약
yak[ja̠k̚]
The English word medicine is translated into Korean as 약 (yak). Wiktionary also lists 약재 (yakjae).
Meaning: substance which promotes healing (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 약 | yak | [ja̠k̚] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 약재 | yakjae | [ja̠k̚t͡ɕ͈ɛ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [ja̠k̚t͡ɕ͈e̞] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
The term is used for substances that promote healing. When speaking about the act of taking medicine, Koreans commonly use the verb 먹다 (to eat) in the phrase 약을 먹다. For a more formal or clinical context, you can use the verb 복용하다 in the phrase 약을 복용하다.
Which one should you use?
While 약 refers to the finished medicine that a person consumes, 약재 refers specifically to the raw medicinal ingredients or materials used to make medicine.
How do you pronounce it?
yak
Did you know?
- If someone says '약 …' while gesturing a vague amount, they may actually be using the word for 'approximately' rather than talking about medicine.
- The term 약 can be used metaphorically to describe something that serves as a 'cure' or a 'solution' for a social or political problem.
- In traditional Korean culture, the distinction between 'medicine' and 'food' is often blurred, leading to the concept of 'food as medicine'.
Examples in context
- 그 약은 잘 들었다.That medicine worked.This sentence is useful for saying that a specific 약 was effective.Tatoeba #5386330 by rainbow4us, translation #3563419 by CK
- 톰은 약을 바로 복용했다.Tom took the medicine right away.This sentence shows how to say that someone took the 약 immediately.Tatoeba #13016643 by Uwe, translation #13005146 by CK
- 이 약은 통증을 줄여줄 거야.This medicine will relieve the pain.This sentence demonstrates how to say that a specific 약 will relieve pain.Tatoeba #8363502 by Eunhee, translation #56563 by CK
- 저는 약을 먹어야 해요.I have to take medicine.
- 의사님께서 약을 처방해 주셨어요.The doctor prescribed medicine for me.
- 너 약 먹었어?Did you take medicine?
- 내가 아플 때 항상 친구가 약을 줘.My friend always gives me medicine when I'm sick.
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Minji and Jihun are at home after Jihun feels unwell.
- 민지 Min-ji지훈 씨, 몸은 좀 어때요?Jihun-ssi, mom-eun jom eottaeyo?Jihun, how are you feeling?
- 지훈 Ji-hun머리가 좀 아파요.meori-ga jom apayo.My head hurts a little.
- 민지 Min-ji여기 약 있어요. 이거 드세요.yeogi yak isseoyo. igeo deuseyo.Here is some medicine. Please take this.
- 지훈 Ji-hun고마워요, 민지 씨.gomawoyo, Minji-ssi.Thank you, Minji.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “medicine” translations and entries 약, 약재, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 약, 약재, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
