알츠하이머
alcheuhaimeo
The English phrase alzheimer's is translated into Korean as 알츠하이머 (alcheuhaimeo).
This term refers to a progressive brain disorder characterized by memory loss and cognitive decline.
Which one should you use?
You can also use the more formal and clinically precise terms 알츠하이머 병 or 알츠하이머병. The latter is formed by adding the suffix 병, which means 'disease'.
How do you pronounce it?
alcheuhaimeo
Did you know?
- When Koreans want to describe the sensation of a sudden memory lapse without the heavy medical weight of 알츠하이머, they often use the verb 깜빡하다. This literally means 'to blink', turning a cognitive failure into a lighthearted metaphor.
- In Korean culture, some families historically avoided using the word 치매 (dementia) out of fear of stigmatization, instead using euphemisms that describe the person as having 'become a child again'.
- While 알츠하이머 is a loanword, the Korean word for dementia 치매 is composed of Hanja characters meaning 'forgetfulness' and 'stupidity'.
Examples in context
- 그녀는 왜 그렇게 자주 기억을 잃는 걸까요? / 아마 그녀가 알츠하이머 병일지도 몰라요. 의사에게 상담해 보는 게 좋을 것 같아요.Why does she frequently forget things? / She might have Alzheimer's disease. It would be a good idea to consult a doctor.
- 알츠하이머는 무서운 병이에요.al-cheu-ha-i-meo-neun mu-seo-un byeong-i-e-yo.Alzheimer's is a scary disease.
- 할머니는 알츠하이머 진단을 받으셨어요.hal-meo-ni-neun al-cheu-ha-i-meo jin-dan-eul ba-deu-syeot-eo-yo.My grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's.
- 알츠하이머 환자를 위한 식단이 있나요?al-cheu-ha-i-meo hwan-ja-reul wi-han sik-dan-i in-na-yo?Is there a diet for Alzheimer's patients?
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a relative's health at a cafe.
- 민지 Min-ji할아버지 상태는 좀 어떠세요?hal-a-beo-ji sang-tae-neun jom eo-tteo-se-yo?How is your grandfather's condition?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo알츠하이머 증상이 조금 심해지셨어요.al-cheu-ha-i-meo jeung-sang-i jo-geum sim-hae-ji-syeot-eo-yo.His Alzheimer's symptoms have gotten a bit worse.
- 민지 Min-ji정말 걱정이 많으시겠어요.jeong-mal geok-jeong-i man-eu-si-get-eo-yo.You must be very worried.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo네, 민지 씨 고마워요.ne, Min-ji ssi go-ma-wo-yo.Yes, thank you, Minji.
