How to say "I am sleepy" in Korean
The natural way Koreans say "I am sleepy" — with the polite form, close alternatives, and audio for every line.
졸려
jollyeo
Literally: I am drowsy.
When to use it
Sleepy right now, eyes closing. Not the same as 피곤해, which is worn out - you can be exhausted without being sleepy, and Korean keeps the two apart.
Polite form
- 졸려요jollyeoyoUse this with strangers, anyone older than you, and at work.
Other ways to say it
- 피곤해pigonhae= I am tiredWorn out rather than drowsy.
- 자고 싶어jago sipeo= I want to sleepThe -고 싶어 ending is want to. Attach it to any verb.
- 잘래jallae= I am going to bedAnnouncing it, casually.
In a sentence
- 아침이라 아직 졸려.achimira ajik jollyeo.It is morning so I am still sleepy.
- 커피 마셔도 졸려요.keopi masyeodo jollyeoyo.I am sleepy even after coffee.
Practise this one. These phrases are in the phrase quiz — five rounds, no sign-up. Not reading Hangul yet? Start with the alphabet in 20 minutes.
feelingsdaily