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진단하다

B2 verb #3,500 most common 9 min read

진단하다

jindanhada Top 3,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 진단하다 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 진단하다 in your Level:

At the A1 level, '진단하다' is quite advanced. However, you might encounter it in very basic medical situations. Think of it simply as 'what a doctor does to find out why you are sick.' You don't need to use it yourself yet, but if you see it in a picture book or a simple hospital sign, know it means 'the doctor is checking the illness.' For example, a simple sentence like '의사가 아파요? 진단해요.' (Is it painful? The doctor diagnoses.) captures the basic idea of looking for a problem. At this stage, focus on the word '병원' (hospital) and '의사' (doctor) first.

At the A2 level, you can start to recognize '진단하다' in the context of health and basic symptoms. You might hear a doctor say '진단하겠습니다' (I will perform a diagnosis/examination). You should understand that this is more formal than just '봐요' (look). You might also see '자가 진단' (self-diagnosis) on health apps or websites. At this level, just remember: Doctor + Sick + 진단하다 = Finding the name of the sickness. You can use it in simple sentences like '의사 선생님이 저를 진단했어요' (The doctor diagnosed me).

At the B1 level, you should be able to use '진단하다' in common medical scenarios and understand its passive form '진단받다'. You can describe a visit to the hospital in more detail: '감기로 진단받아서 약을 먹고 있어요' (I was diagnosed with a cold, so I'm taking medicine). You also start to see the word used for machines or computers, like '컴퓨터 진단' (computer diagnosis). You should understand that this word implies a professional or systematic check to find a specific problem. It's a useful word for explaining why you are taking a certain course of action based on an expert's finding.

At the B2 level, which is the target for this word, you must use '진단하다' in both medical and metaphorical contexts. You should be comfortable using it in discussions about the economy, society, or business. For example, '전문가들은 현재 경제 상황을 위기로 진단합니다' (Experts diagnose the current economic situation as a crisis). You should distinguish it from '검사하다' (to test) and '판단하다' (to judge). You are expected to use appropriate particles like '-(으)로 진단하다' and understand nuances in formal reports, news articles, and academic settings. This is where the word's full analytical power comes into play.

At the C1 level, you use '진단하다' with precision and stylistic flair. You can use it to critique complex systems, literature, or historical events. You might say, '이 소설은 현대 사회의 고독을 날카롭게 진단하고 있다' (This novel sharply diagnoses the loneliness of modern society). You understand the subtle differences between '진단' (diagnosis), '분석' (analysis), and '고찰' (contemplation). You can use it in professional debates to challenge an opponent's '진단' of a situation. Your usage shows a deep understanding of the Hanja roots and the authoritative weight the word carries in high-level Korean discourse.

At the C2 level, '진단하다' is a tool for masterful articulation of complex realities. You can use it in highly specialized fields like macroeconomics, advanced medicine, or philosophy. You might discuss the '역사적 진단' (historical diagnosis) of a nation's trajectory. You can use the word in nuanced ways, such as '오진' (misdiagnosis) of social phenomena, and discuss the implications of such errors. Your mastery allows you to use the word in creative, metaphorical ways that still feel perfectly natural to native speakers. You can navigate any formal document, from a medical dissertation to a government policy paper, where '진단' is a key thematic element.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

진단하다 in 30 Seconds

Used by doctors to identify diseases based on symptoms.
Used by experts to analyze social or economic problems.
A formal verb meaning 'to diagnose' or 'to assess'.
Requires professional judgment and evidence-based data.

The Korean verb 진단하다 (jindan-hada) is a sophisticated and essential term that bridges the gap between the medical world and the analytical world of social sciences and business. At its core, it is composed of the Hanja characters 診 (진), meaning 'to examine' or 'to look into,' and 斷 (단), meaning 'to decide' or 'to judge.' Therefore, to 진단하다 is not merely to look at something, but to look with the intent of reaching a definitive conclusion about its state or the cause of a problem. In a clinical setting, it is the act of a physician identifying a disease after examining symptoms. In a broader, metaphorical sense, it is used by economists, sociologists, and critics to evaluate the health of an economy, the stability of a society, or the efficiency of a corporate structure.

Medical Context: This is the primary usage. It refers to the professional process where a doctor analyzes a patient's physical or mental symptoms to name a specific condition. For example, '의사가 암을 진단하다' (The doctor diagnoses cancer).

의사는 환자의 증상을 면밀히 살핀 후 폐렴으로 진단했다.

Translation: After examining the patient's symptoms closely, the doctor diagnosed it as pneumonia.

Beyond the hospital, you will frequently encounter this word in news headlines and academic papers. When a journalist discusses the rising inflation rate, they might '진단하다' the current economic climate as 'unstable' or 'precarious.' Here, the word takes on a nuance of 'professional assessment' or 'systemic analysis.' It implies that the speaker is not just giving an opinion, but is using data and expertise to identify the root cause of a situation. This dual nature makes it a B2-level word; while its basic meaning is simple, its application requires an understanding of formal and professional discourse in Korean society.

Social/Economic Analysis: Used when experts evaluate the 'health' of a non-biological system. Example: '전문가들은 한국 경제의 위기를 진단하고 있다' (Experts are diagnosing the crisis of the Korean economy).

이번 보고서는 우리 사회의 불평등 문제를 날카롭게 진단하고 있습니다.

Translation: This report is sharply diagnosing the inequality issues in our society.

In daily life, you might also see '자가 진단' (self-diagnosis). This became particularly common during the COVID-19 pandemic with '자가 진단 키트' (self-test kits). Even in car maintenance, a mechanic might '진단하다' the noise coming from your engine. In all these cases, the common thread is the movement from observation (symptoms/data) to a conclusion (diagnosis/result). It is a word of authority and precision. Using it correctly shows that you can handle formal Korean and engage in discussions about health, policy, and systemic issues.

Using 진단하다 correctly requires attention to both its grammatical structure and the level of formality. As a transitive verb, it typically follows the pattern [Subject]이/가 [Object]을/를 [Diagnosis Name](으)로 진단하다. This means 'Subject diagnoses Object as [Diagnosis].' If you are just saying 'to diagnose a disease' without specifying which disease, you would say '병을 진단하다.'

Grammar Pattern 1: [Subject] + [Object] + [Disease/State] + -(으)로 + 진단하다.
Example: 의사가 그를 감기로 진단했다. (The doctor diagnosed him with a cold.)

정밀 검사 결과, 의사는 환자를 초기 위암으로 진단했습니다.

Translation: As a result of a detailed examination, the doctor diagnosed the patient with early-stage stomach cancer.

In academic or journalistic writing, the 'Object' is often an abstract concept like '상황' (situation), '현실' (reality), or '문제' (problem). Here, the verb is often paired with adverbs like '정확하게' (accurately), '날카롭게' (sharply), or '비관적으로' (pessimistically). For instance, '경제 상황을 비관적으로 진단하다' means 'to diagnose the economic situation pessimistically.' This usage highlights the interpretive nature of the word outside the medical field.

Grammar Pattern 2: [Abstract Object] + -에 대해 + 진단하다.
Example: 전문가들이 교육 문제에 대해 진단하고 있다. (Experts are diagnosing the educational problems.)

많은 학자들은 현재의 기후 위기를 인류의 생존 문제로 진단하고 있습니다.

Translation: Many scholars are diagnosing the current climate crisis as a matter of human survival.

Another important aspect is the honorifics. Since '진단하다' is often used by or about doctors (who hold high social status in Korea), you will frequently see it in the form '진단하시다' when referring to a doctor's action respectfully. Conversely, if you are the patient, you would say '진단을 받았습니다' (I received a diagnosis). Understanding these relational dynamics is key to mastering B2-level Korean. Whether you are writing a medical report or a social critique, '진단하다' provides the necessary weight and precision to your analysis.

If you live in Korea or consume Korean media, 진단하다 is ubiquitous. The most common physical location to hear it is, of course, the hospital (병원). However, it's not just for major surgeries. If you go for a routine check-up (건강검진), the doctor will '진단' your overall health. You might hear: '정상으로 진단되었습니다' (You have been diagnosed as normal/healthy). In pharmacies, you might see '자가 진단' posters for common ailments like allergies or skin conditions.

The Newsroom: News anchors use this word daily to describe expert opinions on the stock market, real estate, or international relations. It sounds much more authoritative than '생각하다' (to think) or '말하다' (to say).

오늘의 뉴스입니다. 전문가들은 이번 부동산 정책의 결과를 매우 부정적으로 진단하고 있습니다.

Translation: Today's news. Experts are diagnosing the results of this real estate policy very negatively.

In the corporate world, '경영 진단' (management diagnosis) is a common term for auditing or consulting. If a company is not performing well, they might hire a consulting firm to '진단' their internal processes. You'll hear managers say, '우리 팀의 문제점을 정확히 진단해 봅시다' (Let's accurately diagnose our team's problems). This usage treats the company like a living organism that needs a check-up to function correctly.

Educational Settings: Teachers and educational consultants use it to evaluate a student's learning progress. '학습 부진의 원인을 진단하다' (To diagnose the cause of poor academic performance).

선생님은 제 수학 실력을 진단하시고 기초가 부족하다고 말씀하셨어요.

Translation: The teacher diagnosed my math skills and said my basics are lacking.

Finally, in the digital age, you'll see '시스템 진단' (system diagnosis) on your computer or smartphone. When your device runs a check to see why it's slow, it is '진단'ing itself. From the doctor's office to the IT help desk, '진단하다' is the go-to word for finding out exactly what is wrong and why. Mastering this word allows you to navigate these professional environments with confidence.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make with 진단하다 is confusing it with similar verbs like '검사하다' (to examine/test) or '판단하다' (to judge). While they are related, they are not interchangeable. '검사하다' is the process of testing (like taking a blood test), whereas '진단하다' is the conclusion drawn from those tests. You '검사' to '진단'. If you say '의사가 병을 검사했다', it means the doctor performed a test on the disease, which sounds slightly awkward compared to '진단했다' (diagnosed the disease).

Confusion with 판단하다: '판단하다' is a general judgment based on logic or opinion. '진단하다' is a professional judgment based on symptoms or data. You wouldn't '진단' which movie is better; you '판단' that.

❌ 저는 그 친구가 나쁘다고 진단해요. (Incorrect: Using diagnosis for personal moral judgment.)
✅ 저는 그 친구가 나쁘다고 판단해요. (Correct: I judge/think that friend is bad.)

Another common error is the misuse of the passive voice. As mentioned before, doctors '진단하다', but patients '진단받다'. If you say '저는 암으로 진단했어요', it sounds like you (the patient) diagnosed someone else with cancer. To say 'I was diagnosed with cancer,' you must use '진단받았어요'. This is a classic mistake for learners who forget that Korean often uses different verbs or auxiliary verbs to express the recipient of an action.

Confusion with 평가하다: '평가하다' means to evaluate or appraise the value of something. '진단하다' means to find the cause or state of a problem. If a company is doing well, you '평가' its success. If it's failing, you '진단' its failure.

❌ 선생님이 제 시험 점수를 진단했어요. (Awkward: Unless the teacher is looking for a learning disability.)
✅ 선생님이 제 시험 점수를 평가했어요. (Correct: The teacher evaluated my test score.)

Lastly, be careful with the particle usage. When diagnosing someone 'as' something, use '-(으)로'. Using the object particle '을/를' for the disease name is also possible ('병을 진단하다'), but '-(으)로' is more common when the specific disease name is mentioned. For example, '코로나로 진단하다' is better than '코로나를 진단하다' when you mean 'diagnosed as COVID'. Paying attention to these small details will make your Korean sound much more natural and precise.

To truly master 진단하다, you should understand its synonyms and how they differ in nuance. Depending on the context—medical, technical, or social—different words might be more appropriate. While '진단하다' is the most formal and comprehensive, other words can provide more specific shades of meaning.

검사하다 (Geomsa-hada): To inspect, test, or examine. This is the action taken to gather data. A doctor '검사's the patient's blood to '진단' the illness. It's more about the process than the final judgment.
분석하다 (Bunseok-hada): To analyze. This is very common in academic and business settings. While '진단하다' implies finding a problem or state, '분석하다' is about breaking down complex information to understand it better. You '분석' data to '진단' a market trend.

데이터를 분석하여 시장의 흐름을 진단했습니다.

Translation: By analyzing the data, we diagnosed the market trend.

In more casual or everyday contexts, you might use '살펴보다' (to look over/examine) or '체크하다' (to check). These are much lighter and don't carry the professional weight of '진단하다'. If you are looking at a small scratch on your car, you '살펴보다'. If a professional mechanic looks at it to see if the frame is bent, they '진단하다'.

감정하다 (Gamjeong-hada): To appraise or expert-judge. This is specifically used for art, jewelry, or real estate to determine value or authenticity. It is similar to '진단하다' in that it requires an expert, but the object is different.
판별하다 (Panbyeol-hada): To distinguish or discriminate. This is used when you need to tell two things apart, like '진품' (authentic) vs '가품' (fake). '진단하다' is about the state of one thing, while '판별하다' is often about choosing between categories.

By choosing the right word among these alternatives, you demonstrate a high level of Korean proficiency. '진단하다' remains the 'king' of identifying problems and states in a professional capacity, but knowing when to use '분석하다' for data or '검사하다' for the physical process of testing will make your speech and writing much more precise and natural for a B2-level speaker.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character 診 (진) also appears in '문진' (asking questions to a patient), showing the deep history of medical terms in Korean Hanja.

Pronunciation Guide

UK [tɕindanhada]

US [tɕindanhada]

Primary stress is on the first syllable '진' (jin).

Rhymes With

판단하다 (pandanhada) 중단하다 (jungdanhada) 결단하다 (gyeoldanhada) 단단하다 (dandanhada) 간단하다 (gandanhada) 문단하다 (mundanhada) 분단하다 (bundanhada) 원단하다 (wondanhada)

Common Errors

Pronouncing '진' like 'gin' in English (should be softer).
Aspirating the 'd' in 'dan' too much.
Merging 'n' and 'd' into a single sound.
Skipping the 'h' in 'hada'.
Putting stress on the last syllable.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

Common in news and books, requires Hanja knowledge for deep understanding.

Writing 5/5

Requires correct particle usage like '-(으)로'.

Speaking 4/5

Formal word; sounds professional when used correctly.

Listening 3/5

Easy to recognize in medical or news contexts.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

의사 병원 병 검사 결과

Learn Next

처방하다 치료하다 분석하다 판단하다 평가하다

Advanced

임상적 병리학 거시경제 구조적 징후

Grammar to Know

-(으)로 (As/With)

암으로 진단하다.

-ㄴ/은/는 것 (Nominalization)

진단하는 것이 중요하다.

-(으)시- (Honorific)

의사 선생님이 진단하셨다.

-아/어/여지다 (Passive/Becoming)

진단이 내려지다.

-기 위해 (In order to)

병을 진단하기 위해 검사하다.

Examples by Level

의사가 병을 진단해요.

The doctor diagnoses the disease.

Basic Subject-Object-Verb structure.

진단이 필요해요.

A diagnosis is needed.

Noun form '진단' used with the verb '필요하다'.

어디가 아픈지 진단해요.

Diagnose where it hurts.

Indirect question '-는지' followed by the verb.

의사 선생님, 진단해 주세요.

Doctor, please diagnose (me).

Request form '-어 주세요'.

이것은 자가 진단이에요.

This is a self-diagnosis.

Compound noun '자가 진단' (self-diagnosis).

병원이 진단해요.

The hospital diagnoses.

Simple sentence.

진단은 무료예요.

The diagnosis is free.

Descriptive sentence with '무료' (free).

빨리 진단하세요.

Diagnose quickly.

Imperative form '-으세요'.

의사가 제 감기를 진단했어요.

The doctor diagnosed my cold.

Past tense '진단했어요'.

정확하게 진단하는 것이 중요해요.

It is important to diagnose accurately.

Nominalizing the verb with '-는 것'.

컴퓨터를 진단하고 있어요.

I am diagnosing the computer.

Present progressive '-고 있다'.

진단 결과가 나왔어요.

The diagnosis results are out.

Noun '결과' (result) used with '진단'.

의사는 환자를 진단하기 시작했어요.

The doctor started to diagnose the patient.

'-기 시작하다' (start to).

무슨 병인지 진단할 수 있어요?

Can you diagnose what kind of disease it is?

'-을 수 있다' (can).

병을 진단하러 병원에 가요.

I go to the hospital to diagnose the disease.

'-러 가다' (go in order to).

진단 후에 약을 먹어요.

Eat medicine after the diagnosis.

'후에' (after).

의사는 그녀를 독감으로 진단했습니다.

The doctor diagnosed her with the flu.

Using '-(으)로' to indicate the specific diagnosis.

많은 사람들이 자가 진단 키트를 사용해요.

Many people use self-diagnosis kits.

Modern common vocabulary '진단 키트'.

전문가는 이 기계의 고장을 진단했다.

The expert diagnosed the malfunction of this machine.

Technical usage for machines.

검사를 통해 병을 정확히 진단할 수 있습니다.

Through tests, we can accurately diagnose the disease.

'-(을) 통해' (through/via).

진단하기 전에 증상을 말해 주세요.

Please tell me the symptoms before diagnosing.

'-기 전에' (before).

의사가 진단한 결과는 놀라웠다.

The result diagnosed by the doctor was surprising.

Adnominal clause '진단한' modifying '결과'.

우리는 회사의 문제를 진단해야 합니다.

We must diagnose the company's problems.

Metaphorical usage for business.

진단받은 후에는 안정이 필요합니다.

After being diagnosed, you need stability/rest.

Passive form '진단받다'.

경제학자들은 현재의 불황을 심각하게 진단하고 있다.

Economists are diagnosing the current recession seriously.

Metaphorical/Academic usage for economy.

이 보고서는 사회적 불평등의 원인을 진단합니다.

This report diagnoses the causes of social inequality.

Formal analysis context.

정확한 진단 없이는 올바른 처방이 불가능하다.

Without an accurate diagnosis, a correct prescription is impossible.

Proverbial/Logical structure 'A 없이는 B 불가능하다'.

의사는 환자의 상태를 다각도로 진단했습니다.

The doctor diagnosed the patient's condition from various angles.

'다각도로' (from various angles/perspectives).

시스템의 취약점을 진단하는 보안 프로그램입니다.

It is a security program that diagnoses system vulnerabilities.

IT/Technical context.

그는 자신의 삶을 냉철하게 진단해 보기로 했다.

He decided to coolly diagnose his own life.

Philosophical/Personal usage.

진단 결과, 수술이 필요하다는 결론이 나왔다.

As a result of the diagnosis, the conclusion came out that surgery is necessary.

'-ㄴ다는 결론' (conclusion that...).

전문가들은 이번 사태를 인재로 진단하고 있습니다.

Experts are diagnosing this incident as a man-made disaster.

Social critique usage.

비평가는 그 영화를 현대인의 고독에 대한 진단으로 보았다.

The critic saw the movie as a diagnosis of modern loneliness.

Literary/Critical usage.

정부는 저출산 문제의 근본 원인을 진단하기 위해 위원회를 구성했다.

The government formed a committee to diagnose the root cause of the low birth rate problem.

Policy/Administrative context.

철학자는 문명의 위기를 도덕적 해이로 진단했다.

The philosopher diagnosed the crisis of civilization as moral hazard.

Abstract philosophical discourse.

병의 원인을 오진하여 치료 시기를 놓치고 말았다.

By misdiagnosing the cause of the disease, the timing for treatment was missed.

Using '오진' (misdiagnosis) as a concept.

이 책은 한국 교육의 병폐를 날카롭게 진단하고 있다.

This book sharply diagnoses the ills of Korean education.

Social critique.

시장의 흐름을 잘못 진단하면 큰 손실을 입을 수 있다.

If you misdiagnose the market trend, you can suffer a large loss.

Conditional '-(으)면' with '손실' (loss).

심리학자는 그의 행동을 트라우마에 의한 반응으로 진단했다.

The psychologist diagnosed his behavior as a reaction caused by trauma.

Psychological terminology.

우리 사회의 갈등 구조를 어떻게 진단하느냐가 중요하다.

How we diagnose the conflict structure of our society is important.

'-느냐가 중요하다' (how... is important).

시대적 징후를 진단하는 일은 지식인의 숙명과도 같다.

Diagnosing the signs of the times is like the fate of an intellectual.

Highly formal/Poetic usage.

거시경제적 관점에서 현재의 인플레이션을 진단할 필요가 있다.

It is necessary to diagnose current inflation from a macroeconomic perspective.

Specialized academic terminology.

그의 진단은 파격적이었으나 논리적으로는 완벽했다.

His diagnosis was unconventional but logically perfect.

Describing an assessment.

사회의 구조적 모순을 진단하는 과정에서 많은 저항에 부딪혔다.

In the process of diagnosing the structural contradictions of society, many resistances were encountered.

Sociological analysis.

유전적 요인과 환경적 요인을 복합적으로 진단해야 한다.

Genetic and environmental factors must be diagnosed in a complex/integrated manner.

Scientific/Medical complexity.

역사가는 과거의 실패를 통해 미래를 진단하고자 한다.

Historians intend to diagnose the future through past failures.

'-고자 하다' (intend to).

임상적 진단과 실제 환자의 체감 증상 사이에는 괴리가 있을 수 있다.

There can be a gap between the clinical diagnosis and the symptoms the actual patient feels.

Advanced medical terminology ('임상적', '괴리').

조직의 건강성을 진단하기 위해 전수 조사를 실시했다.

A full-scale survey was conducted to diagnose the health of the organization.

Organizational management context.

Synonyms

판단하다 분석하다 평가하다 검사하다 살피다

Antonyms

간과하다 무시하다

Common Collocations

병을 진단하다

암으로 진단하다

상황을 진단하다

문제점을 진단하다

정확하게 진단하다

냉철하게 진단하다

자가 진단

경영 진단

건강 진단

심리 진단

Common Phrases

진단을 내리다

— To make/issue a diagnosis. Used when the conclusion is finalized.

의사가 최종 진단을 내렸다.

진단을 받다

— To receive a diagnosis. Used from the patient's perspective.

병원에서 진단을 받았습니다.

진단이 나오다

— A diagnosis comes out/is released.

검사 결과 진단이 나왔어요.

조기 진단

— Early diagnosis. Very important in medical contexts.

조기 진단이 생명을 구합니다.

정밀 진단

— Detailed/Precision diagnosis.

더 큰 병원에서 정밀 진단을 받아 보세요.

오진을 하다

— To make a misdiagnosis.

의사가 오진을 해서 고생했다.

진단 결과

— Diagnosis results.

진단 결과는 내일 나옵니다.

무료 진단

— Free diagnosis/checkup.

무료 진단 서비스를 제공합니다.

진단 보고서

— Diagnosis report.

진단 보고서를 꼼꼼히 읽어 보세요.

시스템 진단

— System diagnosis/check.

컴퓨터 시스템 진단을 시작합니다.

Often Confused With

진단하다 vs 검사하다

To test/examine (the process), while 진단하다 is the result/conclusion.

진단하다 vs 판단하다

To judge based on logic/opinion; 진단하다 is more specialized/evidence-based.

진단하다 vs 평가하다

To evaluate value or quality; 진단하다 is to identify a problem or state.

Idioms & Expressions

"병을 주고 약을 주다"

— To cause trouble and then offer help. While not using the word '진단', it's related to the medical process.

그는 나를 힘들게 하고 도와주니 병 주고 약 주는 격이다.

Casual

"맥을 짚다"

— To feel the pulse. Metaphorically, to find the core of a problem (similar to diagnosing).

그는 문제의 맥을 정확히 짚었다.

Neutral

"도마 위에 오르다"

— To be on the cutting board. To be subject to scrutiny or 'diagnosis' by the public.

그의 발언이 도마 위에 올랐다.

Metaphorical

"뼈를 깎는 노력"

— Effort that cuts the bone. Often used after a '진단' shows a severe internal problem.

뼈를 깎는 노력이 필요합니다.

Formal

"발등에 불이 떨어지다"

— Fire fell on the foot. A state diagnosed as an immediate emergency.

발등에 불이 떨어져서야 대책을 세운다.

Casual

"밑 빠진 독에 물 붓기"

— Pouring water into a bottomless pot. A situation diagnosed as hopeless or wasteful.

이 사업은 밑 빠진 독에 물 붓기다.

Casual

"가려운 곳을 긁어 주다"

— To scratch where it itches. To provide exactly what was 'diagnosed' as needed.

그의 설명은 내 가려운 곳을 긁어 주었다.

Casual

"산 넘어 산"

— Mountain after mountain. A situation diagnosed as having endless problems.

일이 계속 꼬이니 산 넘어 산이다.

Casual

"천 리 길도 한 걸음부터"

— A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. Often said after a '진단' to start a long recovery.

일단 시작해 봅시다. 천 리 길도 한 걸음부터니까요.

Proverb

"소 잃고 외양간 고친다"

— Mending the barn after losing the cow. Diagnosing a problem too late.

사고가 난 뒤에야 조사하니 소 잃고 외양간 고치는 격이다.

Proverb

Easily Confused

진단하다 vs 감정하다

Both involve expert judgment.

감정하다 is for art/jewelry value; 진단하다 is for health/systems.

다이아몬드를 감정하다 vs 병을 진단하다.

진단하다 vs 확인하다

Both involve checking.

확인하다 is simple confirmation; 진단하다 is complex analysis.

예약을 확인하다 vs 고장을 진단하다.

진단하다 vs 조사하다

Both involve looking into something.

조사하다 is a general investigation; 진단하다 concludes a state.

사건을 조사하다 vs 경제를 진단하다.

진단하다 vs 분석하다

Both are analytical.

분석하다 breaks down data; 진단하다 identifies the 'illness' or 'problem'.

성분을 분석하다 vs 원인을 진단하다.

진단하다 vs 식별하다

Both involve identifying.

식별하다 is about recognizing identity; 진단하다 is about state/condition.

얼굴을 식별하다 vs 병을 진단하다.

Sentence Patterns

의사가 [Person]을 진단해요.

의사가 환자를 진단해요.

[Disease]-(으)로 진단받다.

감기로 진단받았어요.

[Problem]을/를 [State]-(으)로 진단하다.

경제를 불황으로 진단하다.

[Subject]은/는 [Object]을/를 정확히 진단했다.

그는 문제점을 정확히 진단했다.

[Noun]에 대한 날카로운 진단.

사회에 대한 날카로운 진단.

[Result]-(이)라고 진단되다.

정상이라고 진단되었다.

[Context]에서 [Object]을/를 진단할 필요가 있다.

거시적 관점에서 상황을 진단할 필요가 있다.

[Cause]-(으)로 인한 [Problem]을 진단하다.

스트레스로 인한 위염을 진단하다.

Word Family

Nouns

진단 (Diagnosis)

진단서 (Medical certificate)

진단키트 (Diagnosis kit)

진단법 (Diagnostic method)

오진 (Misdiagnosis)

Verbs

진단받다 (To be diagnosed)

진단되다 (To be diagnosed/determined)

자가진단하다 (To self-diagnose)

Adjectives

진단적 (Diagnostic)

의사 (Doctor)

환자 (Patient)

증상 (Symptom)

검사 (Examination)

처방 (Prescription)

How to Use It

frequency

High in professional, medical, and news contexts.

Common Mistakes

의사가 병을 검사했다 (when meaning diagnosed). → 의사가 병을 진단했다.
검사 is the test process; 진단 is the conclusion.
나는 암으로 진단했다. → 나는 암으로 진단받았다.
Patients 'receive' the diagnosis (받다).
오늘 날씨를 진단해요. → 오늘 날씨를 예보해요.
Weather is forecast, not diagnosed.
그 영화가 재미있다고 진단해요. → 그 영화가 재미있다고 생각해요.
Personal opinions don't use '진단하다'.
컴퓨터를 진단받아요. → 컴퓨터를 진단해요.
You (the user) or the technician diagnoses the computer.

Tips

Particle Choice

Remember to use '-(으)로' when naming the specific diagnosis result.

Medical Context

In a hospital, '진단' is the step after '검사' (test).

Expertise

Using this word implies you have the authority or data to make the judgment.

Noun Forms

Learn '진단서' and '진단키트' as they are very common in daily life.

Academic Tone

Use '진단하다' to evaluate social trends in essays to get higher marks.

National Context

Korea is famous for its 'K-진단' technology; knowing this word connects you to current events.

News Keywords

When you hear '진단' on the news, pay attention—it's usually about a major problem or crisis.

Softening

If you aren't sure, say '진단하는 것 같아요' (It seems to be diagnosing...) to sound less blunt.

Tech Usage

Your phone or computer often has a '진단' feature in the settings.

Logic

Remember: '정확한 진단, 올바른 처방' (Accurate diagnosis, correct prescription).

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Jin' (Jean) and 'Dan' (Done). Jean the doctor is Done with the diagnosis.

Visual Association

Imagine a doctor pointing to a red spot on an X-ray and nodding 'Yes, this is it.'

Word Web

Doctor Symptom X-ray Result Hospital Economy Analysis Problem

Challenge

Try to use '진단하다' in a sentence about your computer's health today.

Word Origin

From Hanja 診 (진 - to examine) + 斷 (단 - to judge/decide).

Original meaning: To examine a patient and decide on the nature of their illness.

Sino-Korean (Hanja-based vocabulary).

Cultural Context

Be careful when using '진단하다' for mental health; '진단받다' is more polite when talking about a person's condition.

In English, 'diagnose' is almost exclusively medical or technical. In Korean, '진단하다' is used more broadly for social critique.

K-Drama 'Hospital Playlist' frequently uses this word in high-stakes scenes. News reports on 'IMF economic diagnosis' of Korea in 1997. Self-diagnosis checklists in Korean magazines.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At the Hospital

진단서 좀 떼어 주세요.
무슨 병으로 진단받았나요?
정확한 진단이 필요합니다.
조기 진단이 중요해요.

Business Meeting

현재 시장을 어떻게 진단하십니까?
우리 회사의 문제점을 진단해 봅시다.
경영 진단 결과가 나왔습니다.
위기 상황으로 진단됩니다.

Computer Repair

시스템 진단을 실행하세요.
하드웨어 고장으로 진단되었습니다.
원격 진단이 가능합니다.
진단 툴을 사용해 보세요.

Social Discussion

현대 사회의 병폐를 진단하다.
교육 문제를 날카롭게 진단하다.
청년 실업 문제를 진단해 봅시다.
사회적 갈등을 진단하고 있습니다.

Personal Growth

자신의 삶을 진단해 보세요.
내 성격의 장단점을 진단하다.
학습 습관을 진단받고 싶어요.
스스로를 냉정하게 진단했다.

Conversation Starters

"최근에 건강 진단을 받아 보신 적이 있나요?"

"현재 한국 경제 상황을 어떻게 진단하시나요?"

"자가 진단 키트가 정말 정확하다고 생각하세요?"

"의사가 오진을 했을 때 어떻게 대처해야 할까요?"

"우리 사회의 가장 큰 문제를 무엇으로 진단하시나요?"

Journal Prompts

오늘 나의 컨디션을 스스로 진단해 본다면?

내가 만약 경제 전문가라면, 현재 세계 경제를 어떻게 진단할 것인가?

최근에 병원에 가서 진단받았던 경험에 대해 써 보세요.

우리 회사의 분위기를 진단해 보고 개선점을 찾아보자.

뉴스를 보고 전문가들의 진단에 대해 나의 생각을 정리해 보자.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, it is common to use it for mechanical or technical issues to sound more professional. '기계 고장을 진단하다'.

'진단하다' is the action of the doctor/expert. '진단받다' is the experience of the patient/client.

Usually, yes. It implies finding a 'problem' or 'condition'. You wouldn't 'diagnose' someone as being too happy, unless it's a medical condition.

No, you use '예보하다' (forecast) or '관측하다' (observe) for weather. '진단' implies a systemic health/state.

Yes, it is widely used in medical and psychological contexts for 'self-assessment'.

The word is '오진' (oh-jin). You can say '오진을 하다'.

Yes, critics often 'diagnose' the themes or social messages within a book or movie.

Usually '-(으)로', like '폐렴으로 진단하다'.

It might sound a bit too formal unless you are joking about being a 'doctor' of their problems.

It is a formal written document from a doctor stating your diagnosis.