의사
uisa[ɰisʰa̠]
The English phrase 'doctor' is translated into Korean as 의사 (uisa).
의사 refers specifically to a medical professional who treats people who are sick or injured. In casual contexts, you might encounter the loanword 닥터, which is borrowed directly from the English word 'doctor'.
Which one should you use?
To specify traditional Korean medicine practitioners, the term 한의사 is used. Additionally, do not confuse 의사 with 박사, which is the term used for someone who holds a Ph.D. or a doctorate degree.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
의사 is the standard term. To add a level of politeness to the noun, you can use 의사님. For traditional Korean medicine practitioners, 한의사님 is used to show respect. In very polite settings, or when young children are speaking, the phrase 의사 선생님 is used. Crucially, when addressing a doctor directly in a clinical setting, it is much more common and polite to call them 선생님 rather than using the noun 의사.
How do you pronounce it?
uisa
Did you know?
- The word 의사 is a homonym with two other distinct meanings: one refers to a person's 'intention' or 'will' and the other refers to a 'righteous patriot' or 'freedom fighter'.
- In Korea, traditional medicine practitioners 한의사 are licensed medical professionals and are regulated by the state just like Western-style doctors.
- Korean has a specific term for 'the doctor's handwriting', which is often joked about as being an incomprehensible language of its own.
Examples in context
- 톰이 의사인 줄 았았다.I thought that Tom was a doctor.This sentence is useful for expressing a past belief about someone's profession using 의사.Tatoeba #8034310 by yesjustryan, translation #7172744 by CK
- 나는 의사가 되고 싶다.I want to become a doctor.This sentence is useful for expressing a career aspiration using 의사.Tatoeba #11106732 by intertime, translation #3777832 by CK
- 의사가 나더러 뇌 종양이 있대.The doctor said I have a brain tumor.This sentence is useful for reporting what a medical professional has said using 의사.Tatoeba #8365721 by Eunhee, translation #6660825 by CK
- 저는 의사입니다.I am a doctor.
- 한의사선생님, 정말 감사합니다.Thank you so much, traditional medicine doctor.
- 13 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Subin and Jihun are talking about their parents' jobs.
- 수빈 Su-bin지훈 씨, 아버지가 무슨 일을 하세요?Jihun ssi, abeojiga museun ireul haseyo?Jihun, what does your father do for a living?
- 지훈 Ji-hun우리 아버지는 의사예요.Uri abeojineun uisayeyo.My father is a doctor.
- 수빈 Su-bin와, 정말 멋지시네요!Wa, jeongmal meotjisineyo!Wow, that is really cool!
- 지훈 Ji-hun감사합니다, 수빈 씨.Gamsahamnida, Subin ssi.Thank you, Subin.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 의사, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 의사, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
