뇌졸중
noejoljung
The English word "stroke" (referring to the medical condition) is translated into Korean as 뇌졸중 (noejoljung).
The term refers to the loss of brain function caused by a sudden interruption in the blood supply to the brain. While 뇌졸중 is the most common and formal way to express this, you may also encounter the term 뇌혈관 질환, which directly translates to "brain blood vessel disorder."
Meaning: loss of brain function arising when the blood supply to the brain is suddenly interrupted (noun)
Which one should you use?
뇌졸중 is the standard medical term used for a stroke. In contrast, 중풍 is a common alternative frequently used by older generations or when discussing traditional medicine contexts.
How do you pronounce it?
noejoljung
Did you know?
- The traditional term 중풍 literally translates to 'wind strike', reflecting an ancient belief that a sudden 'wind' from nature or the spirit world caused the paralysis associated with a stroke.
- The word 뇌졸중 is a Sino-Korean word derived from the Chinese characters 腦 for brain, 卒 for sudden, and 中 for hit or strike.
- In Korean culture, discussing 중풍 can sometimes carry a social stigma or a sense of 'fate' that is less common when using the purely biological term 뇌졸중.
Examples in context
- 아빠는 뇌혈관 질환으로 병원에 입원했어요.Dad was hospitalized due to a stroke.
- 뇌졸중은 매우 위험한 질환입니다.noe-jol-jung-eun mae-u wi-heom-han jil-hwan-im-ni-da.A stroke is a very dangerous disease.
- 할머니께서 뇌졸중으로 입원하셨어요.hal-meo-ni-kkae-seo noe-jol-jung-eu-ro ip-won-ha-syeot-eo-yo.My grandmother was hospitalized due to a stroke.
- 뇌졸중 예방을 위해 운동하세요.noe-jol-jung ye-bang-eul wi-hae un-dong-ha-se-yo.Exercise to prevent a stroke.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a news report about health.
- 민지 Min-ji현우 씨, 뉴스 봤어요?Hyeon-u ssi, nyu-seu bwat-eo-yo?Hyunwoo, did you see the news?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo아니요, 무슨 일이에요?A-ni-yo, mu-seun il-i-e-yo?No, what happened?
- 민지 Min-ji뇌졸중 예방이 정말 중요하대요.noe-jol-jung ye-bang-i jeong-mal jung-yo-hae-dae-yo.They say preventing a stroke is really important.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo맞아요, 건강 관리가 제일이죠.ma-ja-yo, geon-gang gwan-ri-ga je-il-i-jyo.That's true, managing your health is the most important thing.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 뇌졸중, CC BY-SA 4.0.
