변비
byeonbi[pjʌ̹nbi]
Constipation is 변비 (byeonbi) in Korean.
변비 is a noun used to describe the state of the bowels.
Meaning: state of bowels (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
byeonbi
Did you know?
- The word 변비 is composed of Hanja, where the character 便 refers to 'excrement' and 祕 means 'hidden' or 'secret'.
- In Korea, eating 양배추 'cabbage' or drinking 푸룬 'prune' juice is a widely known cultural remedy for 변비.
- In casual settings, Koreans might use the euphemism 화장실을 잘 못 가요 which means 'I cannot go to the bathroom well' instead of saying 변비.
Examples in context
- 저는 변비가 있는 것 같아서 약을 먹었어요.I think I have constipation, so I took some medicine.
- 변비가 심해요.byeonbiga simhaeyo.My constipation is severe.
- 변비 때문에 힘들어요.byeonbi ttaemune himdeureoyo.I'm having a hard time because of constipation.
- 변비에 좋은 음식이 뭐예요?byeonbie joeun eumsigi mwoyeyo?What foods are good for constipation?
Example conversation
Minjun is asking Subin for health advice in a cafe.
- 민준 Min-jun수빈 씨, 변비 때문에 고생 중이에요.Subin ssi, byeonbi ttaemune gosaeng jung-ieyo.Subin, I am suffering from constipation.
- 수빈 Su-bin어머, 민준 씨, 물을 많이 드세요.Eomeo, Minjun ssi, mureul mani deuseyo.Oh my, Minjun, drink lots of water.
- 민준 Min-jun변비에 효과가 있을까요?byeonbie hyogwaga isseulkkayo?Will it be effective for my constipation?
- 수빈 Su-bin네, 꼭 도움이 될 거예요.Ne, kkok doumi doel geoyeyo.Yes, it will definitely help.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “constipation” translations and entries 변비, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 변비, CC BY-SA 4.0.
