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전염병

A2 noun #7,000 most common 10 min read

전염병

jeonyeombyeong Top 7,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 전염병 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 전염병 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use the word '전염병' in complex medical discussions. Instead, think of it as a word that explains why we need to wash our hands or why we might wear a mask. It is a 'bad sickness' that can move from one person to another. You might hear it when people talk about the flu or a cold that many people in the class have. At this stage, focus on the idea that '전염병' means a sickness that spreads. You can use it in simple sentences like '전염병이 무서워요' (I am scared of infectious diseases) or '손을 씻어서 전염병을 예방해요' (Wash your hands to prevent infectious diseases). It's a useful word to know for basic safety and health.

At the A2 level, you should begin to understand the social context of '전염병'. This word is often used in news headlines and public announcements. You should be able to recognize it when hearing about health rules. You can start using it with verbs like '돌다' (to go around) and '걸리다' (to catch). For example, '요즘 전염병이 돌고 있으니 조심하세요' (A disease is going around these days, so be careful). You should also distinguish it from a regular '병' (sickness) by remembering that '전염병' always involves more than one person—it's about how sickness travels. Understanding this word helps you follow public health advice in Korea.

At the B1 level, you can use '전염병' to discuss more detailed topics like history, prevention, and social responsibility. You should be comfortable using it in the object form '전염병을' and subject form '전염병이'. You can explain the causes of an outbreak using simple connectors like '-기 때문에' (because). For instance, '위생 관리가 안 좋기 때문에 전염병이 퍼졌습니다' (Because hygiene management was poor, the disease spread). You should also be aware of the more formal synonym '감염병' and know that '전염병' is the more common term in daily life. This level allows you to participate in conversations about health trends and historical events like the Great Plague.

At the B2 level, you should be able to use '전염병' in academic or professional contexts. You can discuss the '확산' (spread), '차단' (blocking), and '퇴치' (eradication) of diseases. You should understand the nuance of Hanja roots (傳 - transmit, 染 - dye/infect). You can form complex sentences like '정부는 전염병의 확산을 막기 위해 강력한 방역 조치를 시행하고 있습니다' (The government is implementing strong quarantine measures to prevent the spread of the infectious disease). You should also be able to distinguish between different types of transmission, such as '공기 전염' (airborne) or '접촉 전염' (contact), and use the word in metaphorical contexts occasionally.

At the C1 level, you should have a deep understanding of the sociopolitical implications of the word '전염병'. You can analyze how the term is used in media to shape public opinion and how it differs from the legal term '감염병'. You should be able to discuss the history of epidemiology in Korea using this word. Your use of the word should be precise, correctly pairing it with advanced collocations like '창궐하다' (to rage/break out violently) or '종식되다' (to be brought to an end). You can engage in debates about the ethics of quarantine and the balance between individual freedom and public safety during a '전염병' outbreak.

At the C2 level, you command '전염병' with native-like precision across all registers. You can write policy recommendations, medical summaries, or literary analyses involving this term. You understand the subtle emotional weight the word carries in the Korean collective consciousness, particularly following modern pandemics. You can use the word in complex idiomatic expressions or as part of a sophisticated rhetorical strategy. You are also capable of explaining the linguistic evolution of health-related terminology in Korea, from the archaic '역병' to the modern '감염병', and why '전염병' remains the most culturally resonant term for the general public.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

전염병 in 30 Seconds

A noun referring to diseases that spread through transmission between hosts.
Commonly used in news and medical contexts to describe outbreaks like the flu.
Distinguished from general illness (질병) by its contagious nature (전염성).
Essential vocabulary for discussing public health, hygiene, and historical plagues.

The Korean word 전염병 (傳染病) is a critical noun used to describe any biological ailment that can be passed from one living organism to another. Rooted in Hanja, the term is composed of three distinct characters: Jeon (傳), meaning to transmit or pass on; Yeom (染), meaning to dye, stain, or infect; and Byeong (病), meaning disease. Together, they paint a vivid picture of a sickness that 'stains' or 'colors' others as it moves through a population. In everyday life, this word is used in both casual conversations about the flu and in high-level medical or governmental discussions regarding public health crises. It carries a weight of communal responsibility, as the very nature of a 전염병 implies that one person's health is intrinsically linked to the health of the collective. When you hear this word, it usually triggers a set of standard societal responses, such as wearing masks, sanitizing hands, and maintaining physical distance.

Etiological Root: The term refers to the biological capability of a pathogen to move between hosts, distinguishing it from chronic or lifestyle-related diseases like diabetes or heart disease.

과거에는 전염병이 발생하면 마을 전체가 격리되기도 했습니다. (In the past, when an infectious disease broke out, entire villages were sometimes quarantined.)

Historically, the concept of 전염병 has shaped Korean architecture and social customs. For instance, the traditional focus on cleanliness and the separation of living quarters often served as a primitive yet effective barrier against the spread of germs. In modern times, the word has become synonymous with the global events of the 21st century, such as MERS and COVID-19. It is important to note that while '감염병' (infectious disease) is the more modern, technical term preferred by the Korean CDC, 전염병 remains the most common term used by the general public. It evokes a sense of urgency and shared vulnerability. Whether discussing a seasonal outbreak of the common cold or a more severe viral pandemic, this word is the cornerstone of Korean health vocabulary.

Societal Impact: The mention of this word in news broadcasts often leads to immediate shifts in consumer behavior, such as increased purchasing of hygiene products and a decrease in attendance at public gatherings.

새로운 전염병의 확산을 막기 위해 정부는 비상 사태를 선포했습니다. (To prevent the spread of a new infectious disease, the government declared a state of emergency.)

Furthermore, the word is often used metaphorically in Korean literature and media to describe social phenomena that spread rapidly, such as 'rumors' or 'fads.' However, its primary use remains strictly in the medical and public health domain. Understanding this word requires an appreciation of the collective mindset in Korea, where preventing the spread of a 전염병 is seen as a moral duty to one's neighbors and family. It is not just about personal health, but about the survival and stability of the community at large.

Using 전염병 correctly involves pairing it with specific verbs that describe the lifecycle of an outbreak. The most common verb used with this noun is 돌다 (to go around/circulate) or 퍼지다 (to spread). For example, when a flu is going around, Koreans will say '전염병이 돌고 있어요.' When discussing the prevention of a disease, the verb 예방하다 (to prevent) is essential. You might hear doctors say '전염병을 예방하려면 백신을 맞아야 합니다' (To prevent infectious diseases, you must get vaccinated). Another crucial verb is 옮다 (to catch/be infected), which describes the movement of the disease from one person to another.

Grammatical Particles: Use the subject particle '이' when the disease is the focus of the action (e.g., 전염병이 무섭다 - The disease is scary). Use the object particle '을' when an action is being performed on the disease (e.g., 전염병을 치료하다 - To treat the disease).

여름철에는 수인성 전염병을 조심해야 합니다. (In the summer, you must be careful of waterborne infectious diseases.)

In formal settings, such as news reports or academic papers, you will see 전염병 combined with descriptive nouns to specify the type of disease. Terms like '가축 전염병' (livestock disease) or '제1종 전염병' (Class 1 infectious disease) are common. The word also functions well in the passive voice when describing how someone was affected: '전염병에 걸리다' (to fall ill with an infectious disease). This '에 걸리다' structure is the standard way to express contracting an illness. It is also important to understand the nuance of '전염시키다' (to infect someone else), which uses the causative form to show that one person passed the germs to another.

Common Verb Pairings: 1. 발생하다 (to occur/break out), 2. 차단하다 (to block/intercept), 3. 유행하다 (to be prevalent/fashionable - used for outbreaks).

그는 전염병 퇴치를 위해 평생을 바쳤습니다. (He dedicated his life to the eradication of infectious diseases.)

When writing about 전염병, pay attention to the level of formality. In a diary entry, you might write '요즘 전염병이 유행이라서 걱정이다' (I'm worried because a disease is prevalent these days). In a formal report, you would write '본 연구는 전염병의 확산 경로를 분석한다' (This study analyzes the spread route of the infectious disease). Master these patterns to speak naturally about health and safety in Korea.

You will encounter the word 전염병 in various high-stakes environments. The most frequent location is the nightly news. Korean news anchors often use this term when reporting on global health trends or local seasonal outbreaks like the flu (독감). During the winter months, warnings about '독감이라는 전염병' (the infectious disease called the flu) are ubiquitous on television, radio, and public transit announcements. You will also see this word on posters in hospitals and public health centers (보건소), which provide instructions on how to avoid infection. In schools, teachers use the word to explain why certain students are absent or why collective hygiene measures are being implemented.

Media Usage: Documentaries about history often use '역병' (plague) for ancient times, but switch to '전염병' when discussing the 20th century onwards, such as the Spanish Flu or Cholera outbreaks.

뉴스에서 새로운 전염병 소식을 들었나요? (Did you hear the news about the new infectious disease on the news?)

Another common place to hear this word is in historical K-dramas (Sageuk). While they might use the archaic term '역병' (Yeok-byeong), modern characters in these dramas or narrators will often use 전염병 to explain the plot to the audience. In the workplace, HR departments might send out emails titled '전염병 예방 수칙 안내' (Guide to Infectious Disease Prevention Rules) during peak sickness seasons. Furthermore, in the context of international travel, you will see this word at airport immigration and quarantine stations, where travelers are asked to declare if they have symptoms of a 전염병. It is a word that bridges the gap between science and daily survival.

Public Service Announcements: Subway screen doors and bus interior monitors often display health tips using this word to maintain public awareness during peak outbreak seasons.

학교에서 전염병 교육을 받았습니다. (I received education about infectious diseases at school.)

Finally, in the age of digital information, social media platforms and KakaoTalk groups become hotbeds for the word 전염병. People share news articles, warning messages, and personal experiences regarding outbreaks. Whether it is a serious pandemic or a common school-wide outbreak of pink eye (결막염), the word serves as a signal for caution and collective action. Hearing it usually prompts an immediate check of one's own health and the health of those nearby.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is confusing 전염병 with the general word for 'disease' or 'sickness,' which is 질병 (jil-byeong) or simply 병 (byeong). While all 전염병 are 질병, not all 질병 are 전염병. For instance, calling cancer or diabetes a 전염병 would be factually incorrect in Korean, just as it is in English, because these conditions are not contagious. Another common error is using the word '감기' (cold) interchangeably with 전염병. While a cold is technically infectious, 전염병 usually refers to something more significant or a broader category of illness.

Confusion with '감염병': Learners often ask which one to use. '감염병' (gam-yeom-byeong) is the legal and medical term used in the 'Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act' in Korea. However, using '감염병' in a casual chat might sound overly clinical or like you're reading a textbook.

틀린 예: 암은 무서운 전염병입니다. (Wrong: Cancer is a scary infectious disease.)

Another mistake involves the verb conjugation. Some learners try to say '전염병을 하다' (to do infectious disease), which makes no sense. The correct way to say you caught one is '전염병에 걸리다' or to describe it spreading is '전염병이 퍼지다.' Additionally, be careful with the word '유행병' (yu-haeng-byeong). While '유행병' refers to an epidemic (a disease that is currently popular/prevalent), 전염병 is the broader biological category. You can have a 전염병 that is not currently a '유행병' if it is well-contained.

Metaphorical Misuse: In English, we say 'his laughter was infectious.' In Korean, you wouldn't typically use '전염병' for this. Instead, you would use the verb '옮다' (to catch) or '전염되다' (to be infected) without the '병' (disease) part: '그의 웃음은 전염성이 있다' (His laughter is contagious).

맞는 예: 독감은 공기를 통해 전파되는 전염병입니다. (Correct: The flu is an infectious disease spread through the air.)

Lastly, ensure you don't confuse 전염병 with '식중독' (food poisoning). While food poisoning can affect many people at once, it is usually caused by a common source (contaminated food) rather than passing from person to person, so it isn't always classified as a 전염병 in casual speech. Precision in these distinctions will make your Korean sound much more natural and educated.

To expand your vocabulary beyond 전염병, it is helpful to look at related terms that offer different nuances. The most important alternative is 감염병 (gam-yeom-byeong). While 전염병 focuses on the 'transmission' (passing from A to B), 감염병 focuses on the 'infection' (the pathogen entering the body). In modern Korean society, especially after the legislative changes in 2010, 감염병 has become the official legal term used by the government. If you are reading a government text or a medical journal, you will almost exclusively see 감염병. However, in a movie or a casual talk with a friend, 전염병 remains the standard.

Comparison: 전염병 vs. 역병: '역병' (Yeok-byeong) is an older, more dramatic term often translated as 'plague.' You will hear this in historical dramas or when someone wants to emphasize the catastrophic nature of an outbreak. It sounds more archaic and terrifying than the scientific '전염병.'

최근에는 전염병이라는 말 대신 '감염병'이라는 용어를 더 많이 사용합니다. (Recently, the term 'infectious disease' [gam-yeom-byeong] is used more often than 'contagious disease' [jeon-yeom-byeong].)

Another related term is 유행병 (yu-haeng-byeong), which translates to 'epidemic.' This word specifically highlights that the disease is currently spreading rapidly among a large number of people. If a disease exists but isn't spreading, it's a 전염병, but not a 유행병. There is also 풍토병 (pung-to-byeong), which refers to an 'endemic' disease—one that is naturally found in a specific region or climate. For example, malaria is a 풍토병 in certain tropical areas. For very serious, worldwide outbreaks, Koreans use the loanword 팬데믹 (pandemic) or the term 세계적 대유행.

Register Differences: 1. 병 (Casual/General), 2. 질병 (Formal/General), 3. 전염병 (Common/Contagious), 4. 감염병 (Official/Technical).

중세 유럽을 휩쓴 흑사병은 인류 역사상 가장 치명적인 전염병 중 하나였습니다. (The Black Death that swept through medieval Europe was one of the deadliest infectious diseases in human history.)

By knowing these synonyms and their specific contexts, you can tailor your speech to the situation. If you are talking to a child, you might just say '나쁜 병' (bad sickness). If you are writing a university essay, you should use 감염병 or 전염병 depending on your specific focus on infection vs. transmission. This depth of vocabulary allows for much clearer and more impactful communication.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character '染' (dye) originally showed water and wood, referring to the process of dipping wood into dye. This beautifully illustrates how a disease 'dips' into a population.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /t͡ɕʌ̹ɲjʌ̹mbiʌ̹ŋ/

US /t͡ɕʌ̹ɲjʌ̹mbiʌ̹ŋ/

Stress is relatively even across syllables, as is typical in Korean, but 'byeong' may be slightly emphasized.

Rhymes With

성명 (Seong-myeong) 안경 (An-gyeong) 환경 (Hwan-gyeong) 풍경 (Pung-gyeong) 열병 (Yeol-byeong) 심병 (Sim-byeong) 화병 (Hwa-byeong) 상경 (Sang-gyeong)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'jeon' as 'john'. It should be more like 'jun'.
Missing the 'm' at the end of 'yeom'.
Pronouncing 'byeong' as 'be-ong'. It is one smooth syllable.
Confusing the 'eo' sound with 'o'. It is an open 'o' like in 'up'.
Not connecting 'jeon' and 'yeom' correctly; it should sound like one word.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Common in news and signs, but Hanja roots make it slightly formal.

Writing 4/5

Requires correct pairing with specific verbs like '걸리다' or '퍼지다'.

Speaking 3/5

Essential for discussing health; pronunciation is straightforward.

Listening 2/5

Very frequent in media, so it's easy to recognize once learned.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

병 (Sickness) 아프다 (To be sick) 손 (Hand) 씻다 (To wash) 병원 (Hospital)

Learn Next

감염병 (Infectious disease) 방역 (Quarantine) 백신 (Vaccine) 면역 (Immunity) 확산 (Spread)

Advanced

역학 (Epidemiology) 잠복기 (Incubation period) 집단 면역 (Herd immunity) 변이 바이러스 (Variant virus)

Grammar to Know

Noun + 때문에 (Because of...)

전염병 때문에 학교에 못 가요.

Noun + 에 걸리다 (To catch a disease)

그는 전염병에 걸려서 입원했어요.

Verb + 기 위해 (In order to...)

전염병을 막기 위해 노력해요.

Noun + 이/가 퍼지다 (To spread)

전염병이 전 세계로 퍼졌어요.

Noun + 을/를 조심하다 (To be careful of...)

겨울에는 전염병을 조심해야 해요.

Examples by Level

전염병이 무서워요.

Infectious diseases are scary.

Subject particle -이 is used with 전염병.

손을 씻으면 전염병을 막을 수 있어요.

If you wash your hands, you can prevent infectious diseases.

Object particle -을 is used with 전염병.

학교에 전염병이 돌고 있어요.

An infectious disease is going around the school.

The verb '돌다' means 'to go around' or 'circulate'.

전염병 때문에 마스크를 써요.

I wear a mask because of the infectious disease.

'-때문에' means 'because of'.

이것은 전염병입니까?

Is this an infectious disease?

Standard polite question ending '-입니까?'.

전염병은 아주 나빠요.

Infectious diseases are very bad.

Topic particle -은 indicates a general statement.

우리는 전염병을 조심해야 해요.

We must be careful of infectious diseases.

'-해야 하다' means 'must' or 'have to'.

전염병이 없으면 좋겠어요.

I wish there were no infectious diseases.

'-으면 좋겠다' expresses a wish or hope.

요즘 유행하는 전염병이 무엇인가요?

What is the infectious disease going around these days?

'-는' is a present tense noun modifier.

전염병에 걸리지 않게 조심하세요.

Be careful not to catch an infectious disease.

'에 걸리다' is the standard phrase for catching a disease.

전염병이 발생해서 행사가 취소되었습니다.

The event was canceled because an infectious disease broke out.

'-아/어서' indicates a cause or reason.

병원은 전염병 환자들로 가득 찼어요.

The hospital is full of infectious disease patients.

'-로 가득 차다' means 'to be filled with'.

전염병 예방 주사를 맞으러 가요.

I am going to get an infectious disease prevention shot.

'-으러 가다' means 'to go in order to do something'.

이 병은 전염병이 아니니까 걱정 마세요.

This illness is not an infectious disease, so don't worry.

'-이/가 아니다' means 'is not'.

전염병 확산을 막기 위해 문을 닫았습니다.

We closed the doors to prevent the spread of the infectious disease.

'-기 위해' means 'in order to'.

아이들이 전염병에 더 잘 걸려요.

Children catch infectious diseases more easily.

'더 잘' means 'more easily' or 'better'.

전염병의 전파 경로를 파악하는 것이 중요합니다.

It is important to identify the transmission route of the infectious disease.

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

과거에는 많은 사람들이 전염병으로 목숨을 잃었습니다.

In the past, many people lost their lives to infectious diseases.

'-으로' indicates the cause of death or result.

전염병이 퍼지는 속도가 매우 빠릅니다.

The speed at which the infectious disease spreads is very fast.

Noun modifier '-는' describes '속도' (speed).

정부는 전염병 관리를 위해 예산을 늘렸습니다.

The government increased the budget for infectious disease management.

'-을 위해' indicates purpose.

전염병에 대한 정보를 정확하게 전달해야 합니다.

Information about the infectious disease must be delivered accurately.

'-에 대한' means 'about' or 'concerning'.

이 구역은 전염병 위험 지역으로 지정되었습니다.

This area has been designated as an infectious disease risk zone.

Passive form '지정되었습니다' means 'was designated'.

전염병을 이겨내기 위해 모두가 협력하고 있습니다.

Everyone is cooperating to overcome the infectious disease.

'이겨내다' means 'to overcome' or 'surmount'.

가축 전염병 때문에 고기 가격이 올랐어요.

Meat prices rose because of a livestock infectious disease.

'-때문에' explains the economic cause.

전염병의 잠복기 동안에는 증상이 나타나지 않을 수 있습니다.

Symptoms may not appear during the incubation period of the infectious disease.

'잠복기' refers to the incubation period.

백신 접종은 전염병 집단 면역 형성에 필수적입니다.

Vaccination is essential for forming herd immunity against infectious diseases.

'집단 면역' means 'herd immunity'.

새로운 변종 전염병의 등장은 인류에게 큰 위협입니다.

The emergence of a new variant infectious disease is a great threat to humanity.

'변종' means 'variant' or 'mutation'.

전염병이 창궐하자 사람들은 도시를 떠나기 시작했습니다.

As the infectious disease raged, people began to leave the city.

'창궐하다' is a high-level verb for 'to rage' or 'spread rampantly'.

보건 당국은 전염병의 유입을 막기 위해 검역을 강화했습니다.

Health authorities strengthened quarantine to prevent the influx of the infectious disease.

'강화하다' means 'to strengthen' or 'reinforce'.

전염병은 사회적 약자들에게 더 가혹한 영향을 미칩니다.

Infectious diseases have a harsher impact on the socially vulnerable.

'영향을 미치다' is the standard phrase for 'to have an influence/impact'.

과학자들은 전염병의 근원을 찾기 위해 연구에 매진하고 있습니다.

Scientists are striving in their research to find the source of the infectious disease.

'매진하다' means 'to strive' or 'devote oneself'.

전염병의 공포가 경제 전반에 부정적인 영향을 주었습니다.

The fear of the infectious disease gave a negative impact to the overall economy.

'전반에' means 'across the board' or 'overall'.

전염병의 역학 조사는 확산 방지의 핵심적인 역할을 수행합니다.

Epidemiological investigation of infectious diseases plays a key role in preventing spread.

'역학 조사' is 'epidemiological investigation'.

기후 변화는 새로운 전염병이 발생하기 쉬운 환경을 조성합니다.

Climate change creates an environment where new infectious diseases are likely to occur.

'조성하다' means 'to create' or 'foster' an environment.

전염병에 대한 대중의 인식 변화가 방역의 성패를 좌우합니다.

Changes in public perception of infectious diseases determine the success or failure of quarantine.

'좌우하다' means 'to dominate' or 'determine'.

역사적으로 전염병은 문명의 흥망성쇠에 깊이 관여해 왔습니다.

Historically, infectious diseases have been deeply involved in the rise and fall of civilizations.

'흥망성쇠' means 'rise and fall' or 'vicissitudes'.

전염병 예방을 위한 국제적인 공조 체계가 절실히 요구됩니다.

An international cooperation system for infectious disease prevention is desperately required.

'절실히' means 'desperately' or 'urgently'.

인수 공통 전염병은 인간과 동물 사이의 경계를 허뭅니다.

Zoonotic infectious diseases break down the boundaries between humans and animals.

'인수 공통' means 'zoonotic' (shared by humans and animals).

전염병의 종식은 단순히 의학적 승리뿐만 아니라 사회적 회복을 의미합니다.

The end of an infectious disease means not just a medical victory but also social recovery.

'단순히 ~뿐만 아니라' means 'not just ~ but also'.

정치적 불안정은 전염병 대응 체계를 무너뜨리는 주요 원인이 됩니다.

Political instability becomes a major cause of the collapse of infectious disease response systems.

'무너뜨리다' is the causative form of 'to collapse'.

전염병의 창궐은 사회 구조의 기저에 깔린 모순을 여과 없이 드러냅니다.

The outbreak of an infectious disease reveals the underlying contradictions of the social structure without filter.

'여과 없이' means 'without filtering' or 'rawly'.

바이러스의 변이 속도는 인류의 전염병 대응 속도를 앞지르고 있습니다.

The mutation rate of viruses is outstripping humanity's infectious disease response speed.

'앞지르다' means 'to overtake' or 'surpass'.

전염병 담론은 종종 타자에 대한 차별과 배제의 기제로 작동하기도 합니다.

Infectious disease discourse often functions as a mechanism for discrimination and exclusion of others.

'기제로 작동하다' means 'to function as a mechanism'.

지속 가능한 보건 체계를 구축하는 것만이 미래의 전염병에 대비하는 길입니다.

Building a sustainable health system is the only way to prepare for future infectious diseases.

'~하는 것만이 ~하는 길이다' is a strong rhetorical structure.

전염병은 국경을 초월하는 문제이므로 범지구적 차원의 접근이 필요합니다.

Since infectious diseases are problems that transcend borders, a global-level approach is necessary.

'초월하다' means 'to transcend' or 'go beyond'.

정보의 전염병이라 불리는 '인포데믹'은 실제 전염병만큼이나 위험할 수 있습니다.

The 'infodemic,' called an infectious disease of information, can be as dangerous as the actual infectious disease.

'~만큼이나' expresses equality in degree or intensity.

전염병의 고통 속에서도 인류는 연대와 희망의 가치를 재발견해 왔습니다.

Even amidst the suffering of infectious diseases, humanity has rediscovered the values of solidarity and hope.

'~ 속에서도' means 'even in the midst of'.

전염병 방역 정책은 과학적 근거와 인권 보호 사이의 절묘한 균형을 찾아야 합니다.

Infectious disease quarantine policy must find an exquisite balance between scientific evidence and human rights protection.

'절묘한 균형' means 'exquisite/perfect balance'.

Common Collocations

전염병이 돌다

전염병에 걸리다

전염병을 예방하다

전염병이 퍼지다

전염병을 차단하다

전염병이 창궐하다

전염병 환자

전염병 퇴치

가축 전염병

전염병의 공포

Common Phrases

전염병 예방 수칙

— Rules or guidelines for preventing infectious diseases. Often seen on posters.

전염병 예방 수칙을 잘 지킵시다.

법정 전염병

— A disease that is legally required to be reported to the government.

콜레라는 제1종 법정 전염병입니다.

수평 전염병

— A disease transmitted between members of the same generation (e.g., friend to friend).

이것은 전형적인 수평 전염병입니다.

수인성 전염병

— Waterborne infectious disease.

여름에는 수인성 전염병을 조심해야 해요.

급성 전염병

— Acute infectious disease that develops quickly.

그는 급성 전염병으로 입원했습니다.

만성 전염병

— Chronic infectious disease that lasts a long time.

결핵은 대표적인 만성 전염병입니다.

전염병 관리

— The management or control of infectious diseases.

전염병 관리는 국가의 책임입니다.

전염병 확산 방지

— Prevention of the spread of infectious diseases.

전염병 확산 방지를 위해 모임을 자제하세요.

전염병 연구소

— Infectious disease research institute.

그는 국립 전염병 연구소에서 일합니다.

전염병 경보

— Infectious disease alert or warning.

정부가 전염병 경보 단계를 높였습니다.

Often Confused With

전염병 vs 질병

질병 is a general term for any disease, while 전염병 specifically refers to contagious ones.

전염병 vs 식중독

Food poisoning is often localized and not always passed person-to-person.

전염병 vs 감기

The common cold is a type of contagious illness, but usually considered too minor to be called '전염병' in formal news unless it's a severe strain.

Idioms & Expressions

"전염병처럼 번지다"

— To spread very rapidly like a plague. Often used for rumors or trends.

그 소문은 전염병처럼 번져 나갔다.

Metaphorical

"역병을 앓다"

— Literally to suffer from a plague, but can mean to go through a very difficult time.

나라는 오랜 기간 역병을 앓는 듯 힘들었다.

Literary

"병 주고 약 주다"

— To give the disease and then the medicine. To cause trouble and then help.

그는 나를 비웃더니 이제 와서 도와주겠다니, 병 주고 약 주는 격이다.

Common

"뿌리 깊은 병"

— A deep-rooted disease. Used for long-standing social problems.

부정부패는 우리 사회의 뿌리 깊은 병이다.

Metaphorical

"마음의 병"

— Sickness of the heart. Refers to mental health or deep sadness.

그녀는 외로움이라는 마음의 병을 앓고 있다.

Poetic

"불치병에 걸리다"

— To catch an incurable disease. Often used in dramas.

주인공이 불치병에 걸리는 설정은 흔하다.

Neutral

"병이 깊어지다"

— For a disease to worsen. Can also mean a problem is getting more serious.

갈등의 병이 깊어져 해결이 어렵다.

Metaphorical

"병을 키우다"

— To make a disease worse by not treating it. To let a problem grow.

걱정만 하고 있으면 병을 키우는 꼴이다.

Common

"고질병"

— A chronic, hard-to-cure disease or a long-standing bad habit.

지각은 그의 고질병이다.

Colloquial

"천형"

— A disease seen as a punishment from heaven (historically used for leprosy).

옛날 사람들은 나병을 천형이라 불렀다.

Archaic

Easily Confused

전염병 vs 감염병

Both mean infectious disease.

감염병 is the legal/medical term; 전염병 is the everyday term.

법적으로는 감염병이라고 부릅니다.

전염병 vs 유행병

Both involve many people getting sick.

유행병 means it is currently spreading (epidemic); 전염병 is the biological type.

그 전염병은 지금 유행병이 되었다.

전염병 vs 역병

Both refer to contagious disease.

역병 is archaic/historical; 전염병 is modern.

사극에서는 전염병을 역병이라고 해요.

전염병 vs 전염성

Looks similar to 전염병.

전염성 is the 'property' of being contagious (noun/adjective), not the disease itself.

이 병은 전염성이 강해요.

전염병 vs 합병증

Related to disease.

합병증 means 'complications' resulting from a primary disease.

전염병보다 합병증이 더 무서워요.

Sentence Patterns

N이/가 무서워요

전염병이 무서워요.

N에 걸리다

전염병에 걸렸어요.

N 때문에 V-지 못하다

전염병 때문에 밖에 나가지 못해요.

N의 확산을 막다

전염병의 확산을 막아야 합니다.

N에 대한 대책을 세우다

신종 전염병에 대한 대책을 세우고 있습니다.

N이/가 창궐하다

전쟁터에 전염병이 창궐하고 있다.

N을/를 예방하다

전염병을 예방합시다.

N이/가 유행하다

요즘 전염병이 유행해요.

Word Family

Nouns

전염 (Contagion)

전염원 (Source of infection)

전염성 (Contagiousness)

전염 경로 (Transmission route)

Verbs

전염되다 (To be infected/transmitted)

전염시키다 (To infect/transmit)

Adjectives

전염성 있는 (Contagious)

전염력이 강한 (Highly infectious)

바이러스 (Virus)

세균 (Bacteria)

백신 (Vaccine)

격리 (Quarantine)

방역 (Disinfection/Quarantine measures)

How to Use It

frequency

Very high during winter months and pandemic periods; moderate otherwise.

Common Mistakes

전염병을 걸리다 → 전염병에 걸리다
The verb '걸리다' requires the particle '에', not '을'.
암은 전염병이다 → 암은 질병이다
Cancer is not contagious, so it cannot be called a '전염병'.
전염병을 하다 → 전염병이 유행하다
You don't 'do' an infectious disease; it 'is prevalent' or 'spreads'.
전염병이 옮기다 → 전염병이 옮다
'옮다' is to catch it; '옮기다' is to give it to someone else. Use the correct one based on the subject.
전염병을 씻다 → 전염병을 예방하다
You don't 'wash' the disease; you 'wash your hands' to 'prevent' it.

Tips

Context Matters

Use '전염병' in general conversation and '감염병' in medical or legal writing.

Particle Choice

Use '에' with '걸리다' (catch) and '을' with '예방하다' (prevent).

Hanja Power

Remember 傳 (Pass) + 染 (Stain) + 病 (Sickness) to never forget the meaning.

Public Responsibility

In Korea, preventing '전염병' is seen as a collective moral duty.

Smooth Transition

Make sure the 'n' in 'jeon' flows directly into the 'y' of 'yeom'.

News Keywords

When you hear '확산' (spread) on the news, '전염병' is likely the subject.

Descriptive Verbs

Use '창궐하다' for a violent outbreak to sound more advanced.

Social Distance

You can say '전염병 때문에 거리를 두다' (Keep distance because of the disease).

Archaic Terms

Learn '역병' to understand historical dramas (Sageuk) better.

Prevention First

The phrase '전염병 예방' is ubiquitous in Korean public health signs.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a 'JEON' (pancake) being 'YEOM' (yummy) but it makes everyone 'BYEONG' (sick) because it's shared. JEON-YEOM-BYEONG.

Visual Association

Visualize a red drop of ink (the disease) falling into a bowl of clear water (the people) and staining (dyeing) everything red.

Word Web

Sickness Contagion Hospital Mask Vaccine Spread Public Health Germs

Challenge

Try to use '전염병' in a sentence that describes why you are staying home today. For example: '전염병이 유행이라서 집에서 공부해요.'

Word Origin

Derived from the Hanja characters 傳 (transmit), 染 (dye/infect), and 病 (disease). It reflects the ancient understanding of disease as something that 'stains' or 'spreads' to others.

Original meaning: A sickness that passes from one person to another, effectively 'coloring' the population with the same ailment.

Sino-Korean (Hanja-based vocabulary).

Cultural Context

Be careful when discussing specific groups or countries as the source of a 전염병, as it can be a sensitive topic related to discrimination.

In English, we often use 'pandemic' or 'outbreak' more specifically, whereas '전염병' is a very broad term used for both.

The movie 'Contagion' (2011) is often discussed in Korea using the word 전염병. The Netflix series 'Kingdom' depicts a zombie '역병' (ancient term for 전염병). Historical records of the 'Gyeongsin Famine' often mention accompanying 전염병.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At the Doctor's Office

이게 전염병인가요?
전염병 예방 주사를 맞고 싶어요.
전염병에 걸린 것 같아요.
어떻게 전염되나요?

Watching the News

전염병이 확산되고 있습니다.
새로운 전염병이 발견되었습니다.
전염병 경보가 발령되었습니다.
전염병 환자가 늘고 있습니다.

In School

전염병 때문에 휴교해요.
친구한테 전염병을 옮겼어요.
학교에서 전염병 교육을 해요.
전염병 조심하라고 선생님이 말씀하셨어요.

At the Airport

전염병 위험 국가를 방문했나요?
전염병 증상이 있나요?
전염병 검역을 받아야 합니다.
전염병 유입을 막아야 합니다.

Historical Discussion

과거의 무서운 전염병들.
전염병이 역사를 바꿨어요.
중세 시대의 전염병.
전염병 퇴치를 위한 노력.

Conversation Starters

"요즘 유행하는 전염병에 대해 들어본 적 있나요?"

"전염병을 예방하기 위해 어떤 노력을 하시나요?"

"가장 무서운 전염병은 무엇이라고 생각하세요?"

"전염병 때문에 생활이 바뀐 적이 있나요?"

"역사 속에서 가장 큰 영향을 미친 전염병은 무엇일까요?"

Journal Prompts

전염병이 유행할 때 내가 느꼈던 감정에 대해 써보세요.

만약 내가 전염병을 연구하는 과학자라면 어떤 일을 하고 싶은가요?

전염병 확산을 막기 위해 우리 사회가 해야 할 일은 무엇일까요?

전염병이 없어진 세상은 어떤 모습일지 상상해 보세요.

마스크를 쓰는 것이 전염병 예방에 얼마나 도움이 된다고 생각하시나요?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, it is used for animals. You can say '가축 전염병' for livestock diseases like foot-and-mouth disease.

In daily life, they are the same. However, '감염병' is the official term used by the Korean government and doctors in formal reports.

You should say '전염병에 걸렸어요'. Don't forget the particle '에'.

No, because cancer is not contagious. Use '질병' or '암' instead.

It can be, as it implies a threat to the whole community, not just one person.

You say '전염병을 예방하다'.

It comes from the Hanja character for 'dye' or 'stain', meaning the disease stains others.

Yes, the flu is a very common type of '전염병'.

Yes, you can say '소문이 전염병처럼 퍼졌다' (The rumor spread like an infectious disease).

The verbs '돌다' (to go around) and '퍼지다' (to spread) are the most common.