Navigating medical situations in a foreign language can be daunting, especially when discussing complex procedures like surgery. This guide provides essential Korean vocabulary and phrases related to 인공슬관절 (in-gong-seul-gwan-jeol), or artificial knee joint surgery. You’ll learn how to describe symptoms, discuss treatment options, understand post-operative care, and gain cultural insights relevant to healthcare in Korea.
Table Of Content
Core Expression
- Expression: 인공슬관절
Pronunciation: in-gong-seul-gwan-jeol
Meaning: Artificial knee joint (This term specifically refers to the artificial implant for the knee.)
Related Medical Terms
This section covers essential vocabulary you might encounter when discussing knee problems and surgery in a medical setting.
- Expression: 무릎
Pronunciation: mu-reup
Meaning: Knee - Expression: 관절
Pronunciation: gwan-jeol
Meaning: Joint - Expression: 인공관절 수술
Pronunciation: in-gong-gwan-jeol su-sul
Meaning: Artificial joint surgery - Expression: 정형외과
Pronunciation: jeong-hyeong-oe-gwa
Meaning: Orthopedics / Orthopedic surgery department - Expression: 의사
Pronunciation: ui-sa
Meaning: Doctor - Expression: 간호사
Pronunciation: gan-ho-sa
Meaning: Nurse - Expression: 병원
Pronunciation: byeong-won
Meaning: Hospital - Expression: 통증
Pronunciation: tong-jjeung
Meaning: Pain - Expression: 재활
Pronunciation: jae-hwal
Meaning: Rehabilitation - Expression: 퇴행성 관절염
Pronunciation: toe-haeng-seong gwan-jeol-yeom
Meaning: Degenerative arthritis - Expression: 진단
Pronunciation: jin-dan
Meaning: Diagnosis - Expression: 엑스레이
Pronunciation: ek-seu-re-i
Meaning: X-ray - Expression: MRI (엠알아이)
Pronunciation: em-al-a-i
Meaning: MRI
Describing Symptoms
Use these phrases to explain your knee condition and pain to a doctor or medical professional.
- Expression: 무릎이 아파요.
Pronunciation: mu-reup-i a-pa-yo
Meaning: My knee hurts. - Expression: 걷기가 힘들어요.
Pronunciation: geot-gi-ga him-deul-eo-yo
Meaning: It’s difficult to walk. - Expression: 계단 오르내리기가 어려워요.
Pronunciation: gye-dan o-reu-nae-ri-gi-ga eo-ryeo-wo-yo
Meaning: It’s hard to go up and down stairs. - Expression: 무릎이 붓고 열이 나요.
Pronunciation: mu-reup-i but-go yeol-i na-yo
Meaning: My knee is swollen and feels hot (has a fever). - Expression: 앉았다 일어설 때 아파요.
Pronunciation: an-jat-da il-eo-seol ttae a-pa-yo
Meaning: It hurts when I sit down and stand up. - Expression: 밤에 통증이 더 심해져요.
Pronunciation: bam-e tong-jjeung-i deo sim-hae-jyeo-yo
Meaning: The pain gets worse at night. - Expression: 무릎에서 소리가 나요.
Pronunciation: mu-reup-e-seo so-ri-ga na-yo
Meaning: My knee makes a sound (e.g., clicking, popping). - Expression: 다리를 완전히 펴거나 구부릴 수 없어요.
Pronunciation: da-ri-reul wan-jeon-hi pyeo-geo-na gu-bu-ril su eop-seo-yo
Meaning: I can’t fully straighten or bend my leg. - Expression: 언제부터 아프셨어요?
Pronunciation: eon-je-bu-teo a-peu-syeot-seo-yo?
Meaning: Since when has it been hurting? (Often asked by doctors) - Expression: 통증이 얼마나 심한가요? (1점에서 10점까지)
Pronunciation: tong-jjeung-i eol-ma-na sim-han-ga-yo? (il-jeom-e-seo sip-jeom-kka-ji)
Meaning: How severe is the pain? (From 1 to 10) - Expression: 약을 먹어도 계속 아파요.
Pronunciation: yak-eul meok-eo-do gye-sok a-pa-yo
Meaning: It still hurts even after taking medicine. - Expression: 무릎이 뻣뻣해요.
Pronunciation: mu-reup-i ppeot-ppeot-hae-yo
Meaning: My knee feels stiff.
Discussing Surgery and Treatment
These phrases are useful when discussing the possibility of surgery, the procedure itself, and related concerns.
- Expression: 인공슬관절 수술을 고려하고 있습니다.
Pronunciation: in-gong-seul-gwan-jeol su-sul-eul go-ryeo-ha-go it-seum-ni-da
Meaning: I am considering artificial knee joint surgery. - Expression: 의사 선생님께서 수술을 권유하셨어요.
Pronunciation: ui-sa seon-saeng-nim-kke-seo su-sul-eul gwon-yu-ha-syeot-seo-yo
Meaning: The doctor recommended surgery. - Expression: 수술 전에 어떤 검사를 받아야 하나요?
Pronunciation: su-sul jeon-e eo-tteon geom-sa-reul bad-a-ya ha-na-yo?
Meaning: What tests do I need to undergo before the surgery? - Expression: 수술 시간은 대략 얼마나 걸리나요?
Pronunciation: su-sul si-gan-eun dae-ryak eol-ma-na geol-li-na-yo?
Meaning: Approximately how long does the surgery take? - Expression: 수술 후 회복 기간은 어느 정도 예상해야 하나요?
Pronunciation: su-sul hu hoe-bok gi-gan-eun eo-neu jeong-do ye-sang-hae-ya ha-na-yo?
Meaning: How long should I expect the recovery period to be after surgery? - Expression: 입원은 며칠 정도 필요한가요?
Pronunciation: ip-won-eun myeo-chil jeong-do pil-yo-han-ga-yo?
Meaning: About how many days of hospitalization are required? - Expression: 수술 후 통증 관리는 어떻게 이루어지나요?
Pronunciation: su-sul hu tong-jjeung gwan-ri-neun eo-tteo-ke i-ru-eo-ji-na-yo?
Meaning: How is pain managed after the surgery? - Expression: 재활 치료는 필수인가요?
Pronunciation: jae-hwal chi-ryo-neun pil-su-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is rehabilitation therapy mandatory? - Expression: 수술 비용과 보험 적용 여부를 알고 싶습니다.
Pronunciation: su-sul bi-yong-gwa bo-heom jeok-yong yeo-bu-reul al-go sip-seum-ni-da
Meaning: I would like to know the surgery cost and whether insurance is applicable. - Expression: 수술의 잠재적인 위험이나 부작용은 무엇인가요?
Pronunciation: su-sul-ui jam-jae-jeok-in wi-heom-i-na bu-jak-yong-eun mu-eot-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: What are the potential risks or side effects of the surgery? - Expression: 다른 비수술적 치료 방법은 없을까요?
Pronunciation: da-reun bi-su-sul-jeok chi-ryo bang-beop-eun eop-seul-kka-yo?
Meaning: Are there any other non-surgical treatment options? - Expression: 이 병원에서 인공슬관절 수술 경험이 많으신가요?
Pronunciation: i byeong-won-e-seo in-gong-seul-gwan-jeol su-sul gyeong-heom-i man-eu-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: Does this hospital have a lot of experience with artificial knee joint surgery?
Post-Surgery and Rehabilitation
After the surgery, you’ll need to communicate about your condition and follow rehabilitation instructions.
- Expression: 수술은 잘 끝났습니다.
Pronunciation: su-sul-eun jal kkeut-nat-seum-ni-da
Meaning: The surgery went well. (Often said by medical staff) - Expression: 지금 통증이 좀 심해요.
Pronunciation: ji-geum tong-jjeung-i jom sim-hae-yo
Meaning: The pain is quite severe right now. - Expression: 진통제 좀 더 주실 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: jin-tong-je jom deo ju-sil su it-na-yo?
Meaning: Could you give me some more painkillers? - Expression: 언제부터 걸어볼 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: eon-je-bu-teo geol-eo-bol su it-na-yo?
Meaning: When can I try walking? - Expression: 재활 운동은 어떻게 하는 건가요?
Pronunciation: jae-hwal un-dong-eun eo-tteo-ke ha-neun geon-ga-yo?
Meaning: How do I do the rehabilitation exercises? - Expression: 물리치료는 하루에 몇 번 받나요?
Pronunciation: mul-li-chi-ryo-neun ha-ru-e myeot beon bat-na-yo?
Meaning: How many times a day do I receive physical therapy? - Expression: 목발(또는 보행기)은 언제까지 사용해야 하나요?
Pronunciation: mok-bal (tto-neun bo-haeng-gi)-eun eon-je-kka-ji sa-yong-hae-ya ha-na-yo?
Meaning: Until when do I need to use crutches (or a walker)? - Expression: 퇴원은 언제쯤 가능할까요?
Pronunciation: toe-won-eun eon-je-jjeum ga-neung-hal-kka-yo?
Meaning: Around when will discharge be possible? - Expression: 수술 부위 소독은 매일 해야 하나요?
Pronunciation: su-sul bu-wi so-dok-eun mae-il hae-ya ha-na-yo?
Meaning: Do I need to disinfect the surgical site every day? - Expression: 다음 외래 진료는 언제인가요?
Pronunciation: da-eum oe-rae jil-lyo-neun eon-je-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: When is the next outpatient appointment? - Expression: 샤워는 언제부터 할 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: sya-wo-neun eon-je-bu-teo hal su it-na-yo?
Meaning: When can I start showering? - Expression: 운전은 언제부터 다시 할 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: un-jeon-eun eon-je-bu-teo da-si hal su it-na-yo?
Meaning: When can I start driving again?
Korean Culture Notes
Understanding these cultural points can help navigate the Korean healthcare system more smoothly.
- Family Involvement: Family members, especially spouses or adult children, often play a significant role in a patient’s hospital stay. They might stay overnight, assist with basic needs, and communicate with medical staff. Don’t be surprised if doctors discuss treatment plans with family present.
- Respect for Authority: Doctors (의사 – ui-sa) and senior medical staff are highly respected. Use formal language (존댓말 – jon-daen-mal) and address them using their title, e.g., 의사 선생님 (ui-sa seon-saeng-nim).
- Efficiency: The Korean healthcare system, particularly in large hospitals, can feel very fast-paced. Consultations might seem brief compared to what you’re used to. Prepare your questions beforehand.
- Rehabilitation Emphasis: Post-surgery rehabilitation (재활 – jae-hwal) is taken very seriously. Diligent participation in physical therapy is expected and seen as crucial for a successful outcome.
- Hospital Food: Korean hospital meals typically consist of rice, soup, and various side dishes (반찬 – ban-chan). If you have dietary restrictions, communicate them clearly beforehand, though options might be limited.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: A patient (Mr. Smith) is consulting with an orthopedic surgeon (Dr. Kim) about persistent knee pain.
Roles:
* A: Mr. Smith (Patient)
* B: Dr. Kim (Orthopedic Surgeon – 의사)
- Expression: A: 의사 선생님, 무릎 통증 때문에 왔습니다. 몇 달 동안 계속 아팠어요.
Pronunciation: ui-sa seon-saeng-nim, mu-reup tong-jjeung ttae-mun-e wat-seum-ni-da. myeot dal dong-an gye-sok a-pat-seo-yo.
Meaning: Doctor, I came because of knee pain. It’s been hurting continuously for several months. - Expression: B: 네, 어디가 어떻게 아프신지 자세히 말씀해 주시겠어요? 엑스레이는 찍어 오셨나요?
Pronunciation: ne, eo-di-ga eo-tteo-ke a-peu-sin-ji ja-se-hi mal-sseum-hae ju-si-get-seo-yo? ek-seu-re-i-neun jjik-eo o-syeot-na-yo?
Meaning: Yes, could you tell me in detail where and how it hurts? Did you bring your X-rays? - Expression: A: 네, 여기 있습니다. 특히 걸을 때와 계단을 오르내릴 때 통증이 심하고, 무릎이 뻣뻣한 느낌이 듭니다.
Pronunciation: ne, yeo-gi it-seum-ni-da. teu-ki geol-eul ttae-wa gye-dan-eul o-reu-nae-ril ttae tong-jjeung-i sim-ha-go, mu-reup-i ppeot-ppeot-han neuk-kim-i deum-ni-da.
Meaning: Yes, here they are. The pain is severe especially when walking and going up/down stairs, and my knee feels stiff. - Expression: B: (엑스레이를 보며) 엑스레이를 보니 퇴행성 관절염이 상당히 진행되셨네요. 연골이 많이 닳아 있습니다. 약물 치료나 물리 치료는 받아보셨나요?
Pronunciation: (ek-seu-re-i-reul bo-myeo) ek-seu-re-i-reul bo-ni toe-haeng-seong gwan-jeol-yeom-i sang-dang-hi jin-haeng-doe-syeon-ne-yo. yeon-gol-i ma-ni dal-a it-seum-ni-da. yak-mul chi-ryo-na mul-li chi-ryo-neun bad-a-bo-syeon-na-yo?
Meaning: (Looking at the X-ray) Seeing the X-ray, your degenerative arthritis has progressed quite significantly. The cartilage is very worn down. Have you tried medication or physical therapy? - Expression: A: 네, 몇 달간 해봤지만 큰 효과가 없었습니다.
Pronunciation: ne, myeot dal-gan hae-bwat-ji-man keun hyo-gwa-ga eop-seot-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Yes, I tried them for several months, but there wasn’t much effect. - Expression: B: 그렇군요. 이 정도 상태시면 통증 완화와 기능 개선을 위해 인공슬관절 수술을 고려해 보시는 것이 좋겠습니다.
Pronunciation: geu-reo-ku-nyo. i jeong-do sang-tae-si-myeon tong-jjeung wan-hwa-wa gi-neung gae-seon-eul wi-hae in-gong-seul-gwan-jeol su-sul-eul go-ryeo-hae bo-si-neun geo-si jo-ket-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I see. In this condition, it would be good to consider artificial knee joint surgery to relieve pain and improve function. - Expression: A: 수술이요? 수술 시간이나 회복 기간은 어느 정도 걸릴까요?
Pronunciation: su-sul-i-yo? su-sul si-gan-i-na hoe-bok gi-gan-eun eo-neu jeong-do geol-lil-kka-yo?
Meaning: Surgery? About how long would the surgery time or recovery period take? - Expression: B: 수술 자체는 보통 1시간 반에서 2시간 정도 걸리고, 입원은 약 1-2주, 완전한 회복과 재활에는 몇 달이 걸릴 수 있습니다. 물론 개인 차는 있습니다.
Pronunciation: su-sul ja-che-neun bo-tong han-si-gan ban-e-seo du-si-gan jeong-do geol-li-go, ip-won-eun yak il-i-ju, wan-jeon-han hoe-bok-gwa jae-hwal-e-neun myeot dal-i geol-lil su it-seum-ni-da. mul-lon gae-in cha-neun it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: The surgery itself usually takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, hospitalization is about 1-2 weeks, and full recovery and rehabilitation can take several months. Of course, there are individual differences.
Practice Tips
Familiarizing yourself with medical terms takes practice! Try role-playing conversations with a language partner, pretending one person is the patient and the other is the doctor~. You can also listen to dialogues in Korean medical dramas (though remember they might be dramatized!). Focus on mastering the core vocabulary first, especially 인공슬관절 (in-gong-seul-gwan-jeol), 무릎 (mu-reup), 통증 (tong-jjeung), and 수술 (su-sul). Consistent practice will build your confidence for real-life medical situations! 화이팅! (hwaiting! – You can do it!)
