This lesson on how to say “hot” in Korean is helpful in various ways.
Do you know how to order a hot americano at a cafe in Seoul yet? What about how to describe the temperature at the peak of summer? What about any other phrase for which you might need the word “hot?”
If your answer is “no,” or you find that you just don’t know, then this lesson on how to say ‘hot’ in Korean is perfect for you! Let’s get started, shall we?
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“Hot” in Korean
There are two main words you can use to describe “hot” in Korean, depending on which you are talking about. Note that with these words, some exceptions exist as well. To say this word, you can use the verbs 뜨겁다 (ddeugeobda) and 덥다 (deobda).
How to say “hot” in Korean
Before we head on to the explanations below, you can first watch this video that will teach you how to say “hot” in Korean. This way, you’ll also learn how to pronounce it correctly too.
뜨겁다 (ddeugeobda)
You may wish to use the verb 뜨겁다 (ddeugeobda) when talking about temperature of something. This can be something like your hair curler, meal or coffee which can be hot or even burning.
This word can also be used to describe other events and popular phenomena to mean they are “cool” or “popular now.”
Sample sentences:
커피가 뜨거워서 조심하세요 (kheophiga ddeugeoweoseo josimhaseyo)
Please be careful as the coffee is hot.
그 문제에 대한 논란이 뜨거워요 (geu munjee daehan nollani ddeugeowoyo)
That issue is being hotly debated.
왜 더운 물 안나와요? (wae deoun mul annawayo?)
Why is there no hot water?
그 남자의 몸은 완전 뜨겁지 않을까? (geu namjae momeun wanjeon ddeugeobji aneulgga?)
Isn’t his body so hot?
덥다 (deobda)
The other word, 덥다 (deobda) is used especially to describe hot weather. It can also be used in a similar context as 뜨겁다 (ddeugeobda), for example, to describe hot water.
Sample sentences:
오늘 몸이 덥네… (oneul momi deobne…)
I have a fever today.
오늘 날씨가 매우 더워! (oneul nalssiga maeu deowo!)
Today’s weather is extremely hot!
“Warm” in Korean
Sometimes you may also hear the word 따뜻하다 (daddeuthada) used in similar instances, but its meaning is more “warm” rather than “hot.”
With that said, although this word means “warm,” you would actually order your hot coffee using the verb 따뜻하다 (daddeuthada) at the coffee shop. and not 뜨거워요 (ddeugeowoyo) – the standard version of 뜨겁다 (ddeugeobda).
A word of caution about Romanization
While it is possible for you to study the words in this article simply by reading their romanized versions, it will come in handy for you to be able to read Hangeul if you ever wish to come to Korea. Hangeul is the Korean alphabet, and not difficult to learn. In fact, you can learn it in just 90 minutes.
After you’ve familiarized yourself with Hangeul, life in Korea will suddenly seem so much easier and the country won’t appear so foreign for you. So, if you’re serious about learning Korean, why not learn Hangeul today?
Wrap Up
So now that you know how to say “hot” in Korean, why don’t you ask your Korean friends if they won’t share a “hot” cup of tea with you! ^^
Do you have a word or phrase you’d like to know how to say in Korean? Let us know in the comments below, and maybe our next article will be just what you’re looking for!
Photo Credit: BigStockPhoto
