💊 Describing Symptoms at a Hospital (두통, 감기) – Intermediate Level (TOPIK 3–4)
.jpg "Describing Symptoms at a Hospital | TOPIK 3–4")
Visiting a hospital in Korea can feel overwhelming. This lesson gives you clear, simple phrases to describe your symptoms so doctors and nurses understand you quickly.
🎯 Learning Goal | 학습 목표
- Learn essential vocabulary for common symptoms and illnesses.
- Describe where it hurts, how long it has hurt, and how strong the pain is.
- Use polite, natural sentences with Korean medical staff.
📋 Table of Contents
Click to expand
🗝 Core Symptoms & Terms
- 두통 — headache
- 편두통 — migraine
- 복통 — stomachache
- 근육통 — muscle ache
- 목이 붓다 — sore/swollen throat
- 열(이 나다) — fever
- 오한 — chills
- 메스꺼움 — nausea
- 구토 — vomiting
- 피로감 — fatigue
- 호흡 곤란 — difficulty breathing
- 몸살 — flu-like body ache
💬 Useful Expressions
- 머리가 아파요. — I have a headache.
- 열이 나고 기침이 나요. — I have a fever and a cough.
- 속이 메스꺼워요. — I feel nauseous.
- 근육통이 심해요. — I have severe muscle pain.
- 호흡이 힘들어요. — I have difficulty breathing.
- (부위)가 (정도) 아파요. — My (area) hurts (degree). 예) 배가 많이 아파요.
🧭 Step-by-Step: How to Explain Symptoms
- Duration (기간): 언제부터? — “어제 밤부터요.”
- Location (부위): 어디가? — “목이 아파요.”
- Intensity (강도): 어느 정도? — “아픔이 10 중에 7이에요.”
- Pattern/Trigger (양상): 언제 심해져요? — “삼킬 때 더 아파요.”
- Actions Taken (조치): 약/휴식? — “해열제를 먹었어요.”
🙋 Practice Dialogue
Doctor: 어디가 아프세요? — Where does it hurt?
Patient: 머리가 심하게 아프고 열이 나요. — I have a severe headache and a fever.
Doctor: 언제부터 증상이 있었어요? — Since when?
Patient: 어제 밤부터요. 기침도 계속 나요. — Since last night. I keep coughing, too.
Doctor: 알겠습니다. 먼저 체온을 재겠습니다. — Okay, let’s check your temperature first.
⚠ Common Mistakes & Fixes
- ❌ 저는 감기에 있습니다 → ✅ 저는 감기에 걸렸습니다.
- ❌ 제 머리가 고장났어요 → ✅ 머리가 아파요.
- ❌ 저는 열을 먹었어요 → ✅ 열이 나요.
- ❌ 기침을 있어요 → ✅ 기침이 나요.
- ❌ 배가 폭발했어요 → ✅ 배가 심하게 아파요.
👩🏫 Teacher’s Tips
English: At the hospital, include duration, location, and intensity. Example: “Since yesterday, my throat hurts a lot when I swallow.” Short, clear facts help doctors decide faster.
한국어: 병원에서는 기간·부위·강도를 함께 말하세요. 예) “어제부터 목이 많이 아프고, 삼킬 때 더 아파요.” 이렇게 말하면 진단에 큰 도움이 됩니다.
📝 Pop Quiz
Fill in the blanks with the right word:
- 저는 ____이 나요. (I have a fever.)
Show Answer
열 - 어제부터 ____ 때문에 밥을 못 먹었어요. (Because of nausea)
Show Answer
메스꺼움 - 저는 어제부터 ____이 심해요. (I have severe muscle pain.)
Show Answer
근육통
🌀 Say What?
골골하다 — casual: to feel weak/sickly.
예) 요즘 감기 때문에 골골해요.
📌 Did You Know?
In many Korean cities, late-night clinics and 24-hour pharmacies (약국) make it easier to get treatment after work.
🔗 Extra Resources
🔄 Related Posts
✍️ About the Author
Hello! I’m a Korean language tutor who helps learners speak naturally and confidently. Want personalized practice? Book a session on italki and practice real hospital situations.
