Esta página en tu idioma

English

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

B1 verb #8,000 más común 11 min de lectura

체하다

Top 8,000

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos 체하다 en 30 segundos

Explicación 체하다 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn '체하다' as a basic word for when your stomach feels bad after eating. Imagine you ate a lot of delicious pizza very quickly, and now your stomach feels heavy and a bit painful. You can say '체했어요' (I have indigestion). At this level, don't worry about the complex grammar. Just remember that '체했어요' is the past tense and it's what people say when they feel sick after a meal. You might hear a teacher or a friend say '천천히 먹어, 체해' (Eat slowly, you'll get indigestion). This is a very common warning. Focus on the connection between 'eating fast' and 'feeling sick.' It's also helpful to know that this word is different from just '배가 아파요' (My stomach hurts), because '체하다' is always about food. If you fall down and your stomach hurts, you don't use '체하다.' You only use it when it involves eating. Try to use it in simple sentences like '빵을 많이 먹어서 체했어요' (I ate a lot of bread so I got indigestion).

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

At the A2 level, you can start using '체하다' with more descriptive particles and simple connectors. You should understand that it's usually used in the past tense '체했다' to describe your current feeling of being 'blocked.' You can start adding the cause of the indigestion using the particle '~에'. For example, '김밥에 체했어요' means 'I got indigestion from the kimbap.' You should also recognize the phrase '체한 것 같아요' (I think I have indigestion), which is a softer and more natural way to express your feelings than a direct '체했어요.' At this level, you might also encounter the word '소화제' (digestive medicine). A common sentence pattern would be '체해서 소화제를 먹었어요' (I had indigestion so I took digestive medicine). You are beginning to see how this word fits into a sequence of events: Eating -> Feeling 'blocked' (체하다) -> Taking medicine (소화제). This helps you build more complex stories about your day.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

At the B1 level, you should understand the specific nuance of '체하다' compared to '배탈' or '소화불량.' You should know that '체하다' implies a feeling of blockage or food being 'stuck,' often caused by eating too fast or under stress. You can use the word in more complex sentence structures, such as '급하게 먹으면 체하기 쉬워요' (It's easy to get indigestion if you eat quickly). You should also be aware of the cultural context, such as the Korean traditional belief that eating while stressed (기분이 안 좋을 때) leads to '체함.' You can start using related terms like '속이 답답하다' (to feel stuffy/heavy in the stomach) to explain the symptoms of '체하다.' Additionally, you should be careful not to confuse the verb '체하다' with the auxiliary pattern '-ㄴ/은 체하다' (to pretend), which is a common pitfall for intermediate learners. At this stage, you should be able to explain *why* you have indigestion and what you are doing to fix it, using a variety of connectors like '~기 때문에' or '~어서/아서.'

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using '체하다' in various social and professional contexts. You should understand the concept of '급체' (sudden, severe indigestion) and be able to describe more specific symptoms like '속이 더부룩하다' (feeling bloated) or '손발이 차갑다' (cold hands and feet) which often accompany '체하다' in Korean descriptions. You can use the word figuratively or in more formal settings, though '소화불량' is more common in medical reports. You should also understand the honorific versions, like '체하셨다,' and when to use them. For example, if your boss looks unwell at lunch, you might ask, '부장님, 혹시 체하신 거 아니에요?' (Manager, could it be that you have indigestion?). You should also be familiar with the various remedies Koreans suggest for '체했을 때,' such as '매실차' (plum tea) or '손 따기' (pricking the finger), and be able to discuss these cultural practices using the word '체하다.' Your understanding of the word should now include the psychological aspect—how one's internal state affects digestion.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

At the C1 level, you should have a deep understanding of the etymological and cultural roots of '체하다.' You should know that '체' (滯) comes from a Hanja meaning 'stagnation' or 'blockage.' This allows you to connect it to other words like '정체' (traffic congestion) or '연체' (overdue/stagnant payment). You can use '체하다' in more nuanced ways, perhaps discussing how modern stress leads to chronic '소화불량' and '체기.' You should be able to distinguish between '체하다,' '얹히다,' '식체,' and '급체' with precision. In writing, you can use these terms to add flavor and cultural depth to your descriptions of health or daily life. You should also be able to handle the homonym '-ㄴ 체하다' (to pretend) with absolute clarity, even in complex sentences where both might appear. For example: '아프지 않은 체했지만 사실은 어제 먹은 음식에 체해서 아주 힘들었다' (I pretended not to be sick, but actually, I was struggling because I got indigestion from the food I ate yesterday). This level of mastery shows you understand both the linguistic and cultural 'vibe' of the word.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

At the C2 level, you should be able to discuss '체하다' within the context of Korean traditional medicine (한의학) and philosophy. You can engage in detailed conversations about 'Gi' (energy) flow and how '체함' represents a literal stagnation of energy in the middle 'Jiao' (digestive area). You should be able to read medical literature or historical texts that use more archaic or specific terms for digestive blockages. You can also use the concept of '체하다' metaphorically in literature or high-level discourse to describe anything that is 'stuck' or not flowing correctly in society or a relationship. Your usage should be indistinguishable from a native speaker, including the use of very specific onomatopoeia or mimetic words to describe the *type* of indigestion (e.g., '속이 꽉 막힌 듯이 체했다'). You understand the deep psychological link between 'unresolved feelings' (Han) and physical '체함,' and can articulate these complex cultural connections fluently.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

체하다 en 30 segundos

체하다 means to have indigestion, specifically the feeling of food being stuck.
It is common to use the past tense '체했어요' to describe current symptoms.
Cultural causes include eating too fast or eating while feeling stressed or nervous.
Traditional remedies include plum tea and pricking the thumb to release blood.

The Korean verb 체하다 (che-ha-da) is a quintessential health-related term that every learner must master to navigate daily life in Korea. At its core, it refers to suffering from indigestion or having a feeling that food is 'stuck' or 'blocked' in the digestive tract. Unlike the general English term 'stomach ache,' which could mean anything from a cramp to a virus, 체하다 specifically describes that uncomfortable, heavy, and sometimes painful sensation that occurs immediately after eating too quickly, eating while stressed, or consuming something that doesn't sit right. It is often accompanied by a feeling of pressure in the chest or upper abdomen, cold hands and feet, and sometimes a slight headache. In Korean culture, this is not just a minor annoyance; it is a recognized physical state that often prompts immediate traditional remedies.

Core Physical Sensation: The feeling of a 'blockage' where food seems to stop moving through the esophagus or stomach, leading to bloating and discomfort.
Social Context: Often used when explaining why one cannot continue eating at a dinner party or why one needs to take a break from work to rest.
Cultural Nuance: Linked to the concept of 'qi' (energy) being blocked, which is why traditional treatments like pricking the thumb are so prevalent.

어제 너무 급하게 먹어서 체했어요. (I had indigestion because I ate too quickly yesterday.)

Understanding 체하다 requires looking beyond the dictionary definition. While 'indigestion' is the closest English equivalent, the Korean usage is much more frequent and specific. For instance, if you are eating with a superior and feel nervous, a Korean person might warn you, "천천히 드세요, 체할라" (Eat slowly, or you might get indigestion). This highlights the psychological component of the word. It is widely believed that eating under emotional duress is the primary cause of 체함 (the noun form). Therefore, when someone says they have 체했다, they are often signaling that they were either rushed or uncomfortable during their meal. This makes the word a bridge between physical health and emotional well-being.

고기를 많이 먹었더니 체한 것 같아요. (I think I have indigestion after eating a lot of meat.)

In a medical or formal setting, you might hear the term '소화불량' (sohwabullyang), which is the clinical word for indigestion. However, in 99% of daily conversations, 체하다 is the standard choice. It covers everything from a mild 'heavy stomach' to severe nausea and vomiting caused by food blockage. Interestingly, the word is also used in the context of '급체' (geup-che), which refers to a sudden and severe onset of indigestion that can even lead to fainting or extreme pallor. This demonstrates the range of the word's severity. Whether you are at a pharmacy asking for '소화제' (digestive medicine) or telling a friend why you aren't hungry, 체하다 is the essential verb to describe your state.

기분이 안 좋은 상태에서 밥을 먹으면 쉽게 체해요. (If you eat while in a bad mood, you get indigestion easily.)

Using 체하다 correctly involves understanding its grammatical behavior as a verb. It most commonly appears in the past tense because by the time you realize you have indigestion, the 'event' (the food getting stuck) has already occurred. Thus, '체했어요' (I have indigestion) is much more common than '체해요' (I am getting indigestion). However, the present tense is used for general truths or recurring conditions. It is also frequently used with the '~ㄴ 것 같다' (it seems like) ending to express a self-diagnosis, which is a polite and common way to describe physical symptoms in Korean.

Past Tense (Completed State): 체했어요 (che-hae-sseo-yo) - I got/have indigestion. This is the most used form.
Conjectural Form: 체한 것 같아요 (che-han geot gat-a-yo) - I think I have indigestion. Very common in social situations.
Causative/Conditional: 체할까 봐 (che-hal-kka bwa) - For fear of getting indigestion. Used when explaining why you are eating slowly.

점심에 먹은 김밥 때문에 체한 것 같아요. (I think I have indigestion because of the kimbap I ate for lunch.)

When constructing sentences, the cause of the indigestion is usually marked with the particle '~에' (at/by) or the causal connector '~때문에' (because of). For example, '빵에 체하다' (to get indigestion from bread). It is also important to note that 체하다 is an intransitive verb in this context, meaning it describes a state the subject is in, rather than an action the subject is performing on an object. You don't 'indigest' food; rather, you 'become in a state of indigestion' because of the food. This nuance is why we use the past tense '체했다' to describe the current state of discomfort.

너무 긴장해서 밥이 체할 것 같아요. (I'm so nervous I feel like I'm going to get indigestion.)

Advanced learners should also be aware of the phrase '체기' (che-gi), which refers to the 'symptoms or signs of indigestion.' One might say '체기가 있다' (to have symptoms of indigestion). This is a very common way to describe a lingering feeling of discomfort that hasn't fully cleared up. Additionally, when talking about someone else, you might use the honorific form '체하셨다' to show respect. For instance, '할머니께서 체하셔서 식사를 못 하세요' (Grandmother has indigestion so she cannot eat). This versatility allows the word to fit into any social hierarchy or situational context in Korea.

급하게 먹으면 체하기 쉬우니까 천천히 씹어 드세요. (It is easy to get indigestion if you eat quickly, so chew slowly.)

You will encounter the word 체하다 in a variety of everyday settings, ranging from the most intimate family moments to professional healthcare environments. Perhaps the most common place is at the dinner table. If a child is eating too fast, a parent will almost certainly say, "체할라, 천천히 먹어!" (You'll get indigestion, eat slowly!). This reflects the deep-seated cultural concern with proper eating habits. In Korean society, eating is a social activity, and the physical reaction of 체함 is often seen as a direct consequence of the social atmosphere. If the atmosphere is 'uncomfortable' (불편하다), people expect to 체하다.

The Pharmacy (약국): "체했을 때 먹는 약 좀 주세요." (Please give me some medicine for when I have indigestion.)
Office Culture: Colleagues often discuss their digestive health after a stressful meeting or a rushed lunch break.
TV Dramas: A character often gets indigestion after a tense confrontation over a meal, leading to a scene where someone pricks their finger.

어제 회식 때 너무 긴장했는지 체해서 고생했어요. (I suffered because I got indigestion, maybe because I was so nervous at the company dinner yesterday.)

Another fascinating place you'll hear this word is in the context of Korean traditional medicine (한의학). Practitioners and even laypeople will discuss 체하다 as a blockage of 'Gi' (energy). You might hear someone say, "기가 막혀서 체했다" (The energy is blocked, so I got indigestion). This cultural layer explains why people often reach for 'Mae-sil-cheong' (plum extract) or perform 'Sondda-gi' (pricking the thumb) rather than just taking a Tums. The word 체하다 carries with it a whole system of folk medicine and belief about how the body reacts to stress and food.

손을 땄더니 체한 게 좀 내려가는 것 같아요. (After pricking my finger, the indigestion seems to be clearing up a bit.)

Finally, you'll hear it in casual conversation as an excuse. If you're not eating much, saying "속이 안 좋아서 체한 것 같아요" is a perfectly acceptable way to decline food without offending the host. It signals that it's a physical limitation rather than a lack of appreciation for the food. This makes 체하다 a useful social tool for managing expectations during Korean meals, which can often be heavy and pressurized. Whether you're watching a K-drama where a character is rubbing their chest and saying "체했나 봐" or you're at a convenience store looking for a 'Gas Whal-myung-su' (a famous digestive drink), this word is everywhere.

머리까지 아픈 걸 보니 제대로 체했나 봐요. (Seeing as my head hurts too, I must have a bad case of indigestion.)

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when using 체하다 is confusing it with other types of stomach pain. In English, we often use 'stomach ache' as a catch-all term. However, in Korean, if you have a general ache, you say '배가 아프다' (my stomach hurts). If you have a sharp cramp or diarrhea, you might say '배탈이 나다' (to have a stomach upset/upset stomach). Using 체하다 when you actually have food poisoning or a virus sounds unnatural. 체하다 is specifically for the 'stuck food' sensation. If you tell a doctor you '체했다' when you actually have a stomach flu, it might lead to a misunderstanding of your symptoms.

Confusion with '배탈' (Baetal): Baetal usually involves diarrhea or severe cramps, while 체하다 is about blockage and pressure.
The 'Pretend' Homonym: As mentioned, '-ㄴ 체하다' means 'to pretend.' Confusing '아는 체하다' (pretend to know) with indigestion will cause major confusion!
Particle Errors: Don't use the object particle '~를' with 체하다. Use '~에' for the food that caused it.

Incorrect: 피자를 체했어요. (I 'indigested' pizza.)
Correct: 피자에 체했어요. (I got indigestion from pizza.)

Another common error is the tense. Learners often say "체해요" (I get indigestion) when they mean "I have indigestion right now." In Korean, the moment the food feels stuck, the act of 'getting indigestion' is complete, so you are in the state of *having* it. Therefore, '체했어요' is the correct way to describe your current discomfort. Using the present tense '체해요' makes it sound like a general habit, as in "I always get indigestion when I eat pizza." This subtle difference in aspect—state vs. habit—is a key hurdle for intermediate learners.

잘못된 표현: 아는 체하다 (indigestion of knowing)
옳은 표현: 아는 척하다 / 아는 체하다 (to pretend to know)

Lastly, many learners forget that 체하다 can be modified to show intensity. Simply saying '체했다' might not convey how sick you feel. Using '심하게 체했다' (severely got indigestion) or '급체했다' (suddenly got severe indigestion) provides more clarity. Also, remember that '소화가 안 된다' (digestion is not working) is a safer, more general phrase if you aren't sure if 체하다 is the right word. However, using 체하다 correctly shows a higher level of fluency and cultural integration, as it specifically targets a very 'Korean' way of experiencing physical discomfort.

어제 먹은 고기가 체했는지 아직도 속이 답답해요. (Maybe because the meat I ate yesterday gave me indigestion, my stomach still feels heavy/blocked.)

While 체하다 is the most common way to describe indigestion, there are several other words and phrases that describe similar sensations. Understanding these nuances will help you describe your condition more accurately to a doctor or a friend. The most clinical alternative is 소화불량 (sohwabullyang). This is the Chinese-character based (Sino-Korean) word for 'dyspepsia' or 'indigestion.' You'll see this on medicine bottles or in hospital forms. It sounds more formal and less 'visceral' than 체하다.

소화불량 (Sohwabullyang): Medical/Formal. "소화불량 증세가 있습니다" (I have symptoms of indigestion).
얹히다 (Eonhida): Literally 'to be placed on.' It describes the physical feeling of food sitting heavily in the stomach. "속이 얹힌 것 같아요."
속이 답답하다 (Sogi dapdaphada): Describes the feeling of pressure or 'stuffiness' in the stomach or chest. Often used when indigestion is mild.

아침부터 속이 답답한 게 꼭 체한 것 같아요. (My stomach has felt stuffy since morning, it really feels like I have indigestion.)

Another important distinction is between 체하다 and 배탈 (baetal). As mentioned earlier, baetal is more about an 'upset stomach' that usually involves the lower digestive tract (intestines), often leading to diarrhea or sharp cramps. 체하다 is focused on the upper digestive tract (stomach/esophagus). If you ate something 'bad' (spoiled), you have baetal. If you ate something 'badly' (too fast, too much, under stress), you 체했다. This distinction is crucial for getting the right treatment in Korea.

우유를 마시면 속이 더부룩하고 가끔 체해요. (When I drink milk, I feel bloated and sometimes get indigestion.)

Finally, for those who want to use more colloquial or 'grandma-style' Korean, you might hear the term '식체' (sik-che), which is just a more formal/old-fashioned way of saying 체하다. There is also '물체' (mul-che), which is indigestion caused by drinking too much water too fast! While these are less common, they show how deeply the concept of 'blockage' (체) is rooted in the language. By mastering 체하다 and its cousins, you gain a powerful set of tools to describe your physical state in a way that resonates deeply with Korean native speakers.

소화불량 때문에 약국에 다녀왔어요. (I went to the pharmacy because of indigestion.)

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

The Hanja character for '체' (滯) is the same one used in '정체' (traffic jam), suggesting that your stomach is experiencing a literal 'food traffic jam.'

Guía de pronunciación

UK /tɕʰe.ɦa.da/

US /tʃeɪ.hɑː.dɑː/

The primary stress is on the first syllable '체'.

Rima con

제하다 (je-ha-da) 데하다 (de-ha-da) 계하다 (gye-ha-da) 폐하다 (pye-ha-da) 세하다 (se-ha-da) 네하다 (ne-ha-da) 레하다 (re-ha-da) 메하다 (me-ha-da)

Errores comunes

Pronouncing '체' as 'chee' instead of 'che'.
Making the 'h' too strong; it should be a soft breath.
Confusing the pitch with the 'pretend' version, though they sound identical.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 2/5

The word is common, but identifying the correct Hanja meaning can be tricky.

Escritura 3/5

Requires understanding the past tense '체했다' for current states.

Expresión oral 3/5

Needs correct pronunciation of the aspirated 'ch' sound.

Escucha 2/5

Very common in daily life and dramas.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

먹다 (to eat) 배 (stomach) 아프다 (to be painful) 소화 (digestion) 빨리 (quickly)

Aprende después

얹히다 (to be stuck) 더부룩하다 (to be bloated) 소화제 (digestive medicine) 메스껍다 (to be nauseous) 속 (inside/stomach)

Avanzado

식체 (food blockage) 급체 (sudden severe indigestion) 명치 (solar plexus) 동의보감 (Eastern Medicinal Manual) 기혈 (energy and blood)

Gramática que debes saber

Past Tense for Present State

지금 체했어요. (I have indigestion now.)

Warning ending ~ㄹ라

빨리 먹으면 체할라. (If you eat fast, you might get indigestion.)

Causal connector ~어서/아서

급하게 먹어서 체했어요. (I got indigestion because I ate fast.)

Conjecture ~ㄴ 것 같다

체한 것 같아요. (I think I have indigestion.)

Nounizing with ~기

체하기 쉬운 음식. (Food that is easy to cause indigestion.)

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

Ejemplos por nivel

밥을 빨리 먹어서 체했어요.

I got indigestion because I ate my meal quickly.

Past tense '체했어요' is used for current indigestion.

천천히 먹어, 체할라.

Eat slowly, or you'll get indigestion.

'~ㄹ라' is a warning ending meaning 'might happen'.

우유를 마시고 체했어요.

I got indigestion after drinking milk.

'~고' indicates a sequence of events.

체해서 배가 아파요.

My stomach hurts because I have indigestion.

'~어서' indicates the reason.

어제 고기에 체했어요.

I got indigestion from meat yesterday.

'~에' indicates the cause of the indigestion.

너무 많이 먹으면 체해요.

If you eat too much, you get indigestion.

'~으면' is the conditional 'if'.

빵 때문에 체한 것 같아요.

I think I have indigestion because of the bread.

'~ㄴ 것 같다' means 'it seems like'.

체했을 때 무엇을 먹어요?

What do you eat when you have indigestion?

'~을 때' means 'when'.

체한 것 같아서 소화제를 샀어요.

I bought digestive medicine because I think I have indigestion.

Combining 'conjecture' and 'reason'.

어제 저녁에 먹은 피자가 체했나 봐요.

It seems like the pizza I ate last night gave me indigestion.

'~나 보다' indicates an inference based on evidence.

기분이 안 좋을 때 먹으면 체하기 쉬워요.

It's easy to get indigestion if you eat when you're in a bad mood.

'~기 쉽다' means 'is easy to'.

체해서 오늘 점심은 안 먹을래요.

I have indigestion, so I won't eat lunch today.

'~ㄹ래요' indicates intention or preference.

갑자기 체해서 얼굴이 하얘졌어요.

I suddenly got indigestion, so my face turned pale.

Describing a physical change.

체했을 때는 매실차가 좋아요.

Plum tea is good when you have indigestion.

Giving advice for a specific situation.

너무 급하게 먹다가 체하고 말았어요.

I ended up getting indigestion while eating too quickly.

'~고 말다' indicates an unfortunate end result.

체기가 아직 남아 있어서 속이 불편해요.

My stomach is uncomfortable because I still have some lingering indigestion.

'체기' is the noun for symptoms of indigestion.

스트레스를 받은 상태에서 식사를 하면 쉽게 체하게 됩니다.

If you eat while under stress, you will easily get indigestion.

'~게 되다' indicates a natural result or turn of events.

체했을 때 손을 따는 것은 한국의 민간요법 중 하나입니다.

Pricking the finger when you have indigestion is one of Korea's folk remedies.

'~는 것' turns the phrase into a noun clause.

어제 회식에서 억지로 먹었더니 결국 체해 버렸어요.

I ate against my will at the company dinner yesterday, and I ended up getting indigestion.

'~어 버리다' expresses a sense of finality or regret.

속이 답답하고 메스꺼운 걸 보니 체한 게 분명해요.

Seeing as my stomach is heavy and I feel nauseous, it's clear I have indigestion.

'~ㄴ 게 분명하다' means 'is clearly the case'.

체하지 않으려면 음식을 꼭꼭 씹어 먹어야 합니다.

To avoid getting indigestion, you must chew your food thoroughly.

'~지 않으려면' means 'in order not to'.

아이들이 찬 음식을 급하게 먹으면 체하기 마련입니다.

Children are bound to get indigestion if they eat cold food quickly.

'~기 마련이다' means 'is bound to happen'.

체했을 때는 무를 갈아 마시는 것도 도움이 됩니다.

Drinking grated radish also helps when you have indigestion.

Suggesting a specific natural remedy.

심하게 체해서 밤새 잠을 한숨도 못 잤어요.

I had such bad indigestion that I couldn't sleep a wink all night.

Describing the severity of the condition.

급체 증상이 나타나면 즉시 휴식을 취하는 것이 좋습니다.

If symptoms of sudden severe indigestion appear, it is best to rest immediately.

'급체' is a specific term for severe indigestion.

소화가 잘 안 되고 자꾸 체하는 걸 보니 위 건강에 문제가 있는 것 같아요.

Since I can't digest well and keep getting indigestion, I think there's a problem with my stomach health.

'자꾸' emphasizes the frequency of the occurrence.

체한 음식이 내려가지 않아서 하루 종일 고생하고 있어요.

The food that caused indigestion isn't 'going down,' so I've been suffering all day.

'내려가다' is used to describe food moving through the system.

긴장되는 면접을 앞두고 먹은 아침이 체해 버린 것 같습니다.

It seems the breakfast I ate before my nervous interview gave me indigestion.

A complex sentence with a preceding circumstantial clause.

체했을 때 탄산음료를 마시는 것은 오히려 위장에 자극을 줄 수 있습니다.

Drinking carbonated drinks when you have indigestion can actually irritate the stomach.

'오히려' means 'on the contrary'.

음식이 목에 걸린 듯한 느낌이 드는 것이 전형적인 체한 증상입니다.

Feeling as if food is stuck in your throat is a typical symptom of indigestion.

'~ㄴ 듯한' means 'as if/seeming like'.

할머니께서 체하셨는지 진지를 거의 못 드셨어요.

Grandmother must have indigestion because she could hardly eat her meal.

Honorific form '체하셨는지' and '진지' (meal).

체기가 있을 때는 가벼운 산책이 소화에 도움이 되기도 합니다.

When you have symptoms of indigestion, a light walk can sometimes help digestion.

'~기도 하다' means 'also/sometimes does'.

만성적인 소화불량에 시달리는 사람들은 심리적인 요인으로 인해 자주 체하곤 합니다.

People suffering from chronic indigestion often get indigestion due to psychological factors.

'~곤 하다' indicates a frequent or habitual action.

체한 기운을 다스리기 위해 따뜻한 물로 족욕을 하는 것도 효과적입니다.

To manage the symptoms of indigestion, taking a warm foot bath is also effective.

'다스리다' is a high-level verb for managing or controlling a condition.

음식을 급하게 먹는 습관은 체기를 유발할 뿐만 아니라 위장 질환의 원인이 됩니다.

The habit of eating quickly not only causes indigestion but also becomes the cause of gastrointestinal diseases.

'~을 뿐만 아니라' means 'not only... but also'.

체했을 때 나타나는 두통은 한의학적으로 기의 흐름이 막혔기 때문이라고 설명합니다.

Traditional Korean medicine explains that the headache appearing during indigestion is because the flow of 'Gi' is blocked.

Explaining a technical/cultural concept.

그는 마치 체한 사람처럼 가슴을 두드리며 답답함을 호소했다.

He complained of stuffiness, pounding his chest like someone with indigestion.

Simile usage '마치 ~처럼'.

식사 도중 말다툼을 하면 십중팔구 체하게 마련입니다.

If you argue during a meal, nine times out of ten, you will get indigestion.

'십중팔구' is an idiom meaning 'nine times out of ten'.

체한 상태가 지속되면 단순한 소화 불량을 넘어 위염으로 발전할 수 있습니다.

If the indigestion persists, it can go beyond simple indigestion and develop into gastritis.

'~을 넘어' means 'beyond/surpassing'.

명치 끝이 꽉 막힌 듯한 느낌이 드는 것은 전형적인 식체의 징후입니다.

Feeling as though the bottom of your solar plexus is tightly blocked is a typical sign of food-related indigestion.

'명치' (solar plexus) and '식체' (formal term for indigestion).

현대인들의 고질적인 소화 장애는 정서적 불안과 급체라는 신체적 반응의 상관관계를 여실히 보여줍니다.

The chronic digestive disorders of modern people clearly show the correlation between emotional anxiety and the physical response of sudden indigestion.

Academic/Formal vocabulary ('고질적인', '상관관계', '여실히').

전통적으로 체함은 단순히 위장의 문제가 아니라 오장육부의 조화가 깨진 상태로 간주되었습니다.

Traditionally, indigestion was considered not just a stomach problem but a state where the harmony of the internal organs was broken.

Passive construction '간주되었습니다' (was considered).

체기가 가슴 깊숙이 맺혀 풀리지 않는 듯한 느낌은 때로 심리적 억압의 발로이기도 합니다.

The feeling of indigestion being knotted deep in the chest and not releasing is sometimes a manifestation of psychological repression.

Literary/Metaphorical language ('맺혀', '발로').

급체로 인해 의식을 잃은 환자에게는 기혈의 순환을 돕는 응급 처치가 필요합니다.

A patient who has lost consciousness due to severe indigestion needs emergency treatment to help the circulation of energy and blood.

Medical/Emergency terminology.

동의보감에서는 체한 증상을 그 원인과 양상에 따라 수십 가지로 분류하여 상세히 기술하고 있습니다.

The Dongui Bogam classifies and describes symptoms of indigestion in dozens of ways according to their causes and patterns.

Historical/Academic reference.

물조차 체할 수 있다는 말은 그만큼 우리 몸의 소화 과정이 섬세하고 예민함을 시사합니다.

The saying that one can get indigestion even from water suggests that our body's digestive process is that delicate and sensitive.

'시사하다' (suggest/imply) is a high-level verb.

체한 기운이 전신으로 퍼져 사지가 무력해지는 증상을 '곽란'이라 일컫기도 했습니다.

The symptom where the energy of indigestion spreads throughout the body and makes the limbs powerless was also called 'Gwangnan'.

Archaic medical terminology.

사회적 스트레스가 누적되면 위장 기능이 저하되어 사소한 음식물에도 쉽게 체하는 과민성 반응이 나타납니다.

When social stress accumulates, gastrointestinal function decreases, leading to hypersensitive reactions where one gets indigestion easily even from minor food items.

Scientific/Sociological explanation.

Colocaciones comunes

심하게 체하다

급하게 먹다 체하다

체한 것 같다

체기가 있다

음식에 체하다

체해서 토하다

제대로 체하다

체한 게 내려가다

긴장해서 체하다

자주 체하다

Frases Comunes

체할라, 천천히 먹어

— You'll get indigestion, eat slowly. A common warning to children.

얘야, 체할라. 천천히 좀 먹어라.

속이 꽉 막히다

— To feel completely blocked. Often used to describe the symptom of 체하다.

속이 꽉 막힌 것처럼 답답해요.

체한 게 안 내려가다

— The indigestion isn't clearing up. Used when symptoms persist.

체한 게 안 내려가서 고생 중이에요.

손을 따다

— To prick the finger. The traditional remedy for being 체하다.

체했을 때는 손을 따는 게 최고예요.

소화제를 먹다

— To take digestive medicine. The standard medical response.

체한 것 같아서 소화제를 먹었어요.

매실차를 마시다

— To drink plum tea. A common natural remedy for indigestion.

체했을 때 매실차를 마시면 도움이 돼요.

속이 더부룩하다

— To feel bloated. A very common companion symptom.

체했는지 속이 계속 더부룩하네요.

명치가 아프다

— To have pain in the solar plexus. The specific location of pain for 체하다.

체하면 명치 부분이 아파요.

기가 막히다

— Literally 'energy is blocked.' Used colloquially for severe indigestion.

기가 막혀서 체한 것 같아요.

얹히다

— To have food 'sitting' heavily. A common synonym.

점심 먹은 게 얹혔나 봐요.

Se confunde a menudo con

체하다 vs -ㄴ/은 체하다 (Auxiliary Verb)

Means 'to pretend.' Example: '아는 체하다' (pretend to know). Distinguishable by context and the preceding verb.

체하다 vs 배탈 (Noun)

General stomach upset, often involving diarrhea or cramps, whereas 체하다 is about blockage.

체하다 vs 소화불량 (Noun)

The formal/clinical term for indigestion. 체하다 is the common everyday verb.

Modismos y expresiones

"급체에 약도 없다"

— There is no medicine for sudden severe indigestion. Implies it's very hard to treat once it happens.

급체에 약도 없다더니 정말 힘드네요.

Proverbial

"체한 놈이 떡 더 먹는다"

— The person with indigestion eats more rice cakes. Used for someone who keeps doing what is bad for them.

체한 놈이 떡 더 먹는다더니 또 과식하네.

Proverbial

"밥 먹다 체하면 약도 없다"

— If you get indigestion while eating, medicine is useless. Emphasizes the importance of eating peacefully.

싸우면서 밥 먹지 마. 밥 먹다 체하면 약도 없어.

Proverbial

"물 마시다 체하다"

— To get indigestion even from water. Used to describe someone with an extremely weak stomach or a very unlucky situation.

나는 물 마시다 체할 정도로 위가 안 좋아.

Colloquial

"기가 체하다"

— When your 'Gi' (energy) gets blocked. Used for severe emotional or physical shock.

너무 놀라서 기가 체한 것 같아요.

Traditional

"체한 듯이 답답하다"

— To feel stuffy as if having indigestion. Used metaphorically for frustrating situations.

일이 안 풀려서 속이 체한 듯이 답답해요.

Metaphorical

"속이 얹히다"

— To have food sitting heavily. Used idiomatically for a lingering bad feeling.

그 말이 속이 얹힌 것처럼 계속 생각나요.

Metaphorical

"얹힌 게 내려가다"

— The 'stuck' thing goes down. Used for a problem being solved or a secret being revealed.

숙제를 다 하니 얹힌 게 내려가는 기분이에요.

Metaphorical

"체증이 뚫리다"

— Indigestion is cleared. Used when a long-standing frustration is resolved.

그 소식을 들으니 십 년 묵은 체증이 뚫리는 것 같아.

Idiomatic/Metaphorical

"체한 것처럼 굴다"

— To act as if one has indigestion. Used for someone acting grumpy or uncomfortable.

왜 그렇게 체한 것처럼 표정이 안 좋아?

Informal

Fácil de confundir

체하다 vs 배탈

Both refer to stomach issues.

Baetal is an 'upset stomach' (lower GI), while Che-hada is 'indigestion' (upper GI/blockage).

상한 음식을 먹어서 배탈이 났어요. (I have an upset stomach from spoiled food.)

체하다 vs 얹히다

They are synonyms.

Che-hada is an active verb; Eonhida is a passive-like description of the 'heavy' feeling.

속이 얹힌 것 같아. (My stomach feels heavy/stuck.)

체하다 vs 더부룩하다

Both describe digestive discomfort.

Deoburukhada specifically means 'bloated/gassy,' which is a symptom of Che-hada.

배가 더부룩해서 소화제를 먹었어. (My stomach is bloated so I took medicine.)

체하다 vs 속이 쓰리다

Both are stomach pain.

Sseurida means 'heartburn' or 'stomach acid pain,' not 'blockage.'

매운 걸 먹었더니 속이 쓰려요. (My stomach burns because I ate spicy food.)

체하다 vs 체 (Pretend)

Homonym.

The auxiliary pattern follows a modifier; the indigestion verb stands alone.

못 본 체하지 마세요. (Don't pretend you didn't see it.)

Patrones de oraciones

[Food]에 체했어요.

빵에 체했어요.

너무 [Reason]해서 체한 것 같아요.

너무 급하게 먹어서 체한 것 같아요.

[Situation] 때 먹으면 체하기 쉬워요.

기분이 안 좋을 때 먹으면 체하기 쉬워요.

체기가 있어서 [Action] 못 하겠어요.

체기가 있어서 운동을 못 하겠어요.

마치 [Noun]처럼 체한 듯 답답하다.

마치 돌을 먹은 것처럼 체한 듯 답답하다.

체함이라는 신체적 반응은 [Concept]와 관련이 있다.

체함이라는 신체적 반응은 심리적 상태와 깊은 관련이 있다.

체했을 때는 [Remedy]가 최고예요.

체했을 때는 매실차가 최고예요.

체할까 봐 천천히 먹고 있어요.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

체함 (che-ham) - The state of indigestion.

체기 (che-gi) - Symptoms of indigestion.

급체 (geup-che) - Sudden severe indigestion.

식체 (sik-che) - Food-induced indigestion.

Verbos

체하다 (che-ha-da) - To have indigestion.

소화하다 (so-hwa-ha-da) - To digest.

얹히다 (eon-hwi-da) - To be placed heavily (passive-like synonym).

Adjetivos

더부룩하다 (deoburukhada) - Bloated.

답답하다 (dapdaphada) - Stuffy/Heavy.

메스껍다 (meseukkeopda) - Nauseous.

Relacionado

소화제 (sohwaje) - Digestive medicine.

매실 (maesil) - Green plum (remedy).

위장 (wijang) - Stomach/Gastrointestinal tract.

명치 (myeongchi) - Solar plexus.

사혈 (sahyeol) - Bloodletting (folk remedy).

Regístrate gratis para ver todos los ejemplos

Cómo usarlo

frequency

Extremely high in daily life, especially around mealtimes.

Errores comunes

Using '배가 아파요' for everything. → Use '체했어요' specifically for indigestion.
Being specific shows better language skills and helps people help you correctly.
Using the object particle: '피자를 체했어요.' → '피자에 체했어요.'
You get indigestion *at* or *from* a food, you don't 'do' the indigestion to the food.
Confusing '체하다' with 'pretend'. → Check if a modifier (~ㄴ/은) comes before it.
'아픈 체하다' = pretend to be sick. '체하다' = indigestion.
Using present tense for current pain: '지금 체해요.' → '지금 체했어요.'
The past tense indicates the state of having indigestion right now.
Thinking '체하다' means food poisoning. → Use '식중독' for food poisoning.
Che-hada is about the physical blockage/digestion process, not bacteria.

Consejos

Past Tense Usage

Always remember to use '체했어요' when you are currently feeling sick. The present tense '체해요' is for general facts.

Plum Tea Remedy

If you feel '체했다' in a Korean home, ask for '매실차' (Maesil-cha). It is widely accepted as the best natural cure.

Polite Declining

If you are full but don't want to offend a host, saying '속이 안 좋아서 체한 것 같아요' is a very effective and polite excuse.

Don't confuse with 'Pretend'

Be careful with '-ㄴ 체하다'. If you say '아픈 체하다', it means you are faking it, not that you have indigestion!

Pharmacy Vocabulary

At a pharmacy, use '소화제' (digestive medicine) and '체했어요' together to get the right help quickly.

The Thumb Prick

If you see someone tying a string around a thumb and using a needle, they are treating '체함'. It's a common sight in dramas.

Eat Slowly

Koreans believe eating while 'uncomfortable' (nervous/sad) is the biggest cause of '체함'. Relax before eating!

Cold Hands

Koreans often check if your hands and feet are cold to see if you have '체했다'. Cold extremities are a classic sign.

Noun Form

The noun form is '체함' or '체기'. You can say '체기가 있다' to mean 'I have symptoms of indigestion'.

Aspirated 'Ch'

Make sure to puff out air when saying 'Che'. It's not a soft 'j' sound.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of the 'CH' in 'CHE-hada' as 'CH-oking' or 'CH-est pain' from eating too fast.

Asociación visual

Imagine a 'CHECK' mark (체) stuck in your throat or stomach that won't go down.

Word Web

체하다 소화제 매실차 급체 속이 답답하다 손을 따다 명치 식체

Desafío

Try to use '체했어요' the next time you feel slightly too full after a meal to practice the natural past tense usage.

Origen de la palabra

Derived from the Hanja '滯' (체), which means 'to stagnate,' 'to be blocked,' or 'to stay.' Combined with '하다' to form a verb.

Significado original: To be in a state of stagnation or blockage, specifically regarding food and energy flow.

Sino-Korean (Hanja-based).

Contexto cultural

Be careful when suggesting '손 따기' (finger pricking) to non-Koreans, as it can seem unsanitary or frightening to those unfamiliar with the tradition.

In the West, we usually just say 'I have a stomach ache' or 'I'm full,' but Koreans are much more likely to specify the 'blockage' aspect.

Often seen in K-dramas when a character eats nervously during a blind date. Featured in 'Dae Jang Geum' (Jewel in the Palace) regarding traditional medical treatments. Mentioned in variety shows like 'I Live Alone' when celebrities deal with late-night snack indigestion.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

At a Pharmacy

체했을 때 먹는 약 있어요?
심하게 체해서 소화제 좀 주세요.
어제부터 체기가 안 내려가요.
물만 마셔도 체하는 것 같아요.

At a Dinner Party

제가 체해서 많이 못 먹겠어요.
천천히 드세요, 체할라.
너무 긴장했는지 밥이 체했나 봐요.
아까 먹은 게 체했는지 속이 답답하네요.

With Family

엄마, 나 체한 것 같아. 손 좀 따줘.
매실차 마시면 체한 게 좀 나아질 거야.
급하게 먹지 마, 또 체하려고 그래?
할머니께서 체하셔서 진지를 못 드셔.

Describing Symptoms to a Doctor

명치 쪽이 꽉 막힌 것처럼 체했어요.
자주 체하는 편이라 걱정돼요.
체하면 머리도 같이 아파요.
음식을 먹으면 바로 체한 느낌이 들어요.

Metaphorical/Emotional

그 소식을 듣고 기가 체한 것 같았어.
속이 체한 것처럼 답답한 일이 있어.
얹힌 게 내려가는 것처럼 시원해.
체증이 뚫리는 기분이야.

Inicios de conversación

"어제 저녁에 뭐 잘못 먹었는지 계속 체한 것 같아요."

"혹시 체했을 때 마시는 좋은 차 알고 있어요?"

"한국에서는 체했을 때 정말로 손을 따나요?"

"긴장되는 상황에서 밥 먹으면 체하지 않아요?"

"소화제가 안 듣는데 체했을 때 어떻게 하면 좋을까요?"

Temas para diario

오늘 점심을 너무 급하게 먹어서 체한 경험에 대해 써보세요.

한국의 전통적인 체함 치료법인 '손 따기'에 대해 어떻게 생각하는지 적어보세요.

스트레스와 소화 불량(체함)의 관계에 대해 자신의 경험을 바탕으로 써보세요.

체했을 때 가장 효과적이었던 방법이나 음식은 무엇이었나요?

만약 친구가 심하게 체했다면 어떤 조언을 해주고 싶은지 편지 형식으로 써보세요.

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

Not exactly. While it causes pain, it specifically means 'indigestion' or a feeling of 'food blockage.' For a general stomach ache, use '배가 아프다.'

No. For diarrhea or an upset stomach from bad food, use '배탈이 나다' or '설사하다.' 체하다 is for when food won't go down properly.

In Korean, once you feel the discomfort, the 'act' of getting indigestion is finished. You are now in the resulting state. Therefore, the past tense is used.

Geup-che is a sudden (급) and severe case of indigestion. It can cause extreme pain, pallor, and even fainting.

It is a traditional folk remedy. While many Koreans swear by it, modern medicine suggests using sterilized needles or sticking to digestive drinks (소화제) like plum extract.

You should say '체한 것 같아요' (Che-han geot gat-a-yo). It sounds more natural and less aggressive than '체했어요'.

In Korea, flour-based foods (밀가루), meat (고기), or cold foods (찬 음식) are frequently blamed for causing indigestion.

Yes, '체하셨다.' Use this when talking about elders or superiors. Example: '할머니께서 체하셨어요.'

No, but it uses the same Hanja. For traffic, use '정체되다.' For food, use '체하다.'

Mae-sil-cha (plum tea) or 'Gas Whal-myung-su' (a famous brown herbal digestive drink found in pharmacies).

Regístrate gratis para ver consejos y notas