How to say "I am hungry" in Korean

The natural way Koreans say "I am hungry" — with the polite form, close alternatives, and audio for every line.

When to use it

You will use this one daily. Korean builds it from 배 (stomach) and 고프다 (to be empty).

Polite form

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  배고파요

  baegopayo

  Use this with strangers, anyone older than you, and at work.

Other ways to say it

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  배불러

  baebulleo

  = I am full

  The opposite - 배 plus 부르다.
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  출출해

  chulchulhae

  = I am a little peckish

  Mildly hungry, snack level. Very natural.

In a sentence

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  배고파 죽겠어.

  baegopa jukgesseo.

  I am starving.
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  배불러서 더 못 먹겠어.

  baebulleoseo deo mot meokgesseo.

  I am too full to eat more.