Feeling Sick in Seoul? Master “기침이 나요” at the Pharmacy!
Hello! Welcome to [Maeil Hangul], here to upgrade your Korean skills!
Ever been traveling and felt a little tickle in your throat? It happens! Today, we’re going to learn some super useful Korean phrases so you can confidently walk into a pharmacy (약국) and get exactly what you need for a cough.
Lately in Korea, with the seasons changing, it feels like everyone is sniffling and coughing. You might even see your favorite K-pop idols wearing masks at the airport to stay healthy! So, what do you do if you catch a cold? Don’t worry! After this lesson, you’ll be able to explain your symptoms like a pro. Let’s get started!
Core Expressions You MUST Know!
Here are three simple but powerful phrases to help you communicate at a Korean pharmacy.
- 1. 기침이 나요 (Gichim-i na-yo)
- Pronunciation [Romanization]: Gichim-i na-yo
- English Meaning: I have a cough.
- Detailed Explanation: This is the most direct and common way to say you’re coughing. 기침 (gichim) means “cough,” and 나요 (nayo) means something “occurs” or “comes out.” It’s a polite phrase you can use with anyone, especially the pharmacist (약사님, yaksanim).
- 2. 목이 아파요 (Mok-i a-pa-yo)
- Pronunciation [Romanization]: Mok-i a-pa-yo
- English Meaning: My throat hurts. / I have a sore throat.
- Detailed Explanation: A cough often comes with a sore throat! 목 (mok) means “throat” (or “neck”), and 아파요 (apayo) means “it hurts.” This is an essential phrase for expressing any kind of pain. You can point to your throat while saying it to be extra clear!
- 3. 약 주세요 (Yak ju-se-yo)
- Pronunciation [Romanization]: Yak ju-se-yo
- English Meaning: Please give me medicine.
- Detailed Explanation: This is the magic phrase to ask for what you need. 약 (yak) means “medicine,” and 주세요 (juseyo) is the polite way to say “please give me.”
- Level Up Tip: You can combine words! To ask specifically for cough medicine, you can say “기침약 주세요” (Gichim-yak ju-se-yo).
Example Dialogue (At the Pharmacy)
Let’s see how these expressions work in a real conversation! Imagine you (A) walk into a pharmacy and talk to the pharmacist (B).
A: 안녕하세요.
(Annyeonghaseyo.)
Hello.B (Pharmacist): 안녕하세요. 어떻게 오셨어요?
(Annyeonghaseyo. Eotteoke osyeosseoyo?)
Hello. How can I help you?A: 기침이 나요. 그리고 목이 아파요.
(Gichim-i nayo. Geurigo mok-i apayo.)
I have a cough. And my throat hurts.B (Pharmacist): 알겠습니다. 이 약을 드세요.
(Algesseumnida. I yageul deuseyo.)
I understand. Please take this medicine.A: 네, 감사합니다. 기침약 주세요.
(Ne, gamsahamnida. Gichim-yak juseyo.)
Yes, thank you. Please give me the cough medicine.
See? Simple and effective!
Culture Tip & Trend Deep Dive
- The Mask Culture: In Korea, it’s very common and considered polite to wear a face mask if you’re feeling sick or coughing, even before 2020! Especially during seasons with a lot of fine dust (미세먼지, mise-meonji), you’ll see almost everyone wearing one. So, if you’re coughing, pop on a mask – you’ll blend right in!
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K-Drama Sickness Trope: Have you ever seen a character in a K-drama catch a cold after getting caught in the rain? They almost always rush to a pharmacy! Often, the pharmacist will give them a small bottle of liquid medicine to drink right on the spot. This type of drinkable cold medicine is super popular in Korea, so don’t be surprised if you’re offered one!
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Pharmacists are your friends! Korean pharmacists (약사님, yaksanim) are incredibly helpful. Even if your Korean isn’t perfect, don’t be afraid to try. Use our phrases and simple gestures (like pointing to your throat), and they will be happy to help you find what you need.
Let’s Review & Practice!
Awesome work today! You’ve learned how to say you have a cough (기침이 나요), your throat hurts (목이 아파요), and how to ask for medicine (약 주세요). You are officially ready to handle a cold in Korea!
Now, let’s test your knowledge with a quick quiz.
- Fill in the Blank: You want to tell the pharmacist, “My throat hurts.” What do you say?
목이 _______.
- Make a Sentence: How would you politely ask for “medicine”?
Leave your answers in the comments below! We’d love to see you practice. Stay healthy, and see you in the next lesson
