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Vocabulary
우울증

A2 noun #3,000 most common 9 min read

우울증

uuljeung Top 3,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 우울증 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 우울증 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to know the medical complexities of '우울증'. Instead, focus on recognizing it as the noun form of the feeling 'sad' or 'unhappy'. You might see this word on posters in the subway or in simple news headlines. Think of it as 'The sickness of being very sad'. At this stage, just remember that '우울' means gloomy. If you see '우울증', know it is a serious topic. You should be able to recognize it in a list of health-related words like '감기' (cold) or '두통' (headache). You don't need to use it in complex sentences yet, but knowing it refers to mental health is a great start. Usually, A1 learners stick to '우울해요' (I am depressed/sad), but recognizing the noun '우울증' helps you understand when a conversation is about a health condition rather than just a mood. It's a 'Level 1' health word because mental health awareness is very high in Korea today. You might hear it in very simple K-Drama lines where a character is being diagnosed. Just associate '증' with 'symptom' or 'illness' and '우울' with 'blue/gloomy'.

At the A2 level, you should understand that '우울증' is a noun used to describe clinical depression. You can start using it in simple 'because' sentences using '-때문에'. For example, '우울증 때문에 병원에 가요' (I go to the hospital because of depression). You should also know the common verb '있다' (to have) used with it: '우울증이 있어요'. At this level, you are beginning to differentiate between feelings and conditions. You might encounter this word in social media posts or simple blog entries about health. It's important to know that this word is more serious than just '슬퍼요' (I'm sad). You can also learn the phrase '마음의 감기' (a cold of the heart) as a synonym often used in beginner-friendly materials. When listening, try to catch the 'jeung' sound at the end, which tells you it's a noun. You should be able to answer basic questions about someone's health using this word, such as '그는 왜 슬퍼요?' (Why is he sad?) - '우울증이 있어서요' (Because he has depression). This shows you understand the causal link between the condition and the emotion.

At the B1 level, you should be able to use '우울증' with a variety of verbs like '겪다' (to experience) and '앓다' (to suffer from). You should also understand common prefixes and suffixes that modify the word, such as '산후 우울증' (postpartum depression) or '노인 우울증' (elderly depression). You can participate in deeper conversations about why someone might feel this way, using more complex grammar like '-을 정도로' (to the extent that...). For example, '우울증이 심해서 아무것도 못 할 정도예요' (The depression is so severe that I can't do anything). You should also be familiar with the social context of the word in Korea, including the stigma and the efforts to overcome it. At this level, you can read short articles or watch news clips about mental health and understand the main points. You are expected to use the word accurately in a paragraph describing someone's life challenges. You should also know the difference between '우울증' and '우울감', using the latter for less severe, subjective feelings. This nuance is key for reaching intermediate fluency.

At the B2 level, you can discuss '우울증' in the context of societal issues, such as the relationship between high-pressure education or work environments and mental health. You should be comfortable using academic verbs like '유발하다' (to cause/trigger), '완화하다' (to alleviate), and '진단하다' (to diagnose). You can explain the symptoms and treatments of depression in Korean, using terms like '불면증' (insomnia), '상담' (counseling), and '항우울제' (antidepressants). You should be able to debate or give a presentation on mental health awareness in Korea, citing '우울증' as a major public health concern. Your ability to use the word should extend to figurative language and formal reports. You should understand the nuance of how the word is used in professional psychology versus how it might be used in a literary sense to describe a 'depressive era' or 'depressive atmosphere'. You can also understand complex sentence structures where '우울증' is part of a nested clause, such as '우울증을 앓고 있는 사람들을 돕기 위한 캠페인' (A campaign to help people who are suffering from depression).

At the C1 level, you possess a deep understanding of the medical, social, and linguistic nuances of '우울증'. You can read medical journals or psychological papers that use this term in a highly technical way. You understand the Hanja roots (憂鬱症) and how they relate to other words in the same family, such as '울화통' (pent-up anger/gloom). You can discuss the evolution of the term in Korean society, from a hidden shame to a public health priority. You are able to use the word in sophisticated writing, such as essays on the existential '우울증' of modern society. You can also distinguish between various clinical subtypes mentioned in specialized texts, like '가면성 우울증' (masked depression) or '멜랑콜리형 우울증' (melancholic depression). Your speaking should be fluent enough to provide emotional support or professional advice using this terminology with the correct register and empathy. You understand how the word interacts with Korean cultural concepts like 'Han' (한) and how it differs from Western conceptualizations of the same disorder. You can also analyze how the word is used in literature to symbolize broader societal decay or personal transformation.

At the C2 level, you have mastered '우울증' to a near-native degree, including its use in highly specialized psychiatric contexts, legal discussions (e.g., depression as a factor in legal cases), and high-level literature. You can nuances the difference between '우울증' and related psychiatric conditions like '기분부전장애' (dysthymia) or '적응장애' (adjustment disorder) with ease. You can critique the way '우울증' is portrayed in media and its impact on public perception. Your command of the language allows you to use the word in puns, complex metaphors, or high-level academic discourse without hesitation. You are familiar with the latest research terms in Korean regarding '우울증', such as '신경가소성' (neuroplasticity) in relation to treatment. You can speak eloquently about the historical trajectory of mental health terminology in Korea, comparing '우울증' to traditional terms like '홧병'. You are capable of translating complex psychological texts involving this term, maintaining the precise clinical tone while capturing the emotional weight. At this level, the word is not just a vocabulary item but a tool for deep cultural and psychological analysis.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

우울증 in 30 Seconds

우울증 is the Korean noun for clinical depression, distinct from the adjective '우울하다' which describes a temporary feeling of being blue or sad.
It is composed of Hanja characters meaning melancholy, gloom, and symptom, highlighting its nature as a formal medical diagnosis or syndrome.
Commonly referred to as 'the cold of the heart' (마음의 감기), the term is used to reduce social stigma and encourage professional help.
Grammatically, it is often used with verbs like '앓다' (suffer), '겪다' (experience), and '치료하다' (treat) in formal and empathetic contexts.

The Korean word 우울증 (u-ul-jeung) is a noun that translates directly to "depression" in a clinical or psychological sense. It is composed of three Hanja (Sino-Korean) characters: 憂 (우 - melancholy/grief), 鬱 (울 - gloom/stagnation), and 症 (증 - symptom/disease). Together, they describe a state where heavy, gloomy emotions stagnate and manifest as a medical condition. While the adjective 우울하다 is often used casually to mean "I feel blue" or "I feel a bit down," adding the suffix -증 (symptom/syndrome) elevates the term to a formal diagnosis or a serious mental health discussion.

Clinical Definition: In a medical context, it refers to Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). It describes a persistent state of low mood, loss of interest in activities, and physical symptoms like insomnia or fatigue that last for more than two weeks.
Social Metaphor: In modern Korea, it is frequently called 마음의 감기 (the cold of the heart/mind). This metaphor is used by health professionals to reduce the social stigma surrounding mental health, suggesting that depression is something anyone can catch and treat, much like a common cold.

요즘 스트레스 때문에 우울증 초기 증상이 나타나는 것 같아요.

Translation: I think I'm showing early symptoms of depression because of stress lately.

Usage of this word has increased significantly in South Korea over the last decade as public discourse on mental health has opened up. You will encounter it in news reports discussing the "Hell Joseon" phenomenon (socio-economic pressure), in K-Dramas where characters navigate emotional trauma, and in daily conversations where people express concern for a friend's well-being. It is important to distinguish between the temporary feeling of sadness and the chronic state of 우울증. If someone says they have 우울증, they are usually referring to a condition that requires professional help or significant lifestyle changes.

우울증은 부끄러운 병이 아닙니다.

Translation: Depression is not a shameful disease.

Historically, mental health was a taboo subject in Korea, often hidden to maintain family honor. However, the term 우울증 is now at the center of public health campaigns. The government and NGOs use it to encourage people to seek counseling. It is also categorized into types, such as 산후 우울증 (postpartum depression) and 계절성 우울증 (seasonal affective disorder), showing the nuanced ways the word is applied in modern life.

Grammatical Pairing: It is most commonly paired with the verbs 겪다 (to experience/undergo), 앓다 (to suffer from/be sick with), or 치료하다 (to treat). For example, "우울증을 앓고 있다" means "to be suffering from depression."

그는 오랜 시간 동안 우울증과 싸워왔습니다.

Translation: He has been fighting against depression for a long time.

Using 우울증 correctly involves understanding its role as a medical noun. Unlike the adjective 우울하다, which describes a feeling, 우울증 acts as the subject or object of a sentence involving health, diagnosis, and recovery. In this section, we will explore the common verb pairings and sentence structures that make your Korean sound natural and empathetic.

Subject Marker (-이/가): When depression is the cause of an action or a state, we use 우울증이. Example: "우울증이 심해졌어요" (The depression has become severe).
Object Marker (-을/를): When taking action against or experiencing depression, use 우울증을. Example: "우울증을 극복했어요" (I overcame depression).

많은 현대인들이 우울증을 겪고 있습니다.

Translation: Many modern people are experiencing depression.

When discussing the diagnosis, the verb 진단받다 (to be diagnosed) is essential. If a doctor tells a patient they have depression, the patient would say, "우울증 진단을 받았어요." Notice how the noun 우울증 directly modifies the diagnosis. This is a common pattern for medical conditions in Korean.

규칙적인 운동은 우울증 예방에 도움이 됩니다.

Translation: Regular exercise is helpful for the prevention of depression.

In a more academic or professional setting, you might use the word 유발하다 (to trigger/cause). For instance, "수면 부족은 우울증을 유발할 수 있습니다" (Lack of sleep can trigger depression). This shows the causal link between lifestyle and mental health. Also, the term 완화하다 (to alleviate/ease) is used when discussing treatment results: "약물 치료가 우울증을 완화시켰어요" (Medication eased the depression).

Common Compound Phrases: 1. 우울증 환자 (Depression patient)
2. 우울증 치료제 (Antidepressant)
3. 우울증 자가진단 (Depression self-diagnosis)

그녀는 우울증 때문에 회사를 그만두었습니다.

Translation: She quit her job because of depression.

Finally, when talking about the severity, use 심각하다 (to be serious) or 가볍다 (to be light). A "mild depression" is 가벼운 우울증, while "severe depression" is 심각한 우울증. Understanding these nuances allows you to communicate the degree of the condition accurately in various social and medical contexts.

You will encounter the word 우울증 in a variety of real-world scenarios in Korea, ranging from clinical settings to popular culture. As Korea has one of the highest suicide rates among OECD countries, the word is frequently used in the media as part of a broader social conversation about mental health and the pressures of modern Korean life.

In the News and Media: News anchors often report on "Corona Blues" (코로나 블루), a term coined during the pandemic to describe widespread 우울증 caused by isolation. You'll hear statistics about how many young people are seeking treatment for 우울증, often linked to job market competition.
In K-Dramas and Movies: Modern K-Dramas like "Daily Dose of Sunshine" (정신병동에도 아침이 와요) focus specifically on psychiatric wards. Characters will openly discuss their 우울증, the medications they take, and the therapy they undergo. This reflects a shift in Korean society toward normalizing these conversations.

뉴스를 보니 청년 우울증 비율이 높아졌다고 해요.

Translation: I heard on the news that the rate of depression among youth has increased.

In a hospital or clinic (정신건강의학과), you will see signs for 우울증 클리닉 (Depression Clinic). Doctors will use the term when explaining test results to patients. It's also common in workplace seminars about "Mental Health Management" (정신 건강 관리), where employees are taught to recognize signs of 우울증 in themselves and their colleagues.

이 드라마는 주인공이 우울증을 이겨내는 과정을 보여줘요.

Translation: This drama shows the process of the protagonist overcoming depression.

On social media, particularly on YouTube or Instagram, you might see "Vlogs" of people documenting their journey with 우울증. They use hashtags like #우울증극복 (overcoming depression) or #마음건강 (mental health). These platforms provide a space for peer support and are a great place to see how the word is used in informal, supportive contexts.

Public Service Announcements (PSAs): In subway stations or on buses, you might see posters saying "혼자 고민하지 마세요. 우울증은 치료될 수 있습니다" (Don't worry alone. Depression can be treated). These are part of government efforts to provide hotlines and resources.

지하철 광고에서 우울증 상담 전화번호를 봤어요.

Translation: I saw a depression counseling phone number in a subway advertisement.

When learning Korean, it's easy to mix up clinical terms with everyday emotional descriptions. For 우울증, the most common mistakes involve using the wrong word for "sadness," misapplying grammar particles, or confusing the noun form with the adjective form.

Mistake 1: Confusing '우울증' with '슬픔' (Sadness): Many learners use 우울증 when they just mean they are sad about a specific event (like a sad movie). 슬픔 (sadness) is a normal emotion; 우울증 is a medical condition. If you say "영화가 너무 슬퍼서 우울증이 왔어요," it sounds like the movie gave you a clinical disorder, which is an exaggeration.
Mistake 2: Using '있다' instead of '앓다' for serious illness: While "우울증이 있어요" is grammatically correct (I have depression), using 앓다 (to suffer from) or 겪다 (to experience) sounds more natural when discussing the struggle of the condition. "우울증을 앓고 있어요" conveys the weight of the situation better.

우울증을 슬퍼요. (X)
우울해서 슬퍼요. (O)

Explanation: You cannot use '우울증' (noun) as an adverb. Use the adjective form '우울하다' to describe the feeling.

Another common error is confusing 우울증 with 우울감. 우울감 (feeling of depression/melancholy) is a lighter term often used to describe the feeling of being down without necessarily implying a diagnosis. If you are feeling low but don't have a clinical condition, 우울감 is the more appropriate word to use in a conversation with a doctor or friend.

그는 우울증을 합니다. (X)
그는 우울증을 앓고 있습니다. (O)

Explanation: You don't 'do' depression (하다). You 'suffer' (앓다) or 'experience' (겪다) it.

Lastly, avoid using 우울증 as a joke. In some cultures, people might say "I'm so depressed" because their favorite team lost. In Korea, while some young people might use it loosely, it is generally taken quite seriously. Using 우울하다 (to be depressed/gloomy) is much safer for casual hyperbole than the clinical noun 우울증.

Particle Confusion: Don't confuse 우울증으로 (due to depression) with 우울증이 (depression is...). Use -으로/로 to indicate the cause of a secondary action, like "우울증으로 병원에 갔어요" (I went to the hospital because of depression).

While 우울증 is the standard term for clinical depression, several other words and phrases describe similar emotional states. Knowing these alternatives will help you express nuance—whether you're talking about a passing mood, a lack of energy, or a specific type of mental struggle.

우울감 (U-ul-gam): Meaning: Depressive feelings or melancholy.
Difference: The suffix -감 means "feeling." This is used for the subjective experience of feeling depressed, which may or may not be part of a clinical 우울증 diagnosis.
무기력증 (Mu-gi-ryeok-jeung): Meaning: Lethargy or helplessness.
Difference: While often a symptom of depression, this specifically refers to the lack of energy or will to do anything. It's often used when talking about burnout (번아웃).

그는 우울증보다는 단순한 무기력증인 것 같아요.

Translation: I think it's simple lethargy rather than depression.

Another interesting term is 조울증 (Jo-ul-jeung), which means Bipolar Disorder. The 조 (躁) stands for mania, and 울 (鬱) stands for depression. This is used when someone experiences extreme highs and lows. Additionally, the term 공황장애 (Gong-hwang-jang-ae) or Panic Disorder is often mentioned alongside depression in mental health discussions.

계절이 바뀌면 우울감을 느끼는 사람들이 많아요.

Translation: Many people feel a sense of melancholy when the seasons change.

In literature or more poetic contexts, you might see 비애 (Bi-ae - sorrow/grief) or 수심 (Su-sim - deep anxiety/worry). These terms are more formal and traditional. For everyday speech, if you just want to say you feel low, stick to the verb 우울하다 or the phrase 기분이 가라앉다 (my mood is sinking/down).

Comparison Summary

우울증: Clinical/Medical Diagnosis.
우울감: The feeling of being depressed.
슬픔: General sadness.
무기력증: Lack of energy/motivation.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character '鬱' (울) is one of the most complex Hanja characters commonly used in Korean, containing 29 strokes. It visually represents the complexity and 'thickness' of the feeling it describes.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /u.ul.tɕɯŋ/

US /u.ul.tɕɯŋ/

In Korean, stress is generally even, but the second syllable 'ul' might feel slightly longer.

Rhymes With

통증 (Tong-jeung - Pain) 염증 (Yeom-jeung - Inflammation) 검증 (Geom-jeung - Verification) 인증 (In-jeung - Certification) 가중 (Ga-jung - Weighting) 복중 (Bok-jung - Mid-summer) 갈증 (Gal-jeung - Thirst) 공증 (Gong-jeung - Notarization)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'ul' like 'ur' (English 'r'). Keep the tongue against the roof of the mouth for 'l'.
Making the 'j' in 'jeung' too hard like 'ch'. It should be a soft 'j'.
Shortening the 'u' sounds too much.
Missing the nasal 'ng' at the end.
Merging 'u-ul' into a single syllable.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The word itself is easy to read, but it often appears in complex medical or social texts.

Writing 3/5

Using the correct particles (을 vs 이) and formal verbs (앓다 vs 있다) requires some practice.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward, but the topic is sensitive.

Listening 2/5

Clearly audible in news and dramas due to the distinct 'jeung' ending.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

슬프다 (to be sad) 아프다 (to be sick/hurt) 마음 (heart/mind) 기분 (mood) 병 (disease/illness)

Learn Next

불안증 (Anxiety) 상담 (Counseling) 치료 (Treatment) 정신과 (Psychiatry) 극복 (Overcoming)

Advanced

조울증 (Bipolar disorder) 공황장애 (Panic disorder) 무기력증 (Lethargy) 신경전달물질 (Neurotransmitter) 인지행동치료 (CBT)

Grammar to Know

Noun + 때문에 (Because of...)

우울증 때문에 잠을 못 자요.

Noun + 에 걸리다 (To catch/get a disease)

그는 심한 우울증에 걸렸어요.

Noun + 을/를 앓다 (To suffer from...)

그녀는 오랫동안 우울증을 앓았습니다.

Noun + 이/가 되다 (To become...)

슬픔이 우울증이 되었어요.

Noun + 에 대해 (About...)

우울증에 대해 이야기하고 싶어요.

Examples by Level

그는 우울증이 있어요.

He has depression.

우울증 (noun) + -이 (subject marker) + 있어요 (exists/has).

우울증은 나쁜 병이에요.

Depression is a bad illness.

우울증 (noun) + -은 (topic marker) + 나쁜 (bad) + 병 (illness).

친구는 우울증이 아니에요.

My friend does not have depression.

우울증 (noun) + -이 (subject marker) + 아니에요 (is not).

우울증 약을 먹어요.

I take depression medicine.

우울증 (modifier) + 약 (medicine) + -을 (object marker) + 먹어요 (eat/take).

요즘 너무 우울증 같아요.

It feels like depression these days.

-같아요 means 'it seems like' or 'it is like'.

우울증 때문에 슬퍼요.

I am sad because of depression.

Noun + 때문에 means 'because of'.

누가 우울증이에요?

Who has depression?

누가 (who) + 우울증 (noun) + -이에요 (is).

우울증을 조심하세요.

Please be careful of depression.

조심하세요 means 'please be careful'.

우울증 치료를 시작했어요.

I started depression treatment.

치료 (treatment) + -를 (object marker) + 시작했어요 (started).

우울증은 마음의 감기입니다.

Depression is the cold of the heart.

마음의 감기 is a common Korean metaphor.

그녀는 우울증을 이겨냈어요.

She overcame depression.

이겨내다 means 'to overcome' or 'to win over'.

우울증 증상이 뭐예요?

What are the symptoms of depression?

증상 means 'symptom'.

운동이 우울증에 좋아요.

Exercise is good for depression.

Noun + -에 좋아요 means 'is good for'.

우울증 환자가 많아졌어요.

The number of depression patients has increased.

환자 (patient) + -가 (subject marker) + 많아졌어요 (became many).

우울증일 때는 쉬어야 해요.

You should rest when you have depression.

-을 때 means 'when'.

가벼운 우울증이 있는 것 같아요.

I think I have mild depression.

가벼운 (light/mild) + 우울증.

스트레스가 우울증의 원인이 됩니다.

Stress becomes the cause of depression.

원인 (cause) + -이 되다 (to become).

우울증을 앓는 사람들이 늘고 있어요.

The number of people suffering from depression is growing.

앓는 (suffering) is the present participle of 앓다.

우울증 진단을 받고 충격을 받았어요.

I was shocked after being diagnosed with depression.

진단을 받다 (to receive a diagnosis).

산후 우울증은 흔한 현상입니다.

Postpartum depression is a common phenomenon.

산후 (post-childbirth) + 우울증.

우울증 때문에 잠을 잘 못 자요.

I can't sleep well because of depression.

잠을 자다 (to sleep) + 못 (cannot).

우울증을 극복하기 위해 노력하고 있어요.

I am making an effort to overcome depression.

-기 위해 (in order to) + 노력하다 (to effort).

친구의 우울증을 어떻게 도와줄까요?

How can I help my friend's depression?

도와주다 (to help) + -ㄹ까요 (shall I/we).

우울증은 숨길 일이 아닙니다.

Depression is not something to hide.

숨기다 (to hide) + -ㄹ 일 (thing to do).

경제적 어려움이 우울증을 유발할 수 있습니다.

Economic difficulties can trigger depression.

유발하다 (to trigger/cause) + -ㄹ 수 있다 (can).

우울증 치료에는 약물 치료와 상담이 병행됩니다.

In depression treatment, drug therapy and counseling are combined.

병행되다 (to be handled in parallel/combined).

청소년 우울증의 심각성이 대두되고 있습니다.

The seriousness of adolescent depression is emerging.

대두되다 (to emerge/come to the fore).

우울증은 단순한 기분 변화와 구별되어야 합니다.

Depression must be distinguished from simple mood changes.

구별되다 (to be distinguished) + -어야 하다 (must).

그는 우울증을 겪으면서 삶의 소중함을 깨달았습니다.

While experiencing depression, he realized the preciousness of life.

-으면서 (while) + 깨달았다 (realized).

우울증 자가진단 테스트를 해보는 것이 좋습니다.

It is good to try a depression self-diagnosis test.

자가진단 (self-diagnosis) + -는 것 (gerund).

지속적인 우울증은 일상생활을 방해합니다.

Persistent depression interferes with daily life.

방해하다 (to interfere/disturb).

우울증 환자에 대한 사회적 편견을 없애야 합니다.

We must eliminate social prejudice against depression patients.

편견 (prejudice) + 없애다 (to remove).

현대 사회의 무한 경쟁은 대중적인 우울증을 심화시킵니다.

Infinite competition in modern society deepens widespread depression.

심화시키다 (to deepen/intensify).

가면성 우울증은 겉으로 웃고 있지만 속은 타들어가는 상태입니다.

Masked depression is a state of smiling on the outside while burning up inside.

가면성 (masked) + 타들어가는 (burning up).

우울증의 신경생물학적 원인을 규명하기 위한 연구가 진행 중입니다.

Research to identify the neurobiological causes of depression is underway.

규명하다 (to investigate/identify).

그 작가는 자신의 우울증을 문학적 영감으로 승화시켰습니다.

The author sublimated their depression into literary inspiration.

승화시키다 (to sublimate).

우울증은 뇌 내 신경전달물질의 불균형으로 인해 발생합니다.

Depression occurs due to an imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain.

불균형 (imbalance) + 발생하다 (to occur).

우울증의 조기 발견과 개입은 자살 예방의 핵심입니다.

Early detection and intervention of depression are key to suicide prevention.

개입 (intervention) + 핵심 (core/key).

그녀의 우울증은 만성적인 무력감과 결합되어 치료가 어렵습니다.

Her depression is combined with chronic helplessness, making treatment difficult.

만성적인 (chronic) + 결합되어 (being combined).

정치적 혼란은 국민들에게 집단적 우울증을 안겨주기도 합니다.

Political turmoil sometimes brings collective depression to the citizens.

안겨주다 (to give/bring upon).

실존적 허무주의는 종종 심각한 우울증의 철학적 배경이 됩니다.

Existential nihilism often becomes the philosophical background of severe depression.

실존적 (existential) + 허무주의 (nihilism).

우울증의 병리학적 메커니즘은 여전히 완전히 해명되지 않았습니다.

The pathological mechanisms of depression have still not been fully elucidated.

해명되지 않았다 (has not been elucidated/explained).

인지행동치료는 우울증 환자의 왜곡된 사고 체계를 교정하는 데 효과적입니다.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is effective in correcting the distorted thought systems of depression patients.

왜곡된 (distorted) + 교정하다 (to correct).

우울증은 개인의 의지력 문제가 아닌 생리적 현상으로 접근해야 합니다.

Depression should be approached as a physiological phenomenon, not a problem of individual willpower.

의지력 (willpower) + 접근해야 (should approach).

계절성 정동장애는 일조량 감소와 우울증 사이의 상관관계를 보여줍니다.

Seasonal affective disorder shows the correlation between decreased sunlight and depression.

일조량 (amount of sunlight) + 상관관계 (correlation).

우울증의 사회경제적 비용은 국가적으로 막대한 손실을 초래합니다.

The socio-economic costs of depression cause enormous losses nationally.

막대한 (enormous) + 초래하다 (to bring about/cause).

포스트모더니즘 문학에서 우울증은 주체의 파편화를 상징하는 장치로 쓰입니다.

In postmodern literature, depression is used as a device symbolizing the fragmentation of the subject.

파편화 (fragmentation) + 장치 (device/mechanism).

우울증의 재발을 방지하기 위해서는 장기적인 사후 관리가 필수적입니다.

Long-term follow-up care is essential to prevent the recurrence of depression.

재발 (recurrence) + 사후 관리 (follow-up care).

Common Collocations

우울증을 앓다

우울증을 겪다

우울증을 극복하다

우울증이 심하다

우울증을 치료하다

우울증 진단

산후 우울증

우울증 약

우울증 유발

우울증 예방

Common Phrases

우울증 초기 증상

— Early symptoms of depression. Used when someone first notices changes in their mood.

우울증 초기 증상을 무시하면 안 됩니다.

가벼운 우울증

— Mild depression. Used to describe a less severe form of the condition.

누구나 가벼운 우울증은 있을 수 있어요.

만성 우울증

— Chronic depression. Used for long-term, persistent mental health struggles.

만성 우울증은 장기적인 치료가 필요합니다.

우울증 자가진단

— Depression self-diagnosis. Often refers to online or paper tests to check symptoms.

인터넷으로 우울증 자가진단을 해봤어요.

우울증 클리닉

— Depression clinic. A specialized medical facility for treatment.

집 근처 우울증 클리닉에 예약했어요.

우울증 상담

— Depression counseling. Referring to professional talk therapy.

우울증 상담을 받고 마음이 편해졌어요.

우울증 환자

— Depression patient. A formal way to refer to someone with the diagnosis.

우울증 환자에게 따뜻한 말이 필요합니다.

청소년 우울증

— Adolescent/Teenage depression. A major social issue in Korea.

청소년 우울증 문제가 심각해지고 있습니다.

계절성 우울증

— Seasonal depression (SAD). Depression triggered by seasonal changes.

겨울만 되면 계절성 우울증이 찾아와요.

우울증 치료제

— Antidepressant medication. The formal term for the medicine.

새로운 우울증 치료제가 개발되었습니다.

Often Confused With

우울증 vs 우울감

우울감 is just the 'feeling' of being low, while 우울증 is the clinical 'disorder'.

우울증 vs 슬픔

슬픔 is general sadness, usually tied to an event, whereas 우울증 is persistent and often lacks a single clear cause.

우울증 vs 무기력증

무기력증 focuses on the lack of energy (lethargy), which is a symptom of 우울증 but can exist independently (e.g., burnout).

Idioms & Expressions

"마음의 감기"

— The cold of the heart. It means depression is common and treatable like a cold.

우울증은 마음의 감기이니 너무 걱정 마세요.

Empathetic

"가슴에 응어리가 지다"

— To have a lump in one's heart. Often related to pent-up depression or resentment.

오랫동안 우울증을 앓아 가슴에 응어리가 졌어요.

Literary

"눈앞이 캄캄하다"

— The future looks pitch black. Describes the hopelessness of severe depression.

우울증 때문에 앞으로의 눈앞이 캄캄해 보였어요.

Informal

"넋이 나가다"

— To lose one's soul/spirit. Describes the vacant look of someone in deep depression.

그녀는 우울증으로 넋이 나간 사람처럼 앉아 있었다.

Informal

"기운이 하나도 없다"

— To have zero energy. A common way to describe the lethargy of depression.

우울증이 오면 정말 기운이 하나도 없어져요.

Neutral

"세상이 무너지다"

— One's world is collapsing. Used for the extreme despair felt during depression.

우울증이 심했을 때는 세상이 무너지는 것 같았어요.

Informal

"숨이 턱 막히다"

— To be breathless/suffocated. Describes the physical anxiety that accompanies depression.

우울증 증상 중 하나로 가끔 숨이 턱 막혀요.

Informal

"가슴이 답답하다"

— To feel heavy/congested in the chest. A very common Korean expression for emotional distress.

우울증 환자들은 항상 가슴이 답답하다고 말합니다.

Neutral

"살 맛이 안 나다"

— Life doesn't taste good/Life isn't worth living. Describes the loss of interest in life.

우울증에 걸리면 정말 살 맛이 안 나요.

Informal

"천근만근"

— Heavy like a thousand tons. Used to describe how heavy the body feels due to depression.

우울증 때문에 몸이 천근만근이라 일어날 수 없어요.

Informal

Easily Confused

우울증 vs 우울하다

Both relate to depression.

우울하다 is an adjective (to be depressed/gloomy), while 우울증 is a noun (the condition of depression). You feel 우울하다, but you have 우울증.

오늘 기분이 우울해요. (I feel gloomy today.) vs 우울증 치료를 받아요. (I am receiving treatment for depression.)

우울증 vs 조울증

Both end in '증' and relate to mood.

우울증 is unipolar (only lows), while 조울증 is bipolar (both manic highs and depressive lows).

조울증 환자는 기분의 변화가 매우 심합니다.

우울증 vs 불안증

Often occur together.

우울증 is about low mood and energy; 불안증 is about excessive worry and fear (anxiety).

우울증과 불안증을 동시에 겪는 환자가 많습니다.

우울증 vs 화병

Traditional Korean concept of mental illness.

화병 (Hwa-byeong) is specifically caused by 'suppressed anger,' whereas 우울증 is a broader clinical term.

어머니는 평생 참기만 하셔서 화병이 나셨어요.

우울증 vs 공황장애

Commonly discussed together in mental health.

공황장애 involves sudden panic attacks; 우울증 involves persistent low mood.

그 연예인은 공황장애와 우울증으로 활동을 중단했습니다.

Sentence Patterns

N + 이/가 있어요

우울증이 있어요.

N + 때문에 + V

우울증 때문에 힘들어요.

N + 을/를 앓고 있다

그는 우울증을 앓고 있어요.

N + 을/를 극복하다

우울증을 극복하고 싶어요.

N + 은/는 + N + 의 원인이 되다

스트레스는 우울증의 원인이 됩니다.

N + 에 대한 편견

우울증에 대한 편견을 버려야 해요.

N + 을/를 + N + 로 승화시키다

우울증을 예술로 승화시켰어요.

N + 의 병리학적 메커니즘

우울증의 병리학적 메커니즘을 연구해요.

Word Family

Nouns

우울 (Melancholy)

우울감 (Feeling of depression)

우울증 환자 (Depression patient)

Verbs

우울해하다 (To feel depressed/be sad)

우울증을 앓다 (To suffer from depression)

Adjectives

우울하다 (To be depressed/gloomy)

우울한 (Depressing/Gloomy)

불안증 (Anxiety)

불면증 (Insomnia)

스트레스 (Stress)

심리학 (Psychology)

정신건강 (Mental health)

How to Use It

frequency

High in news, medical contexts, and social discussions.

Common Mistakes

우울증을 해요. → 우울증이 있어요 / 우울해요.
You cannot 'do' (하다) depression. You either 'have' (있다) the noun or 'are' (하다) the adjective.
영화가 너무 우울증이에요. → 영화가 너무 우울해요.
Movies are 'depressing' (adjective), they are not 'depression' (the clinical disorder).
우울증에 있어요. → 우울증이 있어요 / 우울증에 걸렸어요.
You don't exist 'in' depression like a location. You have it or you 'caught' it (걸리다).
그는 슬픔을 앓고 있어요. → 그는 우울증을 앓고 있어요.
The verb '앓다' (to suffer from a disease) is used with '우울증', not usually with general '슬픔' (sadness).
우울증을 치료했어요. → 우울증이 완치되었어요 / 우울증을 치료받았어요.
If you were the patient, you 'received treatment' (치료받다). If the condition is gone, it is 'fully cured' (완치되다).

Tips

Noun vs Adjective

Remember that '우울증' is a noun. You cannot say '나는 우울증해요.' You must say '나는 우울증이 있어요' or '나는 우울해요' (adjective).

Reducing Stigma

If you are in Korea and want to be sensitive, use the term '마음의 감기' when talking to someone who might be sensitive about mental health.

The Suffix -증

The suffix '-증' (症) indicates a symptom or disease. Learning this helps you identify other medical terms like '불면증' (insomnia) or '거식증' (anorexia).

Softening Your Speech

When talking about your own struggle, adding '같은 것' (something like) after '우울증' can make it sound less harsh: '우울증 같은 게 있는 것 같아요.'

News Keywords

When you hear '우울증' in the news, listen for '증가' (increase) or '심각' (serious) to understand the context of the report.

Using '앓다'

In professional writing, use '우울증을 앓고 있다' to describe someone suffering from it. It shows a sophisticated command of Korean verbs.

Offering Support

A common supportive phrase is '우울증은 네 잘못이 아니야' (Depression is not your fault). It is a powerful way to use the word with friends.

Hanja Roots

Understanding that '우' (憂) means worry and '울' (鬱) means gloomy helps you remember the word's heavy meaning.

Clear Syllables

Don't rush the word. Pronounce '우-울-증' clearly as three distinct syllables to be understood perfectly.

Self-Diagnosis

The word '자가진단' (self-diagnosis) is often used with '우울증'. It's a useful term if you're searching for resources online.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'U' (You) and 'Ul' (all) feeling 'Jeung' (just sick). 'You're all just sick' with depression.

Visual Association

Imagine a person sitting under a thick, dark cloud ('Ul') with symptoms ('Jeung') of rain falling on them.

Word Web

우울증 상담 병원 마음 슬픔 약 극복 환자

Challenge

Try to write three sentences about how someone can overcome 우울증 using the words '운동' (exercise), '친구' (friend), and '상담' (counseling).

Word Origin

Borrowed from Hanja (Sino-Korean characters). 憂 (우) means anxiety or grief, 鬱 (울) means dense, gloomy, or pent-up, and 症 (증) means a medical symptom or disease.

Original meaning: A disease caused by pent-up grief and gloomy energy.

Sino-Korean (Chinese character origin).

Cultural Context

Always use '우울증' with empathy. Avoid telling someone with 우울증 to just 'cheer up' (힘내), as it can be seen as dismissive in Korean culture.

In English, 'depressed' is often used casually for 'sad'. In Korean, '우울증' is almost always serious and medical.

The K-Drama 'Daily Dose of Sunshine' (정신병동에도 아침이 와요) explores 우울증 deeply. The book 'I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki' (죽고 싶지만 떡볶이는 먹고 싶어) is a famous essay about dysthymia. Many K-pop songs, like BTS's 'Blue & Grey', touch upon themes of 우울증.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At the Doctor's Office

우울증 증상이 있어요.
언제부터 우울증을 느끼셨나요?
우울증 약을 처방해 주세요.
상담이 우울증에 도움이 될까요?

Talking to a Friend

우울증 때문에 힘들지?
내가 우울증 극복을 도와줄게.
혼자 고민하지 말고 우울증 상담받아 봐.
우울증은 네 잘못이 아니야.

Watching the News

한국의 우울증 비율이 높습니다.
청년 우울증 대책이 필요합니다.
겨울철 계절성 우울증 주의보입니다.
우울증 환자를 위한 쉼터가 생겼습니다.

Workplace Seminar

직장 내 우울증 예방 교육입니다.
번아웃은 우울증으로 이어질 수 있습니다.
동료의 우울증 신호를 파악하세요.
스트레스 관리는 우울증 방지에 필수적입니다.

Reading a Book

주인공은 깊은 우울증에 빠졌다.
그의 시에는 우울증의 그림자가 드리워져 있다.
우울증을 예술로 승화시킨 작가.
현대인의 고독과 우울증.

Conversation Starters

"요즘 마음이 좀 어때요? 우울증 같은 건 아니죠?"

"우울증을 극복하는 가장 좋은 방법이 뭐라고 생각하세요?"

"드라마에서 우울증 이야기를 다루는 것에 대해 어떻게 생각해요?"

"친구가 우울증을 앓고 있다면 어떻게 도와주는 게 좋을까요?"

"한국 사회에서 우울증이 왜 이렇게 많아지는 걸까요?"

Journal Prompts

오늘 기분이 '우울하다'와 '우울증' 사이 어디쯤인가요? 그 이유를 써보세요.

내가 아는 누군가가 우울증을 앓고 있다면, 그에게 보내고 싶은 편지를 써보세요.

우울증을 예방하기 위해 내가 매일 할 수 있는 작은 습관 3가지를 적어보세요.

사회가 우울증 환자들을 위해 어떤 노력을 더 해야 한다고 생각하는지 논해보세요.

내가 만약 우울증을 겪는다면, 가장 먼저 누구에게 도움을 요청할 것인지 생각해보세요.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, it is very common. Due to the high-stress nature of Korean society, mental health is a frequent topic of conversation in the news, TV shows, and even among friends. Public awareness campaigns have made the word '우울증' a household term.

It's better not to. '우울증' sounds very serious and medical. If you just feel a bit down because of the weather or a small problem, use '우울해요' (I'm gloomy) or '기분이 안 좋아요' (I'm not in a good mood).

For clinical contexts, '앓다' (to suffer from) or '겪다' (to experience) are the most natural. For general possession, '우울증이 있다' is fine. To talk about getting it, use '우울증에 걸리다'.

It literally means 'the cold of the heart.' It is a popular metaphor in Korea used to explain that depression is common and can be treated, just like a physical cold, to reduce the stigma of visiting a psychiatrist.

Yes. '우울증' is the clinical diagnosis (Depression), while '우울감' is the subjective feeling of being depressed (Depressive mood). You can have '우울감' without having '우울증'.

It is '산후 우울증' (San-hu u-ul-jeung). '산후' means after childbirth.

Yes, '소아 우울증' (So-a u-ul-jeung) refers to childhood depression, and '청소년 우울증' refers to teenage depression.

It used to be, but it is much less so now. While some older generations might still find it difficult to discuss, younger Koreans are very open about it and often share their experiences on social media.

It is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), or depression that happens during specific seasons, usually winter, due to lack of sunlight.

The most common phrase is '우울증 극복' (u-ul-jeung geuk-bok). '극복' means to overcome or surmount.