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정신건강

B2 noun #4,000 most common 9 min read

정신건강

jeongsingeongang Top 4,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 정신건강 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 정신건강 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should think of '정신건강' (jeong-sin-geon-gang) simply as 'mind health.' Just as you have '몸 건강' (body health), you also have health for your thoughts and feelings. At this stage, you don't need to use it in complex sentences. You can use it with simple verbs like '좋아요' (is good) or '나빠요' (is bad). For example, '정신건강이 중요해요' means 'Mental health is important.' You might hear this word in basic health lessons or see it on posters in a doctor's office. Remember that '정신' means mind and '건강' means health. If you feel happy and relaxed, your '정신건강' is good. If you are very stressed because of homework, you can say your '정신건강' is a little bad. It is a useful word to know because it helps you tell others how you are feeling inside, not just in your body. Even at the beginning, knowing this word shows you care about your overall well-being.

At the A2 level, you can start using '정신건강' in slightly more detailed sentences using basic conjunctions like 'and' or 'so.' You should understand that '정신건강' is a formal way to talk about your feelings. You can use the pattern '~을/를 위해' (for the sake of). For example, '정신건강을 위해 운동을 해요' (I exercise for my mental health). You will also notice that this word often appears in news titles or school announcements. You can use it to explain why you are doing a hobby, like '제 정신건강을 위해 그림을 그려요' (I draw for my mental health). At this level, it’s important to distinguish between '기분' (mood/how you feel right now) and '정신건강' (your general mental state). If you are sad today, that's '기분,' but if you are always stressed, that's related to '정신건강.' Try to use this word when talking about healthy habits like sleeping well or eating healthy food.

At the B1 level, you can use '정신건강' to discuss social issues and personal habits in more depth. You should be comfortable using it with intermediate grammar like '~기 때문에' (because) or '~는 것이 중요하다' (it is important to...). You can talk about the causes of mental health issues, such as '스트레스는 정신건강에 해로워요' (Stress is harmful to mental health). You will start to see this word in more complex forms, like '정신건강의학과' (Department of Mental Health/Psychiatry) or '정신건강 전문가' (mental health expert). You can use it to give advice to friends: '너무 열심히 일만 하지 말고 정신건강도 좀 챙기세요' (Don't just work too hard, take care of your mental health too). At this stage, you should understand that '정신건강' is a broader term than just 'not being sick'; it’s about being happy and stable. You can participate in simple discussions about work-life balance using this term.

At the B2 level, which is where '정신건강' is officially categorized, you should be able to use the word fluently in professional and social contexts. You should understand the nuances between '정신건강,' '심리,' and '멘탈.' You can discuss how societal factors, like the 'pali-pali' (hurry-hurry) culture or social media, impact national '정신건강.' You can use advanced verbs like '해치다' (to harm), '유지하다' (to maintain), or '회복하다' (to recover). For example, '현대인들은 과도한 업무로 인해 정신건강을 해치기 쉽습니다' (Modern people are prone to harming their mental health due to excessive work). You should also be able to understand more abstract concepts like '정신건강 증진' (mental health promotion) or '정신건강 복지' (mental health welfare). At this level, you can write essays or give presentations about the importance of mental health awareness and the reduction of social stigma surrounding it in Korea.

At the C1 level, you should be able to use '정신건강' in academic, medical, or policy-related discussions. You can analyze the etymology of the Hanja (精神健康) and how the perception of this term has shifted in Korean history—from a taboo topic to a mainstream wellness goal. You can use it to discuss complex theories, such as the relationship between '정신건강' and '사회적 고립' (social isolation) or '경제적 불평등' (economic inequality). You should be comfortable with technical collocations like '정신건강 실태 조사' (mental health status survey) or '정신건강 인프라 구축' (building mental health infrastructure). You can debate the effectiveness of government policies regarding '정신건강' and suggest improvements using sophisticated grammar and vocabulary. Your usage should reflect a deep understanding of the cultural sensitivity required when discussing this topic in various age groups in Korea.

At the C2 level, you have a near-native mastery of '정신건강' and can use it with absolute precision in any context. You can use the word to explore philosophical or existential themes, discussing the '정신건강' of a nation or a specific generation in the context of historical trauma (like the IMF crisis or the Korean War). You can effortlessly switch between formal medical terminology and casual slang like '멘탈 관리.' You are capable of interpreting subtle nuances in literature or high-level journalism where '정신건강' might be used metaphorically. You can lead high-level professional seminars or write authoritative articles on the intersection of '정신건강,' technology, and ethics. Your understanding includes the legal frameworks surrounding '정신건강복지법' (Mental Health and Welfare Act) and the socio-economic implications of mental health trends. You can use the term to critique modern lifestyle trends with eloquence and cultural depth.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

정신건강 in 30 Seconds

정신건강 (jeong-sin-geon-gang) means 'Mental Health,' combining the words for 'spirit/mind' and 'health.'
It is used in both formal medical contexts and casual conversations about stress and self-care.
Commonly paired with verbs like 챙기다 (to take care of), 해치다 (to harm), and 유지하다 (to maintain).
In modern Korea, it is a key topic in discussions about work-life balance and social well-being.

The term 정신건강 (jeong-sin-geon-gang) is a compound noun that serves as the cornerstone of psychological discourse in modern Korea. Rooted in two powerful Sino-Korean concepts—정신 (精神), meaning 'spirit' or 'mind,' and 건강 (健康), meaning 'health'—the word transcends mere medical terminology to encompass a person's entire emotional and psychological state. In contemporary South Korean society, which is often characterized by intense competition, rapid urbanization, and high-pressure educational environments, the concept of 정신건강 has moved from the periphery of clinical medicine to the forefront of daily conversation and public policy.

Etymological Breakdown: The first part, 정신 (精神), refers to the conscious mind, the essence of one's being, or the psychological faculties. The second part, 건강 (健康), is the standard word for health. Together, they represent the 'wellness of the spirit.'
Societal Evolution: Historically, mental health was a sensitive or even taboo topic in Korea, often associated with severe illness (정신질환). However, the shift to using the broader term 정신건강 reflects a more proactive, wellness-oriented approach similar to the Western concept of 'mental well-being.'

요즘 스트레스가 많아서 정신건강을 위해 명상을 시작했어요.
Translation: I've been under a lot of stress lately, so I started meditating for my mental health.

You will encounter this word in a variety of registers. In a medical context, a doctor might discuss 정신건강의학과 (Department of Mental Health/Psychiatry). In a casual context, friends might talk about taking a 'mental health day' (though the specific phrasing varies, the concept of 정신건강 관리 or 'mental health management' is common). It is used to describe the resilience of one's mind, the ability to handle stress, and the overall quality of one's internal life. Unlike the word '마음' (ma-eum), which often refers to 'heart' or 'feelings' in a poetic or subjective sense, 정신건강 carries a slightly more objective, holistic, and health-focused connotation.

지나친 경쟁은 학생들의 정신건강을 해칠 수 있습니다.
Translation: Excessive competition can harm the mental health of students.

Furthermore, the term is pivotal in discussions about the 'Work-Life Balance' (워라밸) movement in Korea. As employees seek to escape the 'Burnout' (번아웃) culture, 정신건강 has become a priority for HR departments and government initiatives. It is no longer just about the absence of mental illness, but the active cultivation of a healthy mind. When you use this word, you are acknowledging the complexity of the human experience and the importance of maintaining psychological equilibrium in a fast-paced world.

Using 정신건강 correctly involves understanding its typical verb pairings and grammatical structures. As a noun, it most frequently functions as the object of an action (e.g., taking care of, harming, or checking) or the subject of a descriptive state. Because it is a formal and semi-technical term, it pairs well with both standard polite endings (-아요/어요) and formal endings (-습니다).

With '챙기다' (To take care of/look after): This is the most common way to talk about actively maintaining one's well-being. '정신건강을 챙기다' implies a proactive effort to stay mentally fit.
With '해치다' (To harm/damage): Used when discussing negative influences, such as toxic relationships, overwork, or negative news. '정신건강을 해치는 행동' refers to actions that damage mental health.

현대 사회에서 정신건강을 유지하는 것은 매우 중요합니다.
Translation: Maintaining mental health in modern society is very important.

When describing a situation that is mentally taxing, Koreans often use the pattern ~은/는 정신건강에 안 좋다 (Something is bad for mental health). This is a very natural way to express that something is stressful or frustrating. Conversely, if something is relaxing or healing, you can say ~은/는 정신건강에 좋다.

SNS를 너무 오래 하는 것은 정신건강에 해로울 수 있습니다.
Translation: Using social media for too long can be harmful to your mental health.

In more formal or academic settings, 정신건강 is often used with the suffix -의 (possessive) to modify other nouns, such as 정신건강의 중요성 (the importance of mental health) or 정신건강 전문가 (mental health professional). It is also the standard term used in government reports and public health campaigns. For example, '정신건강 증진' (mental health promotion) is a common phrase in public service announcements.

충분한 수면은 정신건강의 기초가 됩니다.
Translation: Sufficient sleep becomes the foundation of mental health.

Finally, consider the nuances of '정신건강' versus '심리' (psychology). While '심리' refers to the internal workings of the mind, '정신건강' specifically addresses the *state* of that mind—whether it is healthy, stable, or in need of care. Therefore, you would say '심리 상담' (psychological counseling) but '정신건강 증진' (improvement of mental health). Mastery of this word allows you to discuss complex emotional topics with the appropriate level of respect and clarity.

If you spend time in Korea or consume Korean media, you will hear 정신건강 in several distinct environments. Its usage has exploded in recent years as the national conversation around well-being has expanded. Here are the primary places you will encounter this word:

News and Media: News anchors frequently report on '국민 정신건강' (national mental health), especially during times of economic crisis or social upheaval. You will hear it in discussions about the high suicide rate in Korea and the government's efforts to provide more counseling services.
Workplace and HR: Large corporations like Samsung or Hyundai now have '정신건강 관리 프로그램' (mental health management programs). During orientation or health check-up periods, employees are often reminded to monitor their mental health alongside their physical health.

회사는 직원들의 정신건강을 위해 상담실을 운영하고 있습니다.
Translation: The company operates a counseling room for the mental health of its employees.

In the world of entertainment, particularly in 'Healing' (힐링) variety shows or talk shows, celebrities often open up about their 정신건강 struggles. Shows like '금쪽 같은 내 새끼' (My Golden Kids) often feature experts like Dr. Oh Eun-young, who discusses the mental health of children and parents. In these contexts, the word is used to normalize the act of seeking help and to educate the public on emotional regulation.

그 영화는 주인공의 정신건강이 회복되는 과정을 보여줍니다.
Translation: That movie shows the process of the protagonist's mental health recovering.

Social media (Instagram, YouTube) is another major hub for this word. Influencers often post about '정신건강 챙기기' (Taking care of mental health) through routines like 'Miracle Morning,' journaling, or digital detoxes. Here, the word is often associated with aesthetic self-care and lifestyle optimization. You might see hashtags like #정신건강 or #마음챙김 (mindfulness).

Finally, in educational settings, from elementary schools to universities, '정신건강 교육' (mental health education) is becoming mandatory. Students learn about stress management and how to recognize signs of depression or anxiety in themselves and their peers. Consequently, younger generations are much more comfortable using this word than their parents or grandparents might have been.

While 정신건강 is a straightforward compound, English speakers often make nuanced errors when translating thoughts directly from English to Korean. Understanding these pitfalls will help you sound more natural and avoid potential misunderstandings.

Confusion with '정신' (Focus/Spirit): The word '정신' on its own can mean 'mental state' or 'focus.' For example, '정신 차려!' means 'Snap out of it!' or 'Focus!' Beginners often mistakenly use '정신' when they should use '정신건강.' If you want to talk about health/well-being, you must include '건강.'
Overusing it in casual 'feeling' contexts: If you just feel a bit sad or happy, using '정신건강' might sound too clinical. In those cases, '기분' (mood) or '마음' (heart/feelings) is better. '정신건강' is reserved for the broader state of psychological health.

내 정신이 안 좋아요. (X) → 제 정신건강이 안 좋아요. (O)
Note: Saying 'My spirit is not good' sounds like you are losing your mind or are possessed. Use '정신건강' to refer to your mental well-being.

Another common mistake is the incorrect use of particles. Because 정신건강 is often something that is *affected* by something else, learners sometimes confuse the direction of the influence. Remember: [Cause] + 이/가 + 정신건강에 + 안 좋다/좋다 (Cause is bad/good for mental health). Do not say '정신건강이 스트레스를 받아요' (Mental health receives stress); instead, say '스트레스가 정신건강에 나빠요' (Stress is bad for mental health).

정신건강을 아파요. (X) → 정신건강이 나빠졌어요. (O)
Note: 'Health' (건강) is not an entity that 'feels pain' (아프다). It is a state that 'is good' (좋다), 'is bad' (나쁘다), or 'worsens' (나빠지다).

Finally, avoid translating 'Mental Health' as '생각의 건강' (Health of thoughts) or '머리 건강' (Head health). While these might make literal sense, they are never used. Stick to the standard Hanja-based compound 정신건강 for all professional, academic, and serious personal discussions.

To truly master Korean, you need to know when to use 정신건강 and when a synonym might be more appropriate. Depending on the level of formality or the specific aspect of the mind you are referring to, several other terms come into play.

마음 (Ma-eum) vs. 정신건강: 마음 is a pure Korean word meaning 'heart,' 'mind,' or 'feelings.' It is much more poetic and emotional. You would say '마음이 아파요' (My heart hurts/I am sad), but you would say '정신건강이 걱정돼요' (I am worried about my mental health). '마음' is personal; '정신건강' is holistic.
심리 (Sim-ri) vs. 정신건강: 심리 means 'psychology' or 'mentality.' It refers to the mechanisms of the mind. You use it in terms like '심리학' (psychology as a study) or '심리 상태' (psychological state). Use '정신건강' when focusing on the health or wellness aspect.
멘탈 (Mental) vs. 정신건강: The loanword 멘탈 is extremely popular among younger Koreans. It often refers to 'mental toughness' or 'resilience.' You might hear '멘탈이 나갔다' (My mental is gone/I'm overwhelmed) or '멘탈 갑' (Strong mental). While '정신건강' is the formal term for well-being, '멘탈' is the slangy way to talk about your current mental state or strength.

그는 멘탈이 아주 강해서 어떤 시련도 잘 견뎌냅니다.
Translation: He has a very strong 'mental' (resilience), so he endures any trial well. (Note: Here, '정신건강' would sound too clinical).

Other related terms include 정신 상태 (mental state), which can sometimes be negative (e.g., 'His mental state is unstable'), and 마음의 평화 (peace of mind), which is a more spiritual or meditative goal. If you are talking about the absence of stress, you might use 안정 (stability/calmness).

요가와 명상은 마음의 평화를 찾는 데 도움이 됩니다.
Translation: Yoga and meditation help in finding peace of mind.

In summary, use 정신건강 for health-related, formal, or holistic discussions. Use 마음 for emotional and personal sharing. Use 심리 for analytical or academic contexts. Use 멘탈 for casual conversations about resilience or being overwhelmed. Understanding these distinctions will make your Korean much more nuanced and sophisticated.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In ancient East Asian philosophy, '정신' was believed to be the vital energy that resides in the heart and brain, and its health was tied to the balance of 'Qi' (기).

Pronunciation Guide

UK t͡ɕʌŋ.ɕin.ɡʌn.ɡaŋ

US t͡ɕʌŋ.ɕin.ɡʌn.ɡaŋ

In Korean, stress is generally even across syllables, but the first syllable of each word in a compound might have a very slight emphasis.

Rhymes With

안강 (An-gang) 한강 (Han-gang) 만강 (Man-gang) 단강 (Dan-gang) 난강 (Nan-gang) 산강 (San-gang) 판강 (Pan-gang) 잔강 (Jan-gang)

Common Errors

Pronouncing '정신' as 'jeong-sin' with a hard English 'J' (it should be softer).
Missing the nasal 'ng' (ㅇ) at the end of the syllables.
Pronouncing '건강' as 'gun-gang' (the 'eo' sound is like the 'u' in 'up').
Putting too much stress on the final syllable.
Failing to link the sounds smoothly between '신' and '건'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Hanja-based compound, but very common in news and media.

Writing 4/5

Requires correct particle usage (에 vs 을).

Speaking 3/5

Pronunciation is straightforward but requires smooth linking.

Listening 2/5

Very distinct sound, easy to pick out in sentences.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

정신 건강 몸 마음 중요하다

Learn Next

심리학 스트레스 우울증 상담 안정

Advanced

자아실현 회복탄력성 정서지능 인지행동치료

Grammar to Know

~을/를 위해 (For the sake of)

정신건강을 위해 운동해요.

~에 좋다/나쁘다 (To be good/bad for)

명상은 정신건강에 좋습니다.

~기 때문에 (Because)

정신건강이 중요하기 때문에 상담을 받아요.

~는 것 (Nominalization)

정신건강을 지키는 것은 어렵습니다.

~아/어지다 (To become)

상담 후에 정신건강이 좋아졌어요.

Examples by Level

정신건강이 아주 중요해요.

Mental health is very important.

Subject + 이 (subject particle) + 중요해요 (is important).

운동은 정신건강에 좋아요.

Exercise is good for mental health.

Noun + 에 (direction/target particle) + 좋아요 (is good).

정신건강을 챙기세요.

Take care of your mental health.

Object + 을 (object particle) + 챙기세요 (please take care of).

잠을 잘 자면 정신건강에 도움이 돼요.

If you sleep well, it helps your mental health.

~면 (if/when) + 도움이 돼요 (is helpful).

제 친구는 정신건강이 나빠요.

My friend's mental health is bad.

Possessive + Subject + 나빠요 (is bad).

행복은 정신건강의 시작입니다.

Happiness is the beginning of mental health.

Noun + 의 (possessive particle) + 시작입니다 (is the beginning).

정신건강을 위해 웃으세요.

Smile for your mental health.

Noun + 을 위해 (for the sake of) + 웃으세요 (please smile).

이 책은 정신건강에 대한 책이에요.

This book is about mental health.

Noun + 에 대한 (about) + 책이에요 (is a book).

스트레스가 너무 많으면 정신건강에 안 좋아요.

If there is too much stress, it's not good for mental health.

Use of '안' for negation.

주말에는 정신건강을 위해 쉬어야 해요.

You must rest on weekends for your mental health.

~아/어야 해요 (must/should).

취미 생활은 정신건강을 유지하는 데 좋아요.

Hobby activities are good for maintaining mental health.

~는 데 (in doing something/for).

정신건강이 나빠지면 병원에 가야 합니다.

If your mental health worsens, you must go to the hospital.

나빠지다 (to become bad/worsen).

요즘 사람들은 정신건강에 관심이 많아요.

People these days have a lot of interest in mental health.

~에 관심이 많다 (to have much interest in).

가족과 대화하는 것은 정신건강에 큰 도움이 됩니다.

Talking with family is a big help for mental health.

~는 것 (nominalizing a verb).

정신건강을 관리하는 방법을 배우고 싶어요.

I want to learn how to manage mental health.

~는 방법 (method of doing).

너무 걱정하지 마세요. 정신건강에 해로워요.

Don't worry too much. It's harmful to your mental health.

~지 마세요 (don't...) + 해로워요 (is harmful).

균형 잡힌 식단은 신체 건강뿐만 아니라 정신건강에도 필수적입니다.

A balanced diet is essential not only for physical health but also for mental health.

~뿐만 아니라 (not only... but also).

명상은 정신건강을 회복하는 아주 효과적인 방법입니다.

Meditation is a very effective way to recover mental health.

회복하는 (recovering) + 방법 (method).

정신건강 문제를 숨기지 말고 전문가와 상담하세요.

Don't hide mental health problems; consult with an expert.

~지 말고 (don't... but...).

과도한 경쟁은 청소년들의 정신건강을 위협하고 있습니다.

Excessive competition is threatening the mental health of teenagers.

위협하고 있다 (is threatening).

일과 삶의 균형은 직장인의 정신건강을 위해 꼭 필요합니다.

Work-life balance is absolutely necessary for the mental health of office workers.

일과 삶의 균형 (Work-life balance).

정신건강이 나빠지기 전에 미리 예방하는 것이 좋습니다.

It is good to prevent mental health from worsening beforehand.

~기 전에 (before doing).

SNS에서의 악플은 타인의 정신건강에 치명적인 상처를 줍니다.

Malicious comments on SNS cause fatal wounds to others' mental health.

치명적인 상처 (fatal wound).

정신건강을 지키기 위해 가끔은 디지털 기기와 멀어져야 합니다.

To protect your mental health, you must sometimes distance yourself from digital devices.

~와/과 멀어지다 (to get distant from).

정신건강의 중요성에 대한 사회적 인식이 점차 높아지고 있습니다.

Social awareness of the importance of mental health is gradually increasing.

인식이 높아지다 (awareness increases).

트라우마는 개인의 정신건강에 장기적인 영향을 미칠 수 있습니다.

Trauma can have a long-term impact on an individual's mental health.

영향을 미치다 (to exert influence/impact).

정부 차원에서 국민들의 정신건강을 위한 정책을 마련해야 합니다.

The government should prepare policies for the mental health of its citizens.

~ 차원에서 (at the level of/from the perspective of).

정신건강이 약해지면 신체적인 질병으로 이어지기도 합니다.

When mental health weakens, it sometimes leads to physical illnesses.

~로 이어지다 (to lead to).

현대인들은 만성적인 스트레스로 인해 정신건강을 위협받고 있습니다.

Modern people are having their mental health threatened due to chronic stress.

위협받다 (to be threatened).

정신건강을 해치는 요인들을 파악하고 이를 제거하려는 노력이 필요합니다.

Efforts to identify and remove factors that harm mental health are necessary.

파악하다 (to identify/grasp) + 제거하다 (to remove).

정신건강 복지 센터에서는 무료로 상담 서비스를 제공합니다.

Mental health welfare centers provide counseling services for free.

복지 센터 (welfare center).

긍정적인 사고방식은 정신건강을 유지하는 강력한 도구가 됩니다.

A positive mindset becomes a powerful tool for maintaining mental health.

사고방식 (mindset/way of thinking).

정신건강에 대한 낙인은 환자들이 적절한 치료를 받는 것을 방해합니다.

Stigma regarding mental health prevents patients from receiving appropriate treatment.

낙인 (stigma) + 방해하다 (to hinder/interfere).

현대 사회의 고립화 현상은 노인들의 정신건강에 심각한 위협이 되고 있습니다.

The phenomenon of isolation in modern society is becoming a serious threat to the mental health of the elderly.

고립화 현상 (phenomenon of isolation).

정신건강은 단순히 질병이 없는 상태가 아니라 완전한 안녕 상태를 의미합니다.

Mental health refers not simply to the absence of disease, but to a state of complete well-being.

~가 아니라 ~이다 (not A but B).

직장 내 괴롭힘은 피해자의 정신건강을 황폐화시키는 주된 원인입니다.

Workplace bullying is a primary cause of devastating a victim's mental health.

황폐화시키다 (to devastate/ruin).

아동기의 정서적 안정은 성인기 정신건강의 토대를 형성합니다.

Emotional stability in childhood forms the foundation of adult mental health.

토대를 형성하다 (to form a foundation).

정신건강 전문가들은 디지털 기기 중독의 위험성을 경고하고 있습니다.

Mental health experts are warning about the dangers of digital device addiction.

위험성을 경고하다 (to warn of danger).

사회적 지지 체계가 잘 갖춰진 공동체일수록 구성원의 정신건강 지수가 높습니다.

Communities with well-established social support systems have higher mental health indices for their members.

~을수록 (the more... the more).

정신건강 증진을 위한 다각적인 접근 방식이 요구되는 시점입니다.

It is a time when a multi-faceted approach for mental health promotion is required.

다각적인 접근 방식 (multi-faceted approach).

정신건강의 문제는 더 이상 개인의 차원을 넘어 국가적 의제로 다뤄져야 합니다.

The issue of mental health must now be treated as a national agenda, going beyond the individual level.

의제로 다뤄지다 (to be treated as an agenda).

현대 철학은 자아의 상실이 현대인의 정신건강에 미치는 파급 효과를 탐구합니다.

Modern philosophy explores the ripple effects that the loss of self has on the mental health of modern people.

파급 효과 (ripple effect) + 탐구하다 (to explore/investigate).

급격한 사회 변동 속에서 정신건강의 회복 탄력성을 유지하는 것은 난제입니다.

Maintaining the resilience of mental health amidst rapid social changes is a difficult challenge.

회복 탄력성 (resilience) + 난제 (difficult problem).

정신건강복지법의 개정은 환자의 인권 보호와 치료권 보장 사이의 균형을 목표로 합니다.

The revision of the Mental Health and Welfare Act aims for a balance between protecting patients' human rights and guaranteeing their right to treatment.

보장 (guarantee) + 목표로 하다 (to aim for).

자본주의 사회의 성과주의는 개인의 정신건강을 소진시키는 구조적 한계를 지닙니다.

The meritocracy of capitalist society has structural limitations that exhaust individuals' mental health.

소진시키다 (to exhaust/burn out) + 구조적 한계 (structural limit).

정신건강의 가치는 경제적 생산성 측면에서도 결코 간과될 수 없는 요소입니다.

The value of mental health is an element that can never be overlooked, even from the perspective of economic productivity.

간과될 수 없다 (cannot be overlooked).

포스트 모더니즘 시대의 파편화된 관계는 인류의 보편적 정신건강에 새로운 도전을 제기합니다.

Fragmented relationships in the postmodern era pose new challenges to the universal mental health of humanity.

도전을 제기하다 (to pose a challenge).

심리적 외상 후 성장은 정신건강의 역동성과 인간의 잠재력을 보여주는 사례입니다.

Post-traumatic growth is an example that demonstrates the dynamism of mental health and human potential.

심리적 외상 (psychological trauma) + 역동성 (dynamism).

Synonyms

심리상태 마음건강

Antonyms

정신질환 정신병 심리적 불안 멘탈 붕괴

Common Collocations

정신건강을 챙기다

정신건강에 해롭다

정신건강 증진

정신건강의학과

정신건강 전문가

정신건강을 해치다

정신건강을 유지하다

정신건강 지수

정신건강 캠페인

정신건강 상태

Common Phrases

정신건강에 좋다/나쁘다

— Simply stating that something is good or bad for one's mind.

숲길을 걷는 것은 정신건강에 아주 좋아요.

정신건강을 위해

— Doing something for the sake of one's mental health.

정신건강을 위해 SNS를 탈퇴했어요.

정신건강의 중요성

— The importance of mental health.

우리는 정신건강의 중요성을 잊지 말아야 합니다.

정신건강 관리

— Mental health management or care.

현대인에게 정신건강 관리는 필수입니다.

정신건강 위기

— A mental health crisis.

청년들의 정신건강 위기가 심각합니다.

정신건강 상담

— Mental health counseling.

정신건강 상담을 통해 마음을 치유하세요.

정신건강 서비스

— Mental health services.

지역 사회의 정신건강 서비스를 이용하세요.

정신건강 실태

— The actual condition/status of mental health.

정신건강 실태 조사를 실시했습니다.

정신건강 교육

— Mental health education.

아이들에게 정신건강 교육이 필요합니다.

정신건강 보호

— Protection of mental health.

근로자의 정신건강 보호를 위한 법이 강화되었습니다.

Often Confused With

정신건강 vs 정신력

Refers to 'willpower' or 'mental strength' to endure something, whereas '정신건강' is the overall state of well-being.

정신건강 vs 정신병

A clinical term for mental illness. It is much narrower and more stigmatized than the broad term '정신건강'.

정신건강 vs 마음

Refers to the 'heart' or 'emotions'. It is used for personal feelings, while '정신건강' is a health category.

Idioms & Expressions

"정신을 차리다"

— To collect one's thoughts or snap out of a daze. Related to maintaining mental focus.

정신 차리고 내 말을 들어!

Informal

"정신이 없다"

— To be incredibly busy or distracted to the point of losing one's mind.

오늘 너무 바빠서 정신이 없어요.

Neutral

"정신이 팔리다"

— To be completely distracted by something else.

게임에 정신이 팔려서 숙제를 못 했어요.

Informal

"정신이 나가다"

— To lose one's senses or act crazy.

너 정신 나갔어? 왜 그런 짓을 해?

Informal

"정신을 놓다"

— To lose consciousness or lose one's grip on a situation.

너무 힘들어서 잠시 정신을 놓았어요.

Neutral

"정신을 집중하다"

— To concentrate or focus one's mind intensely.

공부에 정신을 집중하세요.

Neutral

"정신이 맑아지다"

— To have one's mind become clear (often after fresh air or meditation).

산책을 하니 정신이 맑아지네요.

Neutral

"정신이 번쩍 들다"

— To suddenly become alert or come to one's senses (like after cold water).

찬물로 세수를 하니 정신이 번쩍 들어요.

Neutral

"정신을 쏙 빼놓다"

— To make someone very distracted or confused (usually by being very loud/busy).

아이들이 시끄러워서 내 정신을 쏙 빼놓았어.

Informal

"정신 교육"

— Mental training or discipline (sometimes used in a strict or military sense).

신입 사원들에게 정신 교육을 실시했습니다.

Formal

Easily Confused

정신건강 vs 심리

Both relate to the mind.

'심리' is the study or mechanism of the mind (Psychology), while '정신건강' is the health status of the mind.

심리 상담을 통해 정신건강을 회복했다.

정신건강 vs 기분

Both involve how you feel.

'기분' is temporary mood, while '정신건강' is a long-term state of health.

기분은 좋지만 요즘 정신건강은 별로예요.

정신건강 vs 정신

It's the first half of the word.

'정신' alone means consciousness or spirit. '정신건강' specifically adds the health aspect.

정신 차려! (Focus!) vs 정신건강 챙겨! (Take care of your mental health!)

정신건강 vs 건강

It's the second half of the word.

'건강' usually implies physical health unless specified.

신체 건강과 정신건강.

정신건강 vs 정서

Both relate to internal well-being.

'정서' refers to 'emotions' or 'sentiment'. '정신건강' is the broader psychological state.

정서적 안정이 정신건강에 중요하다.

Sentence Patterns

정신건강이 [Adj]-아요/어요.

정신건강이 중요해요.

정신건강을 위해 [Verb]-아요/어요.

정신건강을 위해 쉬어요.

[Noun]은/는 정신건강에 [Adj]-아요/어요.

술은 정신건강에 나빠요.

정신건강을 [Verb]하는 것이 중요합니다.

정신건강을 유지하는 것이 중요합니다.

정신건강에 대한 [Noun]이/가 [Verb]-고 있다.

정신건강에 대한 관심이 높아지고 있다.

정신건강의 [Noun]은/는 [Noun]에 기인한다.

정신건강의 악화는 사회적 고립에 기인한다.

정신건강을 해치는 [Noun].

정신건강을 해치는 습관.

정신건강에 도움이 되다.

이 책은 정신건강에 도움이 돼요.

Word Family

Nouns

정신 (Mind/Spirit)

건강 (Health)

정신질환 (Mental illness)

정신과 (Psychiatry dept)

정신력 (Mental strength)

Verbs

건강하다 (To be healthy)

정신차리다 (To focus/wake up)

Adjectives

정신적인 (Mental/Psychological)

건강한 (Healthy)

심리 (Psychology)

정서 (Emotion)

마음 (Heart)

스트레스 (Stress)

힐링 (Healing)

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in modern Korean media and everyday wellness discussions.

Common Mistakes

Using '정신' alone for health. → 정신건강
'정신' just means mind/spirit. You need '건강' to talk about the well-being aspect.
정신건강을 아파요. → 정신건강이 안 좋아요.
Health (건강) is not a body part that can 'ache' (아프다). It's a state that is good or bad.
정신건강이 스트레스를 받아요. → 스트레스가 정신건강에 나빠요.
Mental health doesn't 'receive' stress; stress 'affects' mental health.
정신건강의 병 → 정신질환 / 마음의 병
'정신건강의 병' is redundant. Use 'mental illness' or 'illness of the heart'.
정신건강을 위해 운동이 좋습니다. → 정신건강에 운동이 좋습니다.
While '위해' is okay, '에' is the more natural particle when saying something is good *for* health.

Tips

Use with '에'

Always remember that factors affecting mental health use the particle '에' (e.g., 정신건강에 좋다). This is a common point of error for learners.

The 'Healing' Trend

The word '힐링' (Healing) is often used alongside '정신건강'. If you see a 'healing cafe,' it's a place meant to improve your 정신건강.

Hanja Power

Learning the Hanja 精神 (Mind) and 健康 (Health) will help you understand dozens of other related words in Korean.

Softening the Tone

If '정신건강' feels too heavy, try '마음 건강' (heart health). It sounds warmer and more approachable in casual conversation.

Formal Contexts

In essays, use '정신건강 증진' (mental health promotion) instead of just '정신건강 좋아지기' to sound more academic.

News Keywords

When you hear '정신건강,' listen for the following word. If it's '실태,' it's about a survey. If it's '위기,' it's about a problem.

Passive vs Active

Note the difference between '정신건강을 해치다' (to harm mental health - active) and '정신건강이 해쳐지다' (to be harmed - passive).

Supporting Others

A great way to show empathy is to ask: '정신건강은 좀 어때요?' (How is your mental health?) to a close friend who seems stressed.

Collocation Cards

Don't just learn the word. Make flashcards for '정신건강을 챙기다' and '정신건강에 해롭다' as single units.

Holistic View

Remember that in Korean culture, mental and physical health are deeply linked. Mentioning both shows cultural fluency.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Jeong-sin' as 'Jung's Sin' (Carl Jung, the psychologist, talking about the mind) and 'Geon-gang' as 'Gun-Gang' (a healthy gang with guns protecting your brain).

Visual Association

Imagine a brain (정신) wearing a headband and lifting weights (건강) to stay fit.

Word Web

정신건강 행복 (Happiness) 스트레스 (Stress) 상담 (Counseling) 명상 (Meditation) 안정 (Stability) 운동 (Exercise) 휴식 (Rest)

Challenge

Try to use the word '정신건강' in a sentence about your favorite hobby and post it on a Korean language forum.

Word Origin

The word is a Sino-Korean compound. '정신' (精神) comes from '정' (精 - essence/refined) and '신' (神 - spirit/god/mind). '건강' (健康) comes from '건' (健 - strong/healthy) and '강' (康 - peace/health).

Original meaning: The combination literally translates to 'the healthy essence of the spirit.'

Sino-Korean (Hanja-based).

Cultural Context

Be careful when using the word '정신' alone with '병원' (hospital). '정신병원' can carry a very negative, old-fashioned stigma. Use '정신건강의학과' for the modern, professional term.

In the West, 'Mental Health' is a very common and direct term. In Korea, while '정신건강' is the direct translation, people often use softer terms like '마음 관리' (heart care) to avoid the clinical feel.

Drama: 'It's Okay to Not Be Okay' (psychiatric ward setting) Dr. Oh Eun-young (the most famous mental health expert in Korea) Song: 'Palette' by IU (discussing self-acceptance and mental growth)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At the Hospital

정신건강의학과가 어디예요?
정신건강 검진을 받고 싶어요.
잠을 못 자서 정신건강이 안 좋아요.
상담 예약이 가능한가요?

At Work

정신건강을 위해 휴가가 필요해요.
업무 스트레스가 정신건강에 나빠요.
회사의 정신건강 프로그램을 이용하세요.
워라밸은 정신건강의 핵심입니다.

With Friends

너 정신건강은 좀 어때?
이 영화 진짜 정신건강에 좋다.
정신건강 챙기면서 일해.
우리 같이 맛있는 거 먹고 정신건강 회복하자!

In School

시험 기간이라 정신건강이 걱정돼요.
정신건강 교육 시간이 있어요.
선생님과 정신건강 상담을 했어요.
친구의 정신건강을 도와주고 싶어요.

In News/Media

국민 정신건강 실태 조사 결과입니다.
정신건강의 중요성이 강조되고 있습니다.
정신건강 복지 예산이 늘어났습니다.
현대인의 정신건강 위기를 진단합니다.

Conversation Starters

"요즘 당신의 정신건강은 어떤가요? (How is your mental health these days?)"

"정신건강을 위해 특별히 하는 활동이 있나요? (Are there any activities you do specifically for your mental health?)"

"스트레스가 정신건강에 미치는 영향에 대해 어떻게 생각하세요? (What do you think about the impact of stress on mental health?)"

"한국 사회에서 정신건강에 대한 인식이 많이 변했다고 느끼시나요? (Do you feel that awareness of mental health has changed much in Korean society?)"

"정신건강을 위해 SNS를 멀리해 본 적이 있나요? (Have you ever distanced yourself from SNS for your mental health?)"

Journal Prompts

오늘 나의 정신건강 상태를 1점부터 10점까지 점수로 매기고 그 이유를 써 보세요. (Rate your mental health today from 1 to 10 and write why.)

정신건강을 위해 내가 가장 좋아하는 '힐링' 방법은 무엇인가요? (What is your favorite 'healing' method for your mental health?)

과거에 정신건강이 힘들었을 때 어떻게 극복했는지 기록해 보세요. (Record how you overcame a time when your mental health was struggling in the past.)

미래의 나를 위해 정신건강을 지키는 3가지 약속을 적어 보세요. (Write 3 promises to protect your mental health for your future self.)

사회적 경쟁이 개인의 정신건강에 미치는 긍정적, 부정적 영향에 대해 써 보세요. (Write about the positive and negative effects of social competition on individual mental health.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, it is the standard formal term for 'mental health' used in medicine, government, and news. However, it is also used in daily life when discussing well-being.

It sounds a bit too clinical for just being sad. Use '마음이 슬퍼요' or '기분이 안 좋아요' for temporary emotions. Use '정신건강' for your overall state.

'정신건강' is the proper term. '멘탈' is slang used mostly by young people to mean mental resilience or current mental state (e.g., 'My mental is broken').

There isn't a direct one-to-one translation, but you can say '정신건강을 위한 휴식' (Rest for mental health) or '마음 챙김의 날'.

Yes, '정신건강의학과' is the department of psychiatry. A psychiatrist is '정신건강의학과 의사'.

It is becoming much more common and accepted, especially among younger generations. However, older people might still find it a sensitive topic.

Absolutely. '아동 정신건강' (Child mental health) is a very important topic in Korean education today.

챙기다 (take care of), 지키다 (protect), 해치다 (harm), 유지하다 (maintain), and 회복하다 (recover).

You can say '정신건강에 대한 인식' or '정신건강 인식 제고'.

It's rare. Usually, people use '정서적 상태' (emotional state) for pets, but in a scientific context, '동물의 정신건강' could be used.