기뻐요
Gi-ppeo-yo
I'm glad
Usage
For happiness about something that just happened — a gift, a kindness
행복해요
Haeng-bo-kae-yo
I'm happy
Usage
Unlike the momentary "gi-ppeo-yo", this is being content with the whole situation
웃겨요
Ut-gyeo-yo
That's funny
Usage
Say it about a joke or a situation. Aimed at a person it sounds mocking, so keep it to events
설레요
Seol-le-yo
My heart is fluttering
Usage
A very Korean word for the flutter before a trip or before seeing someone you like. Not limited to romance
신나요
Sin-na-yo
I'm excited
Usage
Being carried along by the fun of it — perfect at a concert or a festival
자랑스러워요
Ja-rang-seu-reo-wo-yo
I'm proud
Usage
Also works as praise for what someone else achieved, and it never offends
다행이에요
Da-haeng-i-e-yo
What a relief
Usage
For the moment a worry lifts. Also the natural thing to say when you hear someone is all right
사랑해요
Sa-rang-hae-yo
I love you
Usage
For a partner or family, not for friends. The casual form is "sa-rang-hae"
좋아해요
Jo-a-hae-yo
I like it
Usage
Works for things, places, and food. About a person it becomes a confession, so choose your moment
보고 싶어요
Bo-go si-peo-yo
I miss you
Usage
Literally "I want to see you". For people you are close to, not for strangers
슬퍼요
Seul-peo-yo
I'm sad
Usage
For emotional pain. Keep it apart from "mo-mi an jo-a-yo", which is physical
아쉬워요
A-swi-wo-yo
What a shame
Usage
For a near miss or a trip ending. Said at a farewell it means "I'm sorry to go", which lands warmly
실망했어요
Sil-mang-hae-sseo-yo
I'm disappointed
Usage
For when expectations are not met. Aimed at a person it is a hard rebuke, so say it about the situation
외로워요
Oe-ro-wo-yo
I'm lonely
Usage
For a long solo trip. Distinct from "sim-sim-hae-yo", which is boredom
화났어요
Hwa-na-sseo-yo
I'm angry
Usage
Usable when complaining, though raising your voice rarely helps in Korea. Opening with "hwa an na-sseo-yo" — I'm not angry — keeps things constructive
짜증나요
Jja-jeung-na-yo
It's irritating
Usage
Muttered about your own irritation. Aimed at someone it lands as an attack, so do not
무서워요
Mu-seo-wo-yo
I'm scared
Usage
Also for telling a guide you cannot do a height or an activity
깜짝 놀랐어요
Kkam-jjak nol-la-sseo-yo
I was startled
Usage
The reflex line when someone appears out of nowhere. It carries no blame
걱정돼요
Geok-jeong-dwae-yo
I'm worried
Usage
Show it when you are anxious about luggage or a connection. "Geok-jeong ma-se-yo" means don't worry
스트레스 받아요
Seu-teu-re-seu ba-da-yo
I'm stressed out
Usage
Literally "I receive stress" — Korean fixes this word to the verb "bat-da" (to receive)
부끄러워요
Bu-kkeu-reo-wo-yo
I'm embarrassed
Usage
For when you have made a fool of yourself. Say it about yourself
쑥스러워요
Ssuk-sseu-reo-wo-yo
I'm bashful
Usage
The lighter blush when you are praised or photographed — unlike "bu-kkeu-reo-wo-yo", it implies no mistake
심심해요
Sim-sim-hae-yo
I'm bored
Usage
Use it about your own idleness. Calling something dull is "jae-mi-eop-sseo-yo", a different word
피곤해요
Pi-gon-hae-yo
I'm tired
Usage
Show it when you are walked out or need a break on a tour
졸려요
Jol-lyeo-yo
I'm sleepy
Usage
For jet lag or an overnight bus. Distinct from "pi-gon-hae-yo", which is physical tiredness
잘 지내요
Jal ji-nae-yo
I'm doing well
Usage
The reply to "jal ji-nae-yo?" — how are you doing? The same form serves as both question and answer
몸이 안 좋아요
Mo-mi an jo-a-yo
I feel unwell
Usage
Literally "my body is not good". After showing it, point at a part in the body category to move things along
More Korean phrases
- Basic Words
- Basic Nouns
- Basic Verbs
- Adjectives
- Question Words
- Greetings
- Food & Drinks
- Transportation
- Shopping
- Numbers
- Hotel
- Emergency
- Sightseeing
- Flirting
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- Massage & Spa
- Compliments
- Contacts & SNS
- Beach & Activities
- Places & Areas
- Useful Phrases
- Airport & Customs
- Weather & Climate
- Pharmacy & Health
- Directions
- Money & Exchange
- Health & Hospital
- Internet & WiFi
- Nature & Outdoors
- Religion & Temples
- Café & Drinks
- Schedule & Booking
- Culture & Etiquette
- Traveling with Kids
- Sports & Activities
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- Visa & Immigration
- Business & Work
- School & Education
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- Music & Entertainment
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- Wine & Spirits
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- Time & Dates
- Hiking & Trekking
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- Skiing & Winter Sports
- Hot Springs & Baths
- Yoga & Wellness
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- Remote Work
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- Signs
- Body Parts
- Animals
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- Electronics
- Slang
- Local Dishes
- Local Drinks
- Indulgences