How to say “I'm scared” in Korean

"I'm scared" in Korean is 무서워 (museowo), or 무서워요 (museowoyo) to be polite. The same word also means "it's scary," so context tells you which.

Ways to say it

Korean	Level	When to use it
무서워 museowo	Casual	To friends and family. "I'm scared" or "it's scary."
무서워요 museowoyo	Polite	Polite. Fine with most people.
무섭습니다 museopseumnida	Formal	Formal. Rare in conversation.
겁나 geomna	Casual	"I'm scared" or "I'm afraid," often before doing something. Casual.
깜짝이야 kkamjjagiya	Casual	"You scared me!" or "What a fright!" When something suddenly startles you.
엄마야 eommaya	Any	A startled cry, like "Oh my gosh!" Literally "Mom!" Said on reflex when frightened.

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Watching a horror movie

It's so scary.

On a roller coaster

I'm scared!

A friend sneaks up behind you

Ah, you scared me!

무서워 can mean "I'm scared" or "it's scary." 이 영화 무서워 (i yeonghwa museowo) means "This movie is scary."

깜짝이야 and 엄마야 are reactions to a sudden shock. 무서워 is for fear that lasts, like a dark street or a horror film.

Pronunciation: 무서워 sounds like "moo-saw-wuh."

More on 깜짝이야 and 엄마야 in our Korean phrase guides.

How do you say "Don't be scared" in Korean?

Say 무서워하지 마 (museowohaji ma) or 겁먹지 마 (geommeokji ma) to a friend.

How do you say "It's scary" in Korean?

Use the same word: 무서워 (museowo) or 무서워요 (museowoyo).