Discussing health issues like menstrual cramps requires specific vocabulary. This guide provides essential Korean expressions to talk about menstrual pain, describe symptoms, seek relief, and understand related cultural nuances, enabling you to communicate effectively about this common experience in Korean.
Table Of Content
Core Expression
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Expression: 월경통
Pronunciation: wol-gyeong-tong
Meaning: Menstrual cramps (This is the standard medical/formal term derived from Sino-Korean words: 월경 (wol-gyeong – menstruation) + 통 (tong – pain).) -
Expression: 생리통
Pronunciation: saeng-ri-tong
Meaning: Menstrual cramps (This is the more common, everyday term. 생리 (saeng-ri) means menstruation/period.)
Describing Symptoms
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Expression: 생리통이 심해요.
Pronunciation: saeng-ri-tong-i shim-hae-yo
Meaning: My menstrual cramps are severe. -
Expression: 배가 아파요.
Pronunciation: bae-ga a-pa-yo
Meaning: My stomach (abdomen) hurts. -
Expression: 허리가 아파요.
Pronunciation: heo-ri-ga a-pa-yo
Meaning: My lower back hurts. -
Expression: 아랫배가 콕콕 쑤셔요.
Pronunciation: a-raet-bae-ga kok-kok ssu-shyeo-yo
Meaning: My lower abdomen has a sharp, stabbing pain. -
Expression: 몸살 기운이 있어요.
Pronunciation: mom-sal gi-un-i i-sseo-yo
Meaning: I feel body aches (like having a cold or flu). -
Expression: 머리가 아파요.
Pronunciation: meo-ri-ga a-pa-yo
Meaning: I have a headache. -
Expression: 속이 메스꺼워요.
Pronunciation: sok-i me-seu-kkeo-wo-yo
Meaning: I feel nauseous. -
Expression: 기운이 없어요.
Pronunciation: gi-un-i eop-seo-yo
Meaning: I have no energy / I feel weak. -
Expression: 너무 피곤해요.
Pronunciation: neo-mu pi-gon-hae-yo
Meaning: I’m very tired. -
Expression: 진통제를 먹어야 할 것 같아요.
Pronunciation: jin-tong-je-reul meo-geo-ya hal geot ga-ta-yo
Meaning: I think I need to take painkillers. -
Expression: 생리 주기가 불규칙해요.
Pronunciation: saeng-ri ju-gi-ga bul-gyu-chik-hae-yo
Meaning: My menstrual cycle is irregular. -
Expression: 생리 양이 많아요/적어요.
Pronunciation: saeng-ri yang-i ma-na-yo / jeo-geo-yo
Meaning: My menstrual flow is heavy/light.
Seeking Relief and Assistance
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Expression: 생리통 약 좀 주세요.
Pronunciation: saeng-ri-tong yak jom ju-se-yo
Meaning: Please give me some medicine for menstrual cramps. (Used at a pharmacy) -
Expression: 진통제 있어요?
Pronunciation: jin-tong-je i-sseo-yo?
Meaning: Do you have painkillers? -
Expression: 따뜻한 물 좀 마시고 싶어요.
Pronunciation: tta-tteu-tan mul jom ma-shi-go shi-peo-yo
Meaning: I’d like to drink some warm water. -
Expression: 핫팩 있어요?
Pronunciation: hat-paek i-sseo-yo?
Meaning: Do you have a heat pack? -
Expression: 좀 쉬어야 할 것 같아요.
Pronunciation: jom swi-eo-ya hal geot ga-ta-yo
Meaning: I think I need to rest a bit. -
Expression: 병원에 가야 할까요?
Pronunciation: byeong-won-e ga-ya hal-kka-yo?
Meaning: Should I go to the hospital/clinic? -
Expression: 산부인과에 가보세요.
Pronunciation: san-bu-in-gwa-e ga-bo-se-yo
Meaning: Try going to an OB/GYN clinic. (Advice someone might give) -
Expression: 이 약은 어떻게 먹어요?
Pronunciation: i yak-eun eo-tteo-ke meo-geo-yo?
Meaning: How do I take this medicine? -
Expression: 부작용은 없나요?
Pronunciation: bu-jak-yong-eun eom-na-yo?
Meaning: Are there any side effects? -
Expression: 이 약 먹으면 졸릴 수 있어요.
Pronunciation: i yak meo-geu-myeon jol-ril su i-sseo-yo
Meaning: You might feel drowsy if you take this medicine. (Pharmacist might say this)
Explaining the Situation
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Expression: 오늘 생리통 때문에 몸이 안 좋아요.
Pronunciation: o-neul saeng-ri-tong ttae-mun-e mom-i an jo-a-yo
Meaning: I don’t feel well today because of menstrual cramps. -
Expression: 생리 중이라서 좀 힘들어요.
Pronunciation: saeng-ri jung-i-ra-seo jom him-deu-reo-yo
Meaning: It’s a bit difficult for me because I’m on my period. -
Expression: 죄송하지만, 오늘 조퇴해도 될까요?
Pronunciation: joe-song-ha-ji-man, o-neul jo-toe-hae-do doel-kka-yo?
Meaning: I’m sorry, but may I leave work/school early today? -
Expression: 몸이 안 좋아서 쉬고 싶어요.
Pronunciation: mom-i an jo-a-seo swi-go shi-peo-yo
Meaning: I don’t feel well, so I want to rest. -
Expression: 생리통 때문에 집중하기 어려워요.
Pronunciation: saeng-ri-tong ttae-mun-e jip-jung-ha-gi eo-ryeo-wo-yo
Meaning: It’s hard to concentrate because of menstrual cramps. -
Expression: 혹시 생리대 있어요?
Pronunciation: hok-shi saeng-ri-dae i-sseo-yo?
Meaning: Do you happen to have a sanitary pad? -
Expression: 화장실 좀 다녀올게요.
Pronunciation: hwa-jang-shil jom da-nyeo-ol-ge-yo
Meaning: I’ll just go to the restroom quickly. (Common way to excuse oneself) -
Expression: 이해해 주셔서 감사합니다.
Pronunciation: i-hae-hae ju-shyeo-seo gam-sa-ham-ni-da
Meaning: Thank you for your understanding. -
Expression: 생리 휴가를 사용할 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: saeng-ri hyu-ga-reul sa-yong-hal su in-na-yo?
Meaning: Can I use menstrual leave? (In a workplace context) -
Expression: 보건실에 가서 좀 누워 있어도 될까요?
Pronunciation: bo-geon-shil-e ga-seo jom nu-wo i-sseo-do doel-kka-yo?
Meaning: May I go to the nurse’s office and lie down for a bit? (In a school context)
Korean Culture Notes
While menstruation is a natural process, discussing it openly might still depend on the context and relationship in Korea. Younger generations tend to be more open, but it might still be considered a somewhat private topic in formal or public settings.
Using the term 생리통 (saeng-ri-tong) is common and generally understood. 월경통 (wol-gyeong-tong) is more formal or clinical.
Pharmacies (약국 – yak-guk) readily sell various types of painkillers specifically marketed for menstrual cramps, often without a prescription. It’s common to ask the pharmacist (약사 – yak-sa) for recommendations.
In schools, there’s usually a nurse’s office (보건실 – bo-geon-shil) where students can rest if feeling unwell due to cramps. Some workplaces in Korea offer menstrual leave (생리 휴가 – saeng-ri hyu-ga), although its usage and perception can vary.
Offering warm drinks or heat packs is a common gesture of care for someone experiencing menstrual discomfort.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: Minji is at a pharmacy to buy medicine for her cramps.
Roles: A: Minji, B: Pharmacist (약사 – yak-sa)
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Expression: A: 안녕하세요. 생리통 약 좀 주세요.
Pronunciation: an-nyeong-ha-se-yo. saeng-ri-tong yak jom ju-se-yo.
Meaning: A: Hello. Please give me some medicine for menstrual cramps. -
Expression: B: 네. 어떤 증상이 있으세요? 통증이 심하신 편인가요?
Pronunciation: ne. eo-tteon jeung-sang-i i-sseu-se-yo? tong-jeung-i shim-ha-shin pyeon-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: B: Yes. What kind of symptoms do you have? Is the pain severe? -
Expression: A: 네, 아랫배랑 허리가 너무 아파요. 좀 심한 편이에요.
Pronunciation: ne, a-raet-bae-rang heo-ri-ga neo-mu a-pa-yo. jom shim-han pyeon-i-e-yo.
Meaning: A: Yes, my lower abdomen and back hurt a lot. It’s quite severe. -
Expression: B: 그러시면 이 약이 효과가 빠르고 좋습니다. 식후 30분에 드세요.
Pronunciation: geu-reo-shi-myeon i yak-i hyo-gwa-ga ppa-reu-go jo-sseum-ni-da. shik-hu sam-ship-bun-e deu-se-yo.
Meaning: B: In that case, this medicine works quickly and is good. Take it 30 minutes after meals. -
Expression: A: 알겠습니다. 혹시 졸리거나 하진 않죠?
Pronunciation: al-get-sseum-ni-da. hok-shi jol-ri-geo-na ha-jin an-cho?
Meaning: A: Okay. It doesn’t make you drowsy or anything, right? -
Expression: B: 네, 이 약은 졸음 부작용은 거의 없습니다.
Pronunciation: ne, i yak-eun jo-reum bu-jak-yong-eun geo-ui eop-sseum-ni-da.
Meaning: B: No, this medicine has almost no drowsiness side effects. -
Expression: A: 감사합니다. 얼마예요?
Pronunciation: gam-sa-ham-ni-da. eol-ma-ye-yo?
Meaning: A: Thank you. How much is it?
Practice Tips
Familiarizing yourself with these phrases can be incredibly helpful! Try practicing saying the symptom descriptions out loud~ You can also role-play visiting a pharmacy or explaining your situation to a friend or colleague. Remember, 생리통 (saeng-ri-tong) is the most common way to refer to cramps in daily conversation. Don’t hesitate to use these expressions when needed; clear communication is key, especially regarding health! 화이팅! (hwa-i-ting! – You can do it!)
