생리통
saengritong
The English phrase "period cramps" is translated into Korean as 생리통 (saengritong).
생리통 refers to the painful muscle contractions in the abdomen that occur during menstruation.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of 생리, meaning menstruation and 통, meaning pain.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
생리통 is the common term, while 월경통 is a more formal, medical term used in clinical settings.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say you have period cramps, you use the verb 있다 (to exist/to have) with the subject marker, as in 생리통이 있다. To describe the intensity of the cramps, you can use the adjective 심하다 (to be severe/intense), such as in 생리통이 심하다.
How do you pronounce it?
saengritong
Did you know?
- While 생리통 is the standard term, students in Korea sometimes use the slang term 마법 meaning 'magic' to discreetly refer to their period.
- If the pain is particularly sharp or stabbing, a Korean speaker might describe the sensation using the word 콕콕 (kok-kok), which mimics the feeling of being poked by something sharp.
- Certain traditional Korean teas, like those made from cinnamon or ginger, are culturally recommended to soothe 생리통 because they are believed to warm the womb.
Examples in context
- 생리통이 너무 심해요.saengritongi neomu simhaeyo.My period cramps are very severe.
- 생리통 때문에 누워 있어요.saengritong ttaemune nuwo isseoyo.I am lying down because of period cramps.
- 생리통 완화에 좋은 약이 있나요?saengritong wan-hwa-e joeun yagi innayo?Is there a good medicine for relieving period cramps?
Example conversation
Minji tells Dohyun that she is not feeling well due to cramps.
- 민지 Min-ji도현 씨, 저 생리통이 좀 심해요.Dohyeon ssi, jeo saengritongi jom simhaeyo.Dohyun, I have severe period cramps.
- 도현 Do-hyeon많이 아파요? 약 사다 줄까요?mani apayo? yak sada julkayo?Does it hurt a lot? Shall I buy you some medicine?
- 민지 Min-ji따뜻한 물 좀 마시고 싶어요.ttatteut-han mul jom masigo sipeoyo.I just want to drink some warm water.
- 도현 Do-hyeon알겠어요. 제가 데워 올게요.algyesseoyo. jega deuweo olgeyo.Okay. I will go heat some up for you.
