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A2 noun #6,000 most common 10 min read

진찰

Top 6,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 진찰 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 진찰 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know that '진찰' is a word related to the hospital. It's like saying 'see the doctor.' You will mostly see it in very simple sentences like '의사가 진찰해요' (The doctor examines). You should focus on the fact that when you are sick, you go to the hospital to get this done. Think of it as the 'check' the doctor does to help you feel better. You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet, just recognize the word when you see it on a hospital sign or hear a nurse say it.

At the A2 level, you should start using '진찰' with basic verbs like '받다' (to receive). You should be able to say 'I got a checkup' using '진찰을 받았어요.' You are learning that this word is more specific than just 'going to the hospital.' It refers to the actual meeting with the doctor. You can use it to explain why you were late or why you need to leave early. You should also recognize '진찰실' as the room where the doctor works. This level is about practical usage in daily life, like making an appointment or describing a simple hospital visit.

At the B1 level, you should understand the difference between '진찰' (examination) and '검사' (test). You can describe the process of a medical visit in more detail. For example, 'I received an examination first, and then the doctor ordered a blood test.' You should also be comfortable with using '진찰' in various sentence endings and with different particles. You might hear this word in medical dramas or read it in health-related articles. You are starting to understand that '진찰' is a professional term and you use it to sound more precise and polite.

At the B2 level, you can use '진찰' in more complex discussions about health and society. You might discuss the importance of regular medical examinations (정기 진찰) for preventing diseases. You understand the nuances of Sino-Korean roots (진 and 찰) and how they relate to other words like '진단' (diagnosis) or '관찰' (observation). You can use the word in formal writing, such as an email to a professor explaining a medical absence, or in a debate about healthcare costs (진찰료). Your usage is becoming more fluid and context-aware.

At the C1 level, you use '진찰' with high-level vocabulary and in specialized contexts. You might read academic papers or news reports that use '진찰 소견' (examination findings) or '진찰 기록' (examination records) in a legal or professional sense. You understand the subtle differences between '진찰', '진료', and '검진' in a policy context. You can discuss the ethics of medical examinations or the history of how '진찰' has changed with technology. Your vocabulary is rich enough to use this word in any professional medical or administrative setting in Korea.

At the C2 level, you have a native-like grasp of '진찰.' You can use it in literature, highly technical medical discussions, or complex legal arguments. You understand the historical Hanja nuances deeply and can recognize when the word is being used metaphorically in high-level prose. You can differentiate between the most subtle shades of meaning in clinical terminology. You are also aware of the regional variations or very formal archaic terms that might be related. Your ability to use '진찰' is indistinguishable from a highly educated native speaker.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

진찰 in 30 Seconds

A Korean noun meaning 'medical examination' or 'doctor's checkup'.
Used with '하다' for doctors (to examine) and '받다' for patients (to be examined).
Specifically refers to the doctor's direct observation and consultation process.
Essential for hospital visits, making appointments, and discussing health results.

The word 진찰 (jinchal) is a fundamental Sino-Korean noun that translates to 'medical examination' or 'checkup.' Specifically, it refers to the process where a medical professional, usually a doctor, examines a patient to determine their health status or to diagnose a specific ailment. Unlike general 'tests' (검사) which might involve machines or laboratory work, 진찰 emphasizes the direct interaction between the physician and the patient—the physical observation, palpation, and questioning that happens in the consultation room.

Clinical Context: It is most commonly used in hospital and clinic settings. When you arrive at a Korean hospital, after registration, the next step is the 진찰. It encompasses the doctor listening to your heartbeat with a stethoscope, looking down your throat, or asking where it hurts.
The 'Action' Aspect: Because it is a noun, it often pairs with the verbs 하다 (to do) or 받다 (to receive). A doctor performs the examination (진찰을 하다), while the patient receives it (진찰을 받다).

In everyday life, you will use this word when you're explaining why you're late to work or why you need to visit the hospital. It's more specific than just saying 'I'm going to the hospital.' By saying you are going for a 진찰, you imply that you have symptoms that need a professional's eyes.

어제 병원에서 정밀 진찰을 받았어요. (I received a detailed medical examination at the hospital yesterday.)

Understanding the nuance of 진찰 is key to navigating the Korean healthcare system. It is the gatekeeper to further medical action. Without a proper 진찰, a doctor cannot prescribe medication or order more advanced tests like an MRI or blood work. It represents the professional diagnostic wisdom of the practitioner.

의사 선생님이 환자를 아주 꼼꼼하게 진찰해 주셨어요. (The doctor examined the patient very thoroughly.)

Historically, the term derives from Hanja (Chinese characters), where '진' (診) means to look at a disease and '찰' (察) means to observe or investigate. This root-level meaning highlights that the word is about looking closely to find the truth of a physical condition. It is not a casual look; it is a focused, expert investigation.

Formal vs. Informal: While '진찰' is a standard term, in very casual settings, people might just say '병원에 가다' (go to the hospital). However, using '진찰' shows a higher level of vocabulary and clarity, especially in professional or written contexts.

그 병원은 진찰 예약이 이미 다 찼습니다. (The clinic's examination appointments are already fully booked.)

Using 진찰 correctly requires understanding its role as a noun and how it transforms into a verb. In Korean, adding 하다 (to do) creates the active form used by doctors, while adding 받다 (to receive) creates the form used by patients. This distinction is vital for clear communication in a medical setting.

The Patient's Perspective (진찰을 받다): When you are the one being looked at by the doctor, you use '받다'. For example, 'I need to get a checkup' is '진찰을 받아야 해요.' This structure is very common because most learners are patients, not doctors.
The Doctor's Perspective (진찰을 하다): If you are describing what a doctor does, you use '하다'. For example, 'The doctor is examining a patient' is '의사 선생님이 환자를 진찰하고 있어요.'

You can also use '진찰' in compound nouns to specify the location or the cost of the examination. These are highly practical terms for anyone living or traveling in Korea.

환자는 진찰실로 들어갔습니다. (The patient entered the examination room.)

Another important grammatical point is the use of the particle -을/를. While you can say '진찰하다' (to examine), it is often more natural in formal speech to say '진찰을 하다' (to do an examination). Similarly, when asking for an appointment, you might say '진찰 예약을 하고 싶어요' (I want to make an examination appointment).

배가 너무 아파서 의사에게 진찰을 받아 보려고 해요. (My stomach hurts so much I'm going to try to get a doctor's examination.)

In more advanced usage, '진찰' can be part of a result-oriented sentence. For instance, '진찰 결과' (examination results) is a phrase you will hear when the doctor explains what is wrong. '진찰 결과, 큰 문제는 없습니다' means 'As a result of the examination, there are no major problems.'

Common Verb Pairings

진찰을 기다리다 (To wait for an examination)
진찰을 거부하다 (To refuse an examination)
진찰을 끝내다 (To finish an examination)

건강을 위해 매년 정기 진찰을 받는 것이 좋습니다. (It is good to receive a regular examination every year for your health.)

Finally, remember that '진찰' is specifically for medical contexts involving people. You wouldn't use it for checking a car (that would be 점검) or checking homework (that would be 검사). Keeping this word within the medical domain is the hallmark of a proficient speaker.

The most obvious place to hear 진찰 is inside a medical facility. From the moment you step into a '내과' (internal medicine clinic) or '소아과' (pediatrics), the word becomes part of the atmosphere. Nurses will call your name and ask you to wait for your 진찰, and signs on the walls will point toward the 진찰실 (examination room).

At the Hospital Reception: Receptionists often ask: "진찰 받으러 오셨나요?" (Did you come to receive an examination?). This is the standard way of confirming your purpose for being there. You might also see '진찰료' (examination fee) listed on your bill, which covers the doctor's time and expertise.
Medical Dramas (K-Dramas): If you watch popular medical dramas like 'Hospital Playlist' or 'Dr. Romantic,' you'll hear this word constantly. Doctors discuss '진찰 소견' (examination findings) when debating a patient's case. It adds a layer of professional realism to the dialogue.

In the workplace, if you are taking a sick day, your HR department or manager might ask for a '진찰 확인서' (examination confirmation document). This is a formal note from the hospital proving that you were indeed seen by a doctor. Here, the word 진찰 serves a legal and administrative purpose.

대기 환자가 많아서 진찰이 지연되고 있습니다. (The examination is being delayed because there are many waiting patients.)

Public health announcements also frequently use this term. During seasonal flu outbreaks or health crises, the government might issue guidance like "증상이 있으면 즉시 병원에서 진찰을 받으세요" (If you have symptoms, receive a medical examination at a hospital immediately). This formal context reinforces the word's status as the standard term for medical consultation.

선생님, 진찰 결과가 어떻게 나왔나요? (Doctor, how did the examination results come out?)

You might also encounter this word in news reports regarding medical insurance or healthcare policy. Phrases like '진찰료 인상' (increase in examination fees) or '무료 진찰 서비스' (free examination services) are common headlines. In these cases, 진찰 is treated as a service or a commodity within the healthcare market.

In the Pharmacy: Pharmacists might ask if you've already had a '진찰' before selling you certain medications. If a medicine requires a prescription, they will say, "의사의 진찰이 필요합니다" (A doctor's examination is required).

학교를 결석하려면 의사의 진찰 기록이 필요해요. (To be absent from school, a doctor's examination record is needed.)

One of the most frequent errors learners make is confusing 진찰 with 검사 (test/inspection). While they are related, they are not interchangeable. 진찰 is the act of a doctor looking at you and talking to you. 검사 refers to technical procedures like blood tests, X-rays, or eye exams. If you tell a doctor "검사해 주세요" when you just want them to look at your throat, it might sound like you're asking for a laboratory test.

Confusing '하다' and '받다': As mentioned before, saying "제가 환자를 진찰했어요" (I examined the patient) when you are the patient is a major mistake. Unless you are a licensed physician, you should always say "진찰을 받았어요" (I received an examination). This mistake often happens because English uses 'get a checkup' or 'see a doctor,' and learners translate 'see' too literally.
Misusing it for Non-Medical Situations: Some learners try to use 진찰 to mean 'checking' something general, like an engine or a computer. This is incorrect. For objects, use 점검 (inspection) or 확인 (confirmation). 진찰 is strictly for biological/medical contexts involving a doctor's diagnosis.

Another mistake is the over-use of the word when a simpler phrase would suffice. For instance, in a very casual conversation with a friend, saying "나 오늘 진찰받으러 가" (I'm going to receive an examination today) can sound a bit stiff. Simply saying "나 오늘 병원 가" (I'm going to the hospital today) is much more natural for everyday life.

Incorrect: 의사 선생님이 저를 검사했어요. (The doctor tested me - sounds like a lab test.)
Correct: 의사 선생님이 저를 진찰했어요. (The doctor examined me.)

Spelling can also be a minor issue. Some beginners confuse 진찰 with 진찰료 (the fee) or 진단 (diagnosis). While 진찰 is the process of looking, 진단 is the final conclusion or naming of the disease. You receive a 진찰 to get a 진단.

Incorrect: 컴퓨터를 진찰해야 해요. (I need to examine the computer - medical term used for PC.)
Correct: 컴퓨터를 수리하거나 점검해야 해요. (I need to repair or inspect the computer.)

Lastly, be careful with the honorifics. While 진찰 itself is a neutral noun, the person performing it (the doctor) should always be referred to with honorifics in Korean society. Therefore, you would say "의사 선생님께서 진찰하십니다" rather than just "의사가 진찰한다" when speaking about a specific doctor in a respectful context.

Common Confusion Summary

진찰 vs 검사: Physical exam vs Laboratory test.
진찰 vs 진단: The process vs The result/conclusion.
하다 vs 받다: Doctor's action vs Patient's experience.

To truly master Korean, you need to know the 'neighbors' of 진찰. These are words that describe similar medical actions but have specific nuances that change based on the situation, the depth of the exam, or the purpose.

검진 (Checkup / Screening): This word is short for '건강검진' (health checkup). While 진찰 is often done because you feel sick now, 검진 is usually a preventative, comprehensive set of tests done periodically to ensure overall health. Example: "종합 검진을 받다" (to get a comprehensive health checkup).
검사 (Test / Examination): As discussed, 검사 is broader and often more technical. It covers blood tests (혈액 검사), eye exams (시력 검사), and even non-medical inspections. If 진찰 is the doctor using their senses, 검사 is the doctor using tools and labs.
진단 (Diagnosis): This is the 'labeling' of the disease. After the 진찰 and 검사 are complete, the doctor gives a 진단. For example, if you have a sore throat, the doctor 진찰es you and then gives a 진단 of '감기' (a cold).

In some contexts, you might hear 회진 (rounds). This is specifically used in hospitals when a doctor goes from room to room to check on admitted patients. It's a type of 진찰, but the location and context are very specific to inpatient care.

의사 선생님이 지금 병동 회진 중이라서 조금 기다려야 합니다. (The doctor is currently on rounds in the ward, so you have to wait a bit.)

Another related term is 진료 (medical treatment/consultation). This is perhaps the most common synonym in a general sense. While 진찰 is the specific act of examining, 진료 covers the entire process of seeing the doctor, getting examined, and receiving treatment. Often, hospital departments are called '진료과'.

오늘 오후에는 진료 예약이 없습니다. (There are no treatment/consultation appointments this afternoon.)

For very formal or academic writing, you might see 검진 used in the context of public health policy. For example, '국가 암 검진 사업' (National Cancer Screening Project). In this case, '진찰' would be too narrow as it involves more than just a doctor's physical observation.

Which one to use?

Use 진찰 for the physical exam by the doctor.
Use 검사 for laboratory tests/scans.
Use 진단 for the final name of the illness.
Use 진료 for the whole hospital visit experience.
Use 검진 for preventative checkups.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character 察 (찰) contains the radical for 'house' and 'sacrifice,' originally meaning to look closely at ritual offerings. This evolved into the general meaning of scrutiny.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /t͡ɕin.t͡ɕʰal/

US /t͡ɕin.t͡ɕʰal/

Stress is equal on both syllables, as is typical in Korean phonology.

Rhymes With

관찰 (Observation) 성찰 (Reflection) 경찰 (Police) 고찰 (Consideration) 통찰 (Insight) 시찰 (Inspection) 마찰 (Friction) 사찰 (Temple/Investigation)

Common Errors

Pronouncing '진' as '질' (jil).
Failing to aspirate the '찰' (chal), making it sound like '잘' (jal).
Muffling the final 'ㄹ' (l) sound.
Pronouncing '진' like the English name 'Jean' with too much vibration.
Confusing the vowel 'ㅣ' (i) with 'ㅡ' (eu).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in medical contexts.

Writing 3/5

Requires remembering the 'ㄹ' batchim.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward.

Listening 3/5

Can be confused with other '진' or '찰' words.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

의사 환자 병원 아프다 받다

Learn Next

진단 처방 증상 입원 수술

Advanced

임상 소견 예후 병리학 청진

Grammar to Know

-으러 가다 (Go to do something)

진찰을 받으러 병원에 가요.

-기 전에 (Before doing something)

진찰을 받기 전에 접수를 하세요.

-은 후에 (After doing something)

진찰을 받은 후에 약을 샀어요.

-아야/어야 하다 (Must do something)

꼭 진찰을 받아야 해요.

-아서/어서 (Reasoning)

아파서 진찰을 받았어요.

Examples by Level

의사가 저를 진찰해요.

The doctor examines me.

Simple present tense.

진찰을 받아요.

I receive an examination.

Using the verb 받다.

진찰실은 어디예요?

Where is the examination room?

Question form with 어디.

오늘 진찰이 있어요.

I have an examination today.

Using 있다 to show possession of an appointment.

선생님이 진찰해요.

The teacher (doctor) examines.

Honorific title 선생님.

병원에서 진찰받아요.

I get examined at the hospital.

Location particle 에서.

진찰이 끝났어요.

The examination is finished.

Past tense of 끝나다.

진찰을 하고 싶어요.

I want to do (get) an examination.

Desire form -고 싶다.

어제 병원에서 진찰을 받았어요.

I received an examination at the hospital yesterday.

Past tense with time marker 어제.

배가 아파서 진찰을 받으러 왔어요.

My stomach hurts, so I came to get an examination.

Reasoning with -아서.

의사 선생님이 아주 친절하게 진찰해 주셨어요.

The doctor examined me very kindly.

Honorific -시- and helper verb -주다.

진찰을 받기 전에 여기서 기다리세요.

Please wait here before receiving the examination.

Before doing something -기 전에.

진찰 결과는 내일 나와요.

The examination results come out tomorrow.

Subject-noun phrase 진찰 결과.

감기 때문에 진찰을 받았어요.

I got an examination because of a cold.

Reasoning with 때문에.

진찰료가 얼마예요?

How much is the examination fee?

Compound noun 진찰료.

정기적인 진찰이 중요해요.

Regular examinations are important.

Adjective modifying a noun.

의사 선생님께 진찰을 받고 약을 처방받았어요.

I received an examination from the doctor and got a prescription.

Connecting actions with -고.

진찰을 받아 보니 큰 병은 아니라고 하네요.

After receiving the examination, they say it's not a major illness.

Discovery form -아/어 보니.

진찰실 밖에서 차례를 기다리고 있어요.

I am waiting for my turn outside the examination room.

Progressive tense -고 있다.

꼼꼼한 진찰 덕분에 병을 일찍 발견했어요.

Thanks to a thorough examination, the disease was discovered early.

Expressing gratitude with 덕분에.

진찰을 받을 때는 증상을 자세히 말해야 해요.

When receiving an examination, you must explain symptoms in detail.

Obligation form -해야 하다.

예약 없이 가면 진찰을 받기 힘들어요.

It's hard to get an examination if you go without an appointment.

Conditional form -(으)면.

의사가 환자의 상태를 진찰하고 소견을 적었어요.

The doctor examined the patient's condition and wrote down findings.

Sequential actions.

진찰을 받은 후에는 수납을 하셔야 합니다.

After receiving the examination, you must pay.

After doing something -은 후에.

정확한 진단을 위해서는 정밀 진찰이 필수적입니다.

For an accurate diagnosis, a detailed examination is essential.

Formal style -습니다.

그 병원은 진찰 예약 시스템이 매우 편리해요.

That hospital's examination reservation system is very convenient.

Describing a system.

진찰 결과에 따라 추가 검사가 필요할 수도 있습니다.

Depending on the examination results, additional tests may be necessary.

Depending on -에 따라.

환자의 권리를 보호하기 위해 진찰 과정을 투명하게 공개해야 합니다.

To protect patient rights, the examination process must be transparently disclosed.

Purpose form -기 위해.

의사는 진찰을 통해 환자의 심리적 상태까지 파악해야 합니다.

Through the examination, the doctor must even grasp the patient's psychological state.

Through something -을 통해.

진찰료 인상 문제로 환자들의 불만이 커지고 있어요.

Complaints from patients are growing due to the issue of increasing examination fees.

Expressing a growing state -어지다.

바쁜 일정 중에도 시간을 내어 정기 진찰을 받았습니다.

Despite a busy schedule, I made time to receive a regular examination.

Despite -음에도 불구하고 (implied).

진찰 소견서가 있어야 보험금을 청구할 수 있습니다.

You need an examination finding report to claim insurance money.

Condition for ability -어야 -을 수 있다.

현대 의학에서 진찰은 단순한 문진을 넘어 데이터 분석의 영역으로 확장되고 있다.

In modern medicine, examination is expanding beyond simple interviews into the realm of data analysis.

Formal written style.

의료 사고를 방지하기 위해 진찰 단계에서의 꼼꼼함이 무엇보다 중요하다.

To prevent medical accidents, thoroughness at the examination stage is more important than anything else.

Emphasizing importance.

비대면 진찰의 효율성과 안전성에 대한 논의가 활발히 진행 중이다.

Discussions on the efficiency and safety of non-face-to-face examinations are actively underway.

Noun-heavy academic style.

진찰 과정에서 환자와의 신뢰 형성은 치료 결과에 지대한 영향을 미친다.

Building trust with the patient during the examination process has a profound impact on treatment outcomes.

Complex subject phrase.

숙련된 의사는 짧은 진찰만으로도 질병의 핵심을 짚어내기도 한다.

An experienced doctor can sometimes pinpoint the core of a disease with just a short examination.

Highlighting capability with -기도 하다.

진찰료 체계의 개편은 의료 서비스의 질적 향상을 목표로 해야 한다.

The reorganization of the examination fee system should aim for the qualitative improvement of medical services.

Policy-oriented language.

환자의 개인정보 보호는 진찰 기록 관리의 최우선 과제이다.

Protecting patient privacy is the top priority in managing examination records.

Defining priorities.

초기 진찰에서의 오진은 때때로 돌이킬 수 없는 결과를 초래한다.

Misdiagnosis in the initial examination sometimes leads to irreversible consequences.

Describing consequences.

진찰이라는 행위는 의사와 환자 사이의 고도의 교감을 전제로 하는 임상 예술이다.

The act of examination is a clinical art that presupposes a high degree of communion between doctor and patient.

Philosophical/Abstract style.

첨단 진단 장비의 도입에도 불구하고, 육안을 통한 진찰의 가치는 여전히 유효하다.

Despite the introduction of advanced diagnostic equipment, the value of examination through the naked eye remains valid.

Contrastive structure.

진찰 소견의 주관성을 배제하고 객관적인 지표를 확보하려는 노력이 지속되고 있다.

Efforts are continuing to exclude the subjectivity of examination findings and secure objective indicators.

Scientific/Objective register.

의료 현장에서의 진찰은 단순한 기술적 절차를 넘어선 생명 윤리의 실천장이다.

Examination in the medical field is a place for practicing bioethics that goes beyond simple technical procedures.

Metaphorical language.

과거의 진찰이 직관에 의존했다면, 현대의 진찰은 증거 기반 의학에 뿌리를 두고 있다.

If past examinations relied on intuition, modern examinations are rooted in evidence-based medicine.

Comparative conditional.

진찰 과정에서 발생하는 미묘한 비언어적 신호들은 진단의 결정적 단서가 되기도 한다.

Subtle non-verbal cues occurring during the examination process can sometimes become decisive clues for diagnosis.

Nuanced observation.

의료 자원의 효율적 배분을 위해 진찰 예약 부도(No-show) 문제를 해결해야 한다.

To efficiently allocate medical resources, the problem of examination appointment no-shows must be resolved.

Administrative problem solving.

진찰의 질을 담보하기 위해서는 의료 인력에 대한 충분한 보상과 교육이 병행되어야 한다.

To guarantee the quality of examinations, sufficient compensation and education for medical personnel must go hand in hand.

Systemic requirement.

Common Collocations

진찰을 받다

진찰을 하다

진찰실

진찰료

정기 진찰

정밀 진찰

진찰 예약

진찰 결과

진찰 소견

진찰 대기

Common Phrases

진찰 받으러 왔어요

— I came to get an examination. Used at the hospital reception.

안녕하세요, 진찰 받으러 왔어요.

어디가 아파서 진찰을 받나요?

— Where does it hurt that you are getting an exam? Asking someone's symptoms.

어디가 아파서 진찰을 받으러 가세요?

진찰을 꼼꼼히 해주세요

— Please examine me thoroughly. Requesting a careful checkup.

선생님, 진찰을 꼼꼼히 해주세요.

진찰이 밀려 있어요

— The examinations are backed up. Meaning there's a long wait.

지금 진찰이 많이 밀려 있어요.

무료 진찰

— Free medical examination. Often offered by charities or the government.

이번 주말에 무료 진찰 행사가 있어요.

진찰을 거부하다

— To refuse a medical examination. Used in legal or medical contexts.

환자가 진찰을 거부하고 있어요.

진찰 도중에

— During the examination. Describing something that happened while being checked.

진찰 도중에 전화가 왔어요.

진찰을 마치다

— To finish the examination. Used when the doctor is done.

의사가 진찰을 마치고 나갔습니다.

진찰 시간이 길다

— The examination time is long. Describing a slow process.

그 병원은 진찰 시간이 참 길어요.

재진찰

— Re-examination. Getting checked again for the same issue.

상태가 안 좋아서 재진찰을 받았어요.

Often Confused With

진찰 vs 검사

Tests like blood or X-ray vs the doctor's physical exam.

진찰 vs 진단

The final result/name of the disease vs the process of looking.

진찰 vs 진료

The entire consultation/treatment session vs the specific physical exam.

Idioms & Expressions

"진찰 한 번에 병이 낫다"

— To feel better just by seeing the doctor. Implies the psychological relief of a checkup.

의사 선생님 얼굴만 봐도 진찰 한 번에 병이 낫는 것 같아요.

Informal/Metaphorical

"진찰실 문턱이 닳다"

— To visit the doctor very frequently. (Literally: the threshold of the exam room wears down).

그는 몸이 약해서 진찰실 문턱이 닳도록 병원을 다닌다.

Colloquial

"진찰 없이 약 없다"

— No prescription without an exam. Emphasizes the importance of procedure.

진찰 없이 약 없으니 꼭 병원에 가세요.

Proverbial

"귀신 같은 진찰"

— An amazingly accurate examination. 'Ghost-like' implies supernatural skill.

그 의사는 귀신 같은 진찰로 유명해요.

Slang/Informal

"진찰이 반이다"

— Examination is half the battle. Meaning diagnosis is the most important part of healing.

진찰이 반이라고 하니 정확하게 검사합시다.

Common Saying

"눈으로 진찰하다"

— To examine with the eyes. Refers to visual diagnosis.

의사는 환자의 안색을 눈으로 진찰했다.

Neutral

"진찰료가 아깝지 않다"

— The examination fee was worth it. Used when the service was excellent.

설명을 너무 잘해주셔서 진찰료가 아깝지 않네요.

Neutral

"진찰을 밥 먹듯 하다"

— To get examinations as often as eating meals. Frequent visits.

그는 건강 염려증이라 진찰을 밥 먹듯 한다.

Colloquial

"진찰실의 호랑이"

— A very strict or scary doctor in the exam room.

우리 동네 의사는 진찰실의 호랑이로 통해요.

Informal

"진찰 한 마디에 천 냥 빚 갚는다"

— A doctor's kind word during an exam can be worth a lot. (Play on a famous proverb).

의사의 따뜻한 진찰 한 마디에 마음의 병이 나았다.

Literary/Playful

Easily Confused

진찰 vs 검진

Both involve looking at health.

진찰 is for specific symptoms/consults; 검진 is for general preventative checkups.

아파서 진찰을 받고, 건강을 위해 검진을 받아요.

진찰 vs 성찰

Shared '찰' character.

진찰 is medical; 성찰 is self-reflection/meditation.

자아 성찰의 시간.

진찰 vs 관찰

Shared '찰' character.

진찰 is medical examination; 관찰 is general observation of anything.

동물을 관찰하다.

진찰 vs 진상

Shared '진' character.

진찰 is medical; 진상 means the truth of a situation or a 'difficult customer' in slang.

사건의 진상.

진찰 vs 시찰

Shared '찰' character.

진찰 is medical; 시찰 is an inspection of a site or facility.

현장 시찰.

Sentence Patterns

N(이/가) 진찰해요.

의사가 진찰해요.

N(을/를) 받아요.

진찰을 받아요.

V-으러 가다.

진찰받으러 가요.

N 때문에 진찰받다.

감기 때문에 진찰받았어요.

V-기 전에 N.

진찰받기 전에 기다려요.

N 덕분에 V.

진찰 덕분에 나았어요.

N 결과에 따라 V.

진찰 결과에 따라 수술해요.

N-을/를 통해 V.

진찰을 통해 병을 알아요.

Word Family

Nouns

진찰실 (Exam room)

진찰료 (Exam fee)

진찰권 (Exam ticket/ID)

진찰대 (Exam table)

Verbs

진찰하다 (To examine)

진찰받다 (To be examined)

Adjectives

진찰 중인 (Undergoing examination)

의사 (Doctor)

환자 (Patient)

병원 (Hospital)

진단 (Diagnosis)

처방 (Prescription)

How to Use It

frequency

Common in medical and professional settings; moderate in daily casual speech.

Common Mistakes

Using 진찰 for machines. → 점검 (Inspection)
진찰 is strictly medical for living beings.
Saying '의사가 진찰받아요'. → 의사가 진찰해요.
The doctor performs the exam; they don't receive it (unless they are the patient).
Confusing 진찰 with 진단. → 진찰 (Process) vs 진단 (Result)
You get a 진찰 to reach a 진단.
Pronouncing it '진잘'. → 진찰
The 'ch' must be aspirated.
Using it for a blood test. → 검사
Technical tests are '검사', physical exams are '진찰'.

Tips

Use with '받다'

As a learner, you are usually the patient. Always pair '진찰' with '받다' to sound natural.

Learn the Room

Learn '진찰실' (exam room) alongside the word; you'll see it on doors everywhere in hospitals.

Particle Choice

Use '진찰을' with the object particle for formal writing, but '진찰받다' (no particle) is fine for speaking.

Aspiration Check

Listen for the strong 'ch' in 'chal'. If it's weak, it might be a different word.

Efficiency

Expect a Korean '진찰' to be quick. Prepare your questions beforehand.

Politeness

Always refer to the doctor as '의사 선생님' when discussing their '진찰'.

Results

'진찰 결과' is the magic phrase to ask 'What's wrong with me?'

Hanja Roots

Remember 'Jin' = Diagnose, 'Chal' = Observe. It helps link to other words.

Spelling

Watch the 'ㄹ' at the end of '찰'. Don't omit it.

Fluidity

Say '진찰받다' as one word without a pause for a native flow.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a doctor named 'Jin' who is very 'Chal-lenging' (challenging) because he looks so closely at you. Jin-Chal.

Visual Association

Picture a stethoscope (진) touching a chart (찰).

Word Web

의사 환자 병원 아프다 진단 약 청진기 진찰실

Challenge

Try to use '진찰' in a sentence describing your last visit to a doctor. Focus on whether you 'did' it or 'received' it.

Word Origin

Derived from the Hanja characters 診 (진) and 察 (찰).

Original meaning: 診 (To examine/diagnose) + 察 (To observe/investigate). Together: To investigate a disease through observation.

Sino-Korean

Cultural Context

When discussing '진찰', be aware that medical privacy is important in Korea, though family members often accompany patients into the '진찰실'.

In English, we often say 'I'm seeing a doctor.' In Korean, '의사를 보다' is understood but '진찰을 받다' is the correct technical term.

Hospital Playlist (K-Drama) - Constant use of medical terminology. Dr. Romantic (K-Drama) - Focuses on the intensity of the examination room. The Good Doctor (Korean original) - Highlights the diagnostic process.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At the Clinic

진찰 받으러 왔어요.
진찰실이 어디예요?
진찰료는 얼마인가요?
예약 없이 진찰 가능한가요?

At Work

진찰 때문에 늦었습니다.
진찰 확인서가 필요합니다.
정기 진찰을 가야 해요.
어제 진찰을 받았습니다.

In a Drama

진찰 결과가 나왔습니다.
정밀 진찰이 필요해 보여요.
환자를 진찰하겠습니다.
진찰 소견을 말씀드릴게요.

With Family

엄마 진찰받으러 가셨어.
너도 진찰 한번 받아봐.
진찰받고 오니 마음이 편해.
진찰 결과 별일 없대.

Health Insurance

진찰료 청구
무료 진찰 혜택
진찰 기록 보관
진찰 항목 확인

Conversation Starters

"어제 병원에서 진찰 잘 받았어요?"

"요즘 몸이 안 좋은데 진찰 한번 받아보는 게 어때요?"

"진찰 예약하는 거 도와줄까요?"

"그 병원 진찰 꼼꼼하게 잘 하나요?"

"진찰 결과가 어떻게 나왔는지 궁금해요."

Journal Prompts

최근에 병원에서 진찰을 받은 경험에 대해 써 보세요.

정기적인 진찰이 왜 중요한지 자신의 생각을 적어 보세요.

의사가 된다면 환자를 어떻게 진찰하고 싶은지 상상해 보세요.

진찰을 기다리면서 느꼈던 감정들을 묘사해 보세요.

한국 병원에서의 진찰 경험과 고향 병원의 차이점을 비교해 보세요.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, but dentists often use '검진' or '진료' more frequently. '진찰' is still technically correct.

진료 is the broader term for the entire doctor's visit, including the exam and the prescription. 진찰 is just the exam part.

When speaking about a doctor, it's better to use '진찰하시다' to show respect.

Yes, '진찰' is used in veterinary medicine as well.

You can say '다른 의사의 진찰도 받아보고 싶어요'.

It is the fee you pay for the doctor's time and examination.

Usually, '시력 검사' (vision test) is used, but the doctor looking at your eye health is '진찰'.

No, it must be '진찰하다' or '진찰받다' in a sentence.

It means a detailed or precision medical examination.

Yes, it is a standard medical term in both North and South Korea.