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속이 안 좋다

A2 adjective #3,500 most common 7 min read

속이 안 좋다

Top 3,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 속이 안 좋다 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 속이 안 좋다 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn '속이 안 좋다' as a fixed phrase to say when you feel sick in your stomach. It is very useful for basic survival, like telling a teacher or a friend why you cannot eat. You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet. Just remember the polite form: '속이 안 좋아요.' Use it when you feel nauseous or after eating too much. It is simpler than explaining exactly what is wrong. Think of it as 'I feel sick' but specifically for your stomach area. You will likely see this in early chapters of textbooks about health or daily life. Practice saying it slowly: sok-i-an-jo-a-yo.

At the A2 level, you can begin to use '속이 안 좋다' with simple connectors like '-아서/어서' (because) to explain your situation. For example, '속이 안 좋아서 병원에 가요' (I am going to the hospital because my stomach is upset). You should also understand the difference between this and '배가 아프다' (stomach ache). At this level, you should be able to conjugate it into the past tense ('속이 안 좋았어요') and use it in basic questions to ask others how they feel. You might also start hearing related words like '소화제' (digestive medicine) in the same context. It's a key phrase for describing physical conditions in simple conversations.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using '속이 안 좋다' in various social and semi-formal contexts. You can use it to decline invitations politely or explain a lack of appetite in more detail. You should also understand variations like '속이 좋지 않다' (the more formal '지 않다' negation) and how to use it with more complex grammar patterns like '-(으)ㄴ 것 같다' (it seems like). For example, '어제부터 속이 안 좋은 것 같아요' (It seems my stomach has been upset since yesterday). You should also be aware of cultural responses, such as the suggestion to drink plum tea or get acupuncture, and be able to respond to those suggestions using this vocabulary.

At the B2 level, you can distinguish '속이 안 좋다' from more specific terms like '속이 더부룩하다' (bloated), '속이 쓰리다' (heartburn), and '울렁거리다' (nauseous). You should be able to use it metaphorically to describe a feeling of psychological discomfort or guilt, though the physical meaning remains primary. You can discuss health issues more fluently, using the phrase within complex sentence structures involving hypothetical situations, such as '기름진 것을 계속 먹으면 속이 안 좋아질 수밖에 없어요' (If you keep eating greasy things, your stomach can't help but feel unwell). You should also be familiar with how this phrase appears in news reports or health articles.

At the C1 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of '속이 안 좋다' and its place within the broader spectrum of Korean medical and idiomatic expressions. You can use it to discuss chronic conditions or psychosomatic symptoms in a professional or academic setting. You should understand how the word '속' functions in various idioms and how '안 좋다' can be replaced by more sophisticated verbs or adjectives in literary contexts. You can also analyze the cultural implications of 'sok' (the inner self) and how physical ailments of the 'sok' are often linked to emotional state in the Korean worldview. Your usage should be indistinguishable from a native speaker's in terms of register and context.

At the C2 level, you possess a masterly command of the phrase '속이 안 좋다' and all its variations. You can appreciate its use in classical and modern literature, where it might be used to symbolize a character's internal conflict or a decaying social state. You are capable of explaining the historical etymology of the components and how the phrase has evolved in modern slang or medical jargon. You can use the phrase with perfect precision in any register, from the most informal banter to high-level medical consultations or philosophical debates about the mind-body connection in Korean culture. You understand the subtle differences in tone between '속이 불편하다', '속이 안 좋다', and '위장이 좋지 않다' perfectly.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

속이 안 좋다 in 30 Seconds

Used for nausea, bloating, and general stomach discomfort.
Literally means 'the inside is not good.'
Different from 'baega apeuda' (sharp stomach pain).
Commonly used for hangovers and motion sickness.

The Korean phrase 속이 안 좋다 (sogi an jota) is a ubiquitous expression used to describe a general sense of gastrointestinal discomfort. To understand it fully, one must break down the components: 속 (sok) means 'inside' or 'interior,' often referring specifically to the stomach or digestive tract in medical contexts; 이 (i) is the subject marker; 안 (an) is a negation adverb meaning 'not'; and 좋다 (jota) means 'good.' Therefore, it literally translates to 'the inside is not good.' However, in daily life, its application is far broader than a simple stomach ache. It is the go-to phrase for nausea, indigestion, bloating, or even the uneasy feeling one gets after eating something that doesn't agree with them. Unlike the more specific 배가 아프다 (baega apeuda), which implies a sharper, localized pain in the abdomen, 속이 안 좋다 suggests a more systemic, internal malaise.

Literal Meaning: The inside is not good / The stomach is not well.
Functional Usage: Used to express nausea, indigestion, or general digestive discomfort.

어제 술을 너무 많이 마셔서 속이 안 좋아요. (I drank too much yesterday, so my stomach feels unwell.)

In Korean culture, where communal dining and spicy, fermented foods are central, digestive health is a frequent topic of conversation. You will hear this phrase in social settings when someone is politely declining more food, in pharmacies when seeking over-the-counter relief, or in the workplace when someone is feeling under the weather. It is also the primary way to describe a hangover (숙취). Because '속' also refers to one's inner feelings or heart, the phrase can occasionally be used metaphorically to describe feeling 'sick' or 'uncomfortable' about a situation, though its physical meaning is far more common. When someone says this, the typical response is to offer tea, suggest a digestive aid (소화제), or advise them to rest.

기름진 음식을 먹었더니 속이 안 좋다. (Since I ate greasy food, my stomach feels upset.)

Using 속이 안 좋다 effectively requires understanding basic Korean conjugation and the use of particles. Since it is a descriptive phrase acting as an adjective, it follows the rules of 좋다. In polite daily conversation, you will most often use the -아요/어요 ending: 속이 안 좋아요. In formal settings, such as talking to a doctor or a superior, you would use 속이 안 좋습니다. For past tense, to describe how you felt earlier, use 속이 안 좋았어요. It is important to note that '속' takes the subject marker '이' because it is the thing that 'is not good.'

Polite Present: 속이 안 좋아요 (sogi an joayo)
Formal Present: 속이 안 좋습니다 (sogi an jotsumnida)
Past Tense: 속이 안 좋았어요 (sogi an joasseoyo)

아침부터 속이 안 좋아서 점심을 못 먹겠어요. (My stomach has been upset since morning, so I don't think I can eat lunch.)

The phrase is often combined with reason-giving connectors like -아서/어서 (because) or -(으)니까 (since). For example, 속이 안 좋아서 약을 먹었어요 (I took medicine because my stomach was upset). You can also use it in a question to check on someone else: 속이 안 좋으세요? (Is your stomach upset? - using the honorific -으세요). In casual speech (banmal), you simply say 속이 안 좋아. Another common variation is 속이 좋지 않다, which is more formal and often found in writing or prepared speeches.

차가운 걸 많이 먹으면 속이 안 좋을 수 있어요. (If you eat a lot of cold things, your stomach might feel upset.)

You will encounter 속이 안 좋다 in a variety of real-life scenarios in Korea. One of the most common places is the 약국 (yak-guk, pharmacy). If you walk into a pharmacy and tell the pharmacist "속이 좀 안 좋아요," they will immediately know you need a digestive aid or something for nausea. In the workplace, this phrase is frequently used as a reason for skipping a team lunch (회식) or leaving early. Because it is a vague but socially acceptable ailment, it is often used when one doesn't want to go into graphic detail about their symptoms. In Korean dramas and films, you'll see characters clutching their chest or upper stomach while saying this, often after a stressful encounter or a night of heavy drinking.

At the Pharmacy: "약사님, 아침부터 속이 안 좋은데 약 좀 주세요." (Pharmacist, my stomach has been upset since morning, please give me some medicine.)
In Social Settings: "미안해요, 오늘 속이 안 좋아서 많이 못 먹겠어요." (I'm sorry, my stomach is upset today so I can't eat much.)

버스만 타면 속이 안 좋아져요. (Whenever I ride the bus, my stomach starts feeling unwell / I get motion sickness.)

Another specific context is motion sickness. While there is a specific word for motion sickness (멀미), people often describe the resulting feeling as 속이 안 좋다. Similarly, if someone is pregnant and experiencing morning sickness, they might describe their state using this phrase. It is also common in the context of 'stress-induced' indigestion, which is a frequent complaint in high-pressure Korean environments. If someone looks pale or is massaging their hands (a traditional Korean home remedy for indigestion involves pressing the fleshy part between the thumb and index finger), they are likely experiencing 속이 안 좋은 state.

One of the most frequent mistakes for English speakers is confusing 속이 안 좋다 with 배가 아프다. While both involve the midsection, they are not interchangeable. 배가 아프다 (baega apeuda) literally means 'stomach hurts' and is used for sharp pains, cramps, or a 'belly ache.' If you have a stomach virus or food poisoning that causes sharp pain, you use 배가 아프다. If you feel bloated, nauseous, or just 'off' in the digestive sense, 속이 안 좋다 is much more natural. Using 배가 아프다 when you actually feel nauseous might lead a Korean speaker to think you have a cramp or a muscle pull.

Mistake: Wrong Particle: Saying "속을 안 좋아요" instead of "속이 안 좋아요." '좋다' is an adjective, so it takes the subject marker '이/가', not the object marker '을/를'.
Mistake: Overusing it for Pain: Using this phrase for a sharp pain from an injury or severe cramps. Use '아프다' for actual pain.

❌ 속을 안 좋아요. (Incorrect)
✅ 속이 안 좋아요. (Correct)

Another nuance mistake is failing to distinguish between '속이 안 좋다' and '체하다' (che-hada). 체하다 is a specific term for acute indigestion where food feels 'stuck.' While you can say 속이 안 좋다 when you have indigestion, 체하다 is more precise. Furthermore, beginners often forget to conjugate '좋다' properly in different levels of politeness, sometimes using the root form '좋다' in speech, which sounds like a book title or a monologue rather than a natural conversation. Always remember to add the appropriate ending like -아요 or -습니다.

Korean has a rich vocabulary for bodily sensations, and there are several alternatives to 속이 안 좋다 depending on the specific feeling. Understanding these will help you sound more like a native speaker. For instance, if you feel specifically like you want to throw up, you might use 속이 미식거리다 (misik-georida) or 속이 울렁거리다 (ulleong-georida). If you feel bloated or like your digestion is slow, 속이 더부룩하다 (deoburukhada) is the perfect choice. This is often used after eating too much flour-based food or heavy meals.

속이 더부룩하다: Used when feeling bloated or having heavy indigestion. Often used when food feels like it's not moving.
속이 울렁거리다: Used for nausea or when your stomach feels 'wavy' (like motion sickness or sea sickness).
소화가 안 되다: Literally 'digestion is not happening.' A more clinical way to say you have indigestion.

빵을 너무 많이 먹었더니 속이 더부룩해요. (I ate too much bread, so my stomach feels bloated/heavy.)

On the opposite side, when your stomach feels great or settled, you say 속이 편하다 (sogi pyeonhada), meaning 'the inside is comfortable.' This is often used after eating light food like porridge (죽) or when a previously upset stomach has finally settled. If you want to describe a 'burning' sensation (like heartburn), you would use 속이 쓰리다 (sogi sseurida). This is a very common complaint after eating extremely spicy food or drinking too much alcohol on an empty stomach. Knowing these distinctions allows you to communicate your physical state with much higher precision in a medical or social context.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In pre-modern Korea, the 'sok' was considered the center of both physical health and emotional truth. This is why many Korean idioms about feelings also use the word 'sok.'

Pronunciation Guide

UK /sʰo̞ɡi an d͡ʑo̞tʰa̠/

US /soʊɡi ɑn dʒoʊtɑ/

The primary stress is on '안' (an) to emphasize the negation, and '좋' (jo) in '좋다'.

Rhymes With

목이 안 좋다 (mogi an jota) - throat is not good 운이 좋다 (uni jota) - to be lucky 기분이 좋다 (gibuni jota) - to feel good 날씨가 좋다 (nalssiga jota) - weather is good 사이 사이 (sai sai) 고기 (gogi) 보기 (bogi) 오기 (ogi)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'sok-i' as two separate words with a hard break.
Forgetting to aspirate the 't' in 'jota'.
Pronouncing 'an' like the English word 'an' (it should be closer to 'ahn').
Confusing the 'o' in 'sok' with an 'u' sound.
Not linking the 'k' in 'sok' to the 'i'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The words are basic, but the spacing and particles are important.

Writing 2/5

Easy to write, but remember the space between '안' and '좋다'.

Speaking 3/5

Requires correct linking of 'sok' and 'i' (sogi).

Listening 2/5

Very common, so easy to recognize once learned.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

속 (Inside) 안 (Not) 좋다 (Good) 배 (Belly) 아프다 (To be sick/hurt)

Learn Next

소화제 (Digestive medicine) 체하다 (Indigestion) 더부룩하다 (Bloated) 쓰리다 (Stinging/Heartburn)

Advanced

만성 소화 불량 (Chronic indigestion) 위염 (Gastritis) 메스꺼움 (Nausea)

Grammar to Know

Short Negation (안 + Verb/Adjective)

안 좋다 (Not good), 안 먹다 (Not eat)

Subject Marker (이/가)

속이 안 좋다 (The inside is not good)

Reasoning with -아서/어서

속이 안 좋아서 약을 먹었어요.

Recalling with -더라고요

그 식당 음식은 먹으면 속이 안 좋더라고요.

Change of State -아/어지다

갑자기 속이 안 좋아졌어요.

Examples by Level

속이 안 좋아요.

My stomach is upset.

Simple polite present tense.

어제 속이 안 좋았어요.

My stomach was upset yesterday.

Past tense of '좋다'.

속이 안 좋아?

Is your stomach upset?

Casual (banmal) question form.

너무 많이 먹어서 속이 안 좋아요.

I ate too much, so my stomach is upset.

-어서 (reason) connector.

속이 안 좋으면 쉬세요.

If your stomach is upset, please rest.

-(으)면 (if) conditional.

우유를 마시면 속이 안 좋아요.

When I drink milk, my stomach feels unwell.

Habitual action with -(으)면.

아까부터 속이 안 좋아요.

My stomach has been upset for a while.

Using '아까부터' (since a while ago).

속이 안 좋아서 못 먹어요.

I can't eat because my stomach is upset.

Negative '못' (cannot).

매운 걸 먹었더니 속이 안 좋네요.

I ate something spicy, and now my stomach feels unwell.

-더니 (result of past action) connector.

속이 안 좋아서 약국에 가려고 해요.

My stomach is upset, so I intend to go to the pharmacy.

-(으)려고 하다 (intention).

아침에 우유를 마셨는데 속이 안 좋아요.

I drank milk this morning, and (but) my stomach is upset.

-는데 (background information) connector.

속이 안 좋을 때는 매실차가 좋아요.

When your stomach is upset, plum tea is good.

-(으)ㄹ 때 (when) pattern.

갑자기 속이 안 좋아졌어요.

My stomach suddenly became upset.

-아/어지다 (become/change of state).

속이 안 좋으신 것 같아요.

It seems like your stomach is upset (honorific).

Honorific -시- and -(으)ㄴ 것 같다 (seems like).

속이 안 좋아서 점심은 안 먹을래요.

My stomach is upset, so I don't want to eat lunch.

-(으)ㄹ래요 (intention/desire).

버스 멀미 때문에 속이 안 좋아요.

My stomach is upset because of bus motion sickness.

Noun + 때문에 (because of).

속이 안 좋아서 오늘 회의에 못 나갈 것 같습니다.

My stomach is upset, so I don't think I can attend today's meeting.

Formal ending -습니다 and -(으)ㄹ 것 같다.

어제 과식한 이후로 계속 속이 안 좋네요.

My stomach has been continuously upset since I overate yesterday.

-(으)ㄴ 이후로 (since) pattern.

속이 안 좋을 때마다 이 약을 먹어요.

Every time my stomach is upset, I take this medicine.

-(으)ㄹ 때마다 (every time).

스트레스를 받으면 항상 속이 안 좋아지더라고요.

I've noticed that whenever I get stressed, my stomach always gets upset.

-더라고요 (recalling personal experience).

속이 안 좋은데 억지로 먹지 마세요.

If your stomach is upset, don't force yourself to eat.

-지 마세요 (prohibition).

며칠째 속이 안 좋은데 병원에 가봐야 할까요?

My stomach has been upset for several days; should I try going to the hospital?

-아/어 봐야 하다 (must try doing).

속이 안 좋은 걸 보니 체한 것 같아요.

Seeing as your stomach is upset, it seems like you have indigestion.

-(으)ㄴ 걸 보니 (judging from).

속이 안 좋아서 죽이라도 끓여 먹으려고요.

My stomach is upset, so I'm planning to make and eat some porridge at least.

-이라도 (at least) and -(으)려고요.

속이 안 좋다고 하길래 소화제를 사 왔어.

I heard you say your stomach was upset, so I bought some digestive medicine.

Quoted speech -다고 하다.

시험 기간만 되면 긴장해서 그런지 속이 안 좋네요.

Whenever it's exam period, maybe because I'm nervous, my stomach feels unwell.

-어서 그런지 (maybe because of).

속이 안 좋음에도 불구하고 끝까지 일했어요.

Despite my stomach being upset, I worked until the end.

-(으)ㅁ에도 불구하고 (despite).

그 음식을 먹고 나서부터 속이 안 좋기 시작했어요.

My stomach started feeling unwell right after I ate that food.

-기 시작하다 (start to).

속이 안 좋을 정도로 너무 많이 먹어버렸어요.

I ended up eating so much that my stomach felt upset.

-(으)ㄹ 정도로 (to the extent of).

요즘 들어 자꾸 속이 안 좋은 게 건강에 문제가 있는 것 같아요.

The fact that my stomach is frequently upset lately makes me think there's a health issue.

-는 게 (the fact that).

속이 안 좋아서 커피 대신 따뜻한 물을 마시고 있어요.

My stomach is upset, so I'm drinking warm water instead of coffee.

대신 (instead of).

속이 안 좋은 상태로 운전하는 것은 위험합니다.

Driving while your stomach is upset is dangerous.

-(으)ㄴ 상태로 (in the state of).

심리적인 요인으로 인해 속이 안 좋아지는 경우도 많습니다.

There are many cases where the stomach feels unwell due to psychological factors.

-으로 인해 (due to).

속이 안 좋다는 핑계로 모임에 불참하는 것은 예의가 아닙니다.

It is not polite to skip a gathering using an upset stomach as an excuse.

-(ㄴ/는)다는 핑계로 (on the pretext of).

환자는 지속적으로 속이 안 좋고 메스꺼움을 호소하고 있습니다.

The patient is continuously complaining of an upset stomach and nausea.

Medical register: 호소하다 (to complain of symptoms).

속이 안 좋은 증상이 일주일 이상 지속되면 정밀 검사를 받아야 합니다.

If symptoms of an upset stomach persist for more than a week, you should get a thorough check-up.

Conditional and obligation.

공복에 독한 약을 먹었더니 속이 안 좋아서 견딜 수가 없네요.

I took strong medicine on an empty stomach, and now I can't bear the discomfort.

-(으)ㄹ 수가 없다 (cannot).

속이 안 좋은 것을 넘어서 이제는 통증까지 느껴집니다.

Beyond just feeling unwell, I am now even feeling pain.

-을/를 넘어서 (beyond).

과도한 업무 스트레스가 속이 안 좋아지는 근본적인 원인인 것 같아요.

I think excessive work stress is the fundamental cause of my stomach troubles.

Complex noun phrases.

속이 안 좋아서 식단을 조절하기로 결심했습니다.

I decided to adjust my diet because my stomach has been feeling unwell.

-기로 결심하다 (decide to).

현대인들은 불규칙한 식습관으로 인해 만성적으로 속이 안 좋은 경우가 허다합니다.

It is extremely common for modern people to have chronically upset stomachs due to irregular eating habits.

허다하다 (to be numerous/common).

속이 안 좋다는 주관적인 느낌만으로는 정확한 진단을 내리기 어렵습니다.

It is difficult to make an accurate diagnosis based solely on the subjective feeling of an upset stomach.

-만으로는 (with only).

그의 비도덕적인 행위를 목격하자 속이 안 좋을 정도로 역겨움을 느꼈다.

Upon witnessing his immoral behavior, I felt nauseous to the point of physical discomfort.

Metaphorical usage of physical symptoms.

속이 안 좋은 원인을 규명하기 위해 내시경 검사를 실시하기로 했습니다.

In order to investigate the cause of the stomach discomfort, it was decided to perform an endoscopy.

Formal vocabulary: 규명하다, 실시하다.

속이 안 좋음을 호소하는 환자들에게는 식이요법 병행이 필수적입니다.

For patients complaining of gastrointestinal malaise, concurrent dietary therapy is essential.

Noun nominalization with -(으)ㅁ.

어떠한 약물 치료로도 속이 안 좋은 증상이 호전되지 않아 우려스럽습니다.

It is concerning that the symptoms of an upset stomach are not improving with any pharmacological treatment.

Advanced negation '어떠한 ~도 ... 않다'.

속이 안 좋은 것은 때로 심각한 질병의 전조 증상일 수 있음을 간과해서는 안 됩니다.

We must not overlook the fact that an upset stomach can sometimes be a precursor to a serious illness.

-어서는 안 된다 (must not).

속이 안 좋다는 표현은 단순한 소화 불량부터 심리적 거부감까지 폭넓게 사용된다.

The expression 'sogi an jota' is used broadly, ranging from simple indigestion to psychological repulsion.

-부터 ~까지 (from... to...).

Common Collocations

계속 속이 안 좋다

갑자기 속이 안 좋다

심하게 속이 안 좋다

기름진 걸 먹어서 속이 안 좋다

스트레스 때문에 속이 안 좋다

속이 안 좋아서 토하다

임신해서 속이 안 좋다

술 마신 다음 날 속이 안 좋다

속이 안 좋아 보이다

속이 안 좋은 증상

Common Phrases

속이 좀 안 좋아요

— My stomach is a bit upset. (Polite and common)

속이 좀 안 좋아서 조금만 먹을게요.

속이 안 좋으세요?

— Is your stomach upset? (Honorific question)

안색이 안 좋으신데, 속이 안 좋으세요?

속이 안 좋아서 그래요

— It's because my stomach is upset. (Explaining behavior)

아무것도 안 먹는 건 속이 안 좋아서 그래요.

속이 안 좋으면 약 먹어

— If your stomach is upset, take medicine. (Casual advice)

속이 안 좋으면 참지 말고 약 먹어.

속이 안 좋아서 죽겠어요

— My stomach is so upset I could die. (Exaggeration)

어제 과음했더니 속이 안 좋아서 죽겠어요.

속이 안 좋아서 그런데...

— My stomach is upset, so... (Starting an excuse/request)

속이 안 좋아서 그런데 먼저 가도 될까요?

속이 안 좋다고?

— You said your stomach is upset? (Confirming)

속이 안 좋다고? 어제 뭐 잘못 먹었어?

속이 안 좋아지다

— To start feeling unwell in the stomach.

냄새를 맡으니까 갑자기 속이 안 좋아졌어요.

속이 안 좋은 것 같다

— I think my stomach is upset.

우유가 상했나? 속이 안 좋은 것 같아.

속이 안 좋아서 못 가요

— I can't go because my stomach is upset.

미안해요, 갑자기 속이 안 좋아서 못 가요.

Often Confused With

속이 안 좋다 vs 배가 아프다

Use this for sharp, localized pain. Use '속이 안 좋다' for nausea or general discomfort.

속이 안 좋다 vs 기분이 안 좋다

This means 'to be in a bad mood.' Don't confuse 'sok' (inside) with 'gibun' (mood).

속이 안 좋다 vs 안색이 안 좋다

This means 'you look pale/unwell' (literally 'your face color is not good').

Idioms & Expressions

"속이 뒤집히다"

— To have a majorly upset stomach (literally 'inside is flipped over'). Also used for being extremely angry.

상한 음식을 먹었는지 속이 뒤집혔어요.

Informal/Expressive

"속을 버리다"

— To ruin one's stomach (by drinking too much or eating badly).

빈속에 술을 마시면 속을 버려요.

Neutral

"속이 타다"

— To be anxious or worried (literally 'inside is burning').

결과를 기다리느라 속이 타요.

Metaphorical

"속이 썩다"

— To be greatly distressed or troubled by someone (literally 'inside is rotting').

자식 걱정에 속이 썩어요.

Metaphorical

"속을 달래다"

— To soothe one's stomach (especially after a hangover).

해장국으로 속을 달랬어요.

Common

"속이 풀리다"

— To have one's stomach feel better (especially after a hangover or spicy soup).

국물을 마시니까 속이 좀 풀리네요.

Common

"속을 썩이다"

— To cause someone worry or trouble.

동생이 부모님 속을 많이 썩였어요.

Metaphorical

"속이 빤히 보이다"

— To be transparent in one's intentions (literally 'the inside is clearly seen').

거짓말하는 속이 빤히 보여요.

Metaphorical

"속이 좁다"

— To be narrow-minded or petty.

그 사람은 속이 좁아서 작은 일에도 화를 내요.

Metaphorical

"속을 차리다"

— To become sensible or mature.

이제 그만 속 좀 차려라.

Metaphorical

Easily Confused

속이 안 좋다 vs 배가 아프다

Both refer to the stomach area.

Baega apeuda is for physical pain (like a cramp). Sogi an jota is for digestive malaise (like nausea).

배가 아파서 화장실에 가요 vs 속이 안 좋아서 약을 먹어요.

속이 안 좋다 vs 체하다

Both relate to indigestion.

Che-hada is a specific condition where food is stuck. Sogi an jota is a general feeling.

급하게 먹어서 체했어요 vs 그냥 속이 좀 안 좋아요.

속이 안 좋다 vs 속이 쓰리다

Both involve the 'sok'.

Sseurida is specifically a burning/stinging sensation (heartburn). An jota is broader.

매운 걸 먹었더니 속이 쓰려요.

속이 안 좋다 vs 더부룩하다

Both relate to stomach discomfort.

Deoburukhada is specifically feeling bloated or heavy.

빵을 먹었더니 속이 더부룩해요.

속이 안 좋다 vs 울렁거리다

Both relate to nausea.

Ulleong-georida describes the 'wavy' feeling of nausea specifically.

배를 탔더니 속이 울렁거려요.

Sentence Patterns

속이 안 [Conjugation]

속이 안 좋아요.

[Reason]-아서 속이 안 좋다

과식해서 속이 안 좋아요.

속이 안 좋은 것 같다

속이 안 좋은 것 같아서 쉬고 싶어요.

속이 안 좋을 때마다

속이 안 좋을 때마다 매실차를 마셔요.

속이 안 좋아지다

갑자기 속이 안 좋아졌어요.

속이 안 좋다고 하다

지수가 속이 안 좋다고 해요.

속이 안 좋은 증상

속이 안 좋은 증상이 일주일째예요.

속이 안 좋음을 호소하다

환자가 속이 안 좋음을 호소합니다.

Word Family

Nouns

속 (Inside/Stomach)

소화 (Digestion)

위장 (Stomach/Intestines)

복통 (Abdominal pain)

Verbs

좋아지다 (To get better)

안 좋아지다 (To get worse/unwell)

소화하다 (To digest)

Adjectives

좋다 (Good)

나쁘다 (Bad)

불편하다 (Uncomfortable)

배 (Stomach/Belly)

약 (Medicine)

멀미 (Motion sickness)

숙취 (Hangover)

구토 (Vomiting)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in daily conversation.

Common Mistakes

속을 안 좋아요 → 속이 안 좋아요
좋다 is an adjective, so it must take the subject marker (이/가), not the object marker (을/를).
속이 안좋다 (no space) → 속이 안 좋다
The negation '안' is a separate adverb and should be followed by a space.
Using it for a broken leg → 다리가 아파요
'속' refers specifically to the 'inside' (stomach/digestive system). It cannot be used for external body parts.
속이 안 아파요 (to mean 'not sick') → 속이 괜찮아요 / 속이 편해요
While '안 아파요' is grammatically correct, it's more natural to say your stomach is 'okay' or 'comfortable'.
Confusing with '기분이 안 좋다' → 속이 안 좋다
'기분' is mood, '속' is stomach. Saying '기분이 안 좋다' means you are unhappy or angry.

Tips

Declining Food

If someone offers you food and you don't want to eat, saying '속이 안 좋아서요' is a very polite and unarguable excuse in Korea.

Subject Markers

Always use '이' after '속'. Beginners often want to use '을' because they think of the stomach as an object, but '좋다' is an adjective that describes the subject.

Natural Remedies

If you tell a Korean person '속이 안 좋아요,' they will likely recommend 'Mae-sil-cha' (plum tea). It's a good idea to know this word too!

Linking Sounds

Make sure to link '속' and '이' to sound like 'sogi.' If you say 'sok... i' separately, it sounds very unnatural.

Indigestion Specifics

If you specifically feel like food is 'stuck' in your chest, use the verb '체하다' instead of '속이 안 좋다' for more precision.

Checking on Others

If a friend looks pale, asking '속이 안 좋아?' is a kind way to show concern.

Motion Sickness

When you are in a car or bus and feel sick, use '속이 안 좋다.' You don't have to say '멀미' (motion sickness) every time.

Formal Negation

In essays, prefer '속이 좋지 않다' over '속이 안 좋다' for a more academic or professional tone.

Hand Massage

If you see someone massaging the area between their thumb and index finger, they are likely feeling that their '속이 안 좋다'.

Vs. Heartburn

If the feeling is a 'burning' one, use '속이 쓰리다.' '속이 안 좋다' is for nausea/bloating.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Sok' as 'Soke' (like soak). If you 'soak' your 'inside' (sok) in bad food, it's 'an jota' (not good).

Visual Association

Imagine a person with a green face holding their stomach. Inside their stomach, there's a big red 'X' mark over a smiley face.

Word Web

속 (Inside) 안 (Not) 좋다 (Good) 배 (Belly) 아프다 (Pain) 소화 (Digestion) 약 (Medicine) 토 (Vomit)

Challenge

Try to use '속이 안 좋아요' next time you feel even slightly full or bloated, to get used to the natural flow of the phrase.

Word Origin

Composed of the native Korean word '속' (sok) and the common adjective '좋다' (jota). '속' originally meant the interior of any object. Over time, it became the standard term for the internal human anatomy, particularly the digestive organs, in colloquial speech.

Original meaning: The interior is not good.

Koreanic (Native Korean components).

Cultural Context

It is a safe, polite phrase. No major sensitivities, but avoid using it as a constant excuse to get out of work if you want to remain credible!

In English, we often say 'I feel sick' or 'My stomach is upset.' '속이 안 좋다' is the direct equivalent of 'My stomach is upset.'

Commonly heard in K-dramas like 'Misaeng' when characters are stressed. Often used in Korean variety shows like 'Running Man' after eating challenges. A frequent theme in Korean health commercials for digestive drinks like 'Whal Myung Su'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

After a meal

너무 많이 먹었나 봐요. 속이 안 좋아요.
음식이 너무 매워서 속이 안 좋아요.
기름진 걸 먹었더니 속이 안 좋아요.
속이 안 좋아서 디저트는 못 먹겠어요.

Hangover

어제 술을 섞어 마셨더니 속이 안 좋아요.
속이 안 좋아서 해장국 먹으러 가야겠어요.
속이 안 좋아서 아무것도 못 먹겠어.
술 마신 다음 날은 항상 속이 안 좋아.

At the Pharmacy

속이 안 좋은데 약 좀 주세요.
아침부터 속이 안 좋고 울렁거려요.
속이 안 좋을 때 먹는 약 있나요?
계속 속이 안 좋아서 왔어요.

Motion Sickness

배를 탔더니 속이 안 좋아요.
차 멀미 때문에 속이 안 좋아졌어요.
속이 안 좋아서 창문 좀 열어도 될까요?
비행기만 타면 속이 안 좋아요.

Pregnancy

입덧 때문에 속이 안 좋아요.
자꾸 속이 안 좋은데 임신인가 봐요.
속이 안 좋아서 냄새에 예민해요.
임신 초기에는 속이 자주 안 좋아요.

Conversation Starters

"어제 뭐 잘못 먹었어? 속이 안 좋아 보이네."

"속이 안 좋을 때는 어떤 차를 마시는 게 좋아?"

"너도 매운 거 먹으면 속이 안 좋아?"

"속이 안 좋아서 오늘 점심은 죽 먹을까?"

"멀미 때문에 속이 안 좋을 때 어떻게 해?"

Journal Prompts

오늘 속이 안 좋았던 적이 있나요? 왜 그랬는지 써보세요.

속이 안 좋을 때 당신만의 해결 방법은 무엇인가요?

한국 친구가 속이 안 좋다고 하면 어떻게 도와줄 것인지 적어보세요.

과식해서 속이 안 좋았던 경험에 대해 자세히 묘사해 보세요.

속이 안 좋은 상태로 중요한 일을 했던 경험이 있나요?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Not exactly. If it's a sharp pain, use '배가 아프다.' If it's nausea or indigestion, use '속이 안 좋다.' For example, if you feel like you might throw up, say '속이 안 좋아요.'

The correct spelling is '안 좋다' with a space. '안' is an adverb that negates the adjective '좋다.' In casual texting, people often omit the space, but it's technically wrong.

You can say '속이 안 좋으세요?' when asking someone else, or '속이 안 좋으십니다' in very formal contexts. To be polite about yourself, '속이 안 좋아요' is sufficient.

You can say '속이 이제 괜찮아요' (My stomach is okay now) or '속이 편해졌어요' (My stomach has become comfortable).

No, '속' literally means 'inside.' It can mean the inside of a box, the inside of your heart (emotions), or the digestive system. Context tells you which one it is.

Yes! This is the most common way to describe how you feel the morning after drinking too much alcohol.

You should say '속이 안 좋아서 왔는데요, 약 좀 주세요.' (I came because my stomach is upset, please give me some medicine.)

Not at all. It is a very normal and polite way to describe feeling unwell. It's much more polite than being graphic about your symptoms.

The most common opposite is '속이 편하다' (stomach is comfortable/settled).

Sometimes. It can metaphorically mean you feel 'uncomfortable' or 'sickened' by a situation, but 95% of the time it refers to physical health.