At the A1 level, you just need to know that '콧물' means 'snot' or 'nasal mucus' and '나다' means 'to come out'. You can use the simple phrase '콧물나요' (I have a runny nose) to tell someone you are sick. It's a very useful phrase when you are feeling unwell in Korea. Remember that we don't say 'I have', we say 'it comes out'. Think of it like water coming out of a tap. You can combine it with '감기' (cold) to say '감기 때문에 콧물나요' (Because of a cold, my nose is running). It's a basic survival phrase for the winter or when you visit a pharmacy.
At the A2 level, you should start using particles and understanding the compound nature of the word. You should be able to distinguish between '콧물' (the noun) and '콧물나다' (the verb). You can use '콧물이 나요' with the subject particle '이'. You should also be able to use basic reasons like '추워서' (because it's cold) or '매워서' (because it's spicy). You might also learn the past tense '콧물났어요' to describe how you felt yesterday. This level focuses on using the word in simple daily conversations and at the doctor's office to explain symptoms clearly.
At the B1 level, you can use '콧물나다' in more complex sentence structures. You can connect it with other symptoms using '-고' (and) or describe sequences using '-(으)니까' (because/since). For example, '콧물이 나니까 휴지 좀 주세요' (Since my nose is running, please give me some tissues). You should also be familiar with related verbs like '훌쩍거리다' (to sniffle) or '코를 풀다' (to blow one's nose). You can describe the severity using adverbs like '계속' (continuously) or '심하게' (severely). You start to understand the nuance of when to use '나다' vs '흐르다'.
At the B2 level, you are comfortable using '콧물나다' in various social registers. You can use formal forms like '콧물이 납니다' in a professional or medical setting. You can also discuss causes like '알레르기 비염' (allergic rhinitis) or '미세먼지' (fine dust). You understand idiomatic expressions like '눈물 콧물 다 짜다' (to cry your eyes out). You can explain the 'sai-siot' grammar rule that puts the 'ㅅ' in '콧물'. You can also use the word in the future tense or as a noun modifier, like '콧물나는 아이' (the child with the runny nose).
At the C1 level, you understand the subtle nuances of nasal-related vocabulary. You can distinguish between different types of nasal discharge and use the word '콧물' in metaphorical or literary contexts. You might discuss the public health implications of '감기' and '콧물' in a societal context. You are familiar with more advanced medical terminology that a doctor might use but can still communicate naturally using common terms. You understand the historical development of the word and how the 'ㅅ' reflects middle Korean possessive markers.
At the C2 level, your mastery of '콧물나다' is indistinguishable from a native speaker. You can use it in humor, sarcasm, or deep emotional descriptions. You might analyze the phonological changes in the word (nasalization of the 'ㅅ' to 'ㄴ'). You can discuss the word's usage in classic Korean literature or modern slang. You have a full grasp of all related onomatopoeia and mimetic words (의성어/의태어) that describe the sound and movement of a runny nose in vivid detail. You can navigate any medical or social situation involving this term with perfect ease.

콧물나다 in 30 Seconds

  • 콧물나다 means to have a runny nose. It is a very common phrase for health and weather.
  • It is formed from '콧물' (nasal mucus) and '나다' (to come out/occur).
  • Use '콧물이 나요' in polite conversation. Do not use the verb 'to have' (있다).
  • Common causes include colds (감기), allergies (알레르기), and cold weather (추운 날씨).

The Korean verb 콧물나다 is a compound expression derived from the noun 콧물 (nasal mucus/runny nose) and the verb 나다 (to come out, to emerge, or to happen). In English, we translate this simply as 'to have a runny nose.' This expression is essential for daily life in Korea, especially during the change of seasons (환절기), the cold winter months, or the yellow dust season (황사). Unlike some cultures where discussing bodily fluids might be considered overly graphic, in Korea, stating that you have a runny nose is a very common and neutral way to explain why you are sniffling or why you might need a tissue.

Literal Meaning
The word literally breaks down into 'nose water' (콧물) and 'to come out' (나다). It perfectly describes the physiological action of fluid exiting the nostrils.
Common Contexts
You will use this at the pharmacy (약국) to ask for medicine, at the doctor's office (이비인후과) to describe symptoms, or when talking to friends about why you feel under the weather.

어제부터 계속 콧물나요. (My nose has been running constantly since yesterday.)

- A typical patient complaint at a clinic.

Understanding the nuance of '나다' is key. In Korean, symptoms often 'emerge' (나다) rather than the person 'having' them in the possessive sense used in English. You don't 'possess' a runny nose; the runny nose 'occurs' from you. This reflects a broader linguistic pattern in Korean where physical sensations and symptoms are often treated as events that manifest.

매운 걸 먹으면 콧물이 나요.

(My nose runs when I eat spicy food.)
The 'Siot' Rule
The 'ㅅ' in 콧물 is called 'sai-siot'. It is inserted between '코' (nose) and '물' (water) to indicate a compound word and to change the pronunciation to [콘물].

Using 콧물나다 correctly involves understanding basic verb conjugation and the use of particles. While the dictionary form is a single verb, in practice, it is often seen as the noun 콧물 followed by the particle and the verb 나다. Both 콧물나요 and 콧물이 나요 are perfectly acceptable, though the latter is slightly more formal or grammatically complete.

Present Tense
Use '콧물나요' (Polite) or '콧물나' (Informal) to describe current symptoms. Example: '지금 콧물나요' (My nose is running right now).
Past Tense
Use '콧물났어요' to say your nose was running. Example: '아까는 콧물났는데 지금은 괜찮아요' (My nose was running earlier, but it's okay now).

감기 때문에 콧물이 자꾸 나요.

(My nose keeps running because of a cold.)

When you want to express a reason, you can use the structure -아서/어서. For example, '추워서 콧물나요' (It's cold, so my nose is running). You can also use the progressive form -고 있다 if you want to emphasize the ongoing nature, though '나고 있어요' is less common than simply saying '나요'.

꽃가루 알레르기 때문에 콧물이 멈추지 않아요.

(Because of pollen allergies, my runny nose won't stop.)
Politeness Levels
Formal (Hap-sho-che): 콧물이 납니다.
Polite (Ha-eyo-che): 콧물이 나요.
Informal (Ban-mal): 콧물나.

You will encounter 콧물나다 in various real-life scenarios in Korea. One of the most common places is the 약국 (Pharmacy). When you walk in, the pharmacist will often ask, '어디가 아프세요?' (Where does it hurt/What are your symptoms?). You might reply, '콧물나고 기침이 나요' (I have a runny nose and a cough). This word is also ubiquitous in weather-related conversations.

오늘 날씨가 너무 추워서 콧물나네요.

(It's so cold today, my nose is running.)

In Korean media, such as K-Dramas or variety shows, you might hear this word used in a more comedic or exaggerated way. For example, a character might be crying so hard that they say, '눈물 콧물 다 났어요' (Tears and snot both came out), which is a common way to describe intense, messy crying. It's also frequently heard in parenting contexts, as children are often prone to runny noses.

아이들이 감기에 걸리면 콧물이 많이 나요.

(When children catch a cold, they get very runny noses.)
The 'ENT' Clinic
In Korea, for a runny nose, you don't usually go to a general practitioner. You go to the '이비인후과' (Ear, Nose, and Throat clinic). You'll hear the nurse ask about '콧물' as soon as you sit in the treatment chair.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is trying to translate the phrase 'I have a runny nose' literally into Korean using the verb 있다 (to have/exist). While you can say 콧물이 있어요, it sounds very unnatural. Koreans almost exclusively use 나다 (to come out) for symptoms that manifest from the body.

Mistake 1: Using '있다' instead of '나다'
Incorrect: 콧물이 있어요 (I have snot). Correct: 콧물이 나요 (Nasal mucus is coming out).
Mistake 2: Confusing '콧물' with '코'
Sometimes learners say '코가 나요', which would literally mean 'my nose is coming out'. You must specify '콧물' (the fluid) or say '코가 막혀요' (my nose is blocked).

Don't say: 콧물을 나요. (Wrong particle)
Say: 콧물이 나요. (Correct particle)

Another error is confusing '콧물나다' with '코를 풀다' (to blow one's nose). '콧물나다' is the condition, while '코를 풀다' is the action you take to fix it. If you tell a doctor '코를 풀어요', you are telling them you are currently blowing your nose, not describing your symptom of having a runny nose.

While 콧물나다 is the standard term, there are several related words you should know to sound more like a native speaker or to describe your condition more precisely. These range from medical terms to expressive verbs describing the sound of a runny nose.

콧물이 흐르다 (Runny nose - flowing)
This uses the verb '흐르다' (to flow). It is used when the runny nose is particularly watery or severe, literally 'flowing' down. Example: '콧물이 줄줄 흘러요' (My nose is running like a stream).
코가 막히다 (Stuffy/Blocked nose)
This is the opposite of a runny nose. When you can't breathe through your nose, use '막히다' (to be blocked).
훌쩍거리다 (To sniffle)
This describes the action/sound of repeatedly pulling nasal mucus back up. It's an onomatopoeic word.

비염(Rhinitis) 때문에 콧물이 멈추지 않아요.

(Due to rhinitis, my nose won't stop running.)

In a medical context, a doctor might use the word 비루 (Rhinorrhea), but this is extremely formal and rarely used in daily conversation. Most people stick to '콧물'. If you have a 'cold' in general, you would say 감기에 걸리다, which often includes '콧물나다' as a sub-symptom.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The 'ㅅ' in 콧물 is a fascinating grammar point. In Middle Korean, it acted like an 's' to show possession (nose's water). Today, it mostly serves to indicate a change in pronunciation (nasalization).

Pronunciation Guide

UK /kʰot̚.mul.na.da/
US [kʰon.mul.na.da]
The primary stress is on the first syllable '콧' [kon].
Rhymes With
눈물나다 (nun-mul-na-da) 땀나다 (ttam-na-da) 화나다 (hwa-na-da) 신나다 (sin-na-da) 끝나다 (kkeut-na-da) 빛나다 (bit-na-da) 맛나다 (mat-na-da) 겁나다 (geop-na-da)
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing the 'ㅅ' as a 't' or 's' sound clearly (it should be nasalized to 'n').
  • Pronouncing '물' as 'mul' with a clear English 'L' (it should be a Korean 'ㄹ').
  • Forgetting the nasalization rule between '콧' and '물'.
  • Stressing the '나' instead of the '콧'.
  • Making the 'k' sound in 'ko' too soft (it is aspirated 'kʰ').

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to read, but the 'ㅅ' can be confusing for absolute beginners.

Writing 3/5

Must remember the 'ㅅ' in the middle of the compound word.

Speaking 4/5

Nasalization makes the pronunciation 'kon-mul' tricky for those expecting 'kot-mul'.

Listening 3/5

Common word, but sounds like 'kon-mul' which might not match the spelling in a learner's head.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

코 (nose) 물 (water) 나다 (to emerge) 감기 (cold) 아프다 (to be sick)

Learn Next

기침하다 (to cough) 열나다 (to have a fever) 목이 아프다 (to have a sore throat) 재채기하다 (to sneeze) 약국 (pharmacy)

Advanced

비염 (rhinitis) 축농증 (sinusitis) 환절기 (change of seasons) 면역력 (immunity) 처방전 (prescription)

Grammar to Know

The '나다' symptom pattern

땀이 나다, 피가 나다, 눈물이 나다

Saisiot (사이시옷) in compound nouns

코 + 물 = 콧물, 배 + 길 = 뱃길

Nasalization (비음화)

콧물 [콘물], 낱말 [난말]

The '-아서/어서' cause-effect rule

추워서 콧물나요.

The '-(으)면' conditional for symptoms

매우면 콧물이 나요.

Examples by Level

1

콧물나요.

My nose is running.

Simple present polite form.

2

콧물나?

Is your nose running?

Informal question.

3

콧물이 많이 나요.

My nose is running a lot.

Using '많이' as an adverb.

4

감기에요. 콧물나요.

It's a cold. My nose is running.

Stating the cause and symptom.

5

콧물 안 나요.

My nose isn't running.

Negative form using '안'.

6

휴지 있어요? 콧물나요.

Do you have tissues? My nose is running.

Requesting an item for the symptom.

7

어제부터 콧물나요.

My nose has been running since yesterday.

Using '부터' (from/since).

8

추워요. 콧물나요.

It's cold. My nose is running.

Connecting environment to symptoms.

1

매운 음식을 먹으면 콧물이 나요.

When I eat spicy food, my nose runs.

Using '-(으)면' (if/when).

2

콧물이 나서 약을 먹었어요.

My nose was running, so I took medicine.

Using '-아서/어서' for reason.

3

아이가 자꾸 콧물을 흘려요.

The child keeps having a runny nose.

Using '흐르다' for 'running/flowing'.

4

콧물이 멈추지 않아요.

The runny nose won't stop.

Negative '지 않다' (does not).

5

감기 기운이 있어서 콧물이 나요.

I have a slight cold, so my nose is running.

Using '기운' (feeling/energy of a cold).

6

콧물이 나고 기침도 해요.

My nose is running and I'm coughing too.

Using '-고' to list symptoms.

7

겨울에는 항상 콧물이 나요.

In winter, my nose always runs.

Using '항상' (always).

8

콧물이 나면 어떻게 해요?

What do you do if your nose runs?

Asking for advice.

1

콧물이 나니까 코를 좀 풀어야겠어요.

Since my nose is running, I'll have to blow it.

Using '-(으)니까' (since) and '-아/어야겠다' (must/will).

2

어제는 콧물이 났는데 오늘은 괜찮아요.

My nose was running yesterday, but it's fine today.

Using '-는데' for contrast.

3

콧물이 계속 나면 병원에 가 보세요.

If your nose keeps running, try going to the hospital.

Using '계속' (continuously) and '-(으)면' (if).

4

알레르기 때문에 콧물이 심하게 나요.

Because of allergies, my nose is running severely.

Using '심하게' (severely).

5

콧물이 나서 목소리가 변했어요.

My voice changed because my nose is running.

Describing secondary effects.

6

콧물이 나기 시작한 지 삼일 됐어요.

It's been three days since my nose started running.

Using '-ㄴ 지 ... 됐다' (it's been... since).

7

콧물이 안 나게 하는 약이 있을까요?

Is there a medicine that stops a runny nose?

-게 하다 (to make something happen/not happen).

8

밖이 너무 추워서 그런지 콧물이 나네요.

Maybe because it's too cold outside, my nose is running.

-어서 그런지 (maybe because...).

1

콧물이 나면 집중하기가 참 힘들어요.

It's really hard to concentrate when your nose is running.

Using '-기가 힘들다' (it's hard to...).

2

콧물이 날 때마다 휴지를 챙겨 다녀요.

Every time my nose runs, I carry tissues with me.

Using '-ㄹ 때마다' (every time).

3

콧물이 나기 전에는 코가 간질간질해요.

Before my nose runs, it feels itchy.

Using '-기 전에' (before).

4

콧물이 나는 증상은 감기의 전형적인 증상이죠.

A runny nose is a typical symptom of a cold, isn't it?

Using '전형적인' (typical) and '-죠' (tag question).

5

콧물이 나서 코가 헐었어요.

My nose is raw/sore because it's been running.

Using '헐다' (to be raw/sore).

6

콧물이 멎지 않아서 고생하고 있어요.

I'm suffering because my runny nose won't stop.

Using '멎다' (to stop) and '고생하다' (to suffer).

7

실내 온도가 바뀌면 갑자기 콧물이 나요.

When the indoor temperature changes, my nose suddenly runs.

Using '갑자기' (suddenly).

8

콧물이 나더라도 마스크를 꼭 쓰세요.

Even if your nose runs, please make sure to wear a mask.

Using '-더라도' (even if).

1

환절기만 되면 비염 환자들은 콧물로 고생합니다.

Whenever the seasons change, rhinitis patients suffer from runny noses.

Using '-만 되면' (whenever... happens).

2

콧물이 나는 것은 우리 몸의 방어 기제 중 하나입니다.

A runny nose is one of our body's defense mechanisms.

Using '방어 기제' (defense mechanism).

3

극심한 슬픔에 눈물 콧물이 범벅이 되었습니다.

In extreme sadness, tears and snot were all mixed together.

Using '범벅이 되다' (to be a mess/mixed up).

4

콧물이 나지 않도록 실내 습도를 조절해야 합니다.

Indoor humidity must be adjusted so that runny noses don't occur.

Using '-지 않도록' (so that... doesn't).

5

코점막이 자극을 받으면 자연스럽게 콧물이 납니다.

When the nasal mucosa is irritated, a runny nose occurs naturally.

Using '자극을 받다' (to be irritated).

6

콧물이 끈적해지면 부비동염을 의심해 봐야 합니다.

If the nasal discharge becomes thick, you should suspect sinusitis.

Using '의심해 보다' (to suspect/consider).

7

콧물이 줄줄 흐르는 바람에 면접을 망쳤어요.

Because my nose was running like a faucet, I ruined the interview.

Using '-는 바람에' (because of - negative result).

8

콧물이 나더라도 당황하지 말고 대처하세요.

Even if your nose runs, don't panic and deal with it.

Using '대처하다' (to cope/deal with).

1

콧물이 나는 생리적 현상을 억제하기 위해 약물을 복용했다.

I took medication to suppress the physiological phenomenon of a runny nose.

Academic tone using '억제' and '복용'.

2

그는 콧물을 훌쩍이며 자신의 결백을 주장했다.

Sniffling, he asserted his innocence.

Using '-며' for simultaneous action.

3

콧물이 멎을 기미가 보이지 않아 수술을 고려 중이다.

There's no sign of the runny nose stopping, so surgery is being considered.

Using '기미가 보이지 않다' (no sign of).

4

만성 비염으로 인해 시도 때도 없이 콧물이 흐른다.

Due to chronic rhinitis, my nose runs at all times.

Using '시도 때도 없이' (constantly/all the time).

5

콧물이 나는 증상 자체보다 그로 인한 무력감이 더 힘들다.

The lethargy caused by it is harder than the symptom of the runny nose itself.

Abstract comparison.

6

찬 공기에 노출되자마자 콧물이 쏟아지기 시작했다.

As soon as I was exposed to the cold air, my nose started pouring.

Using '-자마자' (as soon as).

7

콧물이 나는 원인을 규명하기 위해 정밀 검사를 받았다.

I underwent a detailed examination to identify the cause of the runny nose.

Formal '규명하다' (to identify/clarify).

8

콧물조차 말라버린 듯한 극심한 건조함이 느껴졌다.

I felt an extreme dryness as if even my nasal mucus had dried up.

Metaphorical usage.

Common Collocations

콧물이 줄줄 나다
콧물을 닦다
콧물을 풀다
콧물을 들이마시다
콧물이 멈추다
심한 콧물
누런 콧물
맑은 콧물
콧물 약
콧물이 나기 시작하다

Common Phrases

콧물이 나요

— My nose is running. (Standard polite)

선생님, 저 콧물이 나요.

콧물나서 죽겠어요

— My runny nose is killing me. (Exaggerated/Informal)

아우, 콧물나서 죽겠네.

콧물 좀 닦아

— Wipe your nose. (To a child or close friend)

얘야, 콧물 좀 닦아라.

콧물이 쏙 빠지다

— To have a very severe runny nose (often from cold).

추운 데 있었더니 콧물이 쏙 빠졌어.

콧물이 찔끔 나다

— A little bit of snot came out.

매운 걸 한 입 먹었더니 콧물이 찔끔 났다.

콧물이 멈추질 않네요

— The runny nose just won't stop.

환절기라 그런지 콧물이 멈추질 않네요.

콧물 범벅

— Covered in snot.

아이가 울어서 얼굴이 콧물 범벅이 됐어요.

콧물 감기

— A cold characterized by a runny nose.

이번에 콧물 감기가 유행이래요.

콧물 때문에 코가 빨개지다

— One's nose turning red because of the runny nose.

콧물 때문에 코가 빨개졌어요.

콧물을 참다

— To try to hold back a runny nose.

수업 중에 콧물을 참느라 힘들었어요.

Often Confused With

콧물나다 vs 코가 나다

Incorrect. You must say '콧물이 나다'. '코' is the organ, '콧물' is the fluid.

콧물나다 vs 콧바람

This means 'the breath from the nose' or 'excitement', not a runny nose.

콧물나다 vs 코딱지

This means 'booger' (dried mucus). '콧물' is liquid.

Idioms & Expressions

"눈물 콧물 다 짜다"

— To cry very hard, involving both tears and snot.

슬픈 영화를 보고 눈물 콧물 다 짰어요.

Informal
"콧물이 쏙 빠지게 춥다"

— To be so cold that your nose runs immediately.

오늘 날씨는 콧물이 쏙 빠지게 춥네요.

Colloquial
"콧대만 높다"

— To be haughty/proud (Related to 'nose' but uses '콧대').

그 사람은 콧대만 높아서 친구가 없어요.

Common
"코 묻은 돈"

— Small change (literally 'snot-stained money' from children).

아이들 코 묻은 돈을 뺏으면 안 되지.

Informal
"코가 납작해지다"

— To lose one's pride/to be humbled.

그는 이번 경쟁에서 지고 코가 납작해졌다.

Common
"콧구멍만 하다"

— To be very small (literally 'size of a nostril').

방이 콧구멍만 해서 답답해요.

Informal
"코앞에 닥치다"

— To be imminent (right in front of the nose).

시험이 코앞에 닥쳤어요.

Common
"코를 빠뜨리다"

— To spoil a plan/mood (literally 'drop snot into it').

다 된 밥에 코 빠뜨리지 마라.

Proverbial
"콧노래를 부르다"

— To hum a tune (happy).

기분이 좋아서 콧노래를 불렀어요.

Neutral
"코를 골다"

— To snore.

남편이 코를 너무 심하게 골아요.

Neutral

Easily Confused

콧물나다 vs 기침

Both are cold symptoms.

기침 is a cough (from the throat), 콧물 is a runny nose (from the nose).

기침은 안 하는데 콧물은 나요.

콧물나다 vs 가래

Both are types of mucus.

가래 is phlegm from the throat/lungs, 콧물 is from the nose.

목에 가래가 끼고 콧물도 나요.

콧물나다 vs 눈물

Both are 'water' (물) from the face.

눈물 is tears from the eyes, 콧물 is from the nose.

슬퍼서 눈물 콧물이 다 나와요.

콧물나다 vs

Both use '나다'.

땀 is sweat from the skin.

더워서 땀이 나고 감기 때문에 콧물도 나요.

콧물나다 vs

Both use '나다'.

피 is blood. '코피가 나다' is a nosebleed.

코를 너무 세게 풀어서 코피가 났어요.

Sentence Patterns

A1

[Noun] 때문에 콧물나요.

감기 때문에 콧물나요.

A2

[Reason-아서/어서] 콧물이 나요.

추워서 콧물이 나요.

B1

콧물이 나서 [Action].

콧물이 나서 약을 먹었어요.

B2

콧물이 날 때마다 [Action].

콧물이 날 때마다 휴지로 닦아요.

C1

콧물이 나는 것은 [Explanation].

콧물이 나는 것은 몸이 안 좋다는 신호예요.

C2

콧물이 멎을 기미가 [Verb].

콧물이 멎을 기미가 안 보이네요.

B1

콧물이 나기 시작하다

어제부터 콧물이 나기 시작했어요.

A2

콧물이 안 나요

이제 콧물이 안 나요.

Word Family

Nouns

콧물 (nasal mucus)
코 (nose)
물 (water)
비염 (rhinitis)
감기 (cold)

Verbs

나다 (to emerge)
흐르다 (to flow)
풀다 (to blow)
닦다 (to wipe)
멎다 (to stop)

Adjectives

끈적하다 (sticky)
맑다 (clear)
심하다 (severe)
간지럽다 (itchy)

Related

휴지 (tissue)
손수건 (handkerchief)
약 (medicine)
병원 (hospital)
마스크 (mask)

How to Use It

frequency

Very high, especially in winter and spring.

Common Mistakes
  • 콧물을 나요 콧물이 나요

    You cannot use the object particle '를' because '나다' is an intransitive verb. The snot is the subject.

  • 콧물이 있어요 콧물이 나요

    While '있어요' is grammatically possible, it sounds like you are possessing snot rather than experiencing the symptom.

  • 콧물해요 콧물나요

    You cannot use '하다' with '콧물'. Symptoms like this always use '나다'.

  • 코가 나요 콧물이 나요

    '코가 나다' would mean your actual nose is emerging. You must include '물' (water).

  • 콧물나다 (pronounced kot-mul-na-da) [콘물나다]

    Failure to apply nasalization makes the speech sound very 'foreign' and hard to understand.

Tips

Subject Particle

Always use '이' with '콧물' in the phrase '콧물이 나다'. It is the subject of the sentence.

Nasalization

Remember the pronunciation is [콘물]. This happens whenever 'ㅅ' meets 'ㅁ'.

Blowing vs Running

Don't confuse '콧물이 나다' (symptom) with '코를 풀다' (action of blowing).

Mask Culture

If you have a runny nose in Korea, wearing a mask is considered very polite to others.

Spicy Food

Don't be surprised if your nose runs while eating Korean food; it's a common 'compliment' to the spice!

ENT Clinics

Koreans go to specialized ENT clinics for even minor runny noses, rather than general doctors.

Crying Hard

Use '눈물 콧물' together to describe someone crying very intensely.

Alternative

You can also say '코가 나오다' in very informal or child-directed speech.

The Hidden ㅅ

In the word '콧물', the 'ㅅ' is often called 'the middle s'. It's essential for correct spelling.

Watery Nose

Just remember 'Nose Water' = 콧물. It's the most logical way to memorize it.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'COld' and 'WATER'. 'CO' (코) sounds like the start of Cold, and 'MUL' (물) is Water. When you have a COld, WATER (MUL) comes out of your nose.

Visual Association

Imagine a faucet (나다) attached to a nose (코) leaking water (물).

Word Web

Cold Snot Tissue Winter Allergy Sneeze Doctor Pharmacy

Challenge

Try to say '콧물이 나요' five times fast without messing up the 'kon-mul' pronunciation.

Word Origin

A compound of the native Korean words '코' (nose) and '물' (water). The 'ㅅ' is a historical genitive marker (saisiot) used to link two nouns.

Original meaning: Literally 'nose-water emerging'.

Native Korean (Altaic/Koreanic).

Cultural Context

While '콧물' is a neutral medical term, avoid using it in very formal dining settings unless necessary. Use '코가 안 좋아요' (My nose isn't good) as a more polite euphemism if needed.

In English, we often say 'My nose is running,' using a personification of the nose itself. In Korean, the focus is on the fluid (the snot) emerging.

The movie 'Way Back Home' features children with runny noses to show poverty/tough life. K-drama characters often have runny noses while crying in winter 'pojangmacha' (street stalls). Many Korean children's songs mention '콧물' when talking about winter.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At the Pharmacy

  • 콧물 약 주세요.
  • 콧물이 너무 많이 나요.
  • 졸리지 않은 콧물 약이 있나요?
  • 콧물이 멈추지 않아요.

In Winter

  • 추워서 콧물나요.
  • 밖은 콧물이 쏙 빠지게 춥네요.
  • 콧물이 얼 것 같아요.
  • 겨울엔 항상 콧물이 나요.

With Allergies

  • 꽃가루 때문에 콧물나요.
  • 알레르기 비염이라 콧물이 나요.
  • 봄만 되면 콧물이 나요.
  • 맑은 콧물이 계속 흘러요.

Eating Spicy Food

  • 매워서 콧물나요.
  • 이 음식은 콧물이 날 정도로 맵네요.
  • 콧물 닦으면서 먹고 있어요.
  • 매운 거 먹으면 콧물나는 타입이에요.

Crying

  • 눈물 콧물 다 났어요.
  • 너무 울어서 콧물이 나요.
  • 콧물 닦고 진정해.
  • 울음 섞인 콧물이 나와요.

Conversation Starters

"요즘 감기가 유행이라는데, 콧물 안 나요? (Colds are going around lately, is your nose running?)"

"오늘 날씨 정말 춥죠? 콧물이 다 나네요. (Today is really cold, isn't it? My nose is even running.)"

"매운 거 잘 드세요? 저는 매운 거 먹으면 콧물나거든요. (Do you eat spicy food well? Because my nose runs when I eat it.)"

"비염 있으세요? 콧물을 계속 훌쩍이시네요. (Do you have rhinitis? You keep sniffling.)"

"아이 감기는 좀 어때요? 아직도 콧물나요? (How is the child's cold? Is their nose still running?)"

Journal Prompts

오늘 아침에 일어났을 때 콧물이 났나요? 기분이 어땠는지 써 보세요. (Did your nose run when you woke up this morning? Write about how you felt.)

감기에 걸렸을 때 콧물 때문에 힘들었던 경험을 적어 보세요. (Write about an experience where you struggled with a runny nose while sick.)

한국의 약국에서 콧물 약을 사는 상황극을 글로 써 보세요. (Write a role-play script of buying cold medicine at a Korean pharmacy.)

환절기에 건강을 지키기 위해 무엇을 하는지 콧물과 관련하여 써 보세요. (Write about what you do to stay healthy during the change of seasons, in relation to runny noses.)

가장 매운 음식을 먹었을 때 콧물이 났던 기억을 묘사해 보세요. (Describe a memory of your nose running when you ate the spiciest food.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

In Korean, when two nouns are combined, a 'ㅅ' (saisiot) is often added to indicate a compound word and to reflect a change in pronunciation. It's a standard grammar rule for native words.

No, that's a literal translation of 'I have a runny nose' and it's incorrect. Use '콧물이 나요' (It emerges).

콧물나다 is general. 콧물이 흐르다 (to flow) implies it's very watery and literally dripping down.

Generally, it's better to avoid it, but with close family, it's not a huge taboo. However, blowing your nose loudly is usually frowned upon.

You should go to an 이비인후과 (Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist).

Use '코가 막혔어요'.

It is a verb because '나다' (to emerge) is an action/occurrence.

Not necessarily. It can happen because of cold air, spicy food, or crying.

누런 콧물. It usually indicates an infection.

휴지 좀 주세요.

Test Yourself 180 questions

writing

Translate: 'My nose is running.'

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

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'I have a runny nose because of a cold.'

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writing

Translate: 'Please give me some runny nose medicine.'

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writing

Translate: 'My nose was running yesterday.'

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writing

Translate: 'The runny nose won't stop.'

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writing

Translate: 'My nose runs when it's cold.'

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writing

Write a sentence using '콧물' and '휴지'.

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writing

Translate: 'I keep sniffling.'

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writing

Translate: 'My nose is running and I have a fever.'

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writing

Translate: 'Don't blow your nose too hard.'

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writing

Translate: 'My voice changed because of a runny nose.'

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writing

Translate: 'I have rhinitis symptoms.'

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writing

Translate: 'Is there medicine that isn't drowsy?'

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writing

Translate: 'My nose runs whenever I eat spicy food.'

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writing

Translate: 'I cried so much that my nose ran.'

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writing

Translate: 'The child is covered in snot.'

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writing

Translate: 'It's been three days since my nose started running.'

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writing

Translate: 'I need to go to the ENT clinic.'

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writing

Translate: 'My nose is raw from blowing it.'

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writing

Translate: 'Even if your nose runs, wear a mask.'

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speaking

Say 'My nose is running' in polite Korean.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'I have a runny nose because it's cold.'

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speaking

Ask a pharmacist for runny nose medicine.

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speaking

Tell a friend your nose was running yesterday.

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speaking

Explain that you have allergies and your nose won't stop running.

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speaking

Ask someone if they have a tissue because your nose is running.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'My nose runs when I eat spicy food.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Tell your mom that the baby has a runny nose.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'I should go to the hospital because of my runny nose.'

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speaking

Say 'I'm sniffling because of rhinitis.'

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speaking

Say 'My nose is blocked and it's hard to breathe.'

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speaking

Ask a doctor how to stop a runny nose.

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speaking

Say 'I cried so much I have a runny nose.'

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speaking

Say 'It's so cold my nose is running.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Tell a child to wipe their nose.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'My nose is raw from blowing it too much.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'I have a head cold.'

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speaking

Ask if the medicine makes you sleepy.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'My nose stopped running.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'I'm carrying tissues because my nose is running.'

Read this aloud:

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listening

Transcribe: 콧물이 나요.

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listening

Transcribe: 감기 때문에 콧물나요.

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listening

Transcribe: 콧물 약 좀 주세요.

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listening

Transcribe: 콧물이 멈추지 않아요.

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listening

Transcribe: 추워서 콧물이 줄줄 흘러요.

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listening

Transcribe: 매워서 콧물나네요.

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listening

Transcribe: 비염 증상이 심해요.

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listening

Transcribe: 휴지로 콧물을 닦으세요.

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listening

Transcribe: 콧물 나서 병원 가요.

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listening

Transcribe: 어제부터 콧물났어요.

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listening

Transcribe: 눈물 콧물 다 났어.

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listening

Transcribe: 코를 너무 세게 풀지 마.

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listening

Transcribe: 콧물이 멎을 것 같아.

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listening

Transcribe: 콧물 나기 시작했어.

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listening

Transcribe: 이번 감기는 콧물이 심해.

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/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

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