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A2 noun #8,000 most common 9 min read

신장

sinjang Top 8,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 신장 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 신장 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know that '신장' is a part of the body. Think of it like learning 'heart' or 'stomach'. You might see it in a basic diagram of the human body. At this stage, you don't need to know complicated medical phrases. Just remember: '신장' = 'kidney'. You might use it in a very simple sentence like '신장이 아파요' (My kidney hurts) if you go to a doctor. It is also helpful to know that it looks like a bean, which is why the other name for it is '콩팥' (bean-bean). Focus on recognizing the word when you hear it in a health context.

At the A2 level, you should be able to use '신장' in basic sentences about health and daily habits. You can talk about what is good or bad for the kidneys. For example, '물을 많이 마시면 신장에 좋아요' (Drinking a lot of water is good for your kidneys). You should also be aware that '신장' has other meanings like 'height', so you need to look at the words around it. If people are talking about hospitals or food, it's the organ. If they are talking about clothes or growing up, it's height. You can start using simple collocations like '신장 건강' (kidney health).

At the B1 level, you can use '신장' in more detailed conversations about health and medical checkups. You should be familiar with common conditions like '신장 결석' (kidney stones) and '신장염' (nephritis). You can explain why the kidneys are important using basic biological terms like '필터' (filter) or '노폐물' (waste products). You should also be able to distinguish between the formal '신장' and the informal '콩팥' and choose the right one for the situation. For instance, you'd use '신장' when reading a health report but might use '콩팥' when talking to a friend about eating less salt.

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable with '신장' in professional and academic contexts. You can understand news reports about '신장 이식' (kidney transplants) or '신부전' (kidney failure). you can discuss the social and ethical aspects of organ donation in Korea. You should also understand how the kidneys interact with other systems, such as the '혈압' (blood pressure) system. Your vocabulary should include more specific terms like '신장 기능 저하' (declining kidney function) and you should be able to use the word in complex sentences with various connective endings.

At the C1 level, you have a nuanced understanding of '신장'. You can follow a medical lecture or read a scientific paper about nephrology. You understand the historical and cultural background of how the '신장' is viewed in Eastern medicine versus Western medicine. You can use the word metaphorically if applicable, though it's rare for this specific organ. You are also proficient in using the homonyms of '신장' (height, expansion) fluently without any confusion, often using them in the same conversation. You can discuss the nuances of health policy regarding chronic kidney disease management in Korea.

At the C2 level, you possess near-native fluency in the use of '신장'. You can engage in high-level debates about medical ethics, such as the '신장 매매' (illegal kidney trade) or the complexities of '신장 투석' (dialysis) costs in the national insurance system. You can interpret subtle word choices in literature or specialized medical journals where '신장' might be used to discuss systemic issues. You understand rare idioms or very technical anatomical terms related to the kidney. Your use of the word is indistinguishable from a native professional, and you can switch registers perfectly between clinical, casual, and academic speech.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

신장 in 30 Seconds

신장 means 'kidney', the organ that filters blood and produces urine.
It is a formal Sino-Korean word; the native alternative is 콩팥.
Commonly used in medical, health, and wellness contexts in Korea.
Be careful not to confuse it with homonyms meaning 'height' or 'growth'.

The Korean word 신장 (Sin-jang) refers to the kidney, one of the most vital organs in the human body. Anatomically, humans typically have two kidneys, which are bean-shaped organs located on either side of the spine, just below the rib cage. In a biological and medical context, the word is used to describe the organ responsible for filtering waste products, excess water, and other impurities from the blood. These toxins are stored in the bladder and later expelled as urine. Beyond just filtration, the 신장 plays a crucial role in regulating blood pressure, electrolyte balance, and the production of red blood cells. In everyday Korean conversation, you will encounter this word most frequently in health-related discussions, medical settings, or when discussing diet and lifestyle choices that affect internal health.

Medical Terminology: In clinical settings, doctors use '신장' to discuss conditions like '신장염' (nephritis) or '신부전' (kidney failure). It is the formal, Sino-Korean term for the organ.
Common Alternative: While '신장' is the scientific name, many Koreans use the native word '콩팥' (Kong-pat) in casual speech, which literally translates to 'bean-red bean' due to the organ's shape and color.

Understanding the word 신장 is essential for anyone navigating the Korean healthcare system or even just reading food labels, as many health products claim to support '신장 건강' (kidney health). It is also important to note that '신장' is a homonym in Korean. While this lesson focuses on the kidney, the same phonetic word can also mean 'height' (physical stature) or 'expansion/extension.' Context is key; if you are at a hospital, it likely means kidney. If you are at a clothing store or a gym, it likely means height.

의사 선생님이 제 신장 수치가 정상이라고 하셨어요. (The doctor said my kidney levels are normal.)

The importance of the kidneys in Korean culture is often linked to overall vitality. In traditional Eastern medicine perspectives, which still influence modern Korean thought, the '신장' is seen as the reservoir of the body's fundamental energy. Therefore, maintaining kidney health is synonymous with maintaining long-term stamina and reproductive health. When someone looks particularly tired or has dark circles under their eyes, older generations might jokingly or seriously suggest that their '신장' or '기' (energy) is weak.

물을 많이 마시는 것은 신장 건강에 아주 좋습니다. (Drinking a lot of water is very good for kidney health.)

In summary, 신장 is a high-frequency noun in health contexts. It represents the sophisticated biological filtration system of the human body. Whether you are discussing a medical check-up, a specific disease, or general wellness, this word is the standard term used by professionals and educated adults to refer to the kidneys.

Using 신장 correctly requires an understanding of its role as a noun and the common verbs it pairs with. Most often, it functions as the subject or object of a sentence involving health, function, or medical procedures. Because it is a formal Hanja-based word, it is frequently used with formal verbs and markers.

Common Verb Pairings: '신장을 보호하다' (to protect the kidneys), '신장이 나쁘다' (to have bad kidneys/function), '신장을 이식하다' (to transplant a kidney).

When talking about the function of the kidney, you might say '신장이 기능을 못 하다' (the kidney is not functioning). In a more technical sense, you would use '신장 기능 저하' (decrease in kidney function). Notice how the word often appears in compound nouns, which is a common feature of Korean medical terminology.

그 환자는 신장 이식 수술을 기다리고 있습니다. (That patient is waiting for a kidney transplant surgery.)

In everyday advice, you might hear '신장에 무리가 가다.' This expression literally means 'to put a strain on the kidneys.' It is used when discussing high-protein diets, excessive salt intake, or certain medications that might be hard for the kidneys to process. For example: '짠 음식을 많이 먹으면 신장에 무리가 갈 수 있어요' (Eating a lot of salty food can strain your kidneys).

Another important usage is in the context of health screenings. Koreans often undergo '종합 건강검진' (comprehensive health checkups), where '신장 기능 검사' (kidney function test) is a standard component. If the results show issues, a doctor might say, '신장 결석이 발견되었습니다' (A kidney stone was discovered). Here, '신장 결석' (kidney stone) is a very common medical term.

당뇨병은 신장 질환의 주요 원인 중 하나입니다. (Diabetes is one of the main causes of kidney disease.)

Finally, when describing the physical location or pain, you might say '신장 쪽이 아파요' (It hurts near the kidney area). This is a useful phrase if you need to describe symptoms to a pharmacist or doctor. Even though the pain might be in the lower back, using the word 신장 specifies that you suspect an internal organ issue rather than a muscular one.

The word 신장 is ubiquitous in several specific spheres of Korean life. The most obvious is the medical field. If you watch popular Korean medical dramas like 'Hospital Playlist' (슬기로운 의사생활) or 'Dr. Romantic' (낭만닥터 김사부), you will hear surgeons and nurses frequently using this term during operation scenes or patient consultations. They will discuss '신장 투석' (kidney dialysis) or '만성 신장병' (chronic kidney disease) with high frequency.

News and Media: Health segments on morning news shows often feature specialists talking about how to prevent '신장 질환' during the winter or summer months.
Pharmacy and Supplements: Advertisements for '영양제' (supplements) like Omega-3 or specialized herbal medicines often claim to improve '신장 기능'.

In the workplace, particularly during the annual mandatory health checkup (건강검진) season, colleagues might discuss their results. You might hear someone say, '이번 검진에서 신장 수치가 조금 높게 나왔어' (My kidney levels came out a bit high in this checkup). This is a common point of conversation among middle-aged employees who are conscious of their metabolic health.

요즘 피로한 게 신장 때문일 수도 있어요. (The fatigue these days might be because of your kidneys.)

Another interesting place you hear this word is in the context of sports and extreme physical activity. Athletes or trainers might talk about '신장에 무리를 주지 않는 수분 섭취 방법' (Ways to hydrate without straining the kidneys). This highlights the word's relevance in the fitness community, where protein intake and hydration are closely monitored for their effects on organ health.

Lastly, in educational settings, from middle school biology classes to university medical lectures, 신장 is the standard term. If you are a student in Korea, your textbooks will use this word exclusively over the more colloquial '콩팥' to describe the excretory system (배설계). Therefore, hearing '신장' signals a transition from casual, everyday talk to a more serious, factual, or professional discussion about the body.

The most frequent mistake learners (and even native speakers in a hurry) make with 신장 is confusing it with its homonyms. As mentioned earlier, '신장' can mean 'kidney' (腎臟), 'height' (身長), or 'expansion/growth' (伸張). This can lead to humorous or confusing situations if the context is not clear.

Confusion with Height: If you say '신장이 커요' (My kidney is big), it sounds like a medical emergency. However, if you meant 'I am tall,' you should use '키가 커요' or specify '신장(height)이 180cm예요'.
Confusion with Expansion: In business, people talk about '영업망 신장' (expansion of sales network). Don't mistake this for anything related to internal organs!

Another mistake is using the wrong word for the wrong register. While '신장' is perfectly fine, using it in a very casual setting with close friends might sound a bit overly clinical. In those cases, '콩팥' is more natural. For example, if you are complaining about back pain to a friend, saying '내 신장이 아픈 것 같아' sounds like you are reading from a textbook. '콩팥이 안 좋나 봐' sounds more conversational.

틀린 예: 신장을 쟀어요. (I measured my kidney. - unless you had an ultrasound!)

Grammatically, learners sometimes struggle with the particles. Since '신장' is an organ, it is usually the target of an action or the location of a state. Using the location particle '에' is crucial: '신장에 좋다' (Good for the kidney), not '신장을 좋다'. Also, remember that '신장' is a Sino-Korean word, so it pairs best with other Sino-Korean vocabulary. Mixing it with very informal slang can sometimes feel jarring.

Finally, avoid overusing '신장' when referring to general health. If you just feel unwell, saying '신장이 안 좋아요' is a very specific claim. Unless you have been diagnosed, it is better to use broader terms like '컨디션이 안 좋아요' (I'm not in good condition) or '몸이 안 좋아요' (My body doesn't feel good).

When discussing the kidneys, there are a few other words you should know to sound more like a native speaker and to understand different contexts. The most important alternative is 콩팥 (Kong-pat). This is the native Korean word. '콩' means bean and '팥' means red bean. This descriptive name is used because the organ looks like a large bean and has a dark reddish-brown color.

신장 vs. 콩팥: '신장' is the Sino-Korean, formal, and medical term. '콩팥' is the native, informal, and descriptive term. Doctors use '신장' in reports, but might use '콩팥' when explaining things simply to an elderly patient.

Another related term is 방광 (Bang-gwang), which means 'bladder.' Since the kidneys and bladder are part of the same system, they are often mentioned together. You might also hear 요로 (Yo-ro), meaning 'urinary tract.' If you have a '신장 결석' (kidney stone), it might travel through the '요로'.

의학적으로는 신장이라고 하지만, 보통 사람들은 콩팥이라고 불러요. (Medically it's called 'sin-jang', but usually people call it 'kong-pat'.)

In the context of Oriental medicine (한의학), you might hear the term 신 (Sin). While this is just the first syllable of '신장', in traditional contexts, it refers to a broader 'Kidney System' that includes adrenal functions and reproductive vitality. Practitioners might say your '신기가 허하다' (your kidney energy is weak), which doesn't necessarily mean the physical organ is failing in a Western medical sense, but that your overall vitality is low.

Lastly, for those interested in biology, the term 사구체 (Sa-gu-che) refers to the 'glomerulus,' the tiny filtering units inside the kidney. While this is advanced vocabulary, it often appears in news articles about breakthroughs in '신장 질환' treatments. Knowing these related terms helps build a web of knowledge around the central word 신장, making it easier to remember and use in various levels of formality.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character 腎 (신) contains the 'meat' radical (⾁), which is commonly used in characters related to body parts.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈkɪdni/

US /ˈkɪdni/

In Korean, there is no strong word stress like in English, but the first syllable '신' is often slightly higher in pitch.

Rhymes With

심장 (Sim-jang - heart) 간장 (Gan-jang - soy sauce/liver) 위장 (Wi-jang - stomach) 췌장 (Chwe-jang - pancreas) 현장 (Hyeon-jang - scene) 긴장 (Gin-jang - tension) 공장 (Gong-jang - factory) 시장 (Si-jang - market)

Common Errors

Pronouncing it as '심장' (Sim-jang), which means heart.
Confusing the vowel 'ㅣ' in '신' with 'ㅔ' (선장 - captain).
Not tensing the 'ㅅ' enough, making it sound like '진장'.
Using English 'kidney' in a Korean sentence without proper transliteration.
Confusing '신장' (kidney) with '신장' (height) by tone, though they sound identical.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in medical texts once Hanja is known.

Writing 3/5

Simple to write, but must be careful not to confuse with other '신장' meanings.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward but sounds like '심장'.

Listening 3/5

Must distinguish from '심장' (heart) in fast speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

몸 배 아프다 물 건강

Learn Next

심장 위 간 폐 방광

Advanced

사구체 여과율 크레아티닌 혈액 투석

Grammar to Know

N(장소) + 에 좋다/나쁘다

신장에 좋은 음식

N + 에 무리가 가다

신장에 무리가 가다

V + 기 위해(서)

신장 건강을 지키기 위해서

N + 기능 저하

신장 기능 저하

N + 이식 수술

신장 이식 수술

Examples by Level

신장은 우리 몸에 두 개 있어요.

There are two kidneys in our body.

Uses the subject marker '-은' and the counter '개'.

신장이 어디에 있어요?

Where is the kidney?

Basic question structure with '어디'.

신장은 콩처럼 생겼어요.

The kidney looks like a bean.

'-처럼 생기다' means 'to look like'.

신장이 아파요.

My kidney hurts.

Simple adjective usage '아프다'.

이것은 신장입니다.

This is a kidney.

Formal '이다' ending.

신장 건강이 중요해요.

Kidney health is important.

'-이 중요하다' means 'to be important'.

신장을 그려 보세요.

Please try drawing a kidney.

'-어 보세요' is a polite suggestion.

제 신장은 건강해요.

My kidneys are healthy.

Possessive '제' (my).

물을 많이 마시는 것은 신장에 좋습니다.

Drinking a lot of water is good for the kidneys.

'-는 것은' turns a verb into a noun phrase.

짠 음식은 신장에 나빠요.

Salty food is bad for the kidneys.

Adjective '나쁘다' (bad).

의사가 신장 검사를 했어요.

The doctor did a kidney test.

Past tense '-았/었어요'.

신장 이식에 대해 들어봤어요?

Have you heard about kidney transplants?

'-에 대해' means 'about'.

신장 기능이 아주 중요합니다.

Kidney function is very important.

Formal polite ending '-습니다'.

어머니는 신장이 안 좋으세요.

My mother's kidneys are not good.

Honorific '-으세요' used for 'mother'.

신장 결석 때문에 병원에 갔어요.

I went to the hospital because of a kidney stone.

'-때문에' means 'because of'.

신장 보조제를 먹고 있어요.

I am taking kidney supplements.

'-고 있다' indicates continuous action.

신장은 혈액 속의 노폐물을 걸러주는 역할을 합니다.

The kidneys play the role of filtering waste products in the blood.

'-는 역할을 하다' means 'to play a role'.

신장병 예방을 위해 소금 섭취를 줄여야 합니다.

To prevent kidney disease, you must reduce salt intake.

'-기 위해' means 'in order to'.

갑자기 옆구리가 아프면 신장 결석일 수도 있어요.

If your side hurts suddenly, it might be a kidney stone.

'-ㄹ 수도 있다' means 'might be'.

정기적인 검진을 통해 신장 건강을 확인하세요.

Check your kidney health through regular checkups.

'-을 통해' means 'through'.

신장 기능이 떨어지면 쉽게 피로를 느낍니다.

When kidney function drops, you feel fatigue easily.

'-면' is the conditional 'if/when'.

그 드라마는 신장 이식을 소재로 하고 있어요.

That drama is based on the subject of kidney transplants.

'-을 소재로 하다' means 'to use as a subject'.

신장 투석을 받는 환자들이 늘고 있습니다.

The number of patients receiving kidney dialysis is increasing.

'-고 있다' for ongoing trends.

신장에 무리가 가는 운동은 피하는 게 좋아요.

It's good to avoid exercises that strain the kidneys.

'-는 게 좋다' is a common way to give advice.

만성 신부전증은 신장 기능이 서서히 나빠지는 질환입니다.

Chronic renal failure is a disease where kidney function gradually worsens.

'-는 질환이다' defines a disease.

신장은 혈압 조절에도 밀접하게 관여하고 있습니다.

The kidneys are also closely involved in blood pressure regulation.

'-에 관여하다' means 'to be involved in'.

신장 이식 수술의 성공률이 예전보다 많이 높아졌습니다.

The success rate of kidney transplant surgery has increased significantly compared to the past.

'-아/어지다' indicates a change in state.

당뇨병 합병증으로 신장 질환이 발생하는 경우가 많습니다.

There are many cases where kidney disease occurs as a complication of diabetes.

'-는 경우가 많다' means 'there are many cases where'.

신장 기증은 누군가에게 새로운 생명을 주는 고귀한 일입니다.

Kidney donation is a noble act that gives new life to someone.

'-는 일이다' defines an act or task.

신장 내과 전문의에게 상담을 받아보는 것이 좋겠습니다.

It would be good to consult with a nephrologist.

'-겠-' adds a sense of polite suggestion or intention.

신장은 체내 전해질 균형을 유지하는 데 필수적입니다.

The kidneys are essential for maintaining the electrolyte balance in the body.

'-는 데 필수적이다' means 'is essential for doing'.

과도한 단백질 섭취는 신장에 부담을 줄 수 있습니다.

Excessive protein intake can place a burden on the kidneys.

'-에 부담을 주다' means 'to place a burden on'.

사구체 여과율은 신장의 기능을 평가하는 핵심 지표입니다.

The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is a key indicator for evaluating kidney function.

Technical terminology usage.

신장 질환의 조기 발견은 병의 악화를 막는 데 결정적입니다.

Early detection of kidney disease is crucial in preventing the worsening of the illness.

'-는 데 결정적이다' means 'is decisive/crucial in'.

장기 기증 활성화를 위한 법적, 제도적 보완이 시급합니다.

Legal and institutional supplements to activate organ donation are urgent.

Formal academic tone with '-이 시급하다'.

신장은 비타민 D를 활성화시켜 뼈 건강에도 영향을 미칩니다.

The kidneys activate Vitamin D and thus affect bone health as well.

'-아/어 시키다' is a causative form.

인공 신장기의 발달로 투석 환자들의 삶의 질이 개선되었습니다.

With the development of artificial kidney machines, the quality of life for dialysis patients has improved.

'-로 인해' or '-로' indicating cause/means.

신장 독성을 유발할 수 있는 약물의 오남용을 경계해야 합니다.

We must be wary of the misuse and abuse of drugs that can cause renal toxicity.

'-을 경계해야 한다' means 'must be wary of'.

급성 신손상은 적절한 치료가 이루어지지 않으면 치명적일 수 있습니다.

Acute kidney injury can be fatal if appropriate treatment is not provided.

'-지 않으면' is a negative conditional.

신장학회에서는 매년 세계 콩팥의 날을 맞아 캠페인을 벌입니다.

The Nephrology Society holds a campaign every year on World Kidney Day.

'-을 맞아' means 'on the occasion of'.

신장은 인체의 항상성을 유지하는 정교한 생화학적 공장과 같습니다.

The kidney is like a sophisticated biochemical factory that maintains the body's homeostasis.

Metaphorical use of '-와 같다'.

말기 신부전 환자들에게 이식은 단순한 치료를 넘어 삶의 회복을 의미합니다.

For patients with end-stage renal disease, transplantation means more than simple treatment; it means the restoration of life.

'-을 넘어' means 'beyond'.

신장 이식의 면역 거부 반응을 최소화하기 위한 면역 억제제 연구가 활발합니다.

Research on immunosuppressants to minimize immune rejection in kidney transplants is active.

Complex noun phrase as subject.

복막 투석과 혈액 투석은 각각의 장단점이 있어 환자의 상태에 따라 선택됩니다.

Peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis each have pros and cons and are chosen based on the patient's condition.

'-에 따라' means 'depending on'.

신장은 호르몬 분비를 통해 조혈 작용을 조절하는 내분비 기능도 수행합니다.

The kidneys also perform endocrine functions, regulating hematopoiesis through hormone secretion.

Technical verb '수행하다' (to perform/carry out).

유전성 신장 질환인 다낭신은 가족력에 대한 세심한 관찰이 필요합니다.

Polycystic kidney disease, a hereditary kidney disease, requires careful observation of family history.

Appositive structure with '-인'.

신장 기능 수치의 미세한 변화도 임상적으로는 큰 의미를 가질 수 있습니다.

Even minute changes in kidney function levels can have significant clinical meaning.

'-도' emphasizing even small things.

뇌사자 신장 기증의 윤리적 쟁점은 여전히 의료계의 뜨거운 감자입니다.

The ethical issues of kidney donation from brain-dead donors remain a 'hot potato' in the medical community.

Idiomatic expression '뜨거운 감자' (hot potato).

Common Collocations

신장 기능

신장 이식

신장 결석

신장 투석

신장 건강

신장 내과

신장 수치

신장염

신장 기증

신장 질환

Common Phrases

신장이 안 좋다

— To have poor kidney function or health. Used generally to describe kidney issues.

피곤한 걸 보니 신장이 안 좋은 것 같아.

신장에 무리가 가다

— To put a strain on the kidneys. Often said about diet or medicine.

너무 짠 음식은 신장에 무리가 가요.

신장을 보호하다

— To protect the kidneys. Used in health advice.

물을 자주 마셔 신장을 보호하세요.

신장 기능 검사

— Kidney function test. A standard part of medical checkups.

건강검진 때 신장 기능 검사도 포함되나요?

신장 쪽 통증

— Pain in the kidney area. Used to describe symptoms.

신장 쪽 통증이 느껴져서 왔어요.

신장이 나빠지다

— For kidney health to worsen.

관리를 안 하면 신장이 나빠질 수 있어요.

신장이 붓다

— For the kidney to swell. A symptom of certain conditions.

검사 결과 신장이 조금 부어 있네요.

신장 이식 대기자

— A person on the waiting list for a kidney transplant.

그는 3년째 신장 이식 대기자입니다.

신장 전문의

— A kidney specialist (nephrologist).

신장 전문의의 상담이 필요합니다.

신장 수치가 오르다

— For kidney-related blood levels (like creatinine) to rise.

갑자기 신장 수치가 올라서 걱정이에요.

Often Confused With

신장 vs 심장

Means 'heart'. Only one letter difference but a completely different organ.

신장 vs 신장 (身長)

Means 'height'. Identical spelling and pronunciation.

신장 vs 신장 (伸張)

Means 'expansion' or 'extension'. Identical spelling and pronunciation.

Idioms & Expressions

"콩팥이 떨리다"

— Technically refers to the kidneys trembling, but it's a very rare and dialectal way to say someone is extremely scared or nervous (more common is '간이 콩알만 해지다').

무서워서 콩팥이 떨릴 지경이야.

dialect/rare

"신장이 약하다"

— In traditional medicine contexts, it means lacking basic vitality or sexual energy.

그는 신장이 약해서 금방 지친다.

traditional medicine

"심장과 신장"

— Used to describe the most vital, core parts of a system (Heart and Kidney).

이 부서는 회사의 심장과 신장 같은 곳이다.

metaphorical

"신장의 기운"

— The energy of the kidney. Used in acupuncture or herbal medicine.

신장의 기운을 보강해야 합니다.

traditional medicine

"콩팥을 떼어주다"

— To give a kidney; used to describe extreme sacrifice for someone else.

그는 친구를 위해 콩팥이라도 떼어줄 사람이다.

colloquial

"신장이 크다"

— Often a mistake for '키가 크다' (to be tall), but sometimes used humorously to mean someone has a lot of 'guts' in very specific contexts.

너는 참 신장도 크다! (How bold of you!)

humorous/rare

"신장이 튼튼하다"

— To have strong kidneys; implies great stamina.

신장이 튼튼해야 오래 일할 수 있어요.

general

"신장에 불이 나다"

— Not a standard idiom, but used in some regions to describe extreme urgency to urinate.

신장에 불이 난 것 같아, 화장실 좀!

slang/regional

"신장의 눈물"

— A poetic/metaphorical way to refer to urine in some medical literature.

소변은 신장의 눈물이라고도 불린다.

literary

"신장이 녹다"

— To describe extreme damage to the organ, often from poison or severe disease.

독극물 때문에 신장이 녹아내릴 정도였다.

emphatic

Easily Confused

신장 vs 신장 (身長)

Identical spelling and pronunciation.

One refers to an internal organ (kidney), the other to physical height. Context is the only way to distinguish them.

신장이 180cm예요 (Height) vs 신장이 아파요 (Kidney).

신장 vs 심장

Very similar sound (Sin-jang vs. Sim-jang).

Kidney vs Heart. Both are internal organs, making the confusion more likely in medical settings.

심장이 뛰어요 (Heart beats) vs 신장이 걸러요 (Kidney filters).

신장 vs 선장

Similar vowel and ending.

Kidney vs Captain of a ship.

배의 선장님 (Ship's captain).

신장 vs 신장 (伸張)

Identical spelling.

Kidney vs Expansion/Growth (abstract).

세력 신장 (Expansion of influence).

신장 vs 간장

Similar ending '-장'.

Kidney vs Soy Sauce (or Liver in some old contexts).

간장에 찍어 드세요 (Dip in soy sauce).

Sentence Patterns

N이/가 아파요

신장이 아파요.

N에 좋아요/나빠요

신장에 좋아요.

N을/를 위해 V-아/어야 해요

신장 건강을 위해 물을 마셔야 해요.

N은/는 V-는 역할을 해요

신장은 피를 거르는 역할을 해요.

N에 따라 N이/가 달라져요

신장 상태에 따라 치료가 달라져요.

N은/는 N(으)로 인해 N이/가 발생해요

신장 질환은 당뇨로 인해 발생하는 경우가 많아요.

N에 무리가 가다

신장에 무리가 가요.

N을/를 검사하다

신장을 검사해요.

Word Family

Nouns

신장염 (Nephritis)

신부전 (Kidney failure)

신장암 (Kidney cancer)

신장학 (Nephrology)

Verbs

신장하다 (To expand - homonym)

이식하다 (To transplant)

여과하다 (To filter)

Adjectives

신장 기능적인 (Renal functional)

신장의 (Renal)

콩팥

방광

소변

혈액

노폐물

How to Use It

frequency

Common in health, medical, and wellness domains.

Common Mistakes

Using '신장' for height in casual conversation. → 키
While '신장' technically means height, people almost always say '키' in casual talk (예: 키가 몇이에요?).
Confusing '신장' (kidney) with '심장' (heart). → 신장 (kidney) / 심장 (heart)
The 'n' vs 'm' sound is small but changes the organ entirely. Be very careful in medical situations.
Saying '신장을 아파요'. → 신장이 아파요.
Pain is a state, not an action on an object, so use the subject marker '-이/가'.
Using '신장' when you mean 'liver'. → 간
Both filter things, but they are different organs. Koreans often talk about '간' (liver) in relation to drinking alcohol.
Thinking '신장' only has one meaning. → Check context.
Always remember the homonyms (height, expansion) to avoid confusion in business or shopping contexts.

Tips

Learn the Pair

Always learn '신장' and '심장' together so you can consciously practice the difference in pronunciation.

Stamina Foods

In Korea, black foods like black beans are considered good for the '신장'. This is a good cultural tip for conversation.

Particle Usage

When saying something is good for the kidney, use the particle '에' (신장에 좋다).

Medical Dramas

Watch Korean medical dramas to hear '신장' used in high-stakes, professional environments.

Clarify if Needed

If you think someone confused kidney with height, you can ask '몸무게 말고 키요?' (You mean height, not weight?) to clarify.

Compound Nouns

Practice combining '신장' with other words like '암' (cancer) or '염' (inflammation) to expand your medical vocabulary.

Hydration

Use the phrase '신장 건강을 위해 물을 마셔요' as a daily reminder to practice the word.

Hanja Root

Remember that '장' (臟) usually means internal organ. This will help you learn words like '심장', '위장', and '간장'.

Check the Counter

If you see 'cm', it's height. If you see '개', it's the organ.

Bean Shape

Associate '신장' with the 'S' shape of a bean to remember the starting sound.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Shin' as 'Shield' and 'Jang' as 'Jar'. Your 'Shin-jang' is a shield that cleans the jar (your body) of waste.

Visual Association

Visualize two large red kidney beans (콩팥) inside your back, acting like little vacuum cleaners for your blood.

Word Web

신장 (Kidney) 콩팥 (Native name) 물 (Water) 소변 (Urine) 필터 (Filter) 병원 (Hospital) 이식 (Transplant) 건강 (Health)

Challenge

Try to explain to a friend in Korean why drinking water is good for your '신장' using at least three other body-related words.

Word Origin

Sino-Korean word derived from Hanja. 腎 (신) meaning 'kidney' and 臟 (장) meaning 'internal organ'.

Original meaning: The organ of the kidney system.

Sino-Korean (Hanja)

Cultural Context

Be sensitive when discussing kidney failure or dialysis, as it is a chronic and difficult condition for many patients.

In English, we often use 'kidney' casually (e.g., 'kidney bean'), but in Korean, the distinction between '신장' and '콩팥' is more pronounced in terms of formality.

Hospital Playlist (KDrama) - Features many kidney transplant cases. The movie 'Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance' - Revolves around a kidney organ trade plot. World Kidney Day campaigns in Seoul.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At the Hospital

신장 내과가 어디예요?
신장 검사를 받고 싶어요.
신장 수치가 어떻게 나왔나요?
신장 결석이 있대요.

Health Advice

신장에 좋은 음식이 뭐예요?
짠 거 먹으면 신장에 안 좋아요.
물을 많이 마셔야 신장이 건강해요.
신장 영양제를 추천해 주세요.

Biology Class

신장은 노폐물을 걸러줍니다.
신장의 구조에 대해 배웁시다.
신장은 배설계의 중심입니다.
신장의 위치는 등 쪽입니다.

Medical Drama

급성 신부전입니다!
신장 이식이 시급해요.
투석실로 옮기세요.
신장 기증자를 찾았습니다.

Annual Checkup

신장 기능도 검사하나요?
신장 수치가 작년보다 올랐어요.
신장 초음파를 예약했어요.
신장에 이상이 없어서 다행이에요.

Conversation Starters

"신장 건강을 위해 특별히 챙겨 드시는 게 있나요?"

"최근에 신장 검사를 받아본 적이 있으세요?"

"신장 이식에 대한 영화나 드라마를 보신 적 있나요?"

"한국에서는 콩팥이라고도 하는데, 그 이유를 아세요?"

"물을 많이 마시는 게 신장에 정말 좋다고 생각하시나요?"

Journal Prompts

오늘 내가 신장 건강을 위해 한 일들에 대해 써보세요.

만약 신장 이식이 필요한 상황이라면 어떤 기분일지 상상해 보세요.

평소 식습관이 신장에 어떤 영향을 줄지 분석해 보세요.

장기 기증에 대한 자신의 생각을 정리해 보세요.

우리 몸의 장기 중에서 신장이 왜 중요한지 설명해 보세요.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

신장 is the Sino-Korean, formal, and medical term for kidney. 콩팥 is the native Korean, informal, and descriptive term. They refer to the same organ. Use 신장 in hospitals and 콩팥 with friends.

Look at the context. If the sentence mentions centimeters (cm), growing, or measuring, it means height. If it mentions doctors, pain, water, salt, or surgery, it means kidney.

Yes, but often shortened to '신'. In that context, it refers to a whole system of energy and vitality, not just the physical organ.

Yes, organ donation is a known concept in Korea, and kidney donation between family members is relatively common and often portrayed in media.

Common verbs include '검사하다' (test), '이식하다' (transplant), '보호하다' (protect), and '나빠지다' (worsen).

It's because the organ looks like a bean (콩) and has the color of a red bean (팥). It's a very literal name!

Yes! A nurse might say '신장과 체중을 잽니다' (We will measure your height and weight). You have to use context to know they aren't measuring your kidney.

Yes, in a biological or veterinary context, the kidneys of animals are also called '신장'.

Korean doesn't strictly use plural markers for body parts unless emphasizing. You would just say '신장' even though you have two.

It means a kidney stone. '결석' means stone or crystal in a medical context.