Describing Digestive Problems in Korean
Korean phrases for stomach problems — upset stomach, heartburn, nausea, diarrhea, and indigestion.
배탈이 났어요.
bae-tal-i nass-eo-yo
I have an upset stomach.
속이 쓰려요.
sok-i sseu-ryeo-yo
I have heartburn.
구토를 했어요.
gu-to-reul haess-eo-yo
I vomited.
설사를 해요.
seol-sa-reul hae-yo
I have diarrhea.
변비가 있어요.
byeon-bi-ga iss-eo-yo
I'm constipated.
소화가 안 돼요.
so-hwa-ga an dwae-yo
I have indigestion.
메스꺼워요.
me-seu-kkeo-wo-yo
I feel nauseous.
식욕이 없어요.
shig-yog-i eops-eo-yo
I have no appetite.
Common digestive complaints
Digestive problems are very common for foreigners in Korea, especially when adjusting to Korean food. Knowing these phrases helps you get the right treatment quickly.
Stomach pain vs. digestive issues
배가 아파요 means general stomach pain. For specific digestive symptoms, use the more descriptive phrases above. This helps the doctor distinguish between different conditions.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if symptoms last more than 2 days, if there's blood, or if you have severe pain or high fever along with digestive symptoms.
At the pharmacy
For mild symptoms, you can visit a pharmacy (약국) without a prescription and ask for digestive medicine (소화제, so-hwa-je).
Tip
Korean food can be spicy and may cause digestive issues for newcomers. 배탈 (bae-tal) is a very commonly used word for general stomach trouble.
Useful links
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