토하다
토하다 30秒で
- The primary meaning of '토하다' is to vomit or throw up stomach contents due to illness, motion sickness, or alcohol.
- It is a regular '-하다' verb and is the most common native Korean term for this action in daily speech.
- Metaphorically, it means to return stolen money or goods, or to express deep, painful emotions like resentment.
- Commonly paired with '-ㄹ 것 같다' to express nausea or '-고 말다' to express an unintended outcome.
The Korean verb 토하다 (tohada) primarily refers to the physical act of vomiting or throwing up contents from the stomach through the mouth. While it is a common medical and biological term, its usage in Korean culture extends far beyond the bathroom or the doctor's office. In its most literal sense, it describes the involuntary or voluntary ejection of food, liquid, or bile due to illness, motion sickness, or overconsumption of alcohol—the latter being a particularly common context in Korea's vibrant social drinking culture. When someone feels nauseous, they often use the expression '토할 것 같다' (I feel like I'm going to throw up).
- Medical Context
- Used when describing symptoms to a healthcare professional, such as '어젯밤에 세 번 토했어요' (I threw up three times last night).
- Social Context
- Frequently used during or after 'hoesik' (company dinners) involving heavy drinking.
Beyond the physical act, 토하다 has a fascinating figurative application. It is used to describe the act of 'vomiting out' or returning something that was taken improperly. For example, if a corrupt official is forced to return stolen funds, the media might say they '돈을 토해냈다' (vomited out the money/gave the money back). This implies a forced, unpleasant, and complete restitution of something that shouldn't have been 'swallowed' in the first place. This nuance adds a layer of intensity to the word that goes beyond simple returning or giving.
술을 너무 많이 마셔서 결국 토하고 말았어요.
Furthermore, the word is used in poetic or highly emotional contexts. The phrase '피를 토하다' (to vomit blood) is a powerful idiom used to describe speaking with extreme passion, bitterness, or resentment. It suggests that the speaker's heart is so full of sorrow or anger that it manifests as a physical trauma. This is often seen in historical dramas (Sageuk) or literature where a character makes a final, desperate plea or expresses a deep-seated grudge. The versatility of 토하다 makes it a critical verb for learners to understand, as it bridges the gap between basic survival Korean and advanced metaphorical expression.
그는 억울함을 호소하며 피를 토하듯 외쳤다.
Using 토하다 correctly requires an understanding of its conjugation and common grammatical pairings. As a regular '-하다' verb, it follows standard conjugation rules. In polite conversation, you will most often encounter it as '토해요' (present), '토했어요' (past), or '토할 거예요' (future). Because the act of vomiting is often involuntary, it is frequently paired with the auxiliary verb '-고 말다' to emphasize an unintended or regrettable outcome, as in '토하고 말았어요' (I ended up throwing up).
- The '-ㄹ 것 같다' Pattern
- '토할 것 같아요' (I think I'm going to throw up / I feel nauseous). This is the most common way to express nausea before the act happens.
- Object Particles
- While '토하다' can be used intransitively (just 'to vomit'), it can also take an object. '먹은 것을 토하다' (to vomit what one ate) uses the object particle '을'.
When discussing the figurative sense of returning money or goods, the compound verb '토해내다' (to vomit out) is more common. This '내다' suffix adds the nuance of 'out' or 'completely.' For example, '부당 이득을 모두 토해내야 합니다' (You must vomit out/return all unfair profits). This structure is very common in legal or news contexts. In contrast, when describing a baby spitting up milk, a different verb, '게우다', is often preferred as it is gentler and more specific to infants.
배멀미 때문에 계속 토해서 너무 힘들어요.
In formal or medical settings, the Sino-Korean noun '구토' (guto) is combined with '-하다' to form '구토하다'. This is equivalent to 'to vomit' but sounds more clinical. If you are filling out a form at a Korean hospital, you will likely see '구토' listed as a symptom. However, in daily speech, '토하다' remains the standard. Understanding when to use the native '토하다' versus the formal '구토하다' is key to sounding natural in different environments.
아이가 우유를 자꾸 토하면 병원에 가보세요.
You will encounter 토하다 in several distinct real-world scenarios in Korea. The most frequent is likely the social sphere. Korea has a strong 'work hard, play hard' culture that often involves 'hoesik' (company dinners). It is not uncommon to hear colleagues checking on each other with '괜찮아? 토했어?' (Are you okay? Did you throw up?) after a night of heavy drinking. While perhaps a bit graphic, it is a reality of social life that makes the word very common in informal conversations.
- On Public Transport
- On buses or subways, you might see signs or hear announcements regarding '구토물' (vomit) and the etiquette of cleaning it up or notifying staff.
- In K-Dramas
- Dramatic scenes often use '피를 토하다' (vomiting blood) to signify a terminal illness or extreme emotional distress, a classic trope in Korean melodrama.
Another common place to hear this word is in the context of health and wellness. Parents will use it frequently when talking about their children's health. '우리 애가 아침부터 토해요' (My child has been vomiting since this morning). In pharmacies, when you ask for medicine for nausea, the pharmacist might ask, '토하기도 하나요?' (Are you also vomiting?). It is a fundamental word for navigating the healthcare system in Korea.
어제 술을 너무 많이 마셔서 화장실에서 토했어요.
Lastly, you will hear it in the news. Investigative reports on financial crimes often use the term '토해내다' regarding recovered assets. '횡령한 돈을 전액 토해내게 되었습니다' (They ended up having to vomit out/return the entire embezzled amount). This usage highlights the forceful nature of the recovery. Whether in the gutter after a party, in a sterile hospital room, or in a high-stakes news broadcast, '토하다' is a versatile verb that captures the essence of 'ejecting' something, whether physical or financial.
범인은 훔친 물건을 다시 토해내야 했다.
One of the most common mistakes learners make with 토하다 is confusing it with other words related to the mouth and throat, such as '뱉다' (to spit) or '게우다' (to spit up). While '뱉다' refers to the intentional act of spitting out saliva or something small from the mouth, 토하다 involves the forceful ejection of stomach contents. Using '뱉다' when you mean 'vomit' will sound like you are just spitting on the floor, which is a very different image!
- Confusion with '게우다'
- '게우다' is specifically used for babies spitting up milk or small amounts. Using '토하다' for a baby is okay, but using '게우다' for an adult who is violently ill sounds strange and overly diminutive.
- Misusing '오버이트'
- Learners often think '오버이트' (over-eat) means to eat too much because of the English roots. In Korea, it exclusively means to vomit. Don't say 'I over-ate' using this word unless you mean you threw up!
Another mistake is the incorrect use of particles. While you can say '음식을 토하다' (vomit food), you shouldn't use the particle '-에게' or '-한테' (to someone) with '토하다' unless you are literally vomiting *on* them, which is rare and usually expressed as '사람한테 토하다'. If you want to say you 'gave back' money to someone, you must use the compound '토해내다' and the recipient would take the particle '-에게'.
침을 뱉다 (Spit saliva) vs 음식을 토하다 (Vomit food).
Finally, learners sometimes over-rely on '토하다' in medical contexts where '구토' or '메스꺼움' (nausea) might be more precise. If you tell a doctor '토해요', they will ask if you actually threw up or just feel like it. Being able to distinguish between '토할 것 같다' (feel like it) and '토했다' (did it) is crucial for accurate communication.
속이 울렁거려서 토할 것 같아요. (I feel like I'm going to throw up because my stomach is churning.)
Korean has several words that overlap with 토하다, each with its own nuance and register. Understanding these will help you choose the right word for the situation. The most direct synonym is '구토하다' (guto-hada), which is the Sino-Korean version. It is used in formal, written, or medical contexts. While you wouldn't usually say '구토했어요' to a friend at a bar, you would definitely see it on a medical chart.
- 토하다 vs 게우다
- '토하다' is general and can be violent. '게우다' is specifically for small amounts or for babies/animals spitting up. It feels less 'gross' than '토하다'.
- 토하다 vs 뱉다
- '토하다' comes from the stomach; '뱉다' comes from the mouth. You '뱉다' gum or a seeds, but you '토하다' lunch.
- 토하다 vs 올리다
- '올리다' (to lift/raise) is often used as a polite euphemism for vomiting, especially when talking about children or in polite company. '아이가 음식을 다 올렸어요' (The child brought all the food back up).
In terms of slang, '오버이트' (over-eat) is widely used among younger generations and in casual settings. It's a classic example of Konglish. Another interesting alternative is '확인하다' (to confirm), which is used jokingly among friends ('Did you confirm your dinner?'). For the figurative meaning of returning money, '돌려주다' (to give back) is the neutral alternative, while '토해내다' remains the more aggressive, descriptive choice.
병원에서는 구토하다라는 표현을 더 자주 씁니다.
Choosing between these depends entirely on your audience. Use '토하다' with friends, '구토' with doctors, '게우다' with babies, and '토해내다' when you're talking about a villain in a movie who has to give back the loot. Mastery of these synonyms shows a high level of linguistic and cultural fluency.
아기가 분유를 조금 게웠어요.
発音ガイド
レベル別の例文
어제 너무 아파서 토했어요.
I was so sick yesterday that I threw up.
Past tense of 토하다 is 토했어요.
배가 아파요. 토할 것 같아요.
My stomach hurts. I feel like I'm going to throw up.
-ㄹ 것 같다 expresses a feeling or future probability.
우유를 마시고 토했어요.
I drank milk and threw up.
-고 connects two actions in sequence.
토하지 마세요. 약을 드세요.
Don't throw up. Please take some medicine.
-지 마세요 is the prohibitive command form.
아이가 자꾸 토해요.
The child keeps throwing up.
자꾸 means 'repeatedly' or 'frequently'.
어디에서 토했어요?
Where did you throw up?
어디에서 asks for the location of an action.
너무 많이 먹어서 토했어요.
I ate too much, so I threw up.
-어서 indicates a reason or cause.
토하면 안 돼요.
You shouldn't throw up / It's not good to throw up.
-면 안 되다 means 'should not' or 'must not'.
배멀미 때문에 계속 토하고 있어요.
I am constantly throwing up because of seasickness.
-고 있다 expresses the present progressive (ongoing action).
속이 안 좋아서 토할 것 같아요.
My stomach feels bad, so I think I'm going to throw up.
속이 안 좋다 is a common idiom for feeling nauseous.
어제 술을 너무 많이 마셔서 토했어요.
I drank too much alcohol yesterday, so I threw up.
술을 마시다 is the standard phrase for drinking alcohol.
상한 음식을 먹으면 토할 수 있어요.
If you eat spoiled food, you might throw up.
-ㄹ 수 있다 expresses possibility.
토한 후에 물을 마셨어요.
After throwing up, I drank some water.
-ㄴ 후에 means 'after doing something'.
갑자기 토하기 시작했어요.
I suddenly started throwing up.
-기 시작하다 means 'to start doing something'.
토하고 나니까 기분이 좀 나아졌어요.
After throwing up, I felt a bit better.
-고 나니까 means 'now that I've finished doing...'.
냄새가 너무 심해서 토할 뻔했어요.
The smell was so bad I almost threw up.
-ㄹ 뻔하다 means 'almost did something'.
약을 먹었는데도 계속 토해서 병원에 갔어요.
Even though I took medicine, I kept throwing up, so I went to the hospital.
-는데도 means 'even though' or 'despite'.
어젯밤에 무엇을 토했는지 기억이 안 나요.
I don't remember what I threw up last night.
-는지 asks an indirect question about a fact.
아기가 우유를 조금 게웠는데, 토한 건 아니에요.
The baby spat up a little milk, but they didn't 'vomit' (properly).
Contrast between 게우다 (spit up) and 토하다 (vomit).
속이 메스꺼우면 참지 말고 토하세요.
If you feel nauseous, don't hold it in; just throw up.
-지 말고 means 'don't do X, but do Y instead'.
그는 너무 화가 나서 피를 토하듯이 소리쳤다.
He was so angry that he shouted as if vomiting blood.
-듯이 means 'as if' or 'like'.
음식 냄새만 맡아도 토할 것 같아요.
I feel like I'm going to throw up just by smelling the food.
-만 해도/맡아도 emphasizes that even a small action causes the result.
토한 것들을 다 치워야 해요.
I have to clean up everything that was thrown up.
토한 것 refers to the 'vomited things' (vomit).
결국 먹은 것을 다 토하고 말았어요.
In the end, I ended up throwing up everything I ate.
-고 말다 expresses an unintended or regrettable end.
부당하게 챙긴 이득은 반드시 토해내야 합니다.
Unfairly gained profits must certainly be 'vomited out' (returned).
토해내다 is the figurative compound for returning ill-gotten gains.
그는 억울함을 호소하며 피를 토하는 심정으로 말했다.
He spoke with a feeling of 'vomiting blood' while appealing his injustice.
피를 토하는 심정 is an idiom for extreme resentment or sorrow.
공장의 굴뚝이 검은 연기를 토해내고 있었다.
The factory chimney was 'vomiting out' (emitting) black smoke.
토하다 can describe machines or objects ejecting substances.
범인은 경찰의 추궁에 장물을 토해냈다.
The criminal 'vomited out' (gave up/returned) the stolen goods under police questioning.
Used here for the forced return of physical objects.
과음으로 인해 구토 증상을 보이는 환자들이 많습니다.
There are many patients showing symptoms of vomiting due to excessive drinking.
구토 is the Sino-Korean noun for vomiting.
영화의 잔인한 장면을 보고 토할 뻔한 적이 있어요.
There was a time I almost threw up after seeing a cruel scene in a movie.
-ㄴ 적이 있다 means 'to have the experience of'.
그는 자신의 잘못을 토설하며 용서를 구했다.
He confessed (poured out) his mistakes and sought forgiveness.
토설하다 is a more literary term for confessing everything.
속이 다 뒤집혀서 아무것도 못 먹고 토하기만 해요.
My stomach is completely turned upside down, so I can't eat anything and just keep vomiting.
-기만 하다 means 'to do nothing but...'
대지는 화산 폭발과 함께 용암을 토해냈다.
The earth 'vomited out' (erupted) lava along with the volcanic explosion.
Metaphorical use for natural phenomena.
작가는 원고지에 자신의 영혼을 토해내듯 글을 썼다.
The writer wrote as if 'vomiting out' their soul onto the manuscript paper.
Describes intense, soul-baring creative effort.
정치적 압박에 못 이겨 그는 기밀 정보를 토해내고 말았다.
Unable to withstand political pressure, he ended up 'vomiting out' (divulging) confidential information.
Used for the forced revelation of information.
그의 연설은 울분과 슬픔을 토해내는 절규와 같았다.
His speech was like a scream 'vomiting out' resentment and sadness.
Describes emotional catharsis or expression.
갑작스러운 하락장에 투자자들은 매물을 토해내기 시작했다.
In the sudden bear market, investors began to 'vomit out' (sell off) their holdings.
Financial metaphor for panic selling.
그는 평생 모은 재산을 사회에 토해내듯 기부했다.
He donated the fortune he had gathered over a lifetime, as if 'vomiting it out' to society.
Nuance of giving back everything one has 'consumed' or accumulated.
기관차는 거친 숨을 토해내며 역으로 들어섰다.
The locomotive entered the station, 'vomiting out' (puffing) rough breaths (steam).
Personification of a machine.
치욕스러운 과거를 토해내고 나니 비로소 마음이 편해졌다.
Only after 'vomiting out' (confessing) my shameful past did my mind finally become at ease.
Psychological purging of secrets or trauma.
현대 문명의 병폐를 토해내는 듯한 그의 작품은 큰 반향을 일으켰다.
His work, which seemed to 'vomit out' the ills of modern civilization, caused a great stir.
High-level artistic and social criticism.
검찰은 피의자가 은닉한 자금을 전액 토해내도록 압박했다.
The prosecution pressured the suspect to 'vomit out' (return) the entirety of their hidden funds.
Formal legal context for restitution.
그의 문장은 화려한 수식어를 토해내지만 정작 알맹이는 없다.
His sentences 'vomit out' (overflow with) flashy modifiers, but there is no actual substance.
Criticism of overly verbose but empty writing.
역사의 소용돌이 속에서 민중들은 억눌린 분노를 토해냈다.
In the vortex of history, the people 'vomited out' (unleashed) their suppressed anger.
Describes collective social or political expression.
자연은 인간의 탐욕에 응답하듯 재앙을 토해내고 있다.
Nature is 'vomiting out' (unleashing) disasters as if responding to human greed.
Philosophical personification of nature.
그는 일생의 연구 결과를 한 권의 책으로 토해냈다.
He 'vomited out' (condensed and released) a lifetime of research results into a single book.
Nuance of total output after long internal processing.
침묵을 지키던 목격자가 드디어 진실을 토해내기 시작했다.
The silent witness finally began to 'vomit out' (reveal) the truth.
Used for the sudden release of long-held secrets.
도시의 소음이 신경을 자극해 구토를 유발할 지경이었다.
The city noise stimulated the nerves to the point of inducing vomiting.
Describes extreme sensory overload.
よく使う組み合わせ
よく使うフレーズ
— I feel like I'm going to throw up. Used to express nausea.
배멀미가 심해서 토할 것 같아요.
— I threw up everything. Used to describe the completion of the act.
어제 먹은 걸 다 토했어요.
— Try to throw up. Often said when someone has swallowed something bad.
속이 답답하면 손가락을 넣어서 토해 보세요.
— You'll feel better if you throw up. A common piece of advice for nausea.
참지 말고 토하면 괜찮아질 거예요.
— Did you clean up the vomit? A practical question after an incident.
강아지가 토한 거 치웠어요?
— To speak with extreme bitterness or passion. A dramatic expression.
그는 피를 토하며 자신의 결백을 주장했다.
— To return money that was taken. Often implies force or legal action.
사기꾼은 돈을 결국 토해냈다.
— To the point of vomiting. Used as an intensifier for effort or disgust.
토할 정도로 공부를 많이 했어요.
— I'm worried because they keep vomiting. Common among parents.
아이가 자꾸 토해서 걱정이에요.
— I'm on the verge of vomiting. Expresses immediate urgency.
지금 바로 토하기 직전이에요.
慣用句と表現
— To express deep resentment, sorrow, or passion intensely.
그는 피를 토하는 심정으로 유언을 남겼다.
Literary— To be utterly sick of something or to experience acid reflux.
반복되는 일상에 신물을 토할 지경이다.
Neutral— Extremely; to an excessive degree.
토할 정도로 운동을 했더니 온몸이 아파요.
Informal— Slang for vomiting on the ground (looks like a Korean pancake).
어제 길에다 전 부친 사람 누구야?
Slang— Slang for vomiting (checking what you ate).
어제 술 마시고 화장실에서 확인했어?
Slang— To speak very honestly or to reveal one's innermost thoughts (rare).
그는 간을 토하듯 진실을 말했다.
Archaic— To speak with great energy or anger; or for a machine to spit fire.
웅변가는 불을 토하는 연설을 했다.
Literary— To give vent to one's pent-up anger or resentment.
시민들은 거리로 나와 울분을 토했다.
Journalistic— To show great spirit or to boast of one's success.
우리 팀은 이번 경기에서 승리하며 기염을 토했다.
Journalistic— To speak out words that were being held back.
그는 한참을 망설이다가 말을 토해냈다.
LiterarySummary
The word '토하다' is essential for describing physical illness, but its power lies in its metaphorical use for returning ill-gotten gains ('토해내다') and expressing extreme emotional distress ('피를 토하다'). Always use '게우다' for babies and '구토하다' in medical settings.
- The primary meaning of '토하다' is to vomit or throw up stomach contents due to illness, motion sickness, or alcohol.
- It is a regular '-하다' verb and is the most common native Korean term for this action in daily speech.
- Metaphorically, it means to return stolen money or goods, or to express deep, painful emotions like resentment.
- Commonly paired with '-ㄹ 것 같다' to express nausea or '-고 말다' to express an unintended outcome.
関連コンテンツ
この単語を他の言語で
healthの関連語
비정상적이다
B1正常または通常の状態から外れていること。非正常的だ。
비정상이다
A2異常である、または不正常である。標準や正常な状態から外れていることを表します。
에 대해서
A2トピックや主題を示す。「〜について」「〜に関して」。考えや会話の対象を特定する時に使われる。
누적되다
B1To be accumulated or added up over a period of time. It is frequently used to describe the buildup of fatigue, debt, or environmental damage.
몸살
A2過労や風邪の引き始めなどで、全身がだるくて痛むこと(疲れ。からだのこわばり)。
몸살나다
A2To suffer from body aches and fatigue, often due to a cold.
쑤시다
B1(体が)うずく、ちくちく痛む。雨が降る前に節々が痛むときによく使われます。
에취
A2韓国語でくしゃみをする時の音です。日本語の「ハクション!」に相当します。
급성적이다
A2急速で激しい発症を特徴とし、通常、病気や症状が急速に現れる医学的な文脈で使用されます。(例:急性疾患)。
급성이다
A2発症が急で経過が短いこと。急性である(病気)。