What Does 배고파요 Mean? Easy Korean Examples to Learn the Real Meaning of 배고파요

Introduction

Here’s a phrase you’ll hear everywhere in Korea—from kids after school to office workers heading out for lunch. It’s short, friendly, and something you’ll use often in daily life. If you spend time in Korea or around Korean friends, this is a must‑know expression: a simple way to say you’re hungry.

What This Phrase Means

배고파요.
“I’m hungry.”

Breakdown & Meaning

배고파요 is the polite way to say “I’m hungry” in Korean.

• 배 means “stomach.”
• 고프다 means “to be hungry.”
  Conjugated politely, it becomes 배고파요.

It’s warm, natural, and suitable for most social situations—coworkers, acquaintances, or anyone you’re not extremely close to. Among close friends, the casual form 배고파 is very common.

Because food is a central part of Korean daily life, talking about hunger or asking others if they’ve eaten is a natural part of conversation. Using 배고파요 helps you blend into this friendly, food-loving culture.

How to Use It in Real Life

• Say it before choosing a restaurant with friends.
• Use it after studying or working for a long time.
• Text a friend when you want to meet for food.
• Answer when someone asks if you’ve eaten.
• Use it to gently suggest taking a break or grabbing a snack.

Usage Examples

1. 점심 시간이라서 배고파요.
   jeomsim siganiraseo baegopayo
   It’s lunchtime, so I’m hungry.

2. 계속 걸었더니 너무 배고파요.
   gyesok georeotdeoni neomu baegopayo
   We walked a lot, so I’m really hungry.

3. 배고파요. 뭐 먹을까요?
   baegopayo. mwo meogeulkkayo?
   I’m hungry. What should we eat?

4. 수업 끝나면 같이 밥 먹어요. 저 배고파요!
   sueop kkeunnamyeon gachi bap meogeoyo. jeo baegopayo!
   Let’s eat after class. I’m hungry!

5. 아침을 못 먹어서 지금 배고파요.
   achimeul mot meogeoseo jigeum baegopayo
   I couldn’t eat breakfast, so I’m hungry now.

Related Korean Expressions

• 배고파
  baegopa
  Casual “I’m hungry”

• 너무 배고파요
  neomu baegopayo
  “I’m really hungry”

• 배가 너무 고파서 죽겠어요
  baega neomu gopaseo jukgesseoyo
  “I’m so hungry I could die” (dramatic but commonly used)

• 뭐 먹고 싶어요?
  mwo meokgo sipeoyo?
  “What do you want to eat?”

Why This Phrase Helps You Learn Faster

Short, everyday expressions like 배고파요 help beginners grow comfortable speaking quickly. Because food-related phrases appear constantly in Korean conversation, you’ll get plenty of chances to use them. As you repeat simple sentences, you naturally absorb patterns and build confidence—no heavy grammar study required.

Closing

Give 배고파요 a try today, even just for practice. The more you use small, practical phrases, the more natural Korean will feel. Keep going—each expression brings you one step closer to real, enjoyable conversations.

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Learning Korean today?
Here are more helpful expressions for everyday conversation:

• “괜찮아요” – Meaning & Easy Examples
• “이거 얼마예요?” – Shopping & Price Phrases

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