검안사
geom-ansa
The English word 'optometrist' is 검안사 (geom-ansa) in Korean.
검안사 refers specifically to a person trained in examining and testing the eyes for defects.
Meaning: person trained in examining and testing the eyes for defects (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of 검안 (eye examination) and 사 (professional/specialist).
Which one should you use?
While 검안사 refers specifically to the person performing the eye exam, 안경사 is the more common term used in retail settings for the professional who fits glasses and contact lenses.
How do you pronounce it?
geom-ansa
Did you know?
- If you are looking for a medical eye exam to treat a disease, you should ask for an 안과 (ophthalmology clinic) instead of searching for a 검안사. In Korea, the distinction between an optician and a medical doctor is strictly enforced in how people seek care.
- The word 안경 (glasses) is composed of the characters for 'eye' and 'mirror/lens'. This gives a poetic sense to the term for the tools an 안경사 works with every day.
- In South Korea, you will rarely see a 검안사 working independently. Most eye examinations and prescriptions are legally required to be handled by an 안과 의사 (ophthalmologist) first.
Examples in context
- 그 검안사는 매우 친절해요.geu geoman-saneun mae-u chin-jeol-hae-yo.That optometrist is very kind.
- 검안사를 만나서 상담을 받았어요.geoman-sareul man-na-seo sang-dam-eul bad-at-eo-yo.I met with an optometrist for a consultation.
- 실력 좋은 검안사를 찾고 있어요.sil-lyeok jo-eun geoman-sareul chat-go it-eo-yo.I am looking for a skilled optometrist.
Example conversation
Hyunwoo and Minji are at an optical shop.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo민지 씨, 검안사님이 오셨어요.Minji ssi, geoman-sanim-i osyeosseoyo.Minji, the optometrist is here.
- 민지 Min-ji드디어 제 차례군요.deudieo je charyegunyo.It's finally my turn.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo검안사님께 정확하게 말씀하세요.geoman-sanimkke jeonghwakage malsseumhaseyo.Tell the optometrist exactly what you feel.
- 민지 Min-ji네, 그렇게 할게요.ne, geureoke halgeyo.Yes, I will do that.
