Talking about the weather is more than small talk — it's a daily ritual in Korean culture! Whether you're starting a conversation, checking in on someone, or reacting to the seasons, weather expressions in Korean are incredibly practical and often used in daily life.
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In this blog, you’ll learn 25 essential Korean expressions (with Romanization) to describe the weather in natural, useful ways. From sunny days to snowstorms, you’ll be able to express how the day feels, and even ask others about it — just like native speakers!
If you're a self-learner or beginner, this step-by-step guide will help you build confidence in using Korean weather talk in everyday situations.
1. Why Weather Talk Matters in Korean Culture
In Korean culture, weather talk isn’t just a polite filler — it’s a warm and familiar way to connect with others. Starting a conversation with a comment like “오늘 날씨 좋네요” (oneul nalssi jonneyo – The weather is nice today) is a simple yet genuine way to show friendliness.
Unlike in some Western cultures where weather chat is seen as small talk, in Korea it often reflects care or consideration. For example, if someone says “감기 조심하세요” (gamgi josimhaseyo – Be careful not to catch a cold), they’re expressing concern tied directly to the day’s weather.
Weather expressions are deeply woven into Korean social etiquette. Elders often ask about the weather to check on your well-being, and coworkers may use it to ease into more formal discussions. It's a culturally accepted way to soften interactions and maintain harmony.
For instance, during monsoon season, someone might say “비 많이 오네요” (bi mani oneyo – It’s raining a lot), which can naturally lead into a conversation about commuting, weekend plans, or even health. That’s why learning weather expressions gives you more than language — it gives you connection.
Even in K-dramas and everyday conversations, you’ll hear weather being mentioned casually. It reflects the moment, sets the mood, and provides a shared reference point for both speakers. This makes it a powerful tool for building rapport.
When learning Korean, mastering simple phrases like “덥네요” (deobneyo – It’s hot) or “춥죠?” (chupjyo? – It’s cold, isn’t it?) can help you sound more natural. These phrases are short, easy to remember, and culturally relevant.
It's also useful in daily life — checking weather forecasts, talking to neighbors, or reacting to someone’s outfit. These phrases make your Korean feel alive and current, not just textbook-based.
Let’s look at some common Korean weather words that are often used in daily conversation, with pronunciation and meaning to help you memorize them more easily.
🌤️ Common Weather Words in Korean
| Korean | Romanization | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 맑다 | malkda | to be clear, sunny |
| 비 | bi | rain |
| 눈 | nun | snow |
| 덥다 | deopda | to be hot |
| 춥다 | chupda | to be cold |
Try using one of these words next time you talk to a Korean friend or watch a drama! You’ll start noticing just how often weather is part of everyday conversation — and you’ll be ready to join in.
2. Essential Vocabulary for Weather in Korean
To talk about the weather confidently in Korean, you need to build a solid foundation of basic weather words. These words are often used in daily conversations, weather forecasts, and even in texts between friends. Learning the core vocabulary first will make every sentence easier to build.
Let’s start with the basic nouns. The word for weather is 날씨 (nalssi). It appears in most sentences that describe or ask about the weather. For example, “오늘 날씨 어때요?” (oneul nalssi eottaeyo?) means “How’s the weather today?”
Here are some of the most common weather-related words: 해 (hae – sun), 구름 (gureum – cloud), 비 (bi – rain), 눈 (nun – snow), and 바람 (baram – wind). These words are useful on their own but also combine with verbs to form expressions like “It’s sunny” or “It’s windy.”
Adjectives and verbs also play a big role in weather talk. Words like 덥다 (deopda – to be hot), 춥다 (chupda – to be cold), and 흐리다 (heurida – to be cloudy) describe how the weather feels. You can easily turn them into present-tense conversation by saying 더워요 (deowoyo – It’s hot) or 추워요 (chuwoyo – It’s cold).
Also, Korean has words for seasons which often appear in casual talk. 봄 (bom – spring), 여름 (yeoreum – summer), 가을 (gaeul – autumn), and 겨울 (gyeoul – winter). For example, people might say “겨울 날씨 좋아해요” (gyeoul nalssi joahaeyo – I like winter weather).
Vocabulary is also tied to culture. During the humid Korean summer, the word 습하다 (seuphada – to be humid) is very commonly used. You’ll hear people complain with phrases like “너무 습해요” (neomu seuphaeyo – It’s too humid). It’s not just about the words, it’s about experiencing and reacting like a native speaker.
When watching Korean weather forecasts, you’ll also notice terms like 기온 (gion – temperature) or 최고기온 (choego gion – highest temperature). These are useful if you want to follow news, travel tips, or seasonal trends.
Below is a vocabulary table of essential weather words in Korean. These will appear again and again in real conversations, so review them regularly!
🌦️ Weather Vocabulary Essentials
| Korean | Romanization | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 날씨 | nalssi | weather |
| 해 | hae | sun |
| 구름 | gureum | cloud |
| 바람 | baram | wind |
| 기온 | gion | temperature |
Take a few minutes to review and repeat these words aloud. Saying the Korean and the Romanization out loud can really help your memory and pronunciation.
3. Daily Expressions to Talk About the Weather
Now that you've learned key weather words, it’s time to combine them into natural, daily expressions. These phrases are used by native speakers in everyday conversations — from chatting with friends to making small talk with strangers.
One of the most common phrases is “날씨 좋네요” (nalssi jonneyo – The weather is nice). This phrase is friendly and neutral, perfect for any situation. You can use it when meeting someone outdoors or just stepping out in the morning.
If it's raining, people often say “비가 와요” (biga wayo – It’s raining). This is a present tense expression and can also be used to make a comment or start a conversation. During the summer rainy season, this phrase becomes especially useful.
Another common expression is “오늘 진짜 덥네요” (oneul jinjja deobneyo – It’s really hot today). Adding emphasis with “진짜” (jinjja – really) makes it more natural and expressive. Koreans often talk about the heat and humidity in summer, so this is a must-learn sentence.
When it’s cold, try saying “오늘 추워요” (oneul chuwoyo – It’s cold today). Want to show empathy? You can say “따뜻하게 입으세요” (ttatteutage ibeuseyo – Dress warmly). It’s a kind way to show care during the winter months.
To ask someone how the weather is, say “날씨 어때요?” (nalssi eottaeyo – How’s the weather?). This is a simple question that can lead to longer conversations. Friends, coworkers, and even strangers often use it in passing.
You can also react to the weather by saying “하늘이 예뻐요” (haneuri yeppeoyo – The sky is pretty) or “구름 많네요” (gureum manneyo – There are a lot of clouds). These kinds of phrases reflect how Koreans naturally observe and comment on their surroundings.
Don’t forget to learn expressions with seasons, like “봄 날씨는 변덕스러워요” (bom nalssineun byeondeokseureowoyo – Spring weather is unpredictable). This kind of sentence shows cultural understanding, as many Koreans talk about how the weather changes often during spring.
Here’s a table of daily expressions that you can memorize and practice. Saying them out loud will help you internalize the structure and pronunciation.
☀️ Useful Weather Phrases
| Korean | Romanization | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 날씨 좋네요 | nalssi jonneyo | The weather is nice |
| 비가 와요 | biga wayo | It’s raining |
| 오늘 덥네요 | oneul deobneyo | It’s hot today |
| 오늘 추워요 | oneul chuwoyo | It’s cold today |
| 날씨 어때요? | nalssi eottaeyo | How’s the weather? |
Pick 2 or 3 of these expressions and try using them today — whether you're texting a friend or talking to yourself while watching the forecast. The more you use them, the more natural they’ll feel.
4. How Koreans Use Weather Talk in Real Life
In Korea, weather talk is more than just neutral conversation. It's a way to show empathy, build rapport, and sometimes even avoid awkward silence. You’ll often hear phrases like “오늘 날씨 참 좋네요” (oneul nalssi cham jonneyo – The weather is really nice today) used as a friendly opening in public or at work.
At work, coworkers may break the ice before meetings by saying something like “밖에 날씨 봤어요?” (bakke nalssi bwasseoyo? – Did you see the weather outside?). This kind of casual chat helps ease tension and creates a more comfortable atmosphere.
In family conversations, weather talk is also used to express care. For instance, parents may say “오늘 추우니까 따뜻하게 입어” (oneul chuunikka ttatteutage ibeoyo – It’s cold today, so dress warmly). It’s a simple yet meaningful way to show concern.
In romantic contexts, couples might use weather expressions to suggest doing something together. For example, “날씨 좋은데 산책할까?” (nalssi joheunde sanchaekhalkka? – The weather’s nice, shall we take a walk?) adds a soft, affectionate tone to the suggestion.
Even in texting or social media posts, weather-related phrases are common. A person might post “비 오는 날엔 따뜻한 커피가 최고죠” (bi oneun naren ttatteuthan keopiga choegojo – Rainy days call for hot coffee). These expressions are often poetic and mood-setting.
When people meet for the first time, weather can serve as a non-threatening topic to start with. Saying “오늘 햇빛 강하네요” (oneul haetbit ganghaneyo – The sunlight is strong today) is neutral and easy to agree with, helping conversation flow naturally.
In customer service, weather talk is also used to create a positive mood. Store clerks might say “날씨 좋은 날 오셨네요” (nalssi joheun nal osyeonneyo – You came on a beautiful day), which sounds friendly and welcoming.
Older people in Korea, especially, love talking about the seasons. They’ll say things like “이제 봄이 오나 봐요” (ije bomi ona bwayo – I guess spring is coming). It’s part of maintaining relationships through casual yet warm conversation.
Here’s a table of real-life expressions that you’ll hear in a variety of everyday settings, from family talk to friendly chats and workplace small talk.
🌡️ Real-Life Korean Weather Talk
| Korean | Romanization | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 밖에 날씨 봤어요? | bakke nalssi bwasseoyo? | Did you see the weather outside? |
| 따뜻하게 입어 | ttatteutage ibeoyo | Dress warmly |
| 날씨 좋은데 산책할까? | nalssi joheunde sanchaekhalkka? | Shall we take a walk since the weather's nice? |
| 햇빛 강하네요 | haetbit ganghaneyo | The sunlight is strong |
| 봄이 오나 봐요 | bomi ona bwayo | I guess spring is coming |
Try listening for these expressions in K-dramas, YouTube vlogs, or even the weather forecast. Recognizing them will boost both your comprehension and confidence in speaking!
5. Common Grammar Patterns in Weather Phrases
Weather expressions in Korean may seem simple, but they follow some key grammar rules that are important to understand. Knowing how these sentences are formed helps you speak more naturally and avoid common mistakes. Let’s look at the most useful patterns that appear in weather-related phrases.
One of the most basic structures is noun + 이다 (ida – to be). For example, “오늘은 화창한 날이에요” (oneureun hwachanghan nariyeoyo – Today is a sunny day). Here, 날 (nal – day) is the noun, and 이에요 (ieyo) is the polite ending of the verb 이다.
Another very common pattern is the descriptive verb + -어요/-아요 for present tense. Words like 덥다 (deopda – to be hot) and 춥다 (chupda – to be cold) become 더워요 (deowoyo) and 추워요 (chuwoyo) in polite speech. This is the form you'll hear most often in conversation.
Some weather-related expressions use the subject particle -가 (-ga). For example, “비가 와요” (biga wayo – It’s raining) uses 비 (bi – rain) as the subject. The particle -가 marks it as the thing performing the action, which is raining in this case.
In Korean, it’s also common to use adverbs like 정말 (jeongmal – really), 아주 (aju – very), or 너무 (neomu – too) to add emotion or intensity. For example, “오늘 정말 더워요” (oneul jeongmal deowoyo – It’s really hot today). These words go before the descriptive verb.
The verb 오다 (oda – to come) is also used with natural elements like rain and snow. You say “눈이 와요” (nuni wayo – It’s snowing), which literally means “snow comes.” This usage is very natural in Korean but may seem odd at first to English speakers.
Let’s not forget the question form. Asking about the weather typically uses the verb 어때요? (eottaeyo? – How is it?). For instance, “날씨 어때요?” (nalssi eottaeyo – How’s the weather?) is a friendly and useful phrase to check the current weather or start a conversation.
Korean also uses seasonal grammar structures. For example, in spring people say “꽃이 피었어요” (kkot-i pieosseoyo – The flowers have bloomed). This uses the past tense of the verb 피다 (pida – to bloom), showing how grammar and nature often go together in Korean speech.
To sum up, Korean weather expressions often follow the pattern: subject + verb with polite endings and optional adverbs. The sentence is short but packed with context and tone. Understanding the grammar behind it lets you build more natural, confident sentences.
Here’s a table showing common weather sentence patterns. Try memorizing them and then replace the vocabulary to create your own sentences!
🌬️ Common Grammar in Weather Phrases
| Korean | Romanization | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 오늘 날씨 어때요? | oneul nalssi eottaeyo? | How’s the weather today? |
| 비가 와요 | biga wayo | It’s raining |
| 눈이 와요 | nuni wayo | It’s snowing |
| 오늘 정말 더워요 | oneul jeongmal deowoyo | It’s really hot today |
| 꽃이 피었어요 | kkot-i pieosseoyo | The flowers have bloomed |
Once you master these grammar patterns, you can express all kinds of weather situations clearly and politely. Practice saying them out loud and substitute different vocabulary to expand your fluency!
6. Practice Dialogues for Any Weather
The best way to learn a new language is through real conversation. In this section, we’ll look at short dialogues that show how Koreans talk about the weather in everyday life. These dialogues will help you get used to natural sentence patterns, rhythm, and tone.
Let’s start with a basic greeting-style conversation between two friends meeting on a sunny day.
지민: 오늘 날씨 진짜 좋다! (jimin: oneul nalssi jinjja jota – The weather is really nice today!)
수지: 맞아, 하늘 완전 맑아. (suji: maja, haneul wanjeon malga – Yeah, the sky is super clear.)
지민: 이런 날엔 산책이 딱이지. (jimin: ireon naren sanchaegi ttakiji – A day like this is perfect for a walk.)
This kind of conversation is extremely common in Korea. Friends often talk about the weather as a way to enjoy the moment and suggest doing something together.
Now let’s look at a rainy-day workplace dialogue.
지훈: 비 많이 오네요. (jihun: bi mani oneyo – It's raining a lot.)
선배: 우산 챙겼어요? (seonbae: usan chaenggyeosseoyo? – Did you bring an umbrella?)
지훈: 네, 오늘은 비 예보 보고 준비했어요. (jihun: ne, oneureun bi yebo bogo junbihaesseoyo – Yes, I checked the forecast and got ready.)
This short exchange shows how coworkers casually connect through weather talk, while also showing consideration for each other. It’s polite and natural.
Finally, a family conversation during cold winter weather:
엄마: 밖에 너무 춥다. 코트 입어! (eomma: bakke neomu chupda. koteu ibeoyo! – It’s so cold outside. Wear your coat!)
민서: 알겠어요. 장갑도 챙길게요. (minseo: algesseoyo. janggapdo chaenggilgeyo – Okay. I’ll take my gloves, too.)
엄마: 따뜻하게 입고 감기 걸리지 마. (eomma: ttatteutage ipgo gamgi geolliji ma – Stay warm and don’t catch a cold.)
In Korean culture, weather is often used as a way to express affection, especially between parents and children. The advice to dress warmly isn’t just practical — it’s emotional and caring.
Here’s a table of useful lines taken from these dialogues. Use them when talking with friends, coworkers, or even practicing alone.
🌈 Practical Dialogue Phrases
| Korean | Romanization | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 오늘 날씨 진짜 좋다 | oneul nalssi jinjja jota | The weather is really nice today |
| 우산 챙겼어요? | usan chaenggyeosseoyo? | Did you bring an umbrella? |
| 코트 입어 | koteu ibeoyo | Wear your coat |
| 산책이 딱이지 | sanchaegi ttakiji | It’s perfect for a walk |
| 따뜻하게 입고 감기 걸리지 마 | ttatteutage ipgo gamgi geolliji ma | Stay warm and don’t catch a cold |
Practice reading these dialogues out loud. Try recording yourself, then listening to check your pronunciation. The more you speak, the faster you'll become confident in real-life conversations!
7. FAQ
Q1. How do you say “It’s sunny” in Korean?
A1. You can say “맑아요” (malkayo), which means “It’s clear/sunny.”
Q2. What’s the word for “weather” in Korean?
A2. The word is 날씨 (nalssi).
Q3. How do I ask “How’s the weather?” in Korean?
A3. Say “날씨 어때요?” (nalssi eottaeyo?).
Q4. How do I say “It’s raining”?
A4. The correct phrase is “비가 와요” (biga wayo).
Q5. What’s “snow” in Korean?
A5. It’s 눈 (nun).
Q6. How do you say “It’s hot” and “It’s cold”?
A6. “It’s hot” is 더워요 (deowoyo), and “It’s cold” is 추워요 (chuwoyo).
Q7. How can I say “It’s windy” in Korean?
A7. You say “바람 불어요” (baram bureoyo).
Q8. How do Koreans express concern using weather?
A8. Phrases like “감기 조심하세요” (gamgi josimhaseyo – Be careful not to catch a cold) are commonly used.
Q9. Can I use weather talk to start conversations?
A9. Yes, weather is a friendly and safe topic for conversation starters in Korea.
Q10. What is the rainy season called in Korean?
A10. It’s called 장마 (jangma).
Q11. Is weather often used in Korean texting?
A11. Yes, especially to express mood or suggest plans.
Q12. How do you say “It’s cloudy”?
A12. Say “흐려요” (heuryeoyo).
Q13. Is “sun” masculine or feminine in Korean?
A13. Korean nouns have no gender. 해 (hae) is gender-neutral.
Q14. Can I say “The sky is pretty” in Korean?
A14. Yes! Say “하늘이 예뻐요” (haneuri yeppeoyo).
Q15. What tense is used for weather in Korean?
A15. Usually present tense, such as 와요 (wayo), 좋아요 (joayo).
Q16. How do you say “It’s humid” in Korean?
A16. You say “습해요” (seuphaeyo).
Q17. What does “장마” (jangma) mean?
A17. It means “monsoon” or “rainy season” in Korea.
Q18. How do I describe foggy weather?
A18. Say “안개가 꼈어요” (angaega kkyeosseoyo – It's foggy).
Q19. Is weather a polite topic to talk about in Korea?
A19. Yes, it’s a safe and respectful way to start small talk.
Q20. What’s the Korean word for “temperature”?
A20. It is 기온 (gion).
Q21. How do you say “There’s a typhoon” in Korean?
A21. You say “태풍이 왔어요” (taepungi wasseoyo).
Q22. Can I use weather expressions on social media?
A22. Absolutely! Many Koreans use phrases like “날씨 너무 좋아요” (nalssi neomu joayo) in posts.
Q23. What does “흐려요” (heuryeoyo) mean?
A23. It means “It’s cloudy.”
Q24. What verb do I use with snow in Korean?
A24. Use 오다 (oda – to come): “눈이 와요” (nuni wayo – It’s snowing).
Q25. How do I say “It stopped raining”?
A25. Say “비가 그쳤어요” (biga geuchyeosseoyo).
Q26. How can I describe cold wind?
A26. You can say “찬바람이 불어요” (chanbarami bureoyo – A cold wind is blowing).
Q27. What’s the word for “sunrise” and “sunset”?
A27. “Sunrise” is 일출 (ilchul), “sunset” is 일몰 (ilmol).
Q28. Do people talk about the weather in formal situations?
A28. Yes, especially in business meetings or polite small talk.
Q29. What’s the difference between “춥다” and “시원하다”?
A29. 춥다 (chupda) means cold (unpleasant), while 시원하다 (siwonhada) means cool (refreshing).
Q30. How do I say “Stay warm!” in Korean?
A30. Say “따뜻하게 지내세요” (ttatteutage jinaeseyo).
Disclaimer
This content is created for educational and language learning purposes only. It is not intended to serve as formal or cultural advice. All Korean phrases are provided with Romanization for beginner use.
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