How to say "I am cold" in Korean
The natural way Koreans say "I am cold" — with the polite form, close alternatives, and audio for every line.
추워
chuwo
Literally: It is cold.
When to use it
Korean makes no distinction between I am cold and it is cold - one word covers both. But there is a separate word for a cold object, which is the trap below.
Polite form
- 추워요chuwoyoUse this with strangers, anyone older than you, and at work.
Other ways to say it
- 차가워chagawo= It is cold to the touchFor things you touch - water, hands, metal. Never for weather. Saying 차가워 about winter is the classic learner slip.
- 더워deowo= It is hotThe opposite, and it follows the same rule - 뜨거워 is for hot objects.
- 쌀쌀해ssalssalhae= It is chillyAutumn weather, a light jacket rather than a coat.
In a sentence
- 밖에 너무 추워.bakke neomu chuwo.It is so cold outside.
- 손이 차가워요.soni chagawoyo.Your hands are cold.
Practise this one. These phrases are in the phrase quiz — five rounds, no sign-up. Not reading Hangul yet? Start with the alphabet in 20 minutes.
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