How to say “I’m a Lightweight” in Korean?

Hello!

At dinners and social gatherings, some people turn red or feel tipsy after just one drink. In Korea, they may jokingly call themselves 알쓰 (al-sseu).

What Does 알쓰 Mean?

알쓰 is short for 알코올 쓰레기 (al-ko-ol sseu-re-gi), literally “alcohol trash.” Despite the harsh literal meaning, friends often use it playfully or self-deprecatingly to describe someone who cannot handle much alcohol.

It is very casual slang. It can sound rude if you use it about someone you are not close to, so it is safest when describing yourself or joking with close friends.

Here are three common ways to talk about it.

1. Calling Yourself a Lightweight 🍻

Use 알쓰야 to jokingly admit that you cannot drink much:

• Korean: 나 완전 알쓰야.

• Pronunciation: na wan-jeon al-sseu-ya.

• Meaning: I’m such a lightweight. / I really can’t handle alcohol.

완전(wan-jeon) means “totally” or “really” in casual conversation.

2. Saying Someone Cannot Handle Much Alcohol 🥴

You can also use 알쓰 when explaining why someone should not be given too much to drink:

• Korean: 걔 알쓰니까 술 많이 주지 마.

• Pronunciation: gyae al-sseu-ni-kka sul ma-ni ju-ji ma.

• Meaning: Don’t give him too much alcohol—he’s a lightweight.

-니까(ni-kka) means “because,” and 주지 마(ju-ji ma) means “don’t give.”

3. Using a More Neutral Expression 🍷

If you do not want to use slang, say 술이 약하다, literally “to be weak with alcohol”:

• Korean: 저는 술이 약해요.

• Pronunciation: jeo-neun su-ri ya-kae-yo.

• Meaning: I can’t handle alcohol very well.

To emphasize that you become drunk quickly, say:

• Korean: 저는 술을 마시면 금방 취해요.

• Pronunciation: jeo-neun su-reul ma-si-myeon geum-bang chwi-hae-yo.

• Meaning: I get drunk quickly when I drink.

These polite expressions are safer with coworkers, new acquaintances, or older people.

💡 Quick Usage Tip

알쓰 (al-sseu) is a noun, so it is usually combined with 이다 (“to be”):

나 알쓰야 (al-sseu-ya) — I’m a lightweight, casual

저 알쓰예요 (al-sseu-ye-yo) — I’m a lightweight, polite

🎯 Takeaway of the Day

나 완전 알쓰야! (na wan-jeon al-sseu-ya!)

Use it playfully with friends when you want to say that you are a total lightweight—but avoid calling a stranger 알쓰.

One expression a day, make it yours.

하루에 한 표현을 내 것으로!