건강
geon'gang[ˈkɘ(ː)nɡa̠ŋ]
The English word 'health' is translated into Korean as 건강 (geon'gang).
건강 is used as a noun to refer to the state of being free from physical or psychological disease, illness or malfunction. It is the most common and widely used word for 'health' in Korean.
Meaning: state of being free of physical or psychological disease, illness, or malfunction (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
You can turn the noun 건강 into a verb meaning 'to be healthy' by adding the suffix '-하다' to form 건강하다. When 건강 is the subject of a sentence, it often takes the subject marker '-이' to become 건강이.
How do you pronounce it?
geon'gang
When do people say it?
The phrase 건강하세요 is frequently used when parting ways to express a wish for the other person's well-being.
Did you know?
- The second character in 건강, 康, does not just mean 'healthy' but also carries a sense of 'peaceful ease', suggesting that true health includes a calm spirit.
- Because 건강 is so highly valued, it is a common theme in celebratory toasts, whereas English speakers more often toast to 'happiness' or 'success'.
- The word 건강 is a Sino-Korean word, meaning its components are derived from Chinese characters. Specifically, the first character 健 signifies 'strong' and the second 康 signifies 'healthy'.
Examples in context
- 난 그 사람의 건강이 너무 걱정돼.I am very concerned about his health.This sentence shows how to express concern regarding someone's 건강.Tatoeba #8361501 by Eunhee, translation #260590 by CK
- 건강을 위해 건배!Drink to my health!This sentence shows how to use 건강 in a toast.Tatoeba #8371552 by Eunhee, translation #8366685 by Hybrid
- 건강을 위해 건배.Drink to my health.This sentence shows a similar way to use 건강 in a toast.Tatoeba #8371553 by Eunhee, translation #8366684 by Hybrid
- 제가 항상 당신의 건강을 기원합니다.I always wish you good health.
- 요즘 친구가 많이 건장해졌어요.Lately, my friend has become really healthy/well-built.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Dohyun and Minji are talking about their new exercise habits.
- 도현 Do-hyeon요즘 운동 시작했는데 건강해진 기분이에요.yojum undong sijakaenneunde geonganghaejin gibunieyo.I started exercising lately and I feel healthier.
- 민지 Min-ji맞아요. 건강이 가장 중요한 것 같아요.majayo. geongangi gajang jungyohan geot gatayo.That's true. I think health is the most important thing.
- 도현 Do-hyeon민지 씨도 건강 관리 잘하고 있나요?Minji ssido geongang gwalli jalhago innayo?Are you taking good care of your health too, Minji?
- 민지 Min-ji네, 매일 비타민을 챙겨 먹고 있어요.ne, maeil bitamineul chaenggyeo meokgo isseoyo.Yes, I take vitamins every day.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “health” translations and entries 건강, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 건강, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
