In this article, you’ll learn how to say “cold” in Korean. If you’ve been to Korea during winter yet, then you’ll know the temperatures might not go down so low, but the wind will definitely be brutal enough to make you feel cold.
You know you’ll want to know how to say “cold” in Korean so that you can tell your Korean friends just how you feel about the weather.
“Cold” in Korean
As with ‘”hot,” there are two primary words for how to say “cold” in Korean. If we are talking about the temperature, whether it’s the weather outside or just your body being cold, most often, the verb to use is 춥다 (chubda).
The descriptive verb 차갑다 (chagabda) also means “cold.” However, you would not use it to describe the weather, for example, besides describing the wind as “cold” or “chilly.” Instead, you would use it to describe the temperature of your food or drink, as well as someone’s personality.
Other words you can use to describe cold weather are 싸늘하다 (ssaneulhada) and 냉랭하다 (naengnaenghada). They may be great additions to vocabulary with which you can truly impress your Korean friends with your Korean knowledge. However, keep in mind that these words are much rarer to see in use, and usually, even Koreans stick to simply 춥다 (chubda) and 차갑다 (chagabda).
This video shows How to Say “Cold” in Korean
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?
Sample Sentences
Standard:
오늘부터 날씨가 추워진대요. (oneulbuteo nalssiga chuweojindaeyo.)
They said the weather will be colder as of today.
그녀는 차가워 보였어요. (geunyeoneun chagaweo boyeosseoyeo.)
She has an icy look to her.
왜 제 질문을 이렇게 차갑게 대답했어요? (wae je jilmuneul ireohge chagabke daedabhaesseoyo?)
Why did you answer my question so coldly?
Informal:
오늘 되게 춥지 않아? (oneul dwege chubji anha?)
Isn’t it really cold today?
차가운 바람이 불어서 추워. (chagaun barami bureoseo chuweo.)
It’s cold because of the cold wind.
그이 손은 차가워. (geue soneun chagaweo.)
His hands are cold.
Wrap Up
What do you usually do when it’s cold in Korea? Do you have a favorite Korean winter food or activity? Let us know in the comments how you enjoy it when it’s cold in Korea!
Photo Credit: BigStockPhoto
Hi thank you for the article on this! I recently came across lyrics from a BTS song in “I’m Fine”, where V says “시리도록”, which apparently also means “cold”? I was looking on the internet about this word but I couldn’t find much on this. Could you maybe explain this word compared to the other words that also mean cold? Thank you very much!
Hi, Brian! ‘시리다’ is used when it is cold and accompanied by physical pain. For example, ‘손이 시리다.’ (My hands are freezing) ^^