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섭취하다

B1 verb #7,000 most common 9 min read

섭취하다

seobchwihada Top 7,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 섭취하다 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 섭취하다 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't really need to use '섭취하다'. You will mostly use the simple word '먹다' (to eat) or '마시다' (to drink). However, you might see this word on the back of a bottle of water or a snack packet in a Korean supermarket. If you see it, just remember it means 'eating' or 'taking in' something for your health. It is a formal way to say 'eat' when talking about vitamins or water. Don't worry about using it in conversation yet; just focus on recognizing it when you see health-related labels. For example, if you see '수분 섭취' on a sports drink, it just means 'taking in water'. This level is about basic recognition of the word in your environment.

At the A2 level, you should begin to recognize that '섭취하다' is used in more 'serious' or 'official' situations than '먹다'. You might encounter it in simple health tips or news headlines. You should know that it is often used with words like '비타민' (vitamin), '물' (water), and '영양' (nutrition). You might use it in a basic sentence if you are talking to a doctor or writing a simple diary entry about your health goals. For instance, '저는 매일 비타민을 섭취해요' (I intake vitamins every day). While '먹어요' is still fine, using '섭취해요' makes you sound a bit more focused on your health. You should also start to notice it in 'should' sentences, like '야채를 많이 섭취해야 해요' (You should intake many vegetables).

At the B1 level, you are expected to use '섭취하다' correctly in appropriate contexts. You should be able to distinguish it from '먹다' (casual eating) and '복용하다' (taking medicine). This is the level where you start talking about nutrition, diet, and fitness in more detail. You should use '섭취하다' when discussing calories, proteins, or specific nutrients. You will hear this word in health documentaries or read it in lifestyle blogs. You should also be comfortable with the noun form '섭취', using it in phrases like '과다 섭취' (excessive intake) or '충분한 섭취' (sufficient intake). This word is essential for B1 learners who want to discuss 'well-being' and personal health management in a natural, intermediate way.

At the B2 level, you should have a firm grasp of the formal and technical nuances of '섭취하다'. You should use it fluently when discussing public health issues, scientific findings, or detailed nutritional plans. You should understand how it fits into the broader vocabulary of biology, such as the difference between '섭취' (intake) and '흡수' (absorption). You should also be able to understand and use the word in passive or formal written structures, such as '영양소가 체내로 섭취되다' (nutrients are intaken into the body). At this level, you should be able to read news articles about food safety or health regulations where this word appears frequently and understand the implications of the data presented regarding 'daily intake' (일일 섭취량).

At the C1 level, '섭취하다' is a basic part of your professional and academic vocabulary. You should be able to use it in complex discussions about physiology, dietetics, or social policy. You might use it to discuss the 'socio-economic factors affecting nutritional intake' or 'the biological mechanisms of nutrient ingestion'. You should be aware of the Hanja roots (攝取) and how they relate to other words. You can use the word to create sophisticated arguments in formal debates or academic papers. You should also recognize the word in literature or high-level journalism where it might be used to describe the 'intake' of information or experiences in a metaphorical, though less common, way. Your usage should be precise, never confusing it with '복용하다' or '식사하다'.

At the C2 level, your mastery of '섭취하다' is indistinguishable from a native speaker with a high level of education. You understand the most subtle connotations of the word, including its use in highly specialized medical or biochemical contexts. You can effortlessly switch between '섭취하다' and its synonyms to match the exact register and tone of your discourse. You are familiar with historical or rare usages and can interpret the word in any context, whether it's a government white paper on national health or a complex scientific study on metabolic rates. You use the word with perfect grammatical precision, often integrating it into complex clausal structures and using it to define precise biological boundaries. The word is not just a vocabulary item to you, but a tool for precise scientific and formal communication.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

섭취하다 in 30 Seconds

섭취하다 is a formal verb meaning 'to intake' or 'to ingest' nutrients, water, or calories into the body.
It is primarily used in medical, health, and nutritional contexts rather than casual social dining situations.
Commonly paired with objects like vitamins, protein, moisture, and minerals to describe biological consumption.
It differs from '먹다' (casual eating) and '복용하다' (taking medicine), focusing on the substance's nutritional role.

The Korean verb 섭취하다 (seopchihada) is a sophisticated Sino-Korean term that translates most accurately to 'to intake,' 'to ingest,' or 'to consume' in a physiological or nutritional context. While the common word 먹다 (meokda) is used for the everyday act of eating a meal or a snack, 섭취하다 is specifically reserved for the biological process of bringing substances—usually nutrients, water, or medicine—into the body for the purpose of health, growth, or survival. It is a word you will encounter frequently in medical reports, health documentaries, fitness blogs, and on the back of food packaging. It carries a clinical and formal nuance, suggesting a focus on the components of what is being consumed rather than the pleasure of eating itself.

Scientific Context: In biological and medical settings, this word describes the first stage of nutrition. It refers to the physical act of taking in solids or liquids through the mouth. For example, a doctor might ask about your daily water intake using this term because it sounds more professional and precise than asking 'how much do you drink?'
Nutritional Context: When discussing vitamins, minerals, or calories, 섭취하다 is the standard choice. You don't just 'eat' calories in a formal discussion; you 'intake' them. It implies a conscious management of one's diet and health requirements.
Formal Reporting: News reports regarding food safety or public health trends almost exclusively use this term. For instance, a report on the dangers of excessive salt consumption will use '나트륨 과다 섭취' (excessive sodium intake) rather than casual phrasing.

건강을 위해서 매일 충분한 수분을 섭취해야 합니다.
Translation: For your health, you must intake sufficient moisture (water) every day.

The word is composed of two Hanja characters: 攝 (섭) meaning 'to take in' or 'to manage,' and 取 (취) meaning 'to take' or 'to choose.' Together, they form a concept of 'taking in' something purposefully. This is why the word is often paired with specific nouns like 영양분 (nutrients), 칼로리 (calories), 비타민 (vitamins), and 수분 (moisture/water). In modern Korean society, which is highly health-conscious, you will see this word in almost every advertisement for health supplements or functional foods. Understanding this word allows you to navigate the world of Korean wellness and medicine with the precision of a native speaker.

비타민 C는 과일을 통해 섭취하는 것이 가장 좋습니다.
Translation: It is best to intake Vitamin C through fruit.

Furthermore, the word is used in academic research and government guidelines. The 'Daily Recommended Intake' is known as 일일 권장 섭취량. This phrase is ubiquitous on the back of any food product sold in Korea. When you see a percentage next to a nutrient name on a label, it is referring to how much of your 섭취량 that serving provides. By mastering this word, you move beyond basic survival Korean and enter the realm of professional and technical literacy, enabling you to understand health advice and formal documentation clearly.

Using 섭취하다 correctly involves understanding its grammatical placement and the types of nouns it typically governs. As an active verb, it follows the standard [Subject] [Object] + 을/를 [Verb] pattern. However, because it is a formal word, it is almost always used with formal or polite endings like -ㅂ니다/습니다 or -아요/어요 in professional settings. You will rarely see it in the low-polite 해 style unless it's in a written health guide meant to be direct.

Common Object Pairings: The most common objects for this verb are abstract biological components. These include 영양소 (nutrients), 단백질 (protein), 지방 (fat), 탄수화물 (carbohydrates), and 염분 (salt/sodium). Using these specific nouns with 먹다 is possible but sounds less scientific than using 섭취하다.
Passive and Descriptive Forms: The noun form 섭취 is frequently used to describe the act itself. For example, 섭취량 (intake amount) or 섭취 방법 (method of intake). You might also see the passive-leaning structure 섭취되다 when describing how nutrients are taken into the body by a system.

운동 후에는 단백질을 섭취하는 것이 근육 회복에 도움이 됩니다.
Translation: Intaking protein after exercise helps with muscle recovery.

When constructing sentences, pay attention to the source of the intake. Often, the particle -를 통해 (through/via) is used to indicate how the substance entered the body. For instance, 'intaking vitamins through vegetables' would be '채소를 통해 비타민을 섭취하다.' This adds a layer of sophistication to your Korean that simple particles like -로 might not provide. Additionally, the verb is often used in the 'should/must' form (-아야/어야 하다) because it appears so frequently in advice and instructions.

In academic writing, you will see the word used to quantify data. 'The subjects took in 2000 calories' becomes '피실험자들은 2000칼로리를 섭취했다.' Notice the use of the plain past tense -했다, which is standard for written reports. If you are writing a health journal or a formal essay about diet, this is the tense and style you should aim for. It demonstrates a high level of vocabulary control and an understanding of Korean register. By practicing these patterns, you will be able to discuss complex health topics with ease and accuracy.

You are most likely to hear 섭취하다 in environments where health, science, and official information intersect. It is not a word of the 'street,' but rather a word of the 'institution.' Knowing where to expect it will help you switch your listening focus to a more formal register. It is a key term for anyone living in Korea who needs to interact with the healthcare system or who is interested in the booming Korean wellness industry.

At the Pharmacy (약국): When a pharmacist explains how to take a supplement, they might use 섭취하다. While they use 복용하다 for medicine, for vitamins and nutrients, 섭취 is the preferred term. They might say, '식사 후에 섭취하세요' (Please intake this after a meal).
On Television Health Programs: Korea has many 'infotainment' shows dedicated to health (like 'Vitamin' or 'The Secrets of Birth, Aging, Sickness, and Death'). On these shows, doctors and experts use 섭취하다 constantly to discuss the benefits of certain foods or the dangers of certain additives.
At the Gym or with a Trainer: Personal trainers often talk about 'macronutrient intake.' They will advise you on how much protein you need to 섭취 to build muscle. This makes the advice feel more professional and scientifically grounded.

이 제품은 하루에 두 번, 물과 함께 섭취하십시오.
Translation: Please intake this product twice a day with water. (Found on supplement labels)

In a broader cultural sense, the word reflects the Korean emphasis on 'Well-being' (웰빙), a trend that has dominated the country for decades. This trend focuses on high-quality food, exercise, and mental health. In this context, 섭취하다 is used to distinguish 'mindful consumption' from 'mindless eating.' When you hear this word, the speaker is usually emphasizing the quality and the purpose of the food. It is also used in schools during health education classes to teach children about balanced diets (균형 잡힌 영양 섭취). Therefore, hearing this word signals that the conversation has moved from casual hunger to a discussion about bodily maintenance and long-term health.

While 섭취하다 is a useful word, its formal nature makes it prone to misuse by learners who might apply it in the wrong social context or confuse it with related terms. Because English often uses 'take' for both medicine and nutrients, learners often struggle with the specific boundaries between Korean verbs of consumption. Understanding these nuances is key to sounding natural and avoiding social awkwardness.

Mistake 1: Using it for Medicine: The most common error is using 섭취하다 for prescription medication. In Korean, the specific verb for taking medicine is 복용하다 (bokyonghada). While medicine is technically 'intaken,' using 섭취 for a headache pill sounds like you are treating the pill as a snack or a nutrient. Always use 복용하다 for medicine and 섭취하다 for nutrients and food components.
Mistake 2: Social Over-formality: As mentioned before, using this word in a casual setting like a restaurant is a mistake. If you say '저는 지금 피자를 섭취하고 있어요' (I am currently intaking pizza) to a friend, they will likely laugh because it sounds like a robot trying to act human. For social eating, use 먹다 or the polite 드시다.
Mistake 3: Confusing with 'Absorb' (흡수하다): Learners sometimes confuse 'intake' with 'absorption.' 섭취하다 is the act of putting it in your mouth and swallowing. 흡수하다 (heupsuhada) is what the body does later in the intestines. You 'intake' vitamins so that your body can 'absorb' them.

Incorrect: 감기약을 섭취했어요.
Correct: 감기약을 복용했어요.
Explanation: Use '복용하다' for medicine, not '섭취하다'.

Another subtle mistake is the incorrect use of particles. Because 섭취하다 is a 'Hada' verb derived from a noun, the noun form 섭취 is often used in compound nouns. Learners might try to say '비타민의 섭취' (intake of vitamins) using the possessive particle 의, which is grammatically correct but often sounds clunky. Native speakers prefer '비타민 섭취' as a compound noun or '비타민을 섭취함' as a gerund. Paying attention to these small stylistic choices will elevate your Korean from 'understandable' to 'natural.'

To truly master 섭취하다, you must see where it sits in the constellation of Korean consumption verbs. Korean has a very high 'lexical density' for eating and drinking, meaning there are many specific words for actions that English might cover with just one or two verbs. Choosing the right one depends entirely on the object being consumed and the formality of the situation.

섭취하다 vs. 먹다: 먹다 is the universal, everyday word for eating. It is used for meals, snacks, and even metaphorical things (like 'eating age' or 'eating a scary thought'). 섭취하다 is limited to the physical, nutritional intake of substances. You 'eat' a burger, but you 'intake' the protein in that burger.
섭취하다 vs. 복용하다: This is the most critical distinction for learners. 복용하다 (服用--) is strictly for medicine (약). If it comes from a doctor or a pharmacy to treat an illness, use 복용하다. If it is a nutrient, supplement, or food, use 섭취하다.
섭취하다 vs. 마시다: 마시다 means to drink. While you 'drink' water, in a medical context, you 'intake moisture' (수분을 섭취하다). 마시다 focuses on the action of swallowing liquid, while 섭취하다 focuses on the liquid entering the body's system.
섭취하다 vs. 흡수하다: 흡수하다 (吸收--) means 'to absorb.' This is the biological process that happens *after* intake. Nutrients are first 섭취 (taken in) and then 흡수 (absorbed) by the blood or cells. You cannot 'intake' something into your cells; you absorb it.

Word	Category	Best For...
먹다	General	Daily meals, snacks
섭취하다	Technical	Nutrients, water, calories
복용하다	Medical	Prescribed medicine
흡수하다	Biological	Internal processing

By choosing the correct alternative, you show that you understand not just the meaning of the words, but the cultural and professional context in which they operate. A person who uses 섭취하다 in a gym and 복용하다 at a hospital sounds like a highly educated speaker. This distinction is one of the hallmarks of reaching the B1 and B2 levels of Korean proficiency, where nuance becomes just as important as basic communication.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character 攝 (섭) is also found in the word '섭씨' (Celsius), which is the Chinese transcription of the name Anders Celsius. In '섭취', however, it retains its meaning of 'taking in'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /sʌp.tɕʰi.ɦa.da/

US /sʌp.tʃi.hɑ.dɑ/

The primary stress is on the first syllable 'SEOP', with a secondary stress on the third syllable 'HA'.

Rhymes With

성취하다 (seongchwihada - to achieve) 채취하다 (chaechwihada - to collect) 청취하다 (cheongchwihada - to listen) 탈취하다 (talchwihada - to snatch) 쟁취하다 (jaengchwihada - to win) 진취하다 (jinchwihada - to go forward) 착취하다 (chakchwihada - to exploit) 취하다 (chwihada - to take/get drunk)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'seop' as 'soap'. It should be a more open vowel.
Over-emphasizing the 'p'. It is a silent/unreleased stop in Korean.
Pronouncing 'chwi' as 'choo-ee'. It should be one fluid syllable.
Forgetting the 'h' sound in 'hada'. It's light but necessary.
Confusing the pitch with 'seop-seop-hada' (to be disappointed).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize on labels but requires knowing Hanja-based vocabulary.

Writing 4/5

Requires understanding the distinction between '먹다' and '복용하다' to use correctly.

Speaking 4/5

Can sound unnatural if used in the wrong social context.

Listening 3/5

Common in news and health programs, usually pronounced clearly.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

먹다 마시다 영양 몸 건강

Learn Next

복용하다 흡수하다 소화하다 배설하다 영양소

Advanced

대사 (Metabolism) 결핍 (Deficiency) 과잉 (Excess) 항산화 (Antioxidant) 합성 (Synthesis)

Grammar to Know

-(으)려고 노력하다 (To try to do something)

채소를 많이 섭취하려고 노력해요.

-아야/어야 하다 (Must/Should do something)

물을 충분히 섭취해야 합니다.

-는 것이 좋다 (It is good to...)

비타민을 매일 섭취하는 것이 좋습니다.

-를 통해 (Through/Via)

과일을 통해 비타민을 섭취해요.

-기 위해(서) (In order to...)

건강을 유지하기 위해서 영양을 골고루 섭취해야 해요.

Examples by Level

물을 많이 섭취하세요.

Please intake a lot of water.

섭취하세요 is the polite 'please' form of 섭취하다.

비타민을 섭취해요.

I intake vitamins.

비타민 (vitamin) is the object, marked by 을.

과일을 섭취하면 좋아요.

It's good if you intake fruit.

-면 좋아요 means 'it is good if...'.

우유를 섭취해요.

I intake milk.

우유 (milk) is the object.

매일 물을 섭취해요.

I intake water every day.

매일 means 'every day'.

영양을 섭취해요.

I intake nutrition.

영양 means nutrition.

채소를 섭취하세요.

Please intake vegetables.

채소 means vegetables.

음식을 섭취해요.

I intake food.

음식 is the general word for food.

건강을 위해 채소를 많이 섭취해야 해요.

For your health, you must intake many vegetables.

-아야/어야 해요 expresses obligation (must/should).

하루에 물 2리터를 섭취하는 것이 좋습니다.

It is good to intake 2 liters of water a day.

-는 것이 좋다 means 'it is good to...'.

비타민 C를 어떻게 섭취해요?

How do you intake Vitamin C?

어떻게 means 'how'.

아침마다 과일을 섭취하려고 노력해요.

I try to intake fruit every morning.

-(으)려고 노력하다 means 'to try to do something'.

소금을 너무 많이 섭취하지 마세요.

Don't intake too much salt.

-지 마세요 means 'don't do...'

아이들은 우유를 충분히 섭취해야 합니다.

Children must intake milk sufficiently.

충분히 is an adverb meaning 'sufficiently'.

운동할 때 수분을 섭취하는 게 중요해요.

It is important to intake moisture (water) when exercising.

-는 게 중요해요 is a contraction of -는 것이 중요해요.

설탕 섭취를 줄이고 있어요.

I am reducing my sugar intake.

설탕 섭취 is a compound noun (sugar intake).

균형 잡힌 영양 섭취가 성장에 중요합니다.

Balanced nutritional intake is important for growth.

균형 잡힌 means 'balanced'.

카페인을 과다 섭취하면 잠이 안 올 수 있어요.

If you intake too much caffeine, you might not be able to sleep.

과다 섭취 means 'excessive intake'.

이 음식은 단백질을 섭취하기에 아주 좋습니다.

This food is very good for intaking protein.

-기에 좋다 means 'good for (doing something)'.

의사는 나에게 칼슘 섭취를 권장했다.

The doctor recommended calcium intake to me.

권장하다 means 'to recommend'.

식물을 통해 영양분을 섭취하는 동물들이 많습니다.

There are many animals that intake nutrients through plants.

-를 통해 means 'through' or 'via'.

규칙적인 수분 섭취는 피부 건강에 도움이 됩니다.

Regular water intake helps skin health.

규칙적인 means 'regular'.

우리는 음식을 통해 에너지를 섭취합니다.

We intake energy through food.

에너지 (energy) is the object.

가공식품을 통해 나트륨을 많이 섭취하게 됩니다.

We end up intaking a lot of sodium through processed foods.

-게 되다 indicates a result or a change of state.

임산부는 엽산을 충분히 섭취하는 것이 필수적입니다.

It is essential for pregnant women to intake sufficient folic acid.

필수적이다 means 'to be essential'.

지나친 알코올 섭취는 간 건강을 해칠 수 있습니다.

Excessive alcohol intake can damage liver health.

해치다 means 'to damage' or 'to harm'.

전문가들은 일일 칼로리 섭취량을 조절하라고 조언합니다.

Experts advise adjusting the daily calorie intake.

조절하다 means 'to adjust' or 'to regulate'.

영양소를 골고루 섭취하는 식단이 필요합니다.

A diet that intakes nutrients evenly is necessary.

골고루 means 'evenly' or 'in balanced proportions'.

물은 한꺼번에 마시기보다 조금씩 자주 섭취하는 것이 좋습니다.

It is better to intake water frequently in small amounts rather than drinking it all at once.

-보다 indicates comparison (rather than).

현대인들은 식이섬유 섭취가 부족한 경우가 많습니다.

Modern people often lack dietary fiber intake.

부족하다 means 'to be lacking' or 'to be insufficient'.

운동 선수는 일반인보다 더 많은 단백질을 섭취해야 합니다.

Athletes must intake more protein than average people.

일반인 means 'average person' or 'the public'.

특정 영양소의 과잉 섭취는 부작용을 일으킬 수 있습니다.

Excessive intake of certain nutrients can cause side effects.

부작용 means 'side effect'.

고령층의 경우 단백질 섭취 부족이 근감소증으로 이어질 수 있다.

In the case of the elderly, insufficient protein intake can lead to sarcopenia.

-로 이어지다 means 'to lead to' or 'to result in'.

연구에 따르면 카페인 섭취가 집중력 향상에 기여한다고 한다.

According to research, caffeine intake contributes to improving concentration.

기여하다 means 'to contribute'.

식품 첨가물의 장기적인 섭취가 인체에 미치는 영향은 아직 연구 중이다.

The impact of long-term intake of food additives on the human body is still under study.

-에 미치는 영향 means 'the influence/impact on...'.

대기 오염 물질의 호흡기 섭취를 최소화하기 위해 마스크를 착용해야 한다.

Masks must be worn to minimize the respiratory intake of air pollutants.

최소화하다 means 'to minimize'.

영양제는 식품을 통한 자연스러운 섭취를 대체할 수 없습니다.

Supplements cannot replace natural intake through food.

대체하다 means 'to replace' or 'to substitute'.

체내에 수은이 섭취되지 않도록 주의가 필요합니다.

Caution is needed to ensure that mercury is not intaken into the body.

-지 않도록 주의하다 means 'take care so that [something] doesn't happen'.

비타민 D는 햇빛을 통해서도 합성되지만, 식품으로도 섭취가 가능합니다.

Vitamin D is synthesized through sunlight, but intake through food is also possible.

합성되다 means 'to be synthesized'.

개별 영양소의 섭취보다는 전체적인 식습관이 건강에 더 큰 영향을 미친다.

Overall eating habits have a greater impact on health than the intake of individual nutrients.

식습관 means 'eating habits'.

본 연구는 청소년기의 불균형한 영양 섭취가 성인기 대사 증후군에 미치는 상관관계를 분석하였다.

This study analyzed the correlation between unbalanced nutritional intake in adolescence and metabolic syndrome in adulthood.

상관관계 means 'correlation'.

미세 플라스틱의 경구 섭취가 장내 미생물 생태계에 미치는 잠재적 위해성을 경고하고 있다.

It warns of the potential hazards that oral intake of microplastics has on the gut microbial ecosystem.

위해성 means 'hazard' or 'risk'.

필수 아미노산의 적절한 섭취는 체내 단백질 합성을 최적화하는 데 결정적인 역할을 한다.

Proper intake of essential amino acids plays a decisive role in optimizing protein synthesis in the body.

결정적인 역할 means 'decisive role'.

특정 약물과 식품 간의 상호작용으로 인해 영양소의 섭취 효율이 저하될 수 있다.

Nutrient intake efficiency may be reduced due to interactions between specific drugs and foods.

저하되다 means 'to be lowered' or 'to deteriorate'.

정부는 국민 영양 관리법에 의거하여 일일 영양소 섭취 기준을 정기적으로 개정한다.

The government periodically revises the daily nutrient intake standards based on the National Nutrition Management Act.

-에 의거하여 means 'based on' or 'in accordance with'.

항산화 물질의 섭취가 산화 스트레스로 인한 세포 손상을 억제하는 기전에 관한 논문이다.

This is a paper on the mechanism by which the intake of antioxidants inhibits cell damage caused by oxidative stress.

억제하다 means 'to inhibit' or 'to suppress'.

급격한 탄수화물 섭취는 인슐린 분비를 촉진하여 혈당 수치의 급변을 야기할 수 있다.

Rapid carbohydrate intake can promote insulin secretion and cause sudden changes in blood sugar levels.

야기하다 means 'to cause' or 'to bring about'.

영양 결핍 상태에서의 무분별한 고칼로리 섭취는 재급식 증후군과 같은 심각한 부작용을 초래할 수 있다.

Indiscriminate high-calorie intake in a state of nutritional deficiency can lead to serious side effects such as refeeding syndrome.

초래하다 means 'to lead to' or 'to result in (negative outcome)'.

Synonyms

먹다 마시다 복용하다 들이키다

Antonyms

배설하다 배출하다

Common Collocations

영양분을 섭취하다

수분을 섭취하다

칼로리를 섭취하다

비타민을 섭취하다

단백질을 섭취하다

과다 섭취하다

충분히 섭취하다

직접 섭취하다

음식물을 섭취하다

골고루 섭취하다

Common Phrases

일일 권장 섭취량

— Daily recommended intake. This is the official amount of a nutrient you should have per day.

이 음료는 비타민 C 일일 권장 섭취량의 50%를 포함하고 있습니다.

과다 섭취 주의

— Caution against excessive intake. Often seen as a warning on supplement bottles.

카페인 과다 섭취 주의 문구가 적혀 있습니다.

균형 잡힌 섭취

— Balanced intake. Refers to eating a variety of nutrients in the right proportions.

균형 잡힌 영양 섭취가 건강의 비결입니다.

수분 섭취 부족

— Lack of water intake. A common medical diagnosis for dehydration symptoms.

두통의 원인이 수분 섭취 부족일 수도 있습니다.

정기적인 섭취

— Regular intake. Consuming something at set intervals for health benefits.

유산균의 정기적인 섭취는 장 건강에 좋습니다.

영양소 섭취

— Nutrient intake. The broad act of getting vitamins and minerals from food.

아이들의 영양소 섭취에 신경을 써야 합니다.

염분 섭취 조절

— Regulating salt intake. Common advice for people with high blood pressure.

고혈압 환자는 염분 섭취 조절이 필요합니다.

칼슘 섭취

— Calcium intake. Crucial for bone health.

멸치는 칼슘 섭취에 아주 좋은 식품입니다.

단백질 섭취량

— Protein intake amount. A specific measurement used in fitness.

자신의 체중에 맞는 단백질 섭취량을 계산해 보세요.

식품을 통한 섭취

— Intake through food. Often contrasted with taking pills or supplements.

영양제보다는 식품을 통한 섭취가 더 바람직합니다.

Often Confused With

섭취하다 vs 복용하다

Specifically for medicine. Using 섭취하다 for medicine sounds like you're eating it for nutrition.

섭취하다 vs 흡수하다

Absorption happens after intake. You intake (섭취) into the mouth, the body absorbs (흡수) into the blood.

섭취하다 vs 식사하다

Refers to the social act of having a meal, not the biological act of intake.

Idioms & Expressions

"영양분을 섭취하다"

— To take in nutrients. While literal, it's used as a set phrase for self-care.

지친 몸에 영양분을 섭취해 주어야 해요.

Neutral

"지식을 섭취하다"

— To intake knowledge. A metaphorical use meaning to learn or read voraciously.

그는 책을 통해 끊임없이 지식을 섭취한다.

Literary

"문화를 섭취하다"

— To intake culture. Meaning to experience and absorb various cultural elements.

다양한 문화를 섭취하며 시야를 넓혔다.

Literary

"에너지를 섭취하다"

— To intake energy. Often used to mean taking a break or eating to recharge.

잠시 쉬면서 에너지를 섭취합시다.

Casual-Professional

"산소를 섭취하다"

— To intake oxygen. A technical way to say 'breathe' in physiological contexts.

세포는 산소를 섭취하여 활동한다.

Scientific

"수분을 충분히 섭취하다"

— To take in enough water. A standard health mantra in Korea.

여름철에는 수분을 충분히 섭취하는 것이 상책이다.

Common

"정보를 섭취하다"

— To intake information. Used when talking about consuming media or news.

우리는 매일 너무 많은 정보를 섭취하며 산다.

Journalistic

"독소를 섭취하다"

— To intake toxins. Used as a warning against bad food or environments.

나쁜 공기를 마시는 것도 독소를 섭취하는 것과 같다.

Health-conscious

"칼로리 섭취를 제한하다"

— To limit calorie intake. The formal way to say 'go on a diet'.

체중 감량을 위해 칼로리 섭취를 제한하고 있다.

Formal

"골고루 영양을 섭취하다"

— To intake nutrition evenly. A classic parenting and health phrase.

편식하지 말고 골고루 영양을 섭취해야지.

Parental/Educational

Easily Confused

섭취하다 vs 복용하다

Both mean 'to take in' something through the mouth.

복용하다 is only for medicine (약을 복용하다). 섭취하다 is for nutrients, food, and water (영양소를 섭취하다).

약을 복용하고, 물을 섭취하세요. (Take your medicine and intake water.)

섭취하다 vs 흡수하다

Both relate to getting things into the body.

섭취하다 is the act of eating/drinking. 흡수하다 is the physiological process of the body taking those things into the cells/bloodstream.

비타민을 섭취하면 몸에 흡수됩니다. (If you intake vitamins, they are absorbed into the body.)

섭취하다 vs 소화하다

Both are part of the eating process.

소화하다 means 'to digest.' It's the process of breaking down what you have already intaken (섭취).

섭취한 음식을 잘 소화시켜야 해요. (You must digest the intaken food well.)

섭취하다 vs 마시다

Both can apply to liquids like water.

마시다 is the simple action of drinking. 섭취하다 is the formal term for the intake of moisture/liquid for health.

물을 마시는 것은 수분 섭취에 필수적입니다. (Drinking water is essential for moisture intake.)

섭취하다 vs 취하다

The second character is the same (取).

취하다 is a general word for 'taking' or 'getting.' 섭취하다 is specifically for biological intake. 취하다 is also used for getting drunk.

영양을 취하다 (take nutrition) vs 술에 취하다 (get drunk).

Sentence Patterns

[Noun]을/를 많이 섭취하세요.

물을 많이 섭취하세요.

[Noun]을/를 통해 [Nutrient]을/를 섭취하다.

채소를 통해 비타민을 섭취해요.

[Noun] 섭취를 줄여야 해요.

소금 섭취를 줄여야 해요.

일일 [Noun] 섭취 권장량은 ...입니다.

일일 물 섭취 권장량은 2리터입니다.

균형 잡힌 [Noun] 섭취가 중요합니다.

균형 잡힌 영양 섭취가 중요합니다.

[Noun]의 과다 섭취는 [Health Problem]을/를 유발할 수 있다.

당분의 과다 섭취는 비만을 유발할 수 있다.

[Noun] 섭취 부족으로 인해 ...

수분 섭취 부족으로 인해 두통이 생겼다.

[Noun] 섭취가 [Biological Process]에 미치는 영향.

카페인 섭취가 수면 구조에 미치는 영향.

Word Family

Nouns

섭취 (seopchi) - intake/ingestion

섭취량 (seopchiryang) - intake amount

섭취원 (seopchiwon) - source of intake

과다섭취 (gwadaseopchi) - overconsumption

불충분섭취 (bulchungbunseopchi) - insufficient intake

Verbs

섭취되다 (seopchidoeda) - to be intaken/ingested (passive)

섭취시키다 (seopchisikida) - to make someone intake something

Adjectives

섭취 가능한 (seopchi ganeunghan) - ingestible/edible

먹다 (meokda) - to eat

복용하다 (bokyonghada) - to take medicine

흡수하다 (heupsuhada) - to absorb

소화하다 (sohwahada) - to digest

배설하다 (baeseolhada) - to excrete

How to Use It

frequency

High in health, medical, and scientific contexts; low in daily social contexts.

Common Mistakes

Using '섭취하다' for medicine (e.g., 타이레놀을 섭취했어요). → 타이레놀을 복용했어요.
Medicine requires '복용하다'. '섭취하다' is for food and nutrients.
Using '섭취하다' casually with friends (e.g., 우리 피자 섭취하자!). → 우리 피자 먹자!
'섭취하다' is too formal/technical for a casual meal. It sounds like you're performing a scientific experiment on the pizza.
Confusing '섭취' with '흡수' (e.g., 몸이 비타민을 섭취해요). → 몸이 비타민을 흡수해요.
The body (cells/blood) absorbs (흡수) nutrients. The person intakes (섭취) the food.
Forgetting the object particle (e.g., 물 섭취해요). → 물을 섭취해요.
Because it's a formal verb, it's better to keep the object particle '을/를' for grammatical clarity.
Using '섭취하다' for air/breathing in general conversation. → 공기를 마시다 / 호흡하다.
While '산소 섭취' (oxygen intake) is used in science, for normal breathing, use '숨을 쉬다' or '공기를 마시다'.

Tips

Use with Nutrients

Always use '섭취하다' when the object is a nutrient name like 단백질 (protein), 지방 (fat), or 칼슘 (calcium). It sounds much more natural and professional than using '먹다'.

Medical Settings

If you are at a hospital in Korea, use '섭취하다' to describe your diet or water habits to the doctor. It shows you have a high level of Korean and helps you communicate your health concerns precisely.

Avoid for Pills

Remember the golden rule: Pills for illness = 복용하다. Pills for health (vitamins) = 섭취하다. This is a common test question in TOPIK and a marker of a good speaker.

Noun Compounds

You can create many useful nouns by adding '섭취' to other words. '수분 섭취' (water intake), '영양 섭취' (nutrient intake), and '칼로리 섭취' (calorie intake) are the most common ones you'll hear.

Formal Endings

Since '섭취하다' is a formal word, it's best to use it with formal sentence endings like '-습니다' or the polite '-아요/어요' to keep the tone consistent.

Listen for the 'P'

In the syllable '섭' (seop), the 'p' is unreleased. This means your lips close to make the 'p' sound, but you don't release a puff of air. Practice this to sound more native.

Check Food Labels

Next time you have a Korean snack or drink, look for the '영양정보' (Nutrition Facts) section. You will almost certainly find the word '섭취' there. It's great real-world practice.

Well-being Culture

Korea's 'Well-being' trend makes this word very popular. Even in TV commercials for juice or yogurt, you'll hear '섭취' used to emphasize how healthy the product is.

Sop and Chew

If you forget the word, think 'Sop' (as in soup) and 'Chew'. Sop-Chew... Seop-Chwi! It's a quick way to trigger your memory for 'intake'.

Intake vs. Eat

Think of '섭취하다' as 'fueling' the body rather than 'enjoying' a meal. If you're talking about fuel (nutrients), use '섭취하다'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'SEOP' as 'SOP' (like mopping up liquid) and 'CHWI' as 'CHEW'. You 'SOP' up and 'CHEW' to 'INTAKE' (섭취) your nutrients.

Visual Association

Imagine a funnel going into a person's mouth, with labels like 'Vitamins' and 'Minerals' being poured in. The funnel is labeled '섭취'.

Word Web

Nutrition Health Vitamins Water Doctor Label Body Energy

Challenge

Try to find three items in your kitchen that have the word '섭취' on their labels. Usually, it's under the 'Nutrition Facts' section.

Word Origin

Derived from Sino-Korean characters: 攝 (섭) and 取 (취).

Original meaning: 攝 (섭) originally means 'to pull together' or 'to manage/act for'. 取 (취) means 'to take' or 'to seize'. Together, they imply the purposeful taking in of something.

Sino-Korean (Hanja-based)

Cultural Context

There are no major sensitivities, but avoid using it casually to avoid sounding pretentious or robotic.

In English, we often just say 'take' (take vitamins, take water). 'Intake' or 'ingest' sounds very formal. In Korean, '섭취하다' is used more often than 'ingest' is used in English.

Vitamin (KBS TV show) - Frequently uses '섭취' to discuss health tips. The Secrets of Birth, Aging, Sickness, and Death (KBS Documentary) - A staple of Korean health education that uses '섭취' clinically. National Nutrition Management Act (Korea) - The legal document defining intake standards.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Medical/Doctor's Office

수분을 많이 섭취하세요.
영양 섭취가 부족합니다.
염분 섭취를 줄여야 합니다.
어떤 영양제를 섭취하고 계신가요?

Gym/Fitness Center

단백질 섭취가 필요합니다.
운동 직후에 섭취하세요.
칼로리 섭취량을 확인하세요.
보충제를 어떻게 섭취하나요?

Pharmacy/Health Supplement Store

식사 중간에 섭취하세요.
물 없이 섭취 가능합니다.
일일 섭취량을 지켜주세요.
임산부도 섭취할 수 있나요?

School/Health Education

골고루 섭취하는 습관을 기르자.
채소 섭취의 중요성.
불량식품 섭취를 자제하자.
우유를 매일 섭취해요.

Cooking/Nutrition Blog

이 요리를 통해 철분을 섭취할 수 있어요.
영양소 파괴 없이 섭취하는 법.
생으로 섭취하는 것이 좋습니다.
효과적인 섭취 방법.

Conversation Starters

"평소에 영양제를 따로 섭취하시는 게 있나요? (Do you take any supplements normally?)"

"건강을 위해서 특별히 더 섭취하려고 노력하는 음식이 있어요? (Is there any food you try to intake more for your health?)"

"하루에 물을 어느 정도나 섭취하세요? (How much water do you intake a day?)"

"단백질 섭취를 위해 주로 무엇을 드시나요? (What do you mainly eat for protein intake?)"

"비타민 섭취가 부족할 때 어떤 증상이 나타나나요? (What symptoms appear when your vitamin intake is insufficient?)"

Journal Prompts

오늘 내가 섭취한 영양소들에 대해 적어보세요. (Write about the nutrients you intaked today.)

나의 수분 섭취 습관을 어떻게 개선할 수 있을까요? (How can I improve my water intake habits?)

가장 좋아하는 '건강한' 섭취원은 무엇인가요? (What is your favorite 'healthy' source of intake?)

과다 섭취를 피해야 할 음식 리스트를 만들어 보세요. (Make a list of foods for which you should avoid excessive intake.)

영양 섭취가 나의 기분에 미치는 영향에 대해 생각해보세요. (Think about the impact of nutritional intake on your mood.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Generally, no. For prescription or over-the-counter medicine, you should use '복용하다' (bokyonghada). '섭취하다' is reserved for food, water, and nutritional supplements like vitamins. Using '섭취하다' for a headache pill would sound very strange to a native speaker.

Yes, much more formal. '먹다' is the common word for 'to eat.' '섭취하다' is a technical term like 'to ingest' or 'to intake.' You use '먹다' when talking to friends about lunch, and '섭취하다' when talking to a doctor about your nutrition or reading a health report.

'수분 섭취' (moisture/water intake) is used in formal advice, news, or medical contexts. For example, '여름철 수분 섭취가 중요합니다' (Water intake is important in summer). '물 마시기' (drinking water) is used in daily conversation, like '물 마시러 가요' (Let's go drink some water).

No, it doesn't imply quantity by itself. It just describes the act. However, it is often paired with words like '과다' (excessive) or '충분한' (sufficient) to specify the amount being taken in.

Yes, it is very common in biology to describe the feeding habits of animals. For example, '동물들이 영양분을 섭취하는 방식' (The way animals intake nutrients). It sounds scientific and appropriate in that context.

The Hanja is 攝取. 攝 (섭) means to take in or manage, and 取 (취) means to take. Together they form the concept of purposefully taking something into the body.

Sometimes, in high-level literature or journalism, you might see it used for 'intaking information' or 'intaking culture.' However, this is much less common than its literal biological use. In 99% of cases, it refers to food, water, or nutrients.

The standard phrase is '일일 권장 섭취량' (il-il gwon-jang seop-chi-ryang). You will see this on almost every food and supplement label in Korea.

It's rare. Because the word itself is formal and clinical, it usually pairs with formal endings like '-어요' or '-습니다.' Using it in very casual speech (like '비타민 섭취해') sounds a bit mismatched, though not grammatically wrong.

'섭취' (intake) is the act of putting something in your mouth and swallowing it. '흡수' (absorption) is what happens later when the body's cells take in the nutrients. You '섭취' food so that your body can '흡수' the energy.