Doctor's phrasesintermediate

Understanding Test Results Explained by Korean Doctors

Common phrases Korean doctors use when explaining test results — normal, abnormal, need more tests.

Speed:

결과가 나왔습니다.

gyeol-gwa-ga na-wass-seum-ni-da

The results are in.

이상 없어요.

i-sang eops-eo-yo

Nothing abnormal.

수치가 좀 높아요.

su-chi-ga jom nop-a-yo

The levels are a bit high.

정밀검사가 필요해요.

jeong-mil-geom-sa-ga pil-yo-hae-yo

We need a more detailed test.

다음에 다시 오세요.

da-eum-e da-shi o-se-yo

Come back next time.

경과를 지켜봐야 합니다.

gyeong-gwa-reul ji-kyeo-bwa-ya ham-ni-da

We need to monitor the progress.

Getting your results

Test results in Korea usually come back quickly — often the same day for blood tests and within a few days for more complex tests.

Good news phrases

이상 없어요 (nothing abnormal) and 정상이에요 (it's normal) are the phrases you want to hear.

Concerning results

If the doctor says 수치가 높아요 (levels are high) or 정밀검사가 필요해요 (need detailed tests), ask for clarification.

Ask for a copy

You can ask for a copy of your test results: 검사 결과 사본 주세요 (Please give me a copy of the test results).

Tip

If you don't understand the results, ask: 영어로 설명해 줄 수 있어요? (Can you explain in English?). Many doctors know basic medical English.

Useful links

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