Dictionary — Entry No. 0335
피곤해
pigonaeo · adjective
피곤해
pigonaeo
[pee-gon-HEH]
adjectivebeginner
Meaning
피곤해 (pigonhae) means ‘I’m tired’ or simply ‘tired.’ In Korean grammar, adjectives function as predicates, so 피곤해 already expresses ‘am tired’ without a separate subject pronoun. It comes from the noun 피곤 (pigon, fatigue) combined with the informal ending -해 (hae).
K-Pop & K-Drama Context
K-Pop idols frequently use 피곤해 in behind-the-scenes content and reality shows, making it one of the most relatable words fans pick up organically. EXO’s ‘Power’ was created as a direct anthem for overcoming tiredness and recharging energy after grueling schedules. In Hospital Playlist, the resident doctors voice 피곤해 after overnight shifts, grounding viewers in the emotional weight of exhaustion that the show handles so honestly.
Example Sentences
나 너무 피곤해.
Na neomu pigonhae.
I’m so tired. — casual, used comfortably with close friends; drop 나 and it still makes complete sense
피곤해서 일찍 잘게요.
Pigonhaeseo iljjik jalgeyo.
I’m tired so I’ll sleep early. — explaining plans with a polite -요 ending appropriate for most everyday situations
요즘 너무 피곤해 죽겠어.
Yojeum neomu pigonhae jugesseo.
I’m so tired lately I could die. — a common hyperbolic expression of exhaustion among friends; not literal
⚠️ Don’t use pigonaeo when…
피곤해 is informal — always switch to 피곤해요 (pigonhaeyo) with elders, strangers, or in workplace settings. Also, avoid swapping 피곤해 (physically tired) for 힘들어 (himdeulleo) freely — 힘들어 conveys emotional hardship or difficulty, while 피곤해 refers specifically to bodily fatigue.
🎵 Heard In
- K-Drama: Hospital Playlist — resident doctors say 피곤해 repeatedly after overnight shifts, and the word becomes a quiet shorthand for the beautiful, exhausting bond they share.
- K-Pop: EXO — Power
ℹ️ Editorial Note: The cultural context and example usage are for educational reference only. Artist names, song titles, and drama references are used descriptively to illustrate vocabulary in context. This content is AI-assisted and reviewed for accuracy. For official information, please refer to the respective artists’ or studios’ official channels.