I'm Thirsty in Korean: 목말라요 (Mongmallayo)

"I'm thirsty" in Korean is 목말라요 (mongmallayo). Pronounce "mong-mal-la-yo." For water: 물 주세요.

목 = throat, 마르다 = to be dry. Like 배고파요 (I'm hungry), it’s a body phrase you’ll use constantly.

Politeness levels

Related phrases

• 배고파요 (baegopayo): I'm hungry
• 음료수 있어요? (eumnyosu isseoyo?): Do you have drinks?
• 시원한 거 주세요 (siwonhan geo juseyo): Something cold, please

Field tip

In restaurants water is often free: 물 주세요 is enough; you don’t need 사주세요.

Common mistake

Don’t say 나는 소다 ("I am soda"). Say 목말라요 or 물 마시고 싶어요.

Go further

Practice these phrases in Seonsaengnim lessons and dictionary, with native audio and flashcards.