간호
ganho[ka̠nβo̞]
The English phrase nursing is translated into Korean as 간호 (ganho).
간호 is a noun used to describe the act or concept of caring for patients. If you want to express the action of nursing or providing care as a verb, you can use 간호하다.
Meaning: caring for patients (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 간호 refers to the concept or act of nursing, the word 간호사 is used specifically to refer to the person performing the job, which is a nurse. Additionally, 간호학 is used when referring specifically to the academic field of nursing.
How do you pronounce it?
ganho
Did you know?
- Unlike the English word 'nursing', which can also refer to breastfeeding, 간호 is strictly for medical or general care and is never used for lactation.
- The concept of 'nursing' in Korea is often viewed through the lens of 'jeong' (정), a uniquely Korean sense of deep emotional attachment and collective care.
- The word 간호 is composed of two Hanja (Chinese characters): 간 meaning 'to look after' and 호 meaning 'to protect'.
Examples in context
- 저는 간호사가 되기 위해 공부하고 있어요.I am studying to become a nurse.
- 저의 언니는 훌륭한 간호사예요.My sister is an excellent nurse.
- 저는 대학교에서 간호학을 전공하고 있어요.I am majoring in nursing at university.
- 간호가 필요합니다Nursing care is needed.
- 그는 간호 업무에 매우 열정적이다.geuneun ganho eommu-e maeu yeoljeongjeogida.He is very passionate about nursing work.
- 간호 기술을 배우는 것은 어렵다.ganho gisureul baeuneun geoseun eoryeopda.Learning nursing skills is difficult.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their career goals.
- 서연 Seo-yeon지훈 씨는 전공이 뭐예요?Jihun ssineun jeongongi mwoyeyo?Jihun, what is your major?
- 지훈 Ji-hun저는 간호를 공부하고 있어요.Jeoneun ganhoreul gongbuhago isseoyo.I am studying nursing.
- 서연 Seo-yeon정말 멋진 직업이네요.Jeongmal meotjin jigeobineyo.That is a really wonderful profession.
- 지훈 Ji-hun감사합니다, 서연 씨.Gamsahapnida, Seoyeon ssi.Thank you, Seoyeon.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “nursing” translations and entries 간호, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 간호, CC BY-SA 4.0.
