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투약하다

B1 verb 8 min read

투약하다

tuyakhada

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 투약하다 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 투약하다 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use '투약하다' often, but you might see it on medicine bottles or in a doctor's office. Think of it as a fancy way to say 'give medicine.' While you usually say '약을 줘요' (I give medicine), '투약' is the word the hospital uses. It comes from '투' (give) and '약' (medicine). Even at this early stage, knowing that '약' means medicine helps you recognize this word in a hospital. You might hear a nurse say it when they are about to help you. It is a formal word, so it's good to recognize it even if you use simpler words like '먹다' (to eat/take) or '주다' (to give) in your own speaking.

As an A2 learner, you should start distinguishing between who is doing the action. '약을 먹다' is for you taking medicine. '투약하다' is for a professional giving it to you. You might see this word in basic health-related readings or simple news clips about hospitals. It's a '하다' verb, so it follows all the standard conjugation rules you've learned (투약해요, 투약했습니다, 투약할 거예요). You can also learn the noun '투약' which means 'medication administration.' If you visit a pharmacy in Korea, look for this word on the instructions they give you. It shows you are moving beyond just basic 'survival' Korean into more specific vocabulary.

At the B1 level, you should be able to use '투약하다' in appropriate contexts, such as describing a visit to the hospital or explaining medical procedures. You should understand that this word is more formal than '약을 주다.' It is commonly used in passive forms like '투약되다' (to be administered). For example, if you are describing a news story about a medical error, you would use this word. You should also be aware of the common collocations like '투약 시간' (administration time) and '투약 방법' (method of administration). This level requires you to understand the nuance of professional responsibility that the word carries.

At the B2 level, you should be familiar with the use of '투약하다' in legal and social contexts. You will frequently encounter it in news reports concerning drug laws and '마약 투약' (illegal drug use). You should be able to discuss the ethics of medicine, such as '과다 투약' (over-medication). Your understanding should include the Hanja roots (投 - to cast/give, 藥 - medicine) to help you deduce related terms. You should also be able to use the word in formal writing, such as a report on healthcare systems or a summary of a medical drama. You are expected to distinguish it clearly from '복용', '조제', and '처방'.

For C1 learners, '투약하다' is a tool for precise communication in professional fields. You should understand its implications in clinical trials, where '투약 경로' (routes of administration) and '투약 프로토콜' (administration protocols) are discussed. You should be able to use it in academic contexts, such as discussing the history of pharmacology or the legal definitions of medical malpractice in Korea. You should also be sensitive to the formal register it creates in literature or high-level journalism. Your usage should reflect an understanding of the word's weight in medical ethics and public policy, such as '투약 관리 시스템' (medication management systems).

At the C2 level, you possess a native-like grasp of '투약하다.' You can use it to discuss complex medical jurisprudence or philosophical questions regarding the administration of life-ending or life-saving drugs. You understand the subtle shift in meaning when it is used in the context of forensic science or toxicology reports. You can effortlessly switch between '투약하다' and its synonyms depending on the desired tone and audience. You are also aware of historical uses of the term in older medical texts (like the Dongui Bogam) and how its usage has evolved with the introduction of modern Western medicine in Korea.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

투약하다 in 30 Seconds

A formal verb meaning to administer medicine professionally.
Used by doctors and nurses, not for patients taking it themselves.
Common in medical dramas and news reports about drug use.
Essential for discussing healthcare, clinical trials, and legal drug issues.

The Korean verb 투약하다 (tuyakhada) is a formal, technical term primarily used in medical, pharmaceutical, and legal contexts. It translates most accurately to "to administer medicine" or "to give medication." While in casual English we might simply say "give someone medicine," in Korean, 투약하다 carries a weight of professional responsibility. It isn't just handing someone a pill; it implies the systematic process of providing a drug to a patient according to a prescription or medical protocol.

Medical Professionalism: This word is most frequently heard in hospitals and clinics. Nurses and doctors use it to describe the act of delivering treatment. For example, a nurse might report that they have 'administered' the 2 PM dose to a patient.

간호사가 환자에게 정해진 시간에 약을 투약했다.

The nurse administered the medicine to the patient at the scheduled time.

Beyond the hospital, you will encounter this word in news reports, specifically regarding the illegal use of substances. In Korean media, when a celebrity or individual is caught using illegal drugs, the term 마약 투약 (drug administration/use) is used. This highlights that the word focuses on the act of the substance entering the body, regardless of whether the context is curative or illicit.

Clinical Trials: In the world of research, 투약하다 is the standard term for giving a test subject a new drug. Researchers must precisely document the 'tuyak' (administration) to ensure data accuracy.

The word is composed of the Hanja characters 投 (to throw/give) and 藥 (medicine). Historically, this suggests the 'bestowal' or 'casting' of medicine upon a person in need. In modern society, this translates to the highly regulated process of pharmaceutical care. Whether it is an IV drip, an injection, or a simple pill, if a professional is doing the giving, it is 투약.

이 약은 식후 30분에 투약해야 효과가 좋습니다.

This medicine is most effective when administered 30 minutes after a meal.

Veterinary Use: Pet owners might hear this from a vet. When a dog or cat needs a specific dosage, the vet will explain the 투약 방법 (administration method).

In summary, 투약하다 is your go-to word for anything involving the professional delivery of drugs. It sounds formal, precise, and objective. If you are writing a medical report or discussing health policy, this is the appropriate vocabulary choice over the more colloquial '약을 주다'.

Using 투약하다 correctly requires understanding its grammatical environment. Since it is a transitive verb, it typically follows the pattern: [Subject]가 [Recipient]에게 [Medicine]을 투약하다. This structure clearly identifies who is giving the medicine, who is receiving it, and what is being given.

The Passive Form: Often, the focus is on the patient rather than the giver. In these cases, we use 투약되다 (to be administered). For instance, 'The medicine was administered to the patient' would be '약이 환자에게 투약되었다.'

실수로 다른 약이 투약되는 사고가 발생했습니다.

An accident occurred where the wrong medicine was administered by mistake.

The word is also used in the noun form 투약 (administration). You will see this combined with other nouns to create compound medical terms. For example, 투약구 (medication window in a pharmacy), 투약 시간 (administration time), and 투약 오류 (medication error). These compounds are standard in the healthcare industry.

Instructional Context: When a pharmacist gives instructions, they might use the honorific form 투약해 드리다 to sound polite and professional. '제가 약을 투약해 드릴게요' (I will administer the medicine for you) is something a nurse might say before giving a shot.

In complex sentences, 투약하다 often appears with adverbs describing frequency or method. Words like 규칙적으로 (regularly), 직접 (directly), or 강제로 (forcibly) are common modifiers. This is particularly relevant in legal cases where someone might be accused of 'forcibly administering' a substance to another person.

의사는 환자의 상태를 보고 약물을 투약하기로 결정했습니다.

The doctor decided to administer the medication after checking the patient's condition.

Finally, consider the register. You would not use 투약하다 when talking to a child about their vitamins. You would say '약을 먹자' (Let's eat medicine). Use 투약하다 when you want to sound like an expert, a reporter, or a professional documenting a process. It elevates the conversation to a technical level.

If you are a fan of Korean medical dramas like Hospital Playlist or Dr. Romantic, you will hear 투약하다 in almost every episode. It is the bread and butter of hospital dialogue. Whether it's a code blue situation or a routine ward round, the word is used to describe the critical act of medical intervention via drugs.

News and Crime Reports: Unfortunately, a common place to hear this word is in the evening news. South Korea has strict drug laws, and reports on '마약 투약' (narcotic administration/usage) are frequent. In this context, it refers to the illegal act of injecting or consuming banned substances.

유명 연예인이 마약을 투약한 혐의로 조사를 받고 있습니다.

A famous celebrity is under investigation on charges of administering/using illegal drugs.

You will also encounter this word in pharmacies. When you pick up a prescription, the pharmacist might hand you a 투약 안내문 (medication guide). This document outlines the 투약법 (how to administer) and 투약량 (dosage). Even if they speak to you simply, the printed materials will use this formal terminology.

Public Health Announcements: During vaccination campaigns (like during the COVID-19 pandemic), the government uses 투약 or 접종 (vaccination) to describe the process. '투약' is the broader term for any drug delivery, while '접종' is specific to vaccines.

In the workplace, specifically in pharmaceutical companies or biotech firms, 투약 is used in meetings regarding R&D. They discuss '투약 경로' (administration routes), such as whether a drug should be oral, intravenous, or topical. It is a word that signifies the bridge between a chemical substance and a biological organism.

이번 임상 시험에서는 새로운 방식으로 약물을 투약합니다.

In this clinical trial, the medication is administered in a new way.

Lastly, in legal settings, 투약 is used to define the nature of a crime or a medical malpractice suit. A lawyer might argue about '과다 투약' (over-administration/overdose) or '오투약' (wrong administration). In these formal environments, using the correct term is essential for legal precision.

The most common mistake learners make is using 투약하다 in place of 복용하다 (bokyonghada). While both involve medicine, the perspective is entirely different. 투약하다 is the act of giving, whereas 복용하다 is the act of taking (consuming). If you say "I administered medicine" when you mean "I took my medicine," a Korean speaker will think you are a doctor treating yourself!

Mistake: Confusing Giver and Receiver: Incorrect: 저는 매일 아침 약을 투약해요. (I administer medicine every morning - sounds like you are a nurse).
Correct: 저는 매일 아침 약을 복용해요. (I take medicine every morning).

환자가 스스로 약을 투약할 수는 없습니다.

Patients cannot administer the medicine to themselves (usually implies a professional is needed).

Another mistake is confusing 투약하다 with 처방하다 (cheobanghada), which means "to prescribe." Prescribing is the act of writing the order for the medicine. Administering is the physical act of giving it. A doctor prescribes (처방), and a nurse administers (투약).

Mistake: Confusing Prescription and Administration: Incorrect: 의사가 약을 투약하고 종이를 주었습니다. (The doctor administered medicine and gave a paper - usually, they give the prescription paper first).
Correct: 의사가 약을 처방하고 처방전을 주었습니다. (The doctor prescribed medicine and gave a prescription).

Finally, be careful with the context of illegal drugs. While 투약 is used in news reports for drug use, using it in a casual conversation about someone's drug problem can sound overly clinical or like a police report. In casual speech, people might say '약을 하다' (to do drugs). Using 투약 makes it sound like a formal accusation.

그는 마약 투약 혐의로 구속되었습니다.

He was arrested on charges of administering/using illegal drugs.

To avoid these mistakes, always ask yourself: "Is this a professional setting?" and "Am I talking about the person giving the medicine?" If both are yes, 투약하다 is likely the correct choice.

Korean has several words related to the handling of medicine. Choosing the right one depends on the action and the person involved. Below are the most common alternatives and how they differ from 투약하다.

복용하다 (Bokyonghada): Meaning: To take medicine. This is used from the patient's perspective. If you are swallowing a pill, you are '복용'ing it. It is the most common word for daily medicine use by individuals.
주사하다 (Jusahada): Meaning: To inject. This is a specific type of '투약'. All injections are administration, but not all administrations are injections. Use this when the method is specifically a needle.

간호사가 환자의 팔에 항생제를 주사했습니다.

The nurse injected antibiotics into the patient's arm.

For a more general or casual context, Koreans use 약을 주다 (to give medicine). This is what a mother says to a child or a friend says to another friend. It lacks the professional nuance of 투약하다. If you are at home, use '주다'; if you are in a hospital report, use '투약하다'.

처방하다 (Cheobanghada): Meaning: To prescribe. This is the legal authorization of medicine. A doctor prescribes (처방), which then allows the nurse to administer (투약).
조제하다 (Jojehada): Meaning: To dispense/prepare medicine. This is the pharmacist's job. They take the prescription and 'mix' or 'prepare' the drugs for the patient.

In some modern contexts, you might also hear 급약하다 (to supply medicine), though this is much rarer and usually refers to large-scale supply in emergency situations. Stick to 투약하다 for the actual act of giving it to a person. Understanding these distinctions will make your Korean sound much more natural and precise in medical situations.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character 投 (throw) is the same one used in '투수' (tusu), which means a baseball pitcher! So, etymologically, a nurse 'pitches' medicine to a patient.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /tʰujakʰada/

US /tu.jak.ha.da/

Primary stress is on the second syllable 'yak'.

Rhymes With

예약하다 (yeyakhada) 서약하다 (seoyakhada) 조약하다 (joyakhada) 공약하다 (gongyakhada) 계약하다 (gyeyakhada) 취약하다 (chwiyakhada) 도약하다 (doyakhada) 장약하다 (jangyakhada)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'tu' as 'too' without aspiration.
Failing to blend 'yak' and 'ha' correctly (it should sound like 'ya-kha').
Using a soft 'k' instead of the aspirated 'k' sound.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Common in formal texts and news, but rare in everyday casual reading.

Writing 4/5

Requires understanding of professional registers to use correctly.

Speaking 4/5

Mainly used in professional medical or legal discussions.

Listening 3/5

Easily recognizable in medical dramas once learned.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

약 (medicine) 하다 (to do) 주다 (to give) 환자 (patient) 병원 (hospital)

Learn Next

처방하다 (to prescribe) 조제하다 (to dispense) 복용하다 (to take medicine) 부작용 (side effect) 효능 (efficacy)

Advanced

약동학 (pharmacokinetics) 임상시험 (clinical trial) 오남용 (misuse and abuse) 정맥 주사 (intravenous injection) 완화 의료 (palliative care)

Grammar to Know

Noun + 하다 Verbs

투약 (Administration) + 하다 = 투약하다 (To administer).

Passive -되다

투약되다 (To be administered).

Causative -시키다

투약시키다 (To make/have someone administer).

Honorific -해 드리다

투약해 드리다 (To administer for someone politely).

Nominalization -함/기

투약함 (The act of administering), 투약하기 (Administering).

Examples by Level

간호사가 약을 투약해요.

The nurse administers the medicine.

Standard present tense: 투약하다 -> 투약해요.

언제 약을 투약합니까?

When do you administer the medicine?

Formal question form: 투약합니까?

여기서 투약하세요.

Please administer the medicine here.

Imperative form: 투약하세요.

약을 투약했습니다.

I administered the medicine.

Past tense: 투약했습니다.

투약 시간이 되었어요.

It is time for medication.

Noun form '투약' used with '시간'.

아이에게 약을 투약해요.

Administer medicine to the child.

Recipient marked with '에게'.

투약은 중요합니다.

Administration is important.

Subject marker '은' with the noun '투약'.

의사가 투약을 도와요.

The doctor helps with administration.

Object marker '을' with '투약'.

환자에게 직접 투약해야 합니다.

You must administer it directly to the patient.

Must do: -해야 합니다.

투약하기 전에 손을 씻으세요.

Wash your hands before administering medicine.

Before doing: -하기 전에.

이 약은 어떻게 투약해요?

How do I administer this medicine?

Adverb '어떻게' (how).

투약 후에는 휴식을 취하세요.

After administration, please take a rest.

After (noun): -후에.

간호사가 투약을 잊지 않았어요.

The nurse did not forget the administration.

Negation: -지 않았어요.

하루에 세 번 투약합니다.

Administer three times a day.

Frequency: 하루에 세 번.

투약 방법을 가르쳐 주세요.

Please teach me how to administer it.

Please do for me: -아/어 주세요.

동물에게 약을 투약하는 것은 어려워요.

Administering medicine to animals is difficult.

Gerund form: -하는 것.

정확한 용량을 투약하는 것이 가장 중요합니다.

Administering the exact dosage is the most important thing.

Superlative: 가장 (most).

부작용이 나타나면 투약을 중단하십시오.

If side effects appear, stop the administration.

Condition: -면 (if).

간호사는 환자의 상태를 확인한 후 투약했다.

The nurse administered the medicine after checking the patient's condition.

After doing: -ㄴ 후.

투약 기록을 꼼꼼하게 작성해야 합니다.

You must record the administration logs meticulously.

Adverb: 꼼꼼하게 (meticulously).

이 약은 주사로 투약되는 약입니다.

This is a medicine that is administered via injection.

Passive: 투약되는 (which is administered).

병원에서는 정해진 시간에만 투약합니다.

In the hospital, they only administer at set times.

Only: -만.

투약 오류를 방지하기 위해 시스템을 도입했다.

A system was introduced to prevent medication errors.

In order to: -기 위해.

환자가 거부해서 투약할 수 없었습니다.

I could not administer it because the patient refused.

Reason: -아서/어서 (because).

그는 마약 투약 혐의로 경찰 조사를 받고 있다.

He is under police investigation on charges of illegal drug use.

Progressive: -고 있다.

신약의 안전성을 확인하기 위해 임상 투약을 실시했다.

Clinical administration was conducted to confirm the safety of the new drug.

Noun phrase: 임상 투약 (clinical administration).

투약 경로에 따라 약의 흡수율이 달라집니다.

The absorption rate of the drug varies depending on the administration route.

Depending on: -에 따라.

과다 투약은 생명에 지장을 줄 수 있으니 주의하십시오.

Over-administration can be life-threatening, so please be careful.

Since/Because: -(으)니.

의료진은 투약 전후의 환자 반응을 면밀히 관찰했다.

The medical team closely observed the patient's reaction before and after administration.

Compound: 전후 (before and after).

법원은 피고인의 마약 투약 사실을 인정했다.

The court recognized the fact of the defendant's drug administration/use.

Noun: 사실 (fact).

투약 관리 소홀로 인한 사고가 빈번하게 발생한다.

Accidents due to negligence in medication management occur frequently.

Due to: -로 인한.

이 백신은 근육에 투약하는 것이 일반적입니다.

It is common to administer this vaccine into the muscle.

General/Common: 일반적이다.

투약의 정당성을 입증하기 위해 의무 기록을 제출했다.

Medical records were submitted to prove the legitimacy of the administration.

Noun: 정당성 (legitimacy).

약물의 오남용을 막기 위해 투약 감시 체계를 강화해야 한다.

To prevent drug misuse and abuse, the medication monitoring system must be strengthened.

Strengthen: 강화해야 한다.

해당 약물은 투약 즉시 효과가 나타나는 특징이 있다.

The drug is characterized by showing effects immediately upon administration.

Immediately: 즉시.

피험자들에게 위약을 투약하여 대조군 실험을 진행했다.

A control group experiment was conducted by administering placebos to the subjects.

Placebo: 위약.

투약 시 발생할 수 있는 잠재적 위험 요소를 분석했다.

The potential risk factors that could occur during administration were analyzed.

Potential: 잠재적.

간호사의 투약 행위는 법적 보호를 받는 의료 행위이다.

A nurse's act of administration is a medical act protected by law.

Protected: 보호를 받는.

투약량의 미세한 차이가 환자의 예후에 큰 영향을 미친다.

Minute differences in dosage have a significant impact on the patient's prognosis.

Prognosis: 예후.

정기적인 투약 교육은 의료 사고를 줄이는 데 기여한다.

Regular medication education contributes to reducing medical accidents.

Contribute to: -에 기여하다.

투약의 윤리적 딜레마는 현대 의학의 난제 중 하나이다.

The ethical dilemma of administration is one of the difficult problems in modern medicine.

Dilemma: 딜레마.

약동학적 관점에서 투약 간격의 최적화가 필요하다.

From a pharmacokinetic perspective, optimization of administration intervals is necessary.

Pharmacokinetic: 약동학적.

해당 사건은 투약과 사망 사이의 인과관계를 밝히는 것이 관건이다.

The key to the case is clarifying the causal relationship between the administration and the death.

Causal relationship: 인과관계.

정맥 투약 시 혈중 농도의 급격한 변화를 유의해야 한다.

When administering intravenously, one must be mindful of rapid changes in blood concentration.

Intravenous: 정맥.

투약 관리의 전산화는 휴먼 에러를 획기적으로 감소시켰다.

The computerization of medication management has drastically reduced human error.

Drastically: 획기적으로.

생애 말기 환자에 대한 진통제 투약은 완화 의료의 핵심이다.

Administering painkillers to end-of-life patients is the core of palliative care.

Palliative care: 완화 의료.

투약 지침의 준수는 환자 안전 보장의 기본 원칙이다.

Compliance with administration guidelines is the fundamental principle of ensuring patient safety.

Compliance: 준수.

유전자 변이에 따른 맞춤형 투약 전략이 수립되고 있다.

Tailored administration strategies based on genetic mutations are being established.

Tailored: 맞춤형.

Common Collocations

마약을 투약하다

약을 투약하다

투약 시간을 지키다

투약량을 조절하다

직접 투약하다

강제로 투약하다

투약 경로를 확인하다

반복적으로 투약하다

투약 사고를 예방하다

임상 시험 투약

Common Phrases

투약 방법

— The specific way or procedure to give medicine.

투약 방법을 잘 읽어보세요.

투약 오류

— A mistake made during the administration of medicine.

투약 오류는 치명적인 결과를 초래할 수 있다.

투약 기록

— The written history of when and what was administered.

투약 기록을 차트에 남겼습니다.

투약 지침

— Official guidelines on how to administer drugs.

새로운 투약 지침이 발표되었습니다.

투약 관리

— The management and oversight of the medication process.

투약 관리가 철저하게 이루어지고 있다.

투약 구

— The window or counter where medicine is handed out.

투약 구 앞에서 기다려 주세요.

투약 안내문

— Information sheet regarding the medication.

투약 안내문을 꼼꼼히 읽으십시오.

투약실

— A dedicated room for preparing or giving medicine.

간호사는 투약실에서 약을 준비했다.

투약 주머니

— A bag used to hold a patient's medicine (often in kindergartens).

아이의 투약 주머니에 이름을 적어주세요.

투약권

— The legal right or authority to administer medicine.

투약권이 없는 사람이 약을 주는 것은 불법이다.

Often Confused With

투약하다 vs 복용하다

Patients 'take' (복용), professionals 'administer' (투약).

투약하다 vs 처방하다

Doctors 'write the order' (처방), nurses 'give the drug' (투약).

투약하다 vs 조제하다

Pharmacists 'prepare/mix' (조제), they don't usually 'administer' (투약) directly to the patient's body.

Idioms & Expressions

"투약의 손길"

— Refers to the healing touch of medical care.

그의 투약의 손길 덕분에 환자가 살아났다.

Literary

"잘못된 투약"

— Often used metaphorically for a wrong solution to a problem.

경제 정책에 잘못된 투약을 한 꼴이다.

Journalistic

"투약하듯 쏟아붓다"

— To provide resources or money precisely and heavily.

정부는 시장에 자금을 투약하듯 쏟아부었다.

Metaphorical

"마약 투약자"

— A person who uses illegal drugs (standard term, but often used as a label).

마약 투약자에 대한 재활 교육이 필요하다.

Formal

"투약의 명수"

— Someone exceptionally skilled at administering tricky medicine.

그 간호사는 아기들 투약의 명수다.

Colloquial

"투약 기계"

— A person who does things mechanically without heart (medical context).

나는 투약 기계가 아니라 사람을 고치는 간호사다.

Expressive

"투약 한 번에 낫다"

— To recover instantly after one dose (exaggeration).

그 약은 투약 한 번에 씻은 듯이 나았다.

Colloquial

"투약의 시간"

— A critical moment where action must be taken.

지금이 바로 개혁이라는 약을 투약할 시간이다.

Rhetorical

"투약의 정석"

— The perfect, textbook way of administering medicine.

그의 행동은 투약의 정석을 보여주었다.

Professional

"투약 금지"

— A strict prohibition (often used outside medicine).

이 구역은 외부인 투약 금지 구역입니다.

Formal/Metaphorical

Easily Confused

투약하다 vs 수약하다

Sounds like the opposite of 'tuyak'.

This word is extremely rare and refers to receiving medicine, but '복용하다' is almost always used instead.

N/A (Use 복용하다 instead).

투약하다 vs 시약하다

Contains 'yak' and is formal.

Specifically used for testing chemicals or reagents in a laboratory, not treating a patient.

화학 물질을 시약하여 색 변화를 보았다.

투약하다 vs 주사하다

Both involve giving medicine.

Jusahada is only for needles. Tuyakhada covers pills, drips, creams, and needles.

팔에 주사했다.

투약하다 vs 급약하다

Formal 'yak' verb.

Refers to the supply/distribution of medicine rather than the act of administration to a specific person.

비상시에는 군대가 급약을 담당한다.

투약하다 vs 투여하다

Very similar meaning (to administer).

Tuyakhada specifically uses the Hanja for 'medicine' (藥), while 'tuyeohada' (投與) is a more general term for 'giving/granting' something, often used for doses or substances in scientific contexts.

실험 쥐에게 약물을 투여했다.

Sentence Patterns

[Subject]가 약을 투약해요.

간호사가 약을 투약해요.

[Recipient]에게 약을 투약하세요.

할머니에게 약을 투약하세요.

[Time]에 약을 투약해야 합니다.

오후 2시에 약을 투약해야 합니다.

[Method]로 약을 투약하는 것이 좋습니다.

주사로 약물을 투약하는 것이 좋습니다.

[Condition] 시 투약을 중단해야 합니다.

알레르기 반응 시 투약을 중단해야 합니다.

[Theory]에 근거하여 투약 전략을 세우다.

임상 데이터에 근거하여 투약 전략을 세우다.

약을 투약한 후 [Action] 하세요.

약을 투약한 후 30분 동안 누워 계세요.

[Noun] 혐의로 투약 조사를 받다.

마약 투약 혐의로 조사를 받다.

Word Family

Nouns

투약 (administration)

투약자 (administrator/user)

투약량 (dosage)

투약법 (method)

오투약 (wrong administration)

과다투약 (overdose/over-administration)

Verbs

투약되다 (to be administered)

투약시키다 (to have someone administer)

Adjectives

투약 가능한 (administrable)

약 (medicine)

마약 (narcotics)

처방 (prescription)

조제 (dispensing)

복용 (ingestion)

How to Use It

frequency

High in medical and legal domains; Low in daily casual conversation.

Common Mistakes

Using '투약하다' for yourself. → 복용하다
You take medicine (복용), you don't administer it to yourself in normal speech.
Confusing with '처방하다'. → 투약하다
If the action is physically giving the pill, it's '투약'. If it's writing the paper, it's '처방'.
Incorrect particle usage: 환자를 투약하다. → 환자에게 투약하다
You administer 'to' a patient. Use the dative particle '에게'.
Using it for non-medical things (e.g., giving food). → 주다 / 먹이다
Only use '투약' for drugs or medical substances.
Misspelling as '퇴약하다'. → 투약하다
Ensure the first syllable is '투' (tu), not '퇴' (twae).

Tips

Professional Tone

Use '투약하다' when you want to sound like a professional or when discussing medical procedures formally.

Passive Voice

Remember '투약되다' for when the focus is on the medicine being given, rather than the person giving it.

Perspectives

Always pair '투약' (giver) with '복용' (receiver) in your mind to keep the roles clear.

News Context

When you see '투약' in a headline, look for the word '마약' (drugs) to see if it's a crime report.

Hanja Power

Memorize '投' (to give) and '藥' (medicine) to help you understand many other related medical terms.

Politeness

In a hospital, use '투약해 주세요' if you are asking a nurse for your scheduled medicine.

Drama Cues

In medical K-dramas, '투약' is often shouted during emergencies. It's a key word for understanding the plot.

Medical Logs

If you ever work in Korea or need to keep a medical log for a family member, use '투약' as the header for the time/dose column.

Pitcher Mnemonic

Remember the 'pitcher' (투수) connection—the nurse is 'pitching' health to the patient.

Don't Overuse

Don't use it for simple things like giving a friend an aspirin. '약을 주다' is much more natural there.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a **Two** (투) **Yak** (약) – two yaks delivering medicine to a hospital. It’s a professional delivery service!

Visual Association

Imagine a nurse in a white coat holding a tray with a syringe and pills, walking toward a hospital bed. The word 'TU-YAK' is written on the tray.

Word Web

Hospital Nurse Syringe Pill Prescription Dosage Patient Recovery

Challenge

Try to use '투약하다' in a sentence describing your last visit to the dentist or doctor. Focus on what the professional did for you.

Word Origin

Derived from the Hanja characters 投 (던질 투 - to throw, to cast, to give) and 藥 (약 약 - medicine). The suffix '하다' turns the noun into a verb.

Original meaning: To 'cast' or 'bestow' medicine upon a person. In ancient times, this could refer to applying herbal poultices or giving decoctions.

Sino-Korean (Hanja-based vocabulary).

Cultural Context

Be careful when using this word in the context of illegal drugs. It is a serious legal term and can imply criminal behavior if used incorrectly about someone.

In English, we often use 'administer' in formal settings, but 'give' is much more common. In Korean, '투약하다' is strictly for professional use, unlike 'give' which is used everywhere.

Medical dramas like 'Hospital Playlist' (슬기로운 의사생활). News reports on the 'Burning Sun' scandal (frequently used '마약 투약'). Traditional medical texts like 'Dongui Bogam'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Hospital Setting

투약 시간을 확인하세요.
환자에게 투약했습니다.
투약 기록을 남기세요.
정확한 용량을 투약하십시오.

Pharmacy

투약 안내문을 읽어보세요.
투약 구에서 기다리세요.
투약 방법을 설명해 드릴게요.
투약 시 주의사항입니다.

Legal/News

마약 투약 혐의.
불법 투약을 금지합니다.
투약 사실을 부인하다.
상습 투약자로 밝혀졌다.

Clinical Research

임상 투약을 시작합니다.
피험자에게 신약을 투약하다.
투약 경로를 변경하다.
투약 후 반응을 관찰하다.

Veterinary Clinic

반려견에게 약을 투약하다.
투약이 어려운 경우 말씀하세요.
식사 후에 투약하십시오.
투약 주기를 지켜주세요.

Conversation Starters

"간호사님, 이 약은 언제 투약해야 하나요?"

"투약 후에 바로 밥을 먹어도 괜찮을까요?"

"어제 투약한 약 때문에 졸음이 오는 것 같아요."

"투약 방법을 다시 한번 설명해 주시겠어요?"

"환자분께 투약을 완료했습니다. 다음은 무엇을 할까요?"

Journal Prompts

오늘 병원에서 투약 받은 경험에 대해 서술해 보세요.

만약 당신이 간호사라면, 투약 오류를 막기 위해 어떤 노력을 할 것인가요?

한국 뉴스에서 '마약 투약'이라는 단어를 들었을 때 어떤 생각이 드나요?

반려동물에게 약을 투약해 본 적이 있나요? 그 과정이 어땠는지 써 보세요.

정확한 투약이 환자의 회복에 미치는 영향에 대해 자신의 의견을 적어 보세요.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, you should use '복용하다'. '투약하다' implies a giver and a receiver, usually in a professional capacity. If you say you '투약' yourself, it sounds like you are performing a medical procedure on yourself.

No, '투약' covers all forms of medicine administration, including injections, IV drips, syrups, and even topical ointments. It is a general term for the act of delivering any medication.

Because '투약' refers to the physical act of a substance entering the body. In legal terms, it describes the act of using the drug, regardless of whether it was for health or for a high.

'접종' (jeopjong) is specifically for vaccinations. '투약' is a broader term for any medication. You can say a vaccine was administered (투약), but you wouldn't call a headache pill a '접종'.

It is a formal/technical word, but not an honorific one itself. To make it honorific, you would use '투약하시다' or '투약해 드리다'.

Yes, it is very common in veterinary contexts. A vet might give you a '투약 가이드' for your cat or dog.

Yes, it is the standard medical term for 'medication error.' It is a major topic in nursing and hospital management.

It refers to the window or counter at a pharmacy where the medicine is handed over to the patient. 'Gu' (口) means opening or mouth.

Yes, '투약' is the noun form. For example, '투약이 끝났습니다' (The administration is finished).

Yes, it is used in both Western and traditional Korean medicine (Hanbang) to describe giving herbal doses.