Korean Dictionary
How to say "I'm tired" in Korean
“I'm tired” in Korean is 피곤해요 (pronounced "Pigonhaeyo").
피곤해요
Pigonhaeyo
Usage & Context
Expressing fatigue, commonly heard in Korean workplaces and schools where long hours are common. 너무 피곤해요 (I'm so tired) is more emphatic. Koreans often bond over shared exhaustion, making this a common conversation topic and expression of solidarity.
Example Sentence
잘 지내요? —그냥 좀 피곤해요. 일이 많아서요.
How are you? —I'm a bit tired. There's a lot of work.
How to use 피곤해요 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “I'm tired” is 피곤해요, romanized as Pigonhaeyo.
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 피곤해요.
Pronunciation Guide
The first syllable, '피' (pi), sounds like 'pee' in 'peek'. '곤' (gon) is like 'gon' in 'gone'. '해' (hae) is like 'heh' in 'heh-heh', and '요' (yo) is like 'yo' in 'yogurt'.
Formal & Casual Forms
Formal (존댓말)
피곤합니다
Pigonhamnida
This is the formal declarative form, used in very formal contexts like official statements or presentations.
Casual (반말)
피곤해
Pigonhae
Used when speaking to close friends, family, or people younger than you.
More Example Sentences
Complaining about fatigue after a long workday.
아, 오늘 하루 종일 일했더니 너무 피곤해요.
Ah, I worked all day today, so I'm so tired.
Explaining why you're tired to a friend.
어제 잠을 잘 못 자서 그런지 계속 피곤해요.
Maybe because I didn't sleep well last night, I keep feeling tired.
Showing concern for a colleague or friend.
많이 피곤해 보여요. 좀 쉬는 게 어때요?
You look very tired. How about taking a rest?
Cultural Context
Koreans often work long hours, and expressing fatigue (피곤해요) is a very common way to bond with colleagues or friends. It's a shared experience, especially among students studying late or office workers. Saying '피곤해요' can be a way to seek empathy or simply acknowledge the demanding nature of life. In K-dramas, you'll often hear characters commiserating over their shared exhaustion, making it a relatable conversation topic.
Editorial note
We check greetings like 피곤해요 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
너무 피곤해요.
I'm so tired.
피곤이 쌓였어요.
My fatigue has accumulated.
피곤을 풀다.
To relieve fatigue.
Related Expressions
졸려요
Jollyeoyo
I'm sleepy (Related, often accompanies fatigue)
힘들어요
Himdeureoyo
It's hard/I'm having a hard time (Often implies physical/mental exhaustion)
개운해요
Gaeunhaeyo
I feel refreshed (Antonym)
지쳐요
Jichyeoyo
I'm exhausted/worn out (Stronger synonym)
More Greetings Words
Related Articles
Sleep Well in Korean: 잘 자요, 잘 자, and How Goodnight Works
Korean has a graceful way to close the day. 잘 자요 and 잘 자 both mean 'sleep well,' but the difference between them signals everything about how close you are to someone.
Guten Morgen auf Koreanisch: What Koreans Say in the Morning
German has Guten Morgen. Korean has something more flexible. Here's why 안녕하세요 works at 7 a.m. and what Koreans actually reach for first thing in the morning.
Korean for Runners: 15 Words You'll Actually Use
From the Han River paths of Seoul to your local running club playlist, these 15 Korean words will change every run.
Master Korean with AI-Powered Learning
Practice I'm tired and 10,000+ words with native pronunciation and AI conversation.
