치과의사
chigwauisa[t͡ɕʰiɡwa̠ɰisʰa̠]
The English word 'dentist' is translated into Korean as 치과의사 (chigwauisa).
In everyday conversation, Koreans often refer to the dentist by the name of the clinic, using the word 치과 instead. For example, to say you are 'going to the dentist', it is more natural to say you are going to the dental clinic by using the phrase 치과에 가다 rather than saying you are going to see the professional 치과의사.
Meaning: specialized tooth doctor (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 치과의사 refers to the person (dentist), 치과전문의 is a more specific, formal term used to refer to a 'dental specialist'. Additionally, as noted in usage, the word 치과 (dentistry/dentist's office) is frequently used as a shorthand for the dentist themselves in casual settings.
How do you pronounce it?
chigwauisa
Did you know?
- While 치과의사 describes the profession, the word 의사 also describes a 'righteous person' or 'patriot' who died for their country. Although they sound the same, they are written with different Hanja characters.
- In Korea, many dental clinics use the English word 'Dental' in their signage and branding, even though patients will almost always use the Korean word 치과 when talking about it.
- While 'dentist' is a single word in English, the Korean 치과의사 literally translates to 'tooth department doctor'. It treats the profession as a member of a specific medical branch.
Examples in context
- 제 꿈은 치과의사가 되는 것이에요.je kkum-eun chikwa-uis-ga doeneun geos-ieyo.My dream is to become a dentist.
- 치과의사 선생님을 만나러 가요.chikwa-uis-a seonsaeng-nim-eul man-nareo gayo.I am going to see the dentist.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about health at a cafe.
- 서연 Seo-yeon도현 씨, 치과에 갔어요?Dohyeon ssi, chikwa-e gasseoyo?Dohyeon, did you go to the dentist?
- 도현 Do-hyeon네, 치과의사가 치료를 해줬어요.Ne, chikwa-uis-a ga chiryo-reul hae-jwosseoyo.Yes, the dentist treated me.
- 서연 Seo-yeon이제 아프지는 않아요?ije apeujineun anayo?Does it not hurt anymore?
- 도현 Do-hyeon네, 이제 괜찮아요.Ne, ije gwaenchannayo.Yes, I am fine now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dentist” translations and entries 치과의사, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
