Korean Dictionary
How to say "I'm busy" in Korean
“I'm busy” in Korean is 바빠요 (pronounced "Bbapayo").
바빠요
Bbapayo
Usage & Context
Explaining that you currently don't have much free time. 요즘 많이 바빠요 (I've been very busy lately) adds the time frame. It's a polite way to explain why you haven't been in touch. Koreans often say this when declining social invitations.
Example Sentence
요즘 어떻게 지내요? —요즘 많이 바빠요!
How are you lately? —I've been really busy lately!
How to use 바빠요 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “I'm busy” is 바빠요, romanized as Bbapayo.
Usage tip
Check the politeness level before using this word. Korean greetings often change depending on age, relationship, and setting.
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 바빠요.
Pronunciation Guide
The first syllable, '바' (ba), sounds like 'ba' in 'banana'. The second syllable, '빠' (ppa), is a tense 'ppa' sound, similar to 'ppa' in 'apple' but with more emphasis. The final syllable, '요' (yo), is like 'yo' in 'yogurt'.
Formal & Casual Forms
Formal (존댓말)
바쁩니다
Bappeumnida
This is the formal declarative form, typically used in very formal settings like presentations or official reports.
Casual (반말)
바빠
Bappa
Used when speaking to close friends, family, or people younger than you.
More Example Sentences
Declining a friend's invitation politely.
미안해요, 이번 주말에는 좀 바빠요.
Sorry, I'm a bit busy this weekend.
Explaining to a colleague why you haven't been in touch.
요즘 프로젝트 때문에 눈코 뜰 새 없이 바빠요.
I'm incredibly busy these days because of the project. (Literally: 'so busy I can't open my eyes or nose')
Asking a superior or senior if they have time to talk.
혹시 지금 바쁘세요? 잠깐 얘기 좀 할 수 있을까요?
Are you busy right now, by any chance? Can we talk for a moment?
Cultural Context
In Korea, being busy (바쁘다) is often seen as a sign of diligence and hard work, especially in professional settings. Saying '바빠요' can sometimes imply 'I'm important and have a lot to do,' rather than just 'I don't have time.' It's a common and polite way to decline social invitations without giving a detailed reason, and can also be a subtle way to express one's commitment to work or studies.
Editorial note
We check greetings like 바빠요 for politeness and timing, since Korean greetings change with relationship, age, and setting.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
요즘 많이 바빠요.
I'm very busy these days.
바쁘신데 죄송해요.
Sorry to bother you when you're busy.
바쁘게 지내다.
To live a busy life/spend time busily.
Related Expressions
한가해요
Hangahaeyo
I'm free/not busy (Antonym)
여유 있어요
Yeoyu isseoyo
I have time/leisure (Related concept)
정신 없어요
Jeongsin eopseoyo
I'm swamped/my mind is chaotic (Stronger synonym)
일이 많아요
Iri manayo
I have a lot of work (Reason for being busy)
More Greetings Words
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