약
yak[ja̠k̚]
The English phrase "medication" is translated into Korean as 약 (yak).
The word refers to one or all of the medicines a patient takes regularly.
Meaning: one or all the medicines regularly taken by a patient (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is yak.
Did you know?
- In certain historical contexts, the character for 약 was also used to refer to an ancient vertical bamboo flute.
- When discussing dosage, Korean speakers do not typically 'take' medication as in English, but use the verb 'meokda', which means 'to eat'.
- Koreans often use the word 약 in the phrase 약이 되다, which literally means 'to become medicine' but figuratively means 'to be helpful' or 'to be a lesson'.
Examples in context
- 제가 통증을 느껴서 약을 먹어야 할 것 같습니다.I think I should take medication because I'm experiencing pain.
- 약품의 복용 방법을 꼭 지키세요.Please follow the proper method of medication.
- 기침이 계속되니까 약 좀 사오려고.Since the cough persists, I'm going to buy some medication.
- 오늘 약속 시간에 약 복용을 잊지 마세요.Don't forget to take your medication at the appointed time today.
- 약 좀 가져다줄까?yak jom gajyeodajulka?Should I bring you some medication?
- 이 약은 식사 후에 드세요.i yageun siksa hue deuseyo.Please take this medication after meals.
- 매일 규칙적으로 약을 먹어야 해요.maeil gyuchikjeogeuro yageul meogeoya haeyo.You must take your medication regularly every day.
Example conversation
Hyunwoo is checking on Subin, who is feeling unwell at home.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo수빈 씨, 몸은 좀 어때요?Subin ssi, momeun jom eottaeyo?Subin, how are you feeling?
- 수빈 Su-bin조금 아프지만 괜찮아요.jogeum apeujiman gwaenchanayo.I'm a little sick, but I'm okay.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo집에 먹어야 할 약이 있어요?jibe meogeoya hal yagi isseoyo?Do you have any medication to take at home?
- 수빈 Su-bin네,서랍에 있어요. 고마워요.ne, seorabe isseoyo. gomawoyo.Yes, it's in the drawer. Thank you.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 약, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 약, CC BY-SA 4.0.
