This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

A2 noun #4,000 most common 8 min read

처방

Top 4,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 처방 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 처방 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know that 처방 (Cheobang) means 'prescription.' You will mostly hear it in the context of going to a doctor when you are sick. Imagine you have a cold; the doctor writes something on a piece of paper. That paper is the 처방전 (prescription slip). You take it to the 약국 (pharmacy) to get your medicine. You don't need to worry about the complex grammar yet. Just remember: Hospital -> 처방 -> Pharmacy. A simple phrase to remember is '처방해 주세요' (Please give me a prescription).

At the A2 level, you should be able to use 처방 in simple sentences. You should know the difference between 처방하다 (to prescribe, used by doctors) and 처방받다 (to receive a prescription, used by patients). You might also encounter the word 처방전 (prescription slip) more frequently. For example, '의사 선생님이 약을 처방해 주셨어요' (The doctor prescribed medicine for me). This level focuses on the practical use of the word in daily life situations, like visiting a clinic in Korea.

At the B1 level, you start to see 처방 used in more formal settings and occasionally in metaphorical ways. You should understand that 처방 isn't just about pills; it's about the professional instruction. You might hear about '식단 처방' (dietary prescription/plan) or '운동 처방' (exercise prescription). You should also be comfortable with passive and active forms and understanding the role of particles like -에게 or -에서. For instance, '이 약은 처방 없이 구매할 수 없습니다' (This medicine cannot be purchased without a prescription).

At the B2 level, the metaphorical use of 처방 becomes much more common. You will read news articles where the government offers a 'policy prescription' (정책적 처방) for social issues like unemployment or low birth rates. You should understand nuanced expressions like 극약 처방 (a drastic, high-risk measure) and 임시 처방 (a temporary fix). At this level, you are expected to understand that 처방 implies an expert-level solution to a 'sick' system or situation.

At the C1 level, you should be able to discuss the legal and ethical aspects of 처방. This includes topics like '과잉 처방' (over-prescription), '중복 처방' (duplicate prescription), and the regulations surrounding '비대면 처방' (remote/telehealth prescription). You should be able to use the word in academic or professional discussions, comparing various '처방' (remedies/measures) for complex economic or social phenomena. The word becomes a tool for high-level analysis and critique.

At the C2 level, 처방 can be used in philosophical or highly abstract contexts. You might encounter it in literature or advanced socio-political essays where it refers to a 'prescription for humanity' or a 'civilizational remedy.' You should have a deep understanding of the Hanja roots and be able to distinguish 처방 from similar academic terms like 방책 (plan/device), 방안 (scheme), or 치방 (governing/managing). Your usage should be indistinguishable from a native speaker who is well-versed in professional and literary Korean.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

처방 in 30 Seconds

처방 means 'prescription' in medical contexts, referring to a doctor's orders.
It is also used figuratively to mean a 'remedy' or 'solution' to a problem.
The physical paper is called '처방전' (prescription slip).
Common verbs include '처방하다' (to prescribe) and '처방받다' (to receive a prescription).

The Korean word 처방 (Cheobang) is a vital noun that primarily translates to 'prescription' in a medical context. Derived from Hanja (Chinese characters), it consists of 處 (Cheo), meaning 'to deal with' or 'to manage,' and 方 (Bang), meaning 'method' or 'direction.' Together, they describe the act of determining a specific method to handle a health issue. While English speakers often think of a prescription solely as the piece of paper given by a doctor, in Korean, 처방 encompasses the doctor's decision-making process, the specific combination of medications, and the professional instruction itself.

Medical Context: In a hospital or clinic, after a diagnosis (진단), the doctor provides a 처방. This involves selecting appropriate drugs, dosages, and administration schedules. The physical document you take to the pharmacy is specifically called a 처방전 (Cheobang-jeon), where 'jeon' (箋) means a slip or paper.

의사 선생님이 감기약을 처방해 주셨어요. (The doctor prescribed cold medicine for me.)

Beyond the clinic, 처방 is frequently used metaphorically. Just as a doctor prescribes medicine for a physical ailment, a leader or an expert might 'prescribe' a solution for a social, economic, or personal problem. If a company is failing, the CEO might offer a 'drastic prescription' (극약 처방) to save it. This versatility makes it a high-frequency word in news reports, business meetings, and academic discussions.

Figurative Context: When used figuratively, it implies a calculated, expert-driven solution to a complex issue. For example, 'economic prescription' (경제적 처방) refers to policy measures taken by the government to stabilize the market.

이 문제는 단순한 처방으로 해결될 수 없습니다. (This problem cannot be solved with a simple prescription/remedy.)

Usage Nuance: Note that 처방 is a noun. To say 'to prescribe,' you add the verb 하다 to make 처방하다. For the passive sense of 'being prescribed,' you use 처방받다.

강력한 경제 처방이 필요합니다. (A strong economic prescription/measure is needed.)

잘못된 처방은 병을 악화시킬 수 있습니다. (The wrong prescription can worsen the illness.)

In summary, 처방 is a professional, authoritative term. Whether you are at a local clinic in Seoul or reading an editorial about national debt, understanding this word helps you grasp the concept of an expert solution tailored to a specific diagnosis.

Using 처방 (Cheobang) correctly requires understanding its role as a noun and how it interacts with various verbs and suffixes. The most common verb pairing is 하다 (to do), creating 처방하다 (to prescribe). This is used from the perspective of the medical professional. Conversely, patients use 받다 (to receive), creating 처방받다 (to be prescribed/to receive a prescription).

The Verb Forms: 1. 처방하다: 의사가 약을 처방하다 (The doctor prescribes medicine).
2. 처방받다: 환자가 약을 처방받다 (The patient receives a prescription for medicine).

이 약은 의사의 처방 없이 살 수 없습니다. (You cannot buy this medicine without a doctor's prescription.)

Grammatically, 처방 often acts as the object of a sentence. For instance, '처방을 내리다' (to issue a prescription) is a more formal way of saying a doctor has made a decision. In metaphorical contexts, '처방을 제시하다' (to suggest a remedy) is common. You will also see it combined with other nouns to create compound terms like 처방전 (prescription slip), 처방약 (prescribed medicine), and 중복 처방 (duplicate prescription).

Common Phrasal Combinations: - 처방을 따르다: To follow a prescription.
- 처방을 변경하다: To change a prescription.
- 올바른 처방: The correct prescription/remedy.

어떤 약을 처방해 드릴까요? (What kind of medicine shall I prescribe for you?)

In advanced usage, 처방 can be modified by adjectives to describe the nature of the solution. A '극약 처방' (extreme medicine prescription) refers to a desperate, last-resort measure. A '임시 처방' (temporary prescription) refers to a stopgap measure or a band-aid solution that doesn't address the root cause. These expressions are widely used in political and social commentary in Korea.

Advanced Modifiers: - 사후 처방: A prescription/measure taken after the fact (reactive).
- 근본적인 처방: A fundamental prescription/solution (proactive/root cause).

정부는 이번 사태에 대해 긴급 처방을 내놓았습니다. (The government has come up with an emergency measure/prescription for this situation.)

의사의 처방대로 약을 복용하세요. (Please take the medicine according to the doctor's prescription.)

Whether you are discussing health with a friend or analyzing a policy paper, these patterns will help you use 처방 with precision and natural flow.

You will encounter 처방 (Cheobang) in several distinct environments in Korea, ranging from the highly clinical to the broadly social. Understanding these contexts is key to recognizing the word's intended meaning.

1. Hospitals and Clinics (병원): This is the most literal and frequent setting. After a consultation, the nurse might say, '처방전 나오기까지 잠시만 기다려 주세요' (Please wait a moment for the prescription slip to be issued). At the pharmacy, the pharmacist will ask for your '처방전' to prepare your medication.

약국에 처방전을 제출하세요. (Submit your prescription slip to the pharmacy.)

2. News and Media (뉴스 및 언론): Journalists often use 처방 when discussing government policies or economic solutions. For instance, a news anchor might say, '부동산 시장 안정을 위한 정부의 처방이 발표되었습니다' (The government's prescription/measure for stabilizing the real estate market has been announced). Here, it implies a professional solution to a systemic problem.

전문가들은 경제 회복을 위한 새로운 처방이 필요하다고 조언합니다. (Experts advise that a new prescription/remedy is needed for economic recovery.)

3. Personal Advice and Self-Help (상담 및 자기계발): In counseling or self-help books, '심리적 처방' (psychological prescription) is a common phrase. It refers to mental exercises or lifestyle changes recommended to improve mental health. You might hear a friend say, '스트레스에는 여행이 최고의 처방이야' (Travel is the best prescription/remedy for stress).

마음의 병에도 처방이 필요합니다. (Even for illnesses of the heart/mind, a prescription is needed.)

Finally, in sports, coaches are often said to give a '처방' to a struggling player. This could mean a change in technique or a shift in the player's role. In all these cases, the word carries a sense of authority and expert analysis.

감독님은 부진한 팀을 위해 특별한 처방을 내렸습니다. (The coach gave a special prescription/measure for the underperforming team.)

While 처방 (Cheobang) is a straightforward word, English speakers often make nuanced errors when translating it or using it in specific Korean grammatical structures. Here are the most common pitfalls to avoid.

1. Confusing 'Prescription' (The Paper) vs. 'Prescription' (The Act): In English, 'prescription' can mean both the doctor's order and the physical paper. In Korean, 처방 is mostly the 'order' or 'remedy.' If you are physically holding the paper, you must use 처방전 (Cheobang-jeon). Saying '처방을 잃어버렸어요' (I lost the prescription) is understandable but technically slightly off; '처방전을 잃어버렸어요' is more accurate.

❌ 약국에 처방을 줬어요. (I gave the prescription [act/order] to the pharmacy.)
✅ 약국에 처방전을 냈어요. (I submitted the prescription slip to the pharmacy.)

2. Misusing 'Prescribe' (처방하다) vs. 'Diagnose' (진단하다): Learners sometimes swap these two. 진단 (Jindan) is the identification of the illness (e.g., 'You have a cold'). 처방 (Cheobang) is the solution (e.g., 'Take this medicine'). You cannot 처방 a disease; you 진단 a disease and 처방 a medicine.

❌ 의사가 폐렴을 처방했어요. (The doctor prescribed pneumonia.)
✅ 의사가 폐렴을 진단하고 항생제를 처방했어요. (The doctor diagnosed pneumonia and prescribed antibiotics.)

3. Particle Confusion with '처방받다': When you receive a prescription, you are receiving it *from* someone. Many learners use the subject particle incorrectly. It should be '의사에게 처방받다' (receive prescription from a doctor) or '병원에서 처방받다' (receive prescription at a hospital).

❌ 의사가 처방받았어요. (The doctor received the prescription - unless the doctor is the patient!)
✅ 의사 선생님께 처방받았어요. (I received a prescription from the doctor.)

이 약은 처방 없이 복용하면 위험합니다. (It is dangerous to take this medicine without a prescription.)

While 처방 (Cheobang) is the standard term for medical prescriptions, there are several related words that cover similar ground or provide more specific meanings. Knowing the difference between them will significantly improve your Korean fluency.

처방 (Prescription) vs. 조제 (Dispensing/Compounding): 처방 is what the doctor does (writing the order). 조제 (Jo-je) is what the pharmacist does (preparing the actual pills/liquid based on that order). You go to the pharmacy for '약 조제' (medicine preparation).

의사는 처방을 하고, 약사는 약을 조제합니다. (Doctors prescribe, and pharmacists dispense/compound medicine.)

처방 (Remedy) vs. 해결책 (Solution): In figurative contexts, 처방 implies an expert's authoritative remedy. 해결책 (Haegyeol-chaek) is a more general word for 'solution' or 'way to solve.' Use 처방 when you want to sound more professional or when the situation is treated like a 'disease' that needs fixing.

문제를 해결할 근본적인 해결책이 필요합니다. (A fundamental solution is needed to solve the problem.)

처방 (Measure) vs. 대책 (Countermeasure): 대책 (Dae-chaek) is very common in government and business contexts. It refers to a plan or countermeasure against a specific problem. While 처방 sounds like a 'cure,' 대책 sounds like a 'strategy' or 'defense.'

홍수 피해를 막기 위한 대책을 세웠습니다. (We have established countermeasures to prevent flood damage.)

In summary, use 처방 for medical orders and expert 'cures' for social ills. Use 조제 for the physical making of medicine, 해결책 for general solutions, and 대책 for planned strategies or countermeasures.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In ancient times, 'Bang' (方) specifically referred to a medicinal recipe or a collection of herbs. Thus, 'Cheobang' was the act of managing a disease by providing a specific recipe.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /tɕʰʌ.baŋ/

US /tɕʰʌ.baŋ/

In Korean, stress is generally even across syllables, but a slight emphasis may be placed on the first syllable '처' in this word.

Rhymes With

가방 (Gabang - Bag) 지방 (Jibang - Region/Fat) 소방 (Sobang - Firefighting) 해방 (Haebang - Liberation) 국방 (Gukbang - National Defense) 주방 (Jubang - Kitchen) 다방 (Dabang - Tea house) 공방 (Gongbang - Workshop/Battle)

Common Errors

Pronouncing '처' as '초' (cho).
Pronouncing '방' with a soft 'p' instead of a clear 'b'.
Missing the aspiration on the 'ch' in 'cheo'.
Over-emphasizing the second syllable.
Nasalizing the 'eo' vowel too much.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The word itself is easy to read, but it often appears in complex medical or political texts.

Writing 3/5

Requires understanding the difference between the noun and its verb forms (하다/받다).

Speaking 2/5

Common in daily medical situations; easy to pronounce once the 'eo' sound is mastered.

Listening 2/5

Clearly articulated in professional settings like hospitals.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

약 (Medicine) 의사 (Doctor) 병원 (Hospital) 아프다 (To be sick) 하다 (To do)

Learn Next

진단 (Diagnosis) 증상 (Symptom) 부작용 (Side effect) 조제 (Dispensing) 복용 (Ingestion/Taking med)

Advanced

치료법 (Therapy/Treatment method) 임상 시험 (Clinical trial) 처방권 (Prescribing rights) 의약분업 (Separation of prescribing and dispensing)

Grammar to Know

Noun + 하다 (Verbification)

처방 (Noun) -> 처방하다 (Verb: To prescribe)

Noun + 받다 (Passive/Receiving)

처방 (Noun) -> 처방받다 (Verb: To receive a prescription)

Noun + 전 (Suffix for Paper/Document)

처방 + 전 -> 처방전 (Prescription slip)

-아/어 주다 (Doing for someone)

의사가 약을 처방해 주었습니다.

-대로 (According to)

처방대로 약을 드세요.

Examples by Level

처방전 주세요.

Please give me the prescription slip.

Noun + 주세요 is a basic request.

이것은 처방약입니다.

This is prescribed medicine.

처방약 is a compound noun (prescription + medicine).

의사가 처방해요.

The doctor prescribes.

Subject + Verb.

처방이 필요해요.

I need a prescription.

Noun + 이/가 필요하다 (to need).

약국에 처방전을 내요.

I submit the prescription to the pharmacy.

Location + 에 + Object + 을/를 + Verb.

감기약 처방이에요.

It is a prescription for cold medicine.

Noun + 이예요/예요 (It is).

처방이 없어요.

There is no prescription.

Noun + 이/가 없다 (to not have).

의사한테 처방받아요.

I receive a prescription from the doctor.

-한테 means 'from' in this context.

의사가 감기약을 처방해 주었습니다.

The doctor prescribed cold medicine for me.

-아/어 주다 indicates the action is done for someone.

처방전 없이 약을 살 수 있나요?

Can I buy medicine without a prescription?

-ㄹ 수 있다 (can) + question form.

어제 병원에서 처방을 받았어요.

I received a prescription at the hospital yesterday.

Past tense -았/었/였다.

이 처방전은 3일 동안 유효합니다.

This prescription is valid for three days.

유효하다 means 'to be valid.'

의사 선생님의 처방을 잘 따르세요.

Please follow the doctor's prescription well.

-(으)세요 is a polite command.

어떤 약을 처방받으셨어요?

What kind of medicine were you prescribed?

Honorific -시- is used for the listener's action.

처방전이 어디에 있어요?

Where is the prescription?

어디에 (where) + 있어요 (is there).

피부과에서 연고를 처방받았어요.

I was prescribed an ointment at the dermatology clinic.

Specific clinic name + 에서.

이 약은 반드시 의사의 처방이 있어야 합니다.

This medicine must have a doctor's prescription.

반드시 (necessarily) + -어/아야 하다 (must).

운동 처방을 받으러 체육관에 갔어요.

I went to the gym to get an exercise prescription.

-(으)러 가다 (go in order to).

의사가 약의 용량을 줄여서 처방했습니다.

The doctor prescribed a reduced dosage of the medicine.

-아/어서 (reason/sequence).

처방전을 잃어버려서 다시 병원에 가야 해요.

I lost my prescription, so I have to go to the hospital again.

Reason + -아/어서 + result.

잘못된 처방은 몸에 해로울 수 있습니다.

A wrong prescription can be harmful to the body.

Adjective + -ㄴ (modifying noun).

약사는 처방전대로 약을 조제했습니다.

The pharmacist prepared the medicine according to the prescription.

-대로 means 'according to.'

환자의 상태에 따라 처방이 달라집니다.

The prescription varies depending on the patient's condition.

-에 따라 (depending on).

새로운 처방이 효과가 있기를 바랍니다.

I hope the new prescription is effective.

-기(를) 바라다 (to hope for).

경제 위기를 극복하기 위한 정부의 처방이 발표되었습니다.

The government's prescription for overcoming the economic crisis has been announced.

Metaphorical use of 처방.

이것은 근본적인 해결책이 아닌 임시 처방일 뿐입니다.

This is just a temporary measure, not a fundamental solution.

임시 처방 (temporary measure).

의사는 항생제 과잉 처방을 경계해야 한다고 말했습니다.

The doctor said we should be wary of over-prescribing antibiotics.

과잉 처방 (over-prescription).

그의 부진한 성적에 대해 코칭 스태프는 특별 처방을 내렸습니다.

The coaching staff issued a special prescription for his poor performance.

Metaphorical use in sports.

사후 처방보다는 예방이 훨씬 더 중요합니다.

Prevention is much more important than a reactive measure (after-the-fact prescription).

사후 처방 (post-facto measure).

정부는 부동산 시장을 안정시키기 위해 강력한 처방을 내놓았습니다.

The government has come up with a strong prescription to stabilize the real estate market.

강력한 처방 (strong measure).

중복 처방을 방지하기 위해 시스템이 도입되었습니다.

A system was introduced to prevent duplicate prescriptions.

중복 처방 (duplicate prescription).

독서가 마음의 병에 가장 좋은 처방이 될 수 있습니다.

Reading can be the best prescription for the illnesses of the mind.

Poetic/Metaphorical use.

비대면 처방의 허용 여부를 두고 의료계 내에서 논란이 뜨겁습니다.

There is heated controversy within the medical community regarding the permission of remote prescriptions.

비대면 처방 (remote prescription).

사회적 갈등을 해소하기 위한 다각적인 처방이 모색되고 있습니다.

Multifaceted prescriptions/remedies are being sought to resolve social conflicts.

다각적인 (multifaceted).

전문의의 정확한 처방 없이는 오남용의 위험이 큽니다.

Without an accurate prescription from a specialist, there is a high risk of misuse and abuse.

오남용 (misuse and abuse).

이번 대책은 근시안적인 처방에 불과하다는 비판을 받고 있습니다.

This measure is being criticized as nothing more than a short-sighted prescription.

근시안적인 (short-sighted).

환자의 유전적 특성을 고려한 맞춤형 처방이 가능해졌습니다.

Tailored prescriptions considering the patient's genetic characteristics have become possible.

맞춤형 (tailored/customized).

정부는 저출산 문제에 대해 실효성 있는 처방을 내놓지 못하고 있습니다.

The government is failing to produce effective prescriptions for the low birth rate issue.

실효성 있는 (effective/practical).

약물의 상호작용을 고려하여 신중하게 처방을 결정해야 합니다.

The prescription must be decided carefully, considering drug interactions.

상호작용 (interaction).

그 정책은 시장 경제의 원리를 무시한 잘못된 처방이었습니다.

That policy was a wrong prescription that ignored the principles of the market economy.

원리 (principle).

시대적 아픔에 대한 인문학적 처방이 절실한 시점입니다.

It is a time when a humanistic prescription for the pains of the era is desperately needed.

인문학적 (humanistic).

맹목적인 기술 지상주의에 대한 비판적 처방이 요구됩니다.

A critical prescription for blind technological supremacy is required.

지상주의 (supremacy).

그의 철학은 현대 사회의 도덕적 해이에 대한 일종의 처방전과 같습니다.

His philosophy is like a kind of prescription for the moral hazard of modern society.

도덕적 해이 (moral hazard).

법과 제도의 정비는 사회 정의 실현을 위한 제도적 처방입니다.

The reorganization of laws and systems is an institutional prescription for the realization of social justice.

제도적 (institutional).

환경 파괴라는 인류의 난제에 대해 지구촌 전체의 공동 처방이 필요합니다.

A joint prescription from the entire global village is needed for the human dilemma of environmental destruction.

난제 (dilemma/difficult problem).

이 소설은 현대인의 고독과 소외에 대한 문학적 처방을 제시합니다.

This novel presents a literary prescription for the loneliness and alienation of modern people.

소외 (alienation).

극약 처방이 가져올 부작용에 대한 면밀한 검토가 선행되어야 합니다.

A thorough review of the side effects that a drastic measure might bring must precede it.

선행되다 (to precede).

역사적 성찰은 국가적 위기를 극복하는 가장 지혜로운 처방입니다.

Historical reflection is the wisest prescription for overcoming a national crisis.

성찰 (reflection).

Common Collocations

처방을 내리다

처방을 받다

처방전 없이

극약 처방

임시 처방

과잉 처방

처방을 따르다

맞춤 처방

식단 처방

처방을 변경하다

Common Phrases

처방전 주세요

— Please give me the prescription slip. Used at the hospital counter.

결제 후에 처방전 주세요.

처방받은 약

— The medicine that was prescribed. Common when talking about medication history.

처방받은 약을 다 먹었어요.

잘못된 처방

— A wrong prescription or a wrong solution to a problem.

잘못된 처방으로 상황이 나빠졌어요.

특별 처방

— A special prescription or a unique measure for a specific case.

감독님은 나에게 특별 처방을 내렸다.

처방이 효과가 있다

— The prescription/remedy is effective.

새로운 처방이 효과가 있는 것 같아요.

처방을 거부하다

— To refuse a prescription or a proposed solution.

환자가 약 처방을 거부했습니다.

처방을 검토하다

— To review a prescription or a plan.

정부는 새로운 처방을 검토 중입니다.

처방을 제안하다

— To suggest a remedy or a solution.

전문가는 몇 가지 처방을 제안했습니다.

처방대로

— According to the prescription.

처방대로 약을 드셔야 합니다.

처방 가능 여부

— Whether a prescription is possible or not.

전화로 처방 가능 여부를 확인하세요.

Often Confused With

처방 vs 진단 (Diagnosis)

Diagnosis is identifying the disease; prescription is the solution/medicine.

처방 vs 조제 (Dispensing)

Prescription is the doctor's order; dispensing is the pharmacist making the medicine.

처방 vs 추천 (Recommendation)

Recommendation is a suggestion; prescription is a professional, often mandatory, instruction.

Idioms & Expressions

"극약 처방"

— A drastic measure taken in a desperate situation, like giving a very strong/dangerous medicine to a dying patient.

회사를 살리기 위해 극약 처방을 내렸습니다.

Journalistic/Business

"마음의 처방"

— A remedy for emotional or psychological pain.

친구와의 대화가 최고의 마음의 처방이다.

Poetic/Casual

"사후 처방"

— A measure taken only after a problem has occurred (often used critically).

사건이 터진 뒤의 사후 처방은 의미가 없다.

Political/Critical

"임시 처방"

— A temporary fix that doesn't solve the underlying issue.

이것은 근본 대책이 아닌 임시 처방입니다.

General/Formal

"처방이 없다"

— There is no solution or way to fix a situation.

이 게으름에는 정말 처방이 없다.

Humorous/Casual

"맞춤형 처방"

— A solution perfectly tailored to a specific person or situation.

우리 아이를 위한 맞춤형 처방이 필요해요.

Educational/Marketing

"만병통치약 같은 처방"

— A solution that claims to fix everything (often used skeptically).

그런 만병통치약 같은 처방은 세상에 없습니다.

Critical

"확실한 처방"

— A guaranteed solution to a problem.

성적 향상을 위한 확실한 처방을 알려줄게.

Casual/Educational

"긴급 처방"

— An emergency measure to stop a situation from worsening.

정부는 시장 안정을 위해 긴급 처방을 내놓았다.

Journalistic

"잘못된 처방을 내리다"

— To misunderstand a problem and offer the wrong solution.

리더가 잘못된 처방을 내리면 팀이 고생한다.

Management

Easily Confused

처방 vs 진단

Both happen at the hospital.

진단 is the 'what' (what is wrong), and 처방 is the 'how' (how to fix it).

진단은 감기였고, 처방은 휴식이었습니다.

처방 vs 조제

Both involve medicine.

처방 is the intellectual act of deciding the medicine; 조제 is the physical act of preparing it.

처방은 의사가, 조제는 약사가 합니다.

처방 vs 치료

Both aim to cure.

치료 is the overall process of treatment; 처방 is a specific component (the medication order).

수술과 처방은 모두 치료의 일부입니다.

처방 vs 대책

Both mean 'measure' or 'solution.'

대책 is broader and strategic; 처방 sounds more like a specific 'cure' for a 'sickness.'

경제 대책의 일환으로 금리 인하라는 처방을 썼다.

처방 vs 방안

Both mean 'plan.'

방안 is a neutral plan; 처방 implies a corrective measure for a problem.

성장 방안과 위기 처방은 다릅니다.

Sentence Patterns

N + 주세요

처방전 주세요.

N + 을/를 처방하다/받다

약을 처방받았어요.

N + 없이 V

처방 없이 약을 사면 안 돼요.

N + 을/를 위한 처방

위기 극복을 위한 처방입니다.

N + 에 대한 처방을 모색하다

문제에 대한 처방을 모색 중입니다.

N + 적 처방이 요구되다

근본적 처방이 요구되는 시점입니다.

N + 대로 V

처방대로 하세요.

N + 에게 처방받다

의사에게 처방받았습니다.

Word Family

Nouns

처방전 (Prescription slip)

처방약 (Prescribed medicine)

처방액 (Prescription amount/cost)

비처방 (Non-prescription)

Verbs

처방하다 (To prescribe)

처방받다 (To receive a prescription)

처방되다 (To be prescribed)

진단 (Diagnosis)

조제 (Dispensing)

치료 (Treatment)

약국 (Pharmacy)

의사 (Doctor)

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in medical, political, and social contexts.

Common Mistakes

Using '처방' for a cooking recipe. → 레시피 (Recipe) or 조리법.
처방 is exclusively for medical or metaphorical remedies. You wouldn't 'prescribe' a cake.
Saying '의사가 처방받았어요' when the doctor is the one giving the medicine. → 의사가 처방했어요.
받다 means to receive. Unless the doctor is sick, they do not 'receive' the prescription.
Using '처방' to mean 'diagnosis.' → 진단 (Diagnosis).
진단 is finding the problem; 처방 is solving it. They are sequential steps in a medical visit.
Forgetting the '전' when referring to the physical paper. → 처방전.
While people might understand '처방,' '처방전' is the correct term for the document you give to the pharmacist.
Using '처방' for a simple suggestion to a friend. → 추천 (Recommendation) or 제안 (Suggestion).
처방 sounds very authoritative. Use it for serious solutions, not for suggesting a movie to watch.

Tips

Verb Pairing

Always remember: Doctors '처방하다' (prescribe) and patients '처방받다' (receive prescription). Using the wrong one changes the whole meaning of the sentence.

The 'Jeon' Suffix

Add '전' (箋) to '처방' to get '처방전,' the physical paper. You'll need this word every time you visit a Korean pharmacy.

Metaphorical Power

Use '처방' when you want to sound like an expert giving a solution. It's much more impactful than just saying '방법' (way) or '생각' (thought).

Pharmacy Etiquette

In Korea, pharmacies are often right next to hospitals. When you enter, just say '처방전 드릴게요' (I'll give you the prescription slip) and hand it over.

Compound Nouns

Korean loves compound nouns. '처방약' (prescription medicine) and '처방료' (prescription fee) are very common in medical bills and records.

Softening Requests

When asking for a prescription, use '처방해 주실 수 있나요?' (Could you prescribe...?) to sound more polite to the doctor.

News Buzzwords

Listen for '강력한 처방' (strong measure) in news about the economy. It's a very common 'buzzword' in Korean journalism.

Hanja Roots

Remember 處 (manage) + 方 (method). It's the 'method to manage' your health. This root 'Bang' also appears in 'Bang-beop' (method).

Aspiration Check

Make sure the 'Cheo' starts with a strong burst of air. If it sounds like 'Jeo' (저), it could be confused with 'low' or 'that.'

Giving Advice

Using '처방' to give advice to a friend can be slightly humorous or very supportive, depending on your tone. Use it wisely!

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'CHEF' (Cheo) in a 'BANK' (Bang). The chef is prescribing a special recipe for your financial health.

Visual Association

Imagine a doctor wearing a white coat, holding a large pen, and writing the word 'SOLUTION' on a giant pill bottle labeled 'CHEOBANG.'

Word Web

의사 (Doctor) 약국 (Pharmacy) 진단 (Diagnosis) 약 (Medicine) 치료 (Treatment) 환자 (Patient) 병원 (Hospital) 처방전 (Slip)

Challenge

Try to use '처방' in a sentence today when talking about a problem you solved. For example: 'My prescription for a long day is a hot bath.'

Word Origin

Derived from the Hanja characters 處方.

Original meaning: 處 (Cheo) means 'to dwell,' 'to manage,' or 'to deal with.' 方 (Bang) means 'method,' 'direction,' or 'recipe.'

Sino-Korean

Cultural Context

Be careful not to use '처방' to dismiss someone's serious medical condition with a casual 'remedy' unless you are close friends.

In the US or UK, 'prescription' is almost exclusively medical. In Korea, the metaphorical use in news and sports is much more frequent and formal.

The K-Drama 'Hospital Playlist' frequently features doctors discussing complex '처방' for their patients. The phrase '극약 처방' is a staple in Korean political headlines during election seasons. Traditional Korean Medicine (Hanuihak) uses the term 'Cheobang' for herbal mixes that have been used for thousands of years.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At the Hospital

처방전 주세요.
약을 처방해 주세요.
어떤 처방인가요?
처방이 바뀌었나요?

At the Pharmacy

처방전 여기 있습니다.
처방전대로 조제해 주세요.
처방 없이 살 수 있나요?
처방약 복용법을 알려주세요.

Discussing Politics/Economics

정부의 처방
경제적 처방
근본적인 처방
긴급 처방을 내놓다

Personal Advice

나만의 처방
최고의 처방
마음의 처방
특별한 처방

Sports/Coaching

승리를 위한 처방
기술적 처방
정신적 처방
감독의 처방

Conversation Starters

"병원에서 어떤 약을 처방받으셨어요? (What kind of medicine were you prescribed at the hospital?)"

"처방전 없이 살 수 있는 감기약이 있을까요? (Is there any cold medicine I can buy without a prescription?)"

"스트레스를 해소하는 당신만의 처방은 무엇인가요? (What is your own prescription for relieving stress?)"

"정부의 새로운 경제 처방에 대해 어떻게 생각하세요? (What do you think about the government's new economic prescription?)"

"의사의 처방을 따르는 것이 왜 중요할까요? (Why is it important to follow a doctor's prescription?)"

Journal Prompts

오늘 병원에 가서 받은 처방에 대해 써 보세요. (Write about the prescription you received at the hospital today.)

내 인생의 힘든 시기를 극복하게 해준 '처방'은 무엇이었나요? (What was the 'prescription' that helped you overcome a difficult time in your life?)

만약 당신이 의사라면, 현대 사회의 문제에 어떤 처방을 내리겠습니까? (If you were a doctor, what prescription would you give for the problems of modern society?)

처방전 없이 약을 사는 것의 위험성에 대해 자신의 생각을 적어 보세요. (Write your thoughts on the dangers of buying medicine without a prescription.)

최근 뉴스에서 본 '정책적 처방' 중 인상 깊었던 것을 설명해 보세요. (Explain a 'policy prescription' you saw in the news recently that was impressive.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, for cooking, you should use '레시피' (recipe) or '조리법' (cooking method). '처방' is strictly for medical or metaphorical 'remedies.' Example: '이 요리의 레시피를 알려줘' (Tell me the recipe for this dish).

'처방' is the abstract concept of the prescription or the act of prescribing. '처방전' is the physical piece of paper (slip) that you carry. Example: '의사의 처방(act)을 처방전(paper)에 적었다.'

Yes, but only metaphorically. A non-doctor might 'prescribe' a solution to a problem in a speech or an article. In a literal medical sense, only licensed professionals can '처방하다.'

You say '일반 의약품' (general medicine) or more commonly '처방전 없이 살 수 있는 약.' These do not require a '처방.'

Absolutely. It is used for psychiatric medication and also metaphorically for psychological advice, like '심리적 처방' (psychological prescription).

Yes, it is a Sino-Korean word (Hanja-based), which makes it more formal than native Korean words. It is the standard term used in all official medical and professional contexts.

It literally means 'prescribing extremely strong/poisonous medicine.' It is used to describe a very risky but necessary measure to solve a dire problem. Example: '정부는 극약 처방을 내렸다.'

Yes, '처방을 쓰다' (to use/write a prescription) is common, especially in metaphorical contexts. In medical contexts, '처방하다' or '처방을 내리다' is more common.

It means 'remote prescription' or 'telehealth prescription,' where the doctor prescribes medicine without meeting the patient in person, often via a video call or app.

No. It can involve instructions for exercise, diet, or lifestyle changes. For example, '운동 처방' (exercise prescription) is a common term in sports science.