The hot summer has officially arrived. Whether you’re in Korea or traveling abroad, you can feel the rising temperatures and endless sunshine. I personally enjoy warm weather, but sometimes it can be too much. Especially when the humidity kicks in and there’s no breeze in sight.
Right now, I’m spending some time in Bali, Indonesia. The scenery is beautiful, but the hot summer weather is intense. It’s already over 30°C, and the humidity makes everything feel even heavier. I love doing outdoor activities, but honestly, the heat makes it hard to enjoy anything except staying in the shade. Surfing might be the only activity that feels refreshing in this weather. Every day feels like a test of how to survive the blazing sun. If you’ve ever been in Southeast Asia during summer, you probably know exactly what I mean.’
I lived in Daegu, South Korea. It’s not as internationally famous as Seoul or Busan, but it’s well known among Koreans for two things: amazing food and intense heat. During the summer, Daegu becomes so hot that locals call it “Dafrica”,a mix of “Daegu” and “Africa.” It’s a fun nickname, but also very true. The hot summer in Daegu can feel overwhelming, with temperatures often reaching record highs. Growing up there definitely helped me learn how to handle the heat with a bit of humor and a lot of iced drinks.
Here are 7 natural and useful expressions that people use when the weather gets too hot. Try using these during your next hot summer day!
It’s really hot
It’s really hot.
진짜 덥다.
[jin-jja-deop-dda]
This expression is one of the most common ways to describe extremely hot weather. You might use this phrase when you step outside and feel an instant wave of heat hit your body.
I’m melting from the heat
I’m melting from the heat.
나 녹아 내릴 것 같아.
[na-no-ga-nae-ril-ggeo-ga-ta]
This phrase is a fun and exaggerated way to say, “I’m way too hot.” Of course, people don’t literally melt but that’s what it feels like when it’s hot, humid, and sticky outside. You might feel sweat dripping down your face, your shirt sticking to your back, and your energy slowly disappearing.
It’s a very common expression, especially among younger people or in casual conversations. It adds humor to a very uncomfortable situation.
I need ice cream
I need ice cream.
나 아이스크림이 필요해.
[na-ice cream-i-pi-ryo-hae]
On a hot summer day, who doesn’t crave something cold and sweet? This phrase is simple but effective. You can replace the ice cream with something else you like.
I need Iced Tea.
나 아이스티가 필요해.
[na-ice tea-ga-pi-ryo-hae]
Or you can say like this:
Let’s go get ice cream.
아이스크림 먹으러 가자.
[ice cream-meo-geu-reo-ga-ja]
Turn on the AC, please
Turn on the AC, please.
에어컨 좀 틀어줘.
[ae-eo-con-jom-teu-reo-jwo]
When you’re indoors and it’s still unbearably hot, this is the go-to phrase. AC stands for air conditioner, and this phrase is a polite but urgent request to cool the room.
There are a few variations you might hear:
Is the AC on?
에어컨 틀려 있어?
[ae-eo-con-teul-lyeo-i-sseo]
Can you turn up the AC?
에어컨 좀 세게 틀어줘
[ae-eo-con-jom-sse-ge-teu-reo-jwo]
Let’s go to a cool cafe
Let’s go to a cool cafe.
시원한 카페 가자.
[si-won-han-cafe-ga-ja]
During a hot summer, cafes can be a safe haven. Not only do they usually have good air conditioning, but you can also relax with a cold drink. This phrase is a friendly suggestion to escape the heat and hang out somewhere comfortable.
If you want more Korean expressions, check out my previous posts : Pet talking
