How to Say “It Hurts“ in Korean: A Comprehensive Guide to Pain Expression178

The Korean language, like any other, possesses a nuanced system for expressing pain. Simply saying "it hurts" can encompass a wide range of intensities, locations, and even the type of pain experienced. Therefore, understanding how to accurately convey the feeling of pain in Korean goes beyond a single phrase and requires delving into the various vocabulary and grammatical structures available.

The most common and straightforward way to say "it hurts" in Korean is 아파요 (apayo). This is a polite form, suitable for most situations and interactions. It's a versatile phrase that works well for a general feeling of pain. However, its simplicity means it lacks the specificity often needed for accurate pain description.

The verb at the heart of this expression is 아프다 (apeuda), meaning "to hurt" or "to be in pain." This verb conjugates according to the level of formality and the subject of the sentence. For example:
아파요 (apayo): Polite form, used when speaking to elders, superiors, or strangers.
아파 (apa): Informal form, used when speaking to friends, family, or people of similar age and status.
아팠어요 (apasseoyo): Polite past tense, meaning "it hurt (before)."
아팠어 (apasseo): Informal past tense, meaning "it hurt (before)."

To specify the location of the pain, you add a particle and the body part. The particle used is usually 이 (i) or 가 (ga), depending on the grammatical function. However, 이/가 is often omitted in informal speech. For instance:
머리가 아파요 (meorigaga apayo): My head hurts (polite).
머리 아파 (meori apa): My head hurts (informal).
배가 아파요 (baegaga apayo): My stomach hurts (polite).
배 아파 (bae apa): My stomach hurts (informal).
다리가 아파요 (darigaga apayo): My leg hurts (polite).
손이 아파요 (soni apayo): My hand hurts (polite).

Beyond "아파요," Korean offers richer vocabulary to describe different types of pain. For example:
쑤시다 (ssusida): To ache, to throb. This describes a dull, persistent pain.
콕콕 쑤시다 (kokkok ssusida): To ache sharply, implying stabbing or needle-like pain.
따갑다 (ttagapda): To sting, to smart. This is used for burning or sharp pain, often associated with cuts or burns.
시큰시큰하다 (sikkeunsikkeunhada): To feel numb and achy, often describing a lingering pain.
욱신거리다 (uksingeorida): To throb, to ache intensely. This word implies a pulsating pain.

These verbs can be used in the same way as 아프다, conjugated for politeness and tense, and combined with body parts to specify the location. For example, "머리가 쑤셔요 (meorigaga ssusheoyo)" means "My head aches" (polite).

Furthermore, intensifying adverbs can be added to express the severity of the pain. Common adverbs include:
너무 (neomu): Very, too
정말 (jeongmal): Really, truly
엄청 (eomcheong): Terribly, incredibly
굉장히 (gwaengjanghi): Extremely, very

Therefore, a sentence like "머리가 너무 아파요 (meorigaga neomu apayo)" translates to "My head hurts very much" (polite).

In conclusion, while "아파요" serves as a basic expression for "it hurts," mastering the nuances of pain expression in Korean requires understanding the various verbs that describe different types of pain, the ability to specify locations, and the use of adverbs to modify the intensity. By expanding your vocabulary beyond the simple "아파요," you can communicate your pain more accurately and effectively in Korean.

2025-05-22

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