In Korean, expressing hunger isn’t just about saying “I’m hungry.” Whether you’re just a little peckish, craving something specific, or about to pass out from hunger, there’s a perfect phrase for it. From everyday expressions to funny idioms, here are 16 Korean ways to talk about hunger—in every mood and situation.
1. 배고프다 / 배가 고프다 – “I’m hungry”
This is the most basic and commonly used phrase.
✅ Examples:
- 나 배고파. – I’m hungry.
- 지금 배가 좀 고픈데, 뭐 먹을래? – I’m a little hungry. Want to eat something?
➕ Stronger variations:
- 배가 너무 고파! – I’m so hungry!
- 배고파 죽겠다. – I’m starving!
2. 출출하다 – “I feel a little hungry”
Use this to describe mild hunger, usually between meals.
✅ Example:
- 출출해서 간단한 거 먹고 싶어. – I feel a bit hungry. I want a light snack.
3. 입이 심심해 – “My mouth is bored”
Not actual hunger—just a desire to snack!
✅ Example:
- 입이 심심해서 과자 좀 먹었어. – I wasn’t hungry, just wanted something to munch on.
4. 군것질하다 – “To snack / nibble”
Describes the act of snacking often, especially between meals.
✅ Example:
- 요즘 군것질을 너무 많이 해. – I’ve been snacking too much lately.
5. (음식이) 당기다 – “I’m craving (a food)”
Used when you’re craving something specific.
✅ Examples:
- 오늘따라 치킨이 당겨. – I’m craving chicken today.
- 단 게 당긴다. – I want something sweet.
6. 식욕 – “Appetite”
A more formal or medical term for appetite.
✅ Example:
- 감기 때문에 식욕이 없어. – I lost my appetite because of a cold.
7. 입맛 – “Appetite / Food preference”
Used both for appetite and taste preference.
✅ Examples:
- 입맛이 없어서 밥도 안 당겨. – I have no appetite, so I don’t feel like eating.
- 입맛에 맞는 음식이 없어. – Nothing suits my taste.
8. 허기 / 허기지다 – “Hunger / To be famished”
Used to express deep, empty hunger from not eating for a long time.
✅ Example:
- 하루 종일 못 먹어서 허기가 져. – I’m famished after not eating all day.
9. 굶주리다 – “To starve / be extremely hungry”
Used for severe or prolonged hunger, even metaphorically.
✅ Examples:
- 며칠 동안 굶주렸어. – I’ve been starving for days.
- 사랑에 굶주린 사람. – A person starved for love.
10. 배를 곯다 – “To go hungry (from hardship)”
Describes going hungry due to poverty or tough times.
✅ Example:
- 어릴 때 자주 배를 곯았어. – I often went hungry as a child.
11. 속이 허전하다 – “I feel empty inside”
Can mean both emotional emptiness and light physical hunger.
✅ Examples:
- 밥을 먹었는데도 속이 허전해. – I ate, but still feel empty.
- 혼자 있으니까 속이 허전하네. – I feel empty being alone.
12. 속이 허하다 – “I feel hollow / weak inside”
Describes the physical weakness or hollowness, usually from not eating.
✅ Example:
- 아침 안 먹었더니 속이 허해. – I feel hollow because I skipped breakfast.
13. 군침이 돈다 – “My mouth is watering”
Used when you see or smell something delicious.
✅ Examples:
- 냄새만 맡아도 군침이 돌아. – Just the smell makes my mouth water.
- 사진만 봐도 군침이 돈다. – Just looking at the photo makes me crave it.
14. 기운이 없다 – “I have no energy”
Often used when you haven’t eaten, or are just drained.
✅ Example:
- 아무것도 안 먹었더니 기운이 없어. – I haven’t eaten anything—I’m out of energy.
15. 뱃가죽이 등에 붙겠다 – “My belly skin is sticking to my back”
A humorous way to say “I’m extremely hungry!”
✅ Example:
- 뱃가죽이 등에 붙겠다. 빨리 밥 먹자! – I’m starving! Let’s eat now!
16. 뱃속에 거지가 들었다 – “There’s a beggar in my stomach”
A funny expression used to describe someone who is always hungry.
✅ Example:
- 너는 맨날 배고프다~ 뱃속에 거지 들었어? – You’re always hungry—do you have a beggar inside?
Summary
Korean has a rich variety of expressions for hunger—some are practical, others funny, poetic, or dramatic. Whether you’re craving snacks, starving from work, or just want to eat for fun, there’s a perfect phrase for every kind of hunger.
By learning and using these phrases, you’ll sound more natural and expressive in Korean conversation—and make your language learning a lot more flavorful!
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