Korean Dictionary
How to say "Cold" in Korean
“Cold” in Korean is 춥다 (pronounced "chubda").
춥다
chubda
Usage & Context
Indicates low temperature conditions. Korean winters are cold, especially in northern regions. People bundle up with warm clothing and use heating systems.
Example Sentence
겨울에는 날씨가 정말 추워요.
The weather is really cold in winter.
How to use 춥다 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Cold” is 춥다, romanized as chubda.
Usage tip
Learn this word together with a complete Korean sentence. Meaning often depends on particles, politeness level, and word order.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 춥다.
Pronunciation Guide
Say "Chup-da." "Chup" sounds like "choop" in "chopper" but with a quick stop at the 'p' sound. "Da" sounds like "dah" in "dah-ling." When followed by '다', the 'ㅂ' at the end of '춥' often sounds like a 'p'.
Formal & Casual Forms
Formal (존댓말)
춥습니다
chupseumnida
Formal declarative form of 'to be cold'.
Casual (반말)
추워
chuwo
Casual declarative form of 'to be cold'.
More Example Sentences
A parent advising their child before they leave the house.
밖에 너무 추우니까 옷 따뜻하게 입고 나가.
It's too cold outside, so wear warm clothes when you go out.
Explaining Korean winter weather to someone unfamiliar with it.
겨울에는 한국이 정말 추워요.
Korea is really cold in winter.
Complaining about extreme cold affecting body parts.
발이 너무 추워서 동상 걸릴 것 같아요.
My feet are so cold I feel like I'll get frostbite.
Cultural Context
Korean winters can be very cold, especially in inland and northern regions, often dropping well below freezing. Traditional '온돌' (ondol) underfloor heating is still widely used and appreciated. People bundle up in thick padded jackets (패딩), scarves, and hats. Eating hot soups like tteokguk (rice cake soup) or drinking warm tea are common ways to stay warm.
Editorial note
We review entries like 춥다 for pronunciation, example sentence fit, and learner mistakes so the page answers more than a direct dictionary lookup.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
날씨가 춥다
the weather is cold
추워 죽겠다
I'm dying of cold (exaggeration)
너무 춥다
it's too cold
Related Expressions
시리다
sirida
To feel numb/cold (usually for body parts)
쌀쌀하다
ssalssalhada
To be chilly, crisp (less intense cold)
따뜻하다
ttatteuthada
To be warm
감기 걸리다
gamgi geollida
To catch a cold
More Weather Words
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