Dictionary — Entry No. 0902
배가 아프다
bae-ga-apda · expression
배가 아프다
bae-ga-apda
[BAE-gah-AHP-dah]
expressionintermediate
Meaning
Literally ‘stomach hurts’; to have a stomach ache or belly pain. A common physical complaint used in everyday conversation. Can also be used metaphorically for emotional pain or worry that ‘gnaws at the stomach.’
K-Pop & K-Drama Context
Ubiquitous in K-Dramas during scenes of emotional distress, physical illness, or nervousness before important events. Seen when characters worry, feel anxiety, or face betrayal. EXO and other idols reference stomach pain in songs about emotional hardship. Reflects Korean folk belief that emotions manifest physically in the stomach.
Example Sentences
배가 아파서 병원에 갔다.
baega apaseo byeongyuone gatda.
I went to the hospital because of a stomach ache.
시험 때문에 배가 아프다.
siheom ttaemun-e baega apda.
My stomach hurts because of the exam. (nervous stomach)
그 소식을 듣고 배가 아팠다.
geu sosigeul deutgo baega apaetda.
My stomach hurt when I heard that news. (emotional pain)
⚠️ Don’t use bae-ga-apda when…
1) In K-Drama context, ‘배가 아프다’ often signals emotional distress, not literal stomach issues—check context. 2) Don’t overuse this phrase if you actually have stomach pain; Koreans might think you’re being overly emotional unless it’s a serious condition.
🎵 Heard In
- K-Drama: Descendants of the Sun — Characters experience ‘배가 아프다’ from stress, anxiety, and emotional turmoil during dangerous mission scenes.
- K-Pop: EXO — ‘Hurt’ (song with metaphorical references to emotional pain manifesting physically)
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.