— A very small amount of money (literally: money with snot on it, usually referring to a child's money).

아이들의 코 묻은 돈을 뺏으면 안 되지.

Casual

"콧물을 팽 풀다"

— To blow one's nose vigorously.

그는 시원하게 콧물을 팽 풀었다.

Neutral

Easily Confused

콧물 vs 콧물

Ends in 'mul' like many other liquids.

Specifically refers to nasal discharge.

콧물이 나요.

콧물 vs 눈물

Both are fluids caused by crying or illness.

눈물 is tears from the eyes.

눈물이 나요.

콧물 vs 땀

Another common body fluid.

땀 is sweat from the skin.

땀이 나요.

콧물 vs 피

Fluid that can come from the nose (nosebleed).

피 is blood. A nosebleed is '코피'.

코피가 나요.

콧물 vs 가래

Both are respiratory mucus.

가래 is phlegm from the throat/lungs.

가래가 끓어요.

Sentence Patterns

[Noun]이/가 나요

콧물이 나요.

[Noun] 때문에 [Noun]이/가 나요

감기 때문에 콧물이 나요.

[Noun]이/가 나기 시작해요

콧물이 나기 시작해요.

[Noun]을/를 닦을 [Noun]이/가 없어요

콧물을 닦을 휴지가 없어요.

[Noun] 증상이 심해지다

콧물 증상이 심해졌어요.

[Noun]을/를 동반한 [Noun]

콧물을 동반한 발열 증세가 있습니다.

[Adjective] [Noun]

맑은 콧물이 나와요.

[Noun]을/를 흘리다

콧물을 흘리지 마세요.

Word Family

Nouns

코 (nose)

물 (water)

콧구멍 (nostril)

콧대 (bridge of the nose)

코딱지 (booger)

Verbs

훌쩍이다 (to sniffle)

풀다 (to blow/untie)

닦다 (to wipe)

흘리다 (to shed/spill)

Adjectives

코맹맹이 (nasal-sounding)

끈적하다 (sticky/viscous)

묽다 (watery/thin)

감기 (cold)

비염 (rhinitis)

휴지 (tissue)

손수건 (handkerchief)

마스크 (mask)

How to Use It

frequency

Very high, especially in winter and spring.

Common Mistakes

코가 달려요 → 콧물이 나요
Translating 'My nose is running' literally using 'to run' (달리다) is incorrect. Use '나다' (to emerge).
코물 → 콧물
Forgetting the 'sai-siot' (ㅅ) in the middle is a common spelling error.
Pronouncing it [kot-mul] → [콘물]
The 'ㅅ' followed by 'ㅁ' must be nasalized to an 'n' sound for correct pronunciation.
Using 콧물 for a blocked nose → 코가 막혀요
콧물 refers to the liquid discharge. If the nose is just blocked, use '막히다'.
콧물이 닦아요 → 콧물을 닦아요
When you are the one doing the wiping, you must use the object particle '을'.

Tips

The Nasalization Trick

Don't try to say the 't' sound. Just go straight to an 'n' sound: [KON-MUL]. It flows much better.

Verb Choice

Always use '나다' (to emerge) rather than '달리다' (to run). Your nose doesn't run a race in Korean!

Public Etiquette

If you have a lot of 콧물, try to sniffle quietly or go to the bathroom. Blowing your nose loudly at a dinner table is often considered impolite.

Compound Words

Notice how many words end in '물' (water). 눈물 (tears), 콧물 (snot), 침 (spit - though doesn't end in mul, it's related), 땀 (sweat). Knowing '물' helps a lot!

Describing Symptoms

Use '맑은' (clear) vs '노란' (yellow) to help a doctor or pharmacist give you the right medicine.

Visual Learning

Draw a nose with a water drop. Write '코' on the nose and '물' on the drop. This visual will stick in your brain.

The 's' Bridge

When writing, think of the 'ㅅ' as a little bridge connecting the nose to the water. 콧물.

Emotional Snot

When someone says '콧물 눈물 다 짰다,' they mean they had a really emotional or exhausting time.

Buying Medicine

Look for '콧물' on the box of cold medicine at the convenience store or pharmacy.

Listen for Sniffles

The word is often accompanied by the sound effect '훌쩍' (hool-jjeok). If you hear that, the word 콧물 is likely nearby.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine your nose (코) is a faucet and water (물) is coming out of it. Together they make 'nose water' or 콧물.

Visual Association

A picture of a person with a blue water drop coming out of their nose. The drop is labeled '물' and the nose is labeled '코'.

Word Web

코 (Nose) 물 (Water) 감기 (Cold) 휴지 (Tissue) 병원 (Hospital) 약 (Medicine) 눈물 (Tears) 비염 (Allergies)

Challenge

Try to say '콧물이 나요' five times fast without forgetting the [콘물] pronunciation. Then, try to write a sentence using '콧물' and '휴지' together.

Word Origin

The word '콧물' is a native Korean compound noun formed by joining '코' (nose) and '물' (water). This is a very logical construction found in many Korean words where a body part is combined with a fluid.

Original meaning: Nose water.

Koreanic (Native Korean words).

Cultural Context

Avoid using the word '코딱지' (booger) in polite company, but '콧물' is perfectly fine and not considered gross in a medical or descriptive context.

In English, 'snot' is informal and 'mucus' is formal. 콧물 covers both, being the standard word for all situations.

The 'Snot Bubble' (콧물 방울) is a common trope in classic Korean manhwa (comics) like 'Dooly the Little Dinosaur'. K-Dramas often feature emotional scenes where actors cry so hard that 콧물 appears, which is seen as a sign of 'real' acting. The movie 'Miracle in Cell No. 7' features many scenes where characters are '콧물 눈물 범벅' (covered in snot and tears).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At the Doctor's Office

콧물이 언제부터 났나요?
콧물 색깔이 어떤가요?
콧물 때문에 잠을 못 자요.
콧물 멈추는 약 좀 주세요.

During Winter/Cold Weather

너무 추워서 콧물이 나요.
콧물이 얼 것 같아요.
밖에서 콧물을 계속 흘렸어요.
콧물 닦을 손수건 있어요?

Allergy Season

꽃가루 때문에 콧물이 나요.
봄만 되면 콧물이 안 멈춰요.
맑은 콧물이 계속 흘러요.
비염이라서 콧물이 심해요.

Taking Care of Children

콧물 나오니까 이리 와봐.
콧물 닦자, 예쁜 얼굴 해야지.
코 풀지 말고 닦아줄게.
콧물 방울이 생겼네!

Crying/Emotional Moments

콧물 날 정도로 울었어요.
눈물 콧물 다 닦아.
너무 울어서 콧물이 나와요.
콧물 훌쩍이지 마.

Conversation Starters

"요즘 감기가 유행이라는데 콧물 안 나세요? (A cold is going around lately; do you have a runny nose?)"

"비염 때문에 콧물이 너무 많이 나는데 좋은 약 알아요? (My nose is running a lot due to rhinitis; do you know any good medicine?)"

"오늘 날씨가 너무 추워서 콧물이 다 나네요. (It's so cold today that my nose is even running.)"

"아이 콧물이 안 멈추는데 병원에 가봐야 할까요? (My child's runny nose won't stop; should I go to the hospital?)"

"콧물 닦을 휴지 좀 빌릴 수 있을까요? (Could I borrow a tissue to wipe my nose?)"

Journal Prompts

오늘 아침에 일어났을 때 콧물이 났나요? 건강 상태를 적어보세요. (Did your nose run when you woke up this morning? Write about your health.)

추운 겨울날 콧물 때문에 힘들었던 기억이 있나요? (Do you have a memory of struggling with a runny nose on a cold winter day?)

비염이나 알레르기가 있다면 어떤 증상이 있는지 콧물을 포함해서 설명해 보세요. (If you have rhinitis or allergies, explain the symptoms including a runny nose.)

감기에 걸렸을 때 콧물을 멈추게 하는 나만의 방법이 있나요? (Do you have your own way to stop a runny nose when you have a cold?)

약국에 가서 콧물 약을 사는 상황을 대화문으로 만들어 보세요. (Create a dialogue of going to a pharmacy to buy runny nose medicine.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

The most common and natural way is '콧물이 나요' (Kot-mul-i na-yo). You can also say '콧물이 나와요' (Kot-mul-i na-wa-yo).

Not at all. It is a standard medical and daily term. While the substance itself might be unpleasant, the word is perfectly polite to use with anyone.

It is called 'sai-siot.' It's a grammar rule for compound words that changes the pronunciation and indicates the relationship between the two parts.

It is pronounced [콘물] (kon-mul). The 'ㅅ' and 'ㅁ' combine to make an 'n' sound.

'나다' is the general term for having a runny nose. '흘리다' implies it is dripping or running out, often used for children or when it's messy.

No, for a stuffy nose you should use '코가 막히다' (ko-ga mak-hi-da).

It is '노란 콧물' or '누런 콧물.' This usually indicates an infection.

It is '맑은 콧물.' This is common with allergies or the start of a cold.

You can say '콧물 때문에 그러는데 휴지 좀 빌려주세요' (My nose is running, so please lend me a tissue).

It's called '콧물 방울.' It's a funny term often used for kids or in cartoons.