우울증
The English phrase depression is translated into Korean as 우울증.
In a clinical sense, 우울증 is the closest translation for the medical condition of depression.
Meaning: psychology: period of unhappiness (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word 우울증 is composed of 우울 (depression/melancholy) and 증 (symptom/condition/disease).
Which one should you use?
While 우울증 refers to the clinical medical condition, 우울함 refers to the general state of feeling depressed or melancholy.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express suffering from the clinical condition, the verb 앓다 (to suffer/be ill) is commonly used with 우울증 in the phrase 우울증을 앓다. You can also use the phrase 우울증이 있다 to state that someone has the condition of depression.
Did you know?
- The second character, 울 (鬱), literally depicts 'dense vegetation' or 'thick trees' in its Hanja form. It suggests a sense of being stifled or overgrown by heavy emotions.
- While 우울증 is the medical term, Koreans often use the word 화병 to describe a specific type of depression caused by suppressed anger and stress.
- When describing the feeling of depression, Koreans may use the phrase 가슴이 답답하다, which literally means 'my chest is tight' or 'stifled'.
Examples in context
- 톰은 수년 간 우울증과 싸우고 있어.Tom has been battling depression for many years.This sentence is useful for describing someone battling 우울증 over a long period.Tatoeba #8533952 by Eunhee, translation #8532693 by CK
- 우울증은 아스퍼거 증후군을 가진 청년들에게 있어 흔한 질병이야.Depression is common among young adults who have Asperger syndrome.This sentence illustrates how 우울증 is a common disease among certain groups.Tatoeba #8365683 by Eunhee, translation #1400595 by kadena
- 우울증에 앓고 있어?Do you suffer from depression?This sentence shows how to ask if someone is suffering from 우울증.Tatoeba #8362540 by Eunhee, translation #5733197 by CM
- 우울증은 현대 사회에서 일반적으로 인정되고 있는 정신 건강 상태를 말합니다.Depression refers to a generally recognized mental health condition in modern society.
- 저는 우울증으로 고통받았어요.I suffered from depression.
- 요즘에 힘들어서 정말 힘들게 지내고 있어요.I've been struggling and having a hard time lately.
- 우울해… 너도 그런 느낌 있어?I feel down… Do you also feel that way?
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about mental health at a cafe.
- 지은 Ji-eun요즘 우울증 때문에 힘들다고 들었어.yo-jeum u-ul-jeung ttae-mun-e him-deul-da-go deu-reot-eo.I heard you've been struggling with depression lately.
- 지훈 Ji-hun응, 지은아. 사실 마음이 많이 힘들어.eung, ji-eun-a. sa-sil ma-eum-i ma-ni him-deul-eo.Yes, Jieun. To be honest, I'm struggling a lot emotionally.
- 지은 Ji-eun병원에서 우울증 치료를 받고 있어?byeong-won-e-seo u-ul-jeung chi-ryo-reul bat-go it-eo?Are you receiving treatment for depression at a clinic?
- 지훈 Ji-hun응, 지훈이는 이제 약을 먹고 있어.eung, ji-hun-i-neun i-je yak-eul meok-go it-eo.Yes, Jihoon is taking medication now.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 우울증, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
