두통
dutong[tutʰo̞ŋ]
The Korean word for headache is 두통 (dutong).
두통 is a noun used to refer to a pain or ache in the head.
Meaning: pain or ache in the head (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 두통 is a formal noun for 'headache', the descriptive phrase 머리가 아프다 is a more common way to say 'my head hurts' in daily conversation.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say you 'have' a headache, you use the verb 있다 (to exist/to have) with the subject marker 이, as in 두통이 있다. To describe the intensity of a headache, you can use the adjective 심하다 (to be severe/intense), such as in 두통이 심하다.
How do you pronounce it?
dutong
Did you know?
- When describing a severe 두통, Koreans might use the expression 머리가 깨질 것 같다, which literally means 'it feels like my head is going to crack open'.
- To express a lingering or dull 두통, Koreans use the word 지끈지끈, an onomatopoeia that mimics the pulsing sensation of a throbbing headache.
- While 두통 is the medical term, Koreans often use the phrase 머리가 아프다 to express not just physical pain, but also mental stress or frustration caused by a difficult problem.
Examples in context
- 두통은 좀 어때?How's your headache?This sentence is used to ask about the status of someone's 두통.Tatoeba #11106671 by intertime, translation #11017246 by CM
- 그는 두통이 있다.He had a headache.Tatoeba #11105493 by intertime, translation #1133262 by CK
- 나는 두통이 심하다.I have a terrible headache.This sentence is used to express that one's 두통 is severe.Tatoeba #11106233 by intertime, translation #1962485 by CK
- 저는 두통이 있어요.I have a headache.
- 머리가 아파요.My head hurts.
- 머리가 터질 것 같아요.It feels like my head is going to explode.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Dohyun and Subin are talking in a cafe.
- 도현 Do-hyeon얼굴이 안 좋아 보여요. 무슨 일 있어요?eolgari an joa boyeoyo. museun il isseoyo?You don't look well. Is something wrong?
- 수빈 Su-bin갑자기 두통이 너무 심해요.gapjagi dutongi neomu simhaeyo.I suddenly have a very bad headache.
- 도현 Do-hyeon약은 먹었어요?yageun meogeosseoyo?Did you take any medicine?
- 수빈 Su-bin아직 못 먹었어요. 좀 쉬어야겠어요.ajik mot meogeosseoyo. jom swieoyagesseoyo.I haven't taken any yet. I should rest a bit.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “headache” translations and entries 두통, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
